Strategic Content Marketing - What Is It, and Do I Need It?

What is strategic content marketing, anyway? Do I even need it?

If this is a question you've asked yourself at any point in your marketing journey, you're asking a very important one. If you've spent any time in marketing circles of any kind, you'll hear the term "content marketing" thrown about pretty regularly. What is it, anyway? Isn't it simply posting on social media and engaging with commenters?

That's part of it, but there are other important elements to keep in mind to prevent content marketing from being a giant time-vacuum yielding little result.

What is content marketing?

First of all, content marketing takes many different forms: podcasting, videos, blog posts, social media, and more. Whatever content you produce for readers/listeners to consume needs to be quality, helpful, and consistent information. In order to use this sales tool well, you'll need to think about the long run, and plan accordingly. You are an expert in your field, and there are many things that others would love to learn from you. Reach out to Mitzi Jane Media, set up a plan of action, and start producing!

What types of content marketing will benefit my business?

Let's start with my personal favorite: podcasting. This simple form of content can have a positive impact on the growth of your business. I love the portability and versatility of podcasts, and I love the variety out there. I plug in my earbuds for a workout or a little housework, and instantly have access to hundreds of episodes full of information to better myself, or to simply keep my ADD brain still and occupied. I also love that each podcast has its own voice, and not just literally. Each podcast I listen to adds unique value to my life, delivered only in the way that particular podcaster can. The diversity in message and style is fresh and evergreen.

Let's not forget video, however. YouTube is a powerful search engine that literally puts a face to whatever type of help you desire. Check out this video featuring our own Mitzi Eaker, for example. Titled "P.E.N. Talk: Social Media in Business", it provides tons of helpful tips for utilizing social media in your business with the added bonus of being able to look at the face of the person giving you advice. That's not the only way to produce video content, however. Consider Facebook and Instagram stories, or vlogging (video blogging) on both platforms. Humans are visual creatures and naturally pause to take a longer look at an image or video. Why not make the most of their attention by giving them something helpful? The viewer will be grateful to you for not wasting their time, and you'll earn the reputation of being a trustworthy resource. You are an expert in your field, remember? You have so much to offer.

What about blogging? Isn't it an outdated form of online content? Nope. According to Content Marketing Institute, 89% of B2B marketers utilized blogs as a marketing strategy over the last year, and is the second most popular use of online marketing (trumped only by social media marketing). Not only does blogging allow you to be more expanded and detailed in your information (as opposed to social media posts), but it also allows you to be a little more polished in its delivery. Here's one more statistic for you to consider: according to Demand Metric, 70% of all consumers would rather learn about a company through its blog posts rather than its ads.

Last but not least, let's shine the spotlight on email and text campaign. When I come across a person/business/organization that I would like to support and follow, I immediately subscribe to their email or text lists. Do you want to let your potential customers know when you have a special limited-time deal going on? Take advantage of text message campaign. It's a convenience for the consumer when they've opted in. There is no replacement, however, for good old-fashioned email lists. An email is non-intrusive, allowing the recipient to read the information in their own time. With so many user-friendly email marketing platforms available, such as MailChimp, who will help you make an attractive, well-designed email, you don't have any reason not to send out email marketing. It's personal method of outreach that gives you a chance to showcase the purpose of your business, what you stand for, and add value to the reader's day.

If any of this sounds overwhelming or too time-consuming to add to your already-bursting schedule, reach out to Mitzi Jane Media to find out about having quality content produced for you in a polished, high-quality way. 

Have a wonderful day!