Content marketing is hard work and, with the Internet’s unquenchable thirst for quality content, that workload is increasing. Remember, however, that the Internet is not starving for good content. There is a smorgasbord of high quality content all competing for readers. So, how do content marketers get their content noticed?
Here are some tips to help:
Post Often and Make Content Relevant
It is not a surprise when you lose touch with a renewed friend on Facebook or LinkedIn. General postings not directed to them exclusively and personally will not keep the relationship going. The same is true for your audience: like a machine that works well, your content marketing plan needs ongoing maintenance with fresh content. Fresh relevant content to keep up readership needs at least weekly intervals. Once a month or less and your audience will lose interest.
Never Be Untruthful, Online Reviewers Will Rat You Out
The world has changed and product and service rankings by the customer carry more weight than claims made by sellers. In fact, according to a 2013 survey by Dimensional Research and sponsored by Zendesk , 90 percent of survey respondents admitted that online reviews influence their buying decisions. Eighty-six percent said that negative reviews counted in their decision-making.
Use Images to Create Readership
The Internet is a very visual medium. You know that readers are more apt to scan a blog or article that is visually pleasing and uses images. Check out the blog 19 Fascinating Statistics That Make the Case for Using Visual Content in Your Marketing. The numbers prove that your readers like images and not providing them costs you readership.
Use Headlines That Motivate Readers to Stay on The Page
Many content writers, myself included, believe that a great headline grabs readers. Examples of great headlines are those such as:
- 15 Secrets xxxxx
- How to xxxxx
- 19 Fascinating Statistics That Make the Case for Using Visual Content in Your Marketing.
Brian Hilligan, HubSpot CEO, recently wrote a blog post called Lead Generation Tip-Headlines Matter, A Lot. Writers work hard researching and polishing the content they write. Headlines are hard; a trick many SEO writers use is to write their headlines first, then write the content.
Use Guest Posting with Caution
Earlier this year, Matt Cutts of Google stated, “Guest Blogging is Done.” Most likely, that is an exaggeration. But follow these rules to avoid a problem with search engines:
Use authors who have a good author ranking with Google Plus. This helps Google determine how valuable your guest blogger is. Make sure their content is relevant to your site or blog, and not a personal promotion. Use well-known authorities in your industry. These few rules will help ensure you keep away from the fearsome Panda that resides on Google.
Alan E is a typical freelance writer in that his personal assistant has four legs. When not writing he and Jake, his Australian Cattle Dog, hike the nearby nature preserves on squirrel patrol. Alan has concerns about Jake’s sudden urges to attempt tree climbing.
