Content marketing is one of the smartest investments you can make in your business. While this is true, far too many businesses aren’t doing it right. The content becomes too salesy, or the creator ignores SEO best practices completely. Get to know the most common mistakes you should avoid with content marketing to ensure your efforts are successful.
Not Relying on Data to Create Your Content Marketing Strategy
Some companies create their editorial calendar by “brainstorming” a blog topic idea that they believe would be a good fit. This is the “see what sticks” method. People write down all the different topics they can think of and then add each one to the editorial calendar for the coming year. At this point, they begin publishing content. While some ideas may be great, others are going to flop. Because of this, it’s not a good strategy.
Instead, rely on data from knowing your audience and analyzing your competition. This information will help you create effective, quality blog posts.
Failing to Define Your Reader
Every blow you create should begin with a clear definition of who your target market is. When you answer these questions, you can better understand how to position the article. For example, if your article targets a C-suite executive, it won’t need as many in-depth details as one that’s written for a technical specialist.
Once you know who will benefit the most from the chosen topic and what you want to include in the article, make sure you circle back to ensure the reader provides value to your business.
Failing to Determine the Goal of Every Content Marketing Topic
Unless you sell packs of gum or any other item with a smaller price tag, most of your customers won’t be ready to hand you their wallet the first time they hear about what you offer. Customers will go through a process before they decide to buy anything. The process involves three stages, awareness, consideration, and decision. You have to decide what stage your content is targeted to when writing it. This is going to help you make it more effective and compelling.
Creating an effective content marketing strategy can be challenging; however, with the right plan, you can be successful. Use the tips and information above to help get the desired results with your content marketing efforts. Doing this will pay off and ensure you achieve the desired results.