Content makes the world go round. Online, that is. But what exactly is content? In the online space, content refers to anything and everything that appears on a website or social media platform, including articles, videos, infographics, photos, etc. If it’s digital and can be consumed by users, it’s considered content.
And while businesses have always needed great content to succeed, the rise of the internet and social media has made it more critical than ever. That’s because today’s consumers are constantly bombarded with content from all angles and have become very good at ignoring the stuff that doesn’t interest them.
So, how can businesses ensure their content stands out and resonates with users? The answer is content marketing — a strategic way of creating and disseminating content that adds value to the lives of your audience. Here are five ways your local business can benefit from content marketing:
Benefit #1 Increase Brand Awareness
The first step to getting customers is ensuring they know your business and what you do. And there’s no better way to increase brand awareness than through content marketing. Creating and sharing high-quality content can introduce your business to new people and get your name out there.
For instance, if you own a restaurant, you can write blog posts about your latest menu items, share photos of your dishes on social media, or even create an informative video about your cooking process. By creating and sharing engaging content, you’ll be able to reach a wider audience and increase brand awareness for your business.
Benefit #2 Build Trust and Credibility
When potential customers are considering doing business with a new company, one of the first things they’ll do is research that company online. And if they don’t find anything, or what they do find is outdated or inaccurate, they’re likely to move on to a competitor.
That’s why it’s crucial to have a robust online presence and regularly publish fresh, relevant content. You’ll build trust and credibility with potential customers by consistently putting out great content, ultimately leading to more business. And you don’t even have to do all the work.
For instance, if you’re not that good with words, you could work with a credible lifestyle blog writer to produce a series of blog posts about your business. This would help improve your online presence while providing valuable, trustworthy content for potential customers to consume.
Benefit #3 Differentiate Yourself from the Competition
In today’s crowded marketplace, differentiating your business from the competition is more important than ever. And one of the best ways to do that is through content marketing. Creating original, high-quality content shows potential customers why your business is different and better than the rest.
This will not only help you attract more customers, but it will also help you retain them. Imagine that two businesses offer the same product or service. But one has a blog with informative articles, while the other doesn’t have an online presence. Which company do you think customers will be more likely to purchase from? The answer is obvious.
Benefit #4 Connect with Customers and Prospects
In the past, businesses could get by with a one-way approach to marketing, where they simply broadcast their message and hoped it reached the right people. But that’s no longer the case. Thanks to the internet and social media, businesses can connect with their customers and prospects like never before. And content marketing is the perfect tool for doing just that.
Creating and sharing great content allows you to engage with your audience, forge relationships, and build a community around your brand. And when you do that, you’ll not only attract more customers, but you’ll also keep them coming back. This is because people are likelier to buy from businesses they know, like, and trust.
Benefit #5 Drive Sales and Revenue
Ultimately, the goal of any business is to make money. And content marketing can help you achieve that. Using content to attract and convert leads can drive sales and revenue for your business. For example, let’s say you own a home goods store. You could use content marketing to attract people to your website and then use effective calls to action to encourage them to make a purchase.
You can also use this strategy to upsell and cross-sell customers. For instance, if someone buys a piece of furniture from your store, you could use content marketing to promote complementary items, such as rugs, lamps, or throws. By offering related products and services, you’ll be able to boost sales and revenue for your business.
Content marketing is a highly effective way to boost your business within and outside the community. So if you’re not already doing it, now is the time to start. Implement the tips above, and you’ll be on your way to generating more leads, sales, and revenue for your business.
