The amount of content that exists covering content marketing is incalculable. Distinguishing the helpful, actionable tips from those that are less worthwhile or productive isn’t always easy. To find the best practices for your personal brand, it’s wise to identify and create your own “aha” moment. [An “aha” moment signifies a light bulb switching on type of discovery or realization.] The following are some tips, inspired by the Content Marketing Institute, to identify your “aha” content marketing moment and discover and embrace the effective methods that will help you transform your current content marketing strategy into something immensely compelling:
Time to Evolve: Create an “Aha” Moment With These Effective Marketing Tips
Think Outside The Traditional Best Practices
You have likely been taught that including images, bold key items and subheads are all vital to well formatted content. While that is great advice, sometimes, what you assume would be well-received by readers isn’t exactly what they prefer. For example, according to Chris Dayley, Smart CRO owner, experimented with the best methods for composing a call to action statement. The options were:
- Full paragraph.
- Brief bullet list.
- One sentence.
Chris asked attendees at Content Marketing World to vote on their favorite option. He thought for sure the bullet list or single sentence would beat out the paragraph, because he understood that in marketing, the general rule is “simple is better.” However, to his surprise, the paragraph was voted most appealing by voters. The lesson learned was you have to test everything and never assume you know what will work best, based only on standard practices that have been in place. In other words, don’t ever blindly accept any best practice, test it yourself.
Cut Through The Noise of Your Own Content
You have likely heard it’s important to produce content that will break though the noise within your industry. However, you don’t only have to cut through the general noise of the industry, but you have to ensure your content stands out among your own noise. You do this by making sure all the content you produce is applicable to your brand’s message, and prioritize moments, topics and key events. Think quality over quantity when it comes to streamlining your message and being heard loud and clear above even your own noise.
Think About Traffic Possibilities
As a marketer or business owner, you have likely sought out topics on Google to determine the current interest level on any given subject. However, according to Dan Shure, who is the host of Experts on the Wire and Evolving SEO, keyword volume doesn’t tell the full story. You can’t use current numbers to determine what potential keyword or traffic rankings might become. Instead, use keyword related tools like SEMrush, that will help you identify traffic potential. This will end up being more effective in the long run.
Don’t Toss Out All Labels
Although the idea of “labeling someone” isn’t exactly embraced in today’s society, it turns out that many people like being “labeled” if it’s positive in nature. Positive labels can become aspirational in nature, encouraging your readers or customers to continue to live up to the high standards outlined by a label. Use labels to create a positive identity for your customers and audience. Provide ways for them to maintain their positive label by increasing interaction with your content.
Be Relatable
Your attitude towards your audience is of vital importance. This notion is perfectly summed up by asking “may I have your trust?’ instead of the typical “can I have your attention?.” To create trust, is to communicate to your audience that you understand their problems and can relate to them. This moves you from being “likable” to being “relatable,” which is much more effective. To identify these issues, talk to your audience and listen to how they talk about various issues, not just what they are talking about. After learning this information, incorporate it into language that communicates how you relate to your audience.
Metrics Aren’t Everything
Although engagement metrics are important, they must always be considered in proper context. For example, engagement metrics might reveal a customer has been on your site for a long amount of time. This doesn’t necessarily indicate a positive user experience as you might assume. It could mean they aren’t finding what they need, are not getting the answer they need in a timely manner or are having trouble navigating your site. Instead, consider Google rankings and organic traffic as a more accurate measuring stick.
Your Next Step
Implement the above strategies to create your own “aha” content marketing moment. Contact us at WriterAccess to learn more about how we can help you compose content by giving you access to your choice of the very best professional freelance writers available.
Brandie P. understands the importance of high-quality copywriting. She presents her clients in the best of light and is committed to communicating both factual and informative content. Her clients appreciate her attention to detail and her propensity to double check stats and make sure what she is writing is in fact absolutely true. As a result, clients can rest assured that the content Brandie creates is both beneficial to her clients and serves their purposes perfectly.
