A recent article in Social Media Today states that the secret to creating great web content is to help your audience reach their goals and connect your brand in a meaningful and memorable way. We can also say that a successful content marketing strategy should focus on how it can best inform, inspire, and entertain the consumer. Let’s explore some ways our clients are setting the standard for quality in content marketing.
Your Clients Search Online For Information
In today’s gadget-driven world, search engine marketing and content marketing are becoming more connected. Research shows that at least 75 percent of adults in the U.S. use search engines to find websites. Content marketing strategies should go beyond just direct response tactics and focus more on engaging customers and raising awareness. People have grown tired of ads that don’t offer useful information or address important questions. Businesses need to realize that traditional advertising grabs attention for only a brief moment, while quality web content remains available to help consumers feel informed.
Recommendations And Behaviors Are Critical To Content Marketing
Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are overtaking traditional website traffic drivers. The younger generation is viewing social networks as the starting point for the Internet. Social platforms have made it possible for vast networks of people to communicate with hundreds or even thousands of other people about products and services. These consumer-to-consumer communications have become an essential part of marketing quality content. Businesses must find ways to leverage these consumer conversations to build their brand and establish credibility in the marketplace.
What Do Your Clients Expect From Your Business?
According to an article at Start Up Nation, consumers actually want thoughtful help in making the right decisions. They want useful information while they are in the process of making decisions, but once they have decided, they want to complete the transaction as quickly as possible and be on their way. In a study conducted by the Content Marketing Institute, consumers were asked – “Where should your favorite brand invest their marketing time and resources to improve customer loyalty”? The majority of customers wanted to receive product-related content in the following ways:
- More e-mail marketing – 33%
- Website content – 24%
- More content via Facebook – 22%
So, when consumers want more emails and more Facebook engagement, they are asking for helpful content.
Consumers are becoming more proactive in their search for what they want, when they want it, and from whom they will buy it. Social media and improved online search options have created one huge marketplace. Consumers can buy practically everything they need from the comfort of their homes or offices. The challenge for businesses is to evolve from the old-school selling techniques to creating web content that puts the consumer first, if they intend to connect with that ideal customer.