What is Content Marketing?

Content marketing is becoming a huge buzz among entrepreneurs. It is made more prevalent by the need to inspire consumers amid competition.  Also, to impel them to an offer.

But many completely fail while attempting to implement this technique. Consequently, you will find lots of irrelevant content scattered in the digital world, seeking to infiltrate the minds of customers. Are you acquainted with this?

The great news is that, entrepreneurs can stand out and provide quality content in their industry. Nonetheless,  some do not employ content marketing or know how to create and distribute content effectively. Others might be unaware of its significance.

Content Marketing Institute reveals that not all companies are actively using content marketing. “Of the nonusers, 54% said they plan to launch a content marketing effort within 12 months; 43% had no immediate plans to begin using content marketing, and 4% had used content marketing in the past but stopped.”

This article will help you understand content marketing and a technique you can adopt to inspire audience engagement.

What is Content Marketing?

Content marketing is “A type of marketing that involves the creation and sharing of online material (such as videos, blogs, and social media posts) that does not explicitly promote a brand but is intended to stimulate interest in its products or services,” according to Lexico.

When strategically implemented, it can be instrumental in attracting your target audiences.  

What Makes Content Marketing Effective?

Studies show that content needs three elements to be effective.

It Must Move the Audience

Your content must align with the needs and expectations of your audience to stimulate their interests. It must engage, empower, and entertain. So, ensure that you inject variables that will arouse intense desire, enthusiasm, and the unexpected into your content to energize your market.

It Must Earn Attention

Content needs to be engaging. You must ensure that your audience is captivated by it. If not, consider enhancing it. While your content might not be as vibrant as others, you can still add a touch of humor, share a story or problem that would revitalize your audience’s interest, and put a spin on your content—this is a proven tactic for earning attention. 

It Must Have a Spark

Your content should not be dull. Discovering the spark for what you want to convey would be perfect for drawing your audience’s attention. If you cannot find that spark, then it is recommended to find someone who can. Also, you could consider including a little more than just plain text into your content. For instance, add a featured image or infographics that display your message. That will pique curiosity—giving it a spark and helping your audience connect with your content more deeply.

But do you think these elements are effective without having a structure?

Building structures into your content will facilitate clarity in your communication piece. The structure will make the information stand out, be readily interpreted, and understood quickly. These components can work marvelously and provide you with colossal effects.

For example, “Orbit Media may be “just” a web design and development agency, but their content marketing is truly unparalleled. The website brings in nearly 60,000 visits per month with zero ads, and their success lies in the originality of their content,” according to Single Grain.

So, without a doubt, you need a structure!

How to Create Your Content Structure?

Establish an Intriguing Headline

Due to the human propensity to be quickly distracted by overwhelming information, the headline must demand attention as the eyes glanced at it. Your headline should make your followers want to absorb your content. Take a look at this headline, “How to Make Your Brand Story Irresistible.”  If you had a need to create your story, would you find that headline interesting?

Make a Snappy Introduction

To compel your audience to continue reading, you need to make the first couple sentences persuasive to elicit emotion and engagement. You could begin by asking or sharing a compelling fact with a related question. Furthermore, you could point out an issue and the repercussions of that issue. Make sure you identify the audience you are attracting.

Have a Single Focal Point 

Your content should have one central point of emphasis, that is, your ultimate intention. It could be an option to acquire a product, for instance. But whatever it is, you need to make it concrete.

Calls to Action  

Your call to action should be explicit, build a sense of urgency, and motivate your audience to take the next step. It is typically for a prospect to be converted and should not be overlooked.

Conclusion

Content marketing is a vital piece of the puzzle to attracting your dream customers. The aim is to use it to set the stage for a sale or trigger a reference from a current customer. Entrepreneurs could experience astronomical outcomes in implementing this approach into their strategy and create viral engagements to grow their businesses.

So where do you go from here?

Are you ready to generate more leads, get more sales, and achieve business success?

Let us explore how you can master lead generation through content marketing.

“In a sea of mediocre content, a brave tone can be a big differentiator.” —Ann Handley

I would love to hear your thoughts. Please share your comments!