There is more competition for business now then ever before. The key to standing out and grabbing the most of their attention is by providing unique and useful content. Many business owners still don't understand, care for or even use content marketing so if you create a content marketing plan for 2014, you are already ahead.
Below are several tips you can use to help build a content marketing strategy for 2014:
Content Calendar – All a marketer needs to create a content calendar is a blank calendar. There are several tools you can use, which are mentioned below, but the biggest work in a content calendar is the pre-planning you’ll do prior to marking up your calendar. First you’ll need to determine the dates of your major events in 2014. Is there a special luncheon or seasonal sale you’d like to promote? Note that, as well as any peak sales seasons you’ll want to take advantage of. You’ll likely want to promote each date more than once, so when you begin choosing dates on your calendar, you’ll be able to choose several posting dates leading up to each big day.
Collaboration Tools – In addition to planning posts, any business that has multiple team members working on projects needs a collaboration tool. Files can be uploaded and shared, tasks can be marked as complete, and workers can communicate over an interface similar to the social media tools workers use every day.
Incorporate Other Media – Too often content strategies focus solely on written content, but today’s consumers respond to imagery as much, if not more than, text-based content. Infographics continued to grow in popularity in 2013 and will likely become even more popular in 2014. By adding posts to YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram to its plans, a business can grow its market even further in 2014.
Measure Results – Analytics and tracking should be a part of any marketing campaign, with results regularly gathered and reported. This insight can help a business redirect its campaign when certain elements aren’t working, ensuring success and boosting ROI.
Be Unique – As businesses plan for a successful 2014, it’s important they allow their campaigns to reflect their own image. While sensationalizing in the hopes of going viral appears to be the trend, that plan can backfire if consumers are confused about the product the viral content is promoting. Additionally, the odds of a campaign going viral are fairly slim, especially with so much competition, so businesses should think carefully before risking their reputations by posting content that goes against their own public image.
Detailed planning and precisely carrying the actions out according to schedule will ensure more success for the new year.
What tips can you offer on how to get organized for success for the new year?
CHALLENGE Yourself to Profit!
Free Download: Build Your Profit-Generating Online Business With This Free Blueprint
Sign Up, follow the easy steps and You'll get the tactics, strategies & techniques needed to create your online profit stream. It's free!
