Content Strategy for Your Small Business
If you are trying to build a successful brand on a budget, you must develop a content strategy. Content marketing is an affordable way to raise awareness of your small business. In addition to being affordable, it is accessible in that you don’t need any fancy equipment; if you have a computer and a smartphone that takes decent photos/videos, you have everything you need.
In this series of posts, I’m going to walk you through the process of creating and distributing high quality, brand boosting content.
First, let’s define content marketing….
Content marketing is the practice of distributing content for your ideal audience using a variety of formats including (but not limited to) blogs, newsletters, podcasts, guides, video, photos, infographics and ebooks.
Content marketing is not about blatant advertising. It’s about giving your potential clients value upfront and reaping the rewards later.
Why do you need content marketing?
Content marketing can help your small business in many ways. Of course, the ultimate goal is to encourage sales but there are many other benefits such as…
…develop community and connection.
…increase brand loyalty.
…attract a new audience.
…educate your consumer base.
…develop credibility.
…position yourself as an industry leader.
Sounds good, right?
How do you get started with content marketing?
First, you need to determine what your strengths are as a content creator. Are you a strong writer? Is photography your jam? How about video? Can you draw? Are you comfortable on camera?
If you focus on the activities you love, you are more likely to put in the energy required to make quality content. But don’t be afraid to try something new. I discovered a knack for food photography after picking it up as a casual hobby. You might have talents you haven’t explored yet.
Next, you have to consider your current audience as well as the audience you are hoping to attract. You need to create content that appeals to their specific tastes. You also have to figure out where they are hanging out. Are they on Facebook? Instagram? Youtube?
Create content with purpose.
When you start creating content for your brand, it is important to have a plan. Content creation takes time, so you want to be sure that you’re creating content that drives traffic to your website and/or strengthens your brand.
In the coming weeks, I’m going to teach you EXACTLY how to do that. I’m also going to show you the systems I use to consistently create and produce content as part of a larger business strategy.
Stay tuned for Part 2: How to Determine the Best Content for Your Brand
