Content marketing: Think like a publisher

Sixth in a series of posts on content marketing

 

Often when I meet with clients who want to use social networks and content marketing to expand their business, there’s a point where the penny drops and they say: “Wait a minute. We’re not a publisher. We’re a consulting firm” or “We’re recruiters” or “We’re technical experts in XYZ.”

That’s when I must gently break the news: If you want to do content marketing, you must be a publisher. And this means figuring out:

• who you want to reach (your audience)
• what you want to share with them (your message)
• what you want them to do (your call to action)
• how you’ll know when you’ve succeeded (measurement)

To accomplish all of this, you have to have content. If you’ve been in business a while you do have content. Trust me. It may not be in great shape, but it’s a starting point. Comb through your physical and electronic files and look for:

• articles
• ebooks
• newsletters
• podcasts
• presentations
• reports and studies
• tutorials
• videos
• website content
• white papers

Organize these into categories. What’s up to date, what’s ancient, and what’s relevant to your clients’ needs today? Can you update the old stuff or should you toss it? Do you have the bench strength to edit and rewrite this material or should you outsource?

Next make a list of the new content required to fill the gaps. This content can be originated by you, or by others (curated content; more on this soon).

Remember to focus on the customers’ needs, not yours. In the end, you’ll fulfill your own goals if you start with those of the customer.

To give some structure to this effort, you can build an editorial calendar, which lists the material you’re going to publish, the format in which it will appear (text, audio, video, etc.), and who is responsible for creating it.

Be sure you’re publishing material that matters. Please don’t push out self-serving stuff. Your clients already know where to find sales materials on your website. With content marketing, you want to be helpful. You want to share materials that will enable them to solve their problems.

Once you have your editorial calendar in hand, plus a revived “back catalogue” of material, along with fresh content in the pipeline, you’ll feel more comfortable in the role of publisher. You can then start publishing, and using your social networking channels to amplify your content.

And, yes, you may have to start a blog. If you don't want to call it a blog (and some people don't), that's OK. But you need a space online to publish content longer than a 140-character tweet.

Coming soon: Posts on using social media for content marketing, plus content curation for your marketing program.

Related posts

Content marketing for your small business

Content marketing defined

Getting started with content marketing

Breathing new life into old content

Top 5 ways to alienate readers of your content

 

For more content like this, follow me on Twitter or GooglePlus.

Visit the Trafalgar Communications website for information about how we can help your organization to tell its story through traditional and new media.

 

Comments

[GED Online]

Words can't say how much I appreciate what you've mentioned here... Thanks a lot for this info.

[blogging]

wow, This is very informative post I think you are great article writer many thanks for share this article.

[Staci Burruel]

I definitely agree with your last tip. Giving relevant and credible material is never a bad thing. Readers are always on the lookout for materials that can be useful to them on a regular basis. That is why it is important to provide your followers readings and articles that can be of use to them. By doing this, you are building your brand’s credibility, and you can be sure that your readers will follow your every word.

[Glenn Evans]

It is definitely right to focus on customers’ needs. Why would you open a restaurant that serves hot soup and some spicy dishes in warm places like Florida and Arizona? Think of what will satisfy your potential clients; also, it’d be an advantage if you’ll incorporate some trending features to get the interest of people of all ages.

[Glenn Evans]

It is definitely right to focus on customers’ needs. Why would you open a restaurant that serves hot soup and some spicy dishes in warm places like Florida and Arizona? Think of what will satisfy your potential clients; also, it’d be an advantage if you’ll incorporate some trending features to get the interest of people of all ages.

[Jamie Viggiano]

“Be sure you’re publishing material that matters.” – Indeed! Always remember that in the world of Internet marketing, your content is the one speaking and representing your company. Be responsible for whatever you say or do online.