You’ve probably heard the term “content marketing” thrown around a lot lately. But what exactly is it? And more importantly, why does your business need it? Keep reading to find out.
Content marketing is the process of creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience — and, ultimately, to drive profitable customer action.
It is an ongoing process that is best integrated into your overall marketing strategy, as it helps you attract attention and generate leads that you can then convert, close, and delight over time.
In order to be successful at content marketing, you need to have a well-defined target audience and a clear understanding of what they need and want. Once you know this, you can create content that appeals to their needs and wants at each stage of their buyer’s journey.
Not sure where to start? Keep reading for a crash course in all things content marketing.
Types of Content Marketing
There are many different types of content you can create, but not all of them will be right for your business or your audience. It’s important to experiment with different types of content to see what works best for you. That being said, here are a few of the most popular types of content marketing:
Blogging: A blog is a great way to share your company’s story, as well as your industry expertise. When done right, blogging can help you attract new leads and convert them into customers. Not sure how to get started? Check out our post on How to Start a Business Blog in 7 Easy Steps.
Videos: Videos are another great way to connect with your audience. They’re also much more versatile than other types of content because they can be used in multiple ways — on social media, on your website, in email marketing campaigns, etc. If you’re not sure where to start with video content creation, take a look at our ultimate guide to creating video content for your business. Podcasts: Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular among commuters and busy professionals who want to consume content while multitasking. If you think your target audience would appreciate this type of content, consider starting a podcast for your business. again Social Media: Last but not least is social media. While technically not a type of content unto itself (although we argue that it could be), social media is still one of the most important aspects of any good content marketing strategy since it’s where you’ll share your content with the world. For tips on how to make the most out of social media for your business, check out our post on The Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media Marketing.
Conclusion: As you can see, there are many different types of content marketing — and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to using them effectively. The key is to experiment with different types of content and see what works best for your business and your audience. Need help getting started? Our team at Metric Marketing would be happy to chat with you about your specific needs and develop a customized content marketing strategy tailored just for you.]]