Your Essential Tool To Compete With The Top Dogs
Content Marketing Is Vital For Small Biz Owners
Bill Gates wrote an article way back in 1996 where he stated “Content is King”, and predicted content would become one of the most powerful marketing tools. And he was right.
Although, I prefer the term Content is Queen…because who run the world? Girls! (Thanks Beyoncé for that catchy song).
Content marketing should be a vital part of any small biz strategy. It may be a long term game, but it really pays off.
By using a marketing strategy that incorporates a powerful content plan, your small biz will be seen, heard and thriving! And don’t think that “content” just means blog posts. Content marketing incorporates so many different formats, from podcasts and emails to Instagram reels and TikTok videos.
Really, it is any written, visual or auditory content that you create for your small biz. And one of the best parts? It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
This wide range of formats appeals to your target audience so you position your small biz as a “thought leader”, the go-to biz. You build authentic relationships with your IC (Ideal Customers), create a stand-out brand and ultimately turn leads into loyal and paying customers!
Cha Ching! 🤑
Content is Queen!
Small business owners take note here…content marketing is your way to compete with the top dogs!
No matter how small (or new) your small biz is, by using content marketing you will boost your visibility, grow your audience and start selling. Plus search engines love fresh content, so it is a great way to start ranking on Google.
Content is EVERYWHERE. It is on TV, radio, billboards, social media, websites, emails and so much more. Every place represents an opportunity for your small biz to get in front of the eyes that matter…your tribe! The peeps who WANT and NEED to buy or invest in your small biz.
The power is yours.
** Make sure you say this in a Captain Planet voice** Am I showing my age here?!
Content is so powerful. It is the BEST way to show WHY people should choose your small biz over any other. It is your opportunity to engage, excite and nurture your ideal customers.
So what types of content can you create for your target audience?
You are only limited by your imagination (and what your audience actually wants to consume).
When deciding what types of content to create, you will need to do some research to find out where your ideal customers are hanging out and what formats they like.
For example, if your small biz is selling lunch boxes you will want to find out where parents go to find lunch boxes. Is it Instagram with all the beautiful photos, reels and stories about making lunches? Or is it Pinterest?
Go ahead and do some research. I will wait right here….🙃
Right, Now you know where and what your target audience wants to read, see or hear it is time to take into account your strengths.
For me, I am a word nerd. I love to write, so blog posts and social media posts are best for me. I struggle to capture good videos (one look at my dismal Insta reels will prove that) or images.
The sweet spot is combining your strengths with what your audience wants.
Ideas of formats:
- Website pages
- Blog posts
- Courses
- eBooks
- Social media posts
- Content offers
- Emails
- Graphics (Pinterest, Infographics)
- Product descriptions
- Videos (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)
- Podcasts
The list goes on and on!
The idea is to create compelling content that provides value for your audience and have them coming back for more.
Content Marketing doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.
This is one of the best things about content marketing for small biz owners. You don’t have to pay a fortune, like with more “traditional” marketing methods.
With a small budget you can use content marketing to propel your small biz forwards and create a big impact. You can compete with bigger companies and businesses.
And the best part? For less money you actually get a better return on your investment with content marketing then other forms of marketing! In actual fact, it generates three times more leads, leading to more traffic and increased visibility of your small biz!
How can you say no to that!?
How does Content Marketing help your small biz become the go-to in your industry?
It is simple really. Think about the businesses you follow or interact with.
Why? What makes you choose to follow them?
I bet it is all the amazing content they put out there that showcases WHO they are, WHAT they do and WHY they do it. I bet they create content that appeals to you, is engaging and that provides value. Right?
This is what content marketing does.
It helps your small biz stand out as a thought leader.
It showcases your brand identity.
It builds authority, trust and engagement with your community.
Content marketing is a great opportunity for small businesses to show how they solve problems and needs and build authentic relationships.
You can build a small biz that is known, recognised and trusted. People prefer to buy from someone they know rather than a complete stranger.
Why content marketing is essential to small businesses.
So what have we learnt?
- Content is KING (ahem, QUEEN).
- Content is everywhere, take advantage!
- By picking a format your IC consumes you position your small biz in front of them = VISIBILITY
- Small cost, large returns!
- Builds trust and authority
- Helps build an engaged and authentic following.
- Showcases your brand identity so you stand out from the crowd.
- Show your WHAT, WHY and HOW.
Rachel Maree is a content specialist helping small biz owners master their content marketing strategies, content writing and more! You can read more helpful articles or hire her here.
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