What Is Content Marketing and Why Does It Matter?

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bigstock Content Flow Chart Blackboard 43995094 300x200 What Is Content Marketing and Why Does It Matter?Content Marketing.

If you haven’t heard the term yet, hang on.  You will.

It’s the current buzz word that, according to the Wikipedia definition is:  “Any marketing format that involves the creation and sharing of media and publishing content in order to acquire customers.”

So, let’s talk about the two parts.

Creation and sharing.

Creation is pretty simple, right? You write a blog post, record a video, do a webinar, write an e-book, etc.  I won’t get into the quality of your content in this post.  That goes without saying.  Make it great.  Or, if it isn’t quite great, make it really, really good!

Now for the sharing part.

This is where many get confused.

Ok, the blog post is written, it’s compelling information, but guess what?  You have to market it.

Yikes!

That’s right. Having stellar content alone means nothing. It won’t bring readers to your site, it won’t put customers in your funnel, and it sure as heck won’t be a lead generator to any income.

You have to promote your content.  You have to get those links out on the web just like you would an online product launch.

It makes sense.

If folks don’t know about your content, or know where to find it, they won’t be clicking to read or watch.  You have to learn how to point your target audience in the right direction.

A few ideas . . .

  • Post on social media platforms. Not just the link.  You need to tell people WHY they want to click on. A little intro is good.  I know.  Twitter can sometimes be a challenge.  If you have a jazzy title (and you should), that may be all it takes on that platform. (Need headline help? Here ya go! The Art of Writing an Irresistible Headline)
  • Pin to Pinterest.  People are flocking to this site by the thousands. Be sure you have some kind of image to share with your content.  It’s a great source for your marketing efforts.
  • Join content “distribution” sites.  These are places that others looking for your content information will willingly share your fabulous content. My favorite is Social Buzz Club.  Another good one is Triberr.

Are you starting to get the picture?  Online marketing is online marketing.  Content marketing simply means finding ways to bring people to your content.

You get the picture.

Now, go out there, create content that is worth reading and get busy implementing a marketing strategy!

Peace,

-Martha

p.s.  If you need help with that strategy, let’s talk!

 

What Is Content Marketing and Why Does It Matter?

Martha Giffen

Martha Giffen is a Small Business and Social Media Consultant, Coach, Trainer, and Speaker. The author of 3 best-selling books, including "Be Social Be Rich," she is an Online Marketing authority and teaches Small Biz Owners how to achieve massive profitable success. And, -she dishes it all out with a warm southern flare!

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Why LinkedIn Recommendations Are Important

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bigstock We recommend shiny speech bubb 42004267 300x231 Why LinkedIn Recommendations Are ImportantLinkedIn recommendations carry a powerful punch.

If you’ve ever written a resume, I don’t have to tell you how important “references” are.

 

LinkedIn’s version of references are recommendations!

The recommendation carries a lot of weight.  Think about it.  If a person has to sit down, think out and compose a few sentences, time is required.

You also are probably safe in assuming there is an element of sincerity involved also. In short, I think the recommendations are trustworthy!

(WARNING:  Do NOT confuse LinkedIn recommendations with endorsements.  They aren’t the same! You can read more here: Why LinkedIn Endorsements are Silly)

Higher Expectations?

Yes, there’s the added expectation that the writer knows of what they speak!  They have had some kind of hands-on experience with the person they are recommending.

For example, on the back cover of my book, Be Social Be Rich, you will discover recommendations from folks.  If you make the assumption that the recommendations come from people who have actually read the book, you would be right.

The same is true on LinkedIn!

The recommendations section is a place we can go to get first hand knowledge from folks who have it!

The importance on your own profile?  Credibility.

How do you accumulate?  Simply ask!

Every time you work with a client or customer, always ask them if they would mind writing a LinkedIn recommendation.  After a while, it will become second nature.

And, while we’re on the subject . . .

Why not get in the habit of paying it forward?  If someone has done an outstanding job for you, why not surprise them with a recommendation without being asked?

In our blogging, social media, and business worlds, we work with many people.  Coaching, mentors, VA’s, tech experts, copywriters, graphic artists, the list goes on and on.  What better way to say “thanks” for a job well-done?

LinkedIn Recommendations are golden!

Think of them as representing your raving fans.  They not only know, like, and trust you, but have used your services and are willing to share the good news.

Go on now. . . take those LinkedIn recommendations seriously!

Peace,

-Martha

 

Why LinkedIn Recommendations Are Important

Martha Giffen

Martha Giffen is a Small Business and Social Media Consultant, Coach, Trainer, and Speaker. The author of 3 best-selling books, including "Be Social Be Rich," she is an Online Marketing authority and teaches Small Biz Owners how to achieve massive profitable success. And, -she dishes it all out with a warm southern flare!

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Killer Reasons To Be Using LinkedIn

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bigstock Linkedin Login Page 41367214 300x199 Killer Reasons To Be Using LinkedInIf you are a business owner, there are so many reasons you should be using LinkedIn.

For starters, people on LinkedIn know why they are there!  That one little tidbit is useful.  There’s no fluff and meaningless chit-chat taking place.  Its primarily for business owners, managers, and executives and they are there to network and connect for the main reason you want to be there.  To grow your business!

Think of it as “purposeful” social media.

You know, there’s something to be said for having a reason and a purpose to your social media efforts.  After all, there’s only so many hours in a day and if you can cut down on some of the time guzzlers, by all means, DO IT!

LinkedIn to the rescue . . .

If you are at all serious about trying to build a professional network with other executives who can help grow your client base, LinkedIn is mandatory.

Killer reasons to be using LinkedIn:

  • Easy to initiate private conversations – Can we say opportunity?  Even if you are simply requesting to connect, it’s all done with private messages which lend themselves to starting meaningful conversations.
  • Quick evaluations – You can scan someone’s profile and see rather quickly if they “know their stuff” or are blowing smoke.  How?  Look at the recommendations.  They are the best area to gauge what someone’s work is all about and if it’s producing results.  People don’t take the time to write a recommendation if it’s not warranted. (Be sure and ask your clients for recommendations too.  It’s a fantastic credibility builder!)
  • Groups – This is the golden egg of LinkedIn.  I can’t say enough about the value.  By showing group members your own expertise,  (answering questions, sharing content, participating in discussions) it’s likely you just *might* become the go-to person the next time a group member is looking for services in your niche.  Want more? Start your own group and grow a community!
  • Leverage existing relationships – Need an introduction?  Why not ask someone in your current network to help you out?  Isn’t it always nice to be introduced by a mutual friend?  Gets the networking ball rolling in a friendly manner.  Warning note:  Don’t ask the same person over and over for introductions.  Spread the love icon smile Killer Reasons To Be Using LinkedIn

LinkedIn is well worth your time and energy.  It’s a different bird from all the other social media sites and that bird is a professional business network.

Go play!

-Martha

 

 

Killer Reasons To Be Using LinkedIn

Martha Giffen

Martha Giffen is a Small Business and Social Media Consultant, Coach, Trainer, and Speaker. The author of 3 best-selling books, including "Be Social Be Rich," she is an Online Marketing authority and teaches Small Biz Owners how to achieve massive profitable success. And, -she dishes it all out with a warm southern flare!

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:
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