Here's a major concern that a lot of new online marketers are faced with - where in the world are we going to find the best content marketing tips or strategies?"
No matter how large or small your business may be at the moment, there's probably a good reason why you've decided to jump into the e-commerce arena. Well, the main reason is obvious: everybody's online! So if you wish to expand your business further and not be overtaken by others in your industry, then you'll need to build your business online.
If you already have extensive experience in the marketing world, then you've already got an edge. Yes, Internet marketing is a whole new ballgame. However, you've already got the fundamental concepts and tactics covered. Many of them can actually be adjusted to fit the world of e-commerce. But of course you must be open to learning and applying a whole new range of marketing tips that are specifically designed for the digital realm.
Don't fret. Content marketing can be a cinch once you expose yourself to various resources, many of which are actually free! Let's make it even easier for you.
Here's a list of the top places where you are guaranteed to uncover valuable content marketing tips:
SOCIAL MEDIA
You are lucky you're currently in this day and age when social media makes marketing much easier. Facebook, Google+, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn--- use them all to your advantage! These are not-so-obvious mining spots where you can unearth golden gems in the field of content marketing. Learn your way around each of these popular social media networks in order to optimize their use.
Instead of merely focusing on growing your number of fans, friends, and followers, you ought to start paying more attention to what these people are posting and which posts they're liking and sharing. Check out their captions and even the comments of their friends. What's keeping them busy or making them angry? What cheers them up and gives them excitement? Which news and niches interest them? These are some of the things you must take note of so you will have a better idea of the content you have to produce to capture the interest of your target audience.
In addition, it would be good to join groups. These communities will let you in on the latest industry news and again provide insight about the major concerns of the members. For instance, if you are selling maternity clothes, you must join groups of moms, women's health organizations, and brides-to-be groups. Get active within these virtual assemblies and you'll gain lots of valuable knowledge.
Do you know that YouTube is also a wonderful source of these content marketing strategies? There are plenty of videos that you can watch and gain a lot from. Through the videos, you can better visualize what you ought to be doing.
CONTENT MARKETING GURUS
Research the people who have been doing content marketing for many years and are proven. Make sure to get examples of their expertise and credibility. Oftentimes, they have a very strong presence online and offer their own programs on how to guide you in marketing your business. Filter out those who are merely riding on this bandwagon but don't have proof of their work and proficiency. Read their blogs and sign up for their email lists or newsletters. There's no harm here because you can always just say no to their offers.
If a particular program or training material catches your eye, you can do some research to know if these are worthwhile and if they provide good value. This way, you won't end up getting duped and wasting your time.
Take note that you can always attend free webinars so that you can learn more about content marketing and gather important tips that you can apply in promoting your own business.
Once you are able to determine the best and most reliable content marketing gurus, you can eventually avail of their offers or even ask one or two of them to be your personal mentors. It may cost a lot, but it will be worth it.
INDUSTRY FORUMS
Forums may seem "old school", but they are still very much alive and kicking today. Despite the presence of social media groups, there are still a lot of people who tend to flock to well-known industry forums to voice their concerns and ask for advice. It's a great way to connect with others who share the same problem and can give feedback on their own experiences and results.
Let's say you're in the business of selling family-oriented games. You should take some time to read and interact on family forums. You'll be surprised how much you're going to learn. It's like eavesdropping on conversations of the actual people you are targeting to be your customers! Sometimes, you will even read entries on their opinions about websites, businesses, and blogs. Through these, you will already find out what they like and don't like.
As you uncover different strategies, you'll get to filter the ones that may seem irrelevant to your business nature, needs, or purposes. There may be times when you try out some that would not seem so effective. Just be patient. It's an ongoing learning process, where in the end result can benefit your business in the long haul.
Discovering the best content marketing tips will surely get easier and faster in time. In the beginning, it actually takes up a lot of time and you may wonder whether or not it’s worth it. It is!
Now you have these three major areas where you can begin to search and learn. You can then manage your time better and eventually work your way up the online marketing world to the benefit of your business.
