So you want to launch a content marketing strategy! That’s great. I’m here for ya! Content marketing is rapidly becoming one of the most important tools in a marketing mix. Not only does it drive traffic to your website (keywords! SEO!) but it also shows off your supreme knowledge and builds trust with your audience.
So, how do you launch a content marketing strategy?
Let’s break it down to two components to start. First, you have the strategy (the plan and goals). Then, you have the objectives and supporting tactics (the things you do to meet the goals).
Before rushing into your first blog post or podcast, take some time to figure out what your strategy will be by writing out your goals and objectives. Maybe you want to drive traffic to your website, or perhaps you want to have more email subscribers. Your goals may change over time (and that’s probably a good thing) but without them, your content (read: tactics) will be all over the place.
I’ll use our website, The Ultimate Creative as an example. Since it’s a relatively new site I’m keeping my goal as realistic as possible. Have you heard of SMART goals? They’re the only kind of goals to have!
S – Specific
M – Measureable
A – Attainable
R – Realistic
T – Time-based
Goal: Develop client pipeline to increase revenue by 10% over the next three months through monthly podcast production packages.
- Objective: Increase visibility and awareness of podcasting as a content strategy through free lead magnets
- Tactic 1: Create original content (podcasts, blogs, videos, checklists etc.) that helps new business owners understand how to create their own podcasts and content strategies.
- Tactic 2: Develop nurture email campaigns that provide step-by-step guidance for starting effective podcasts
Here you can see how things are broken up a bit. Each tactic may have its own goal but as long as you have an overall goal to work towards, each piece of content you produce will help you get there. And I’m going to help you get there too! I’ve put together what I think are the most important tactics get you ready to launch a content marketing strategy.
In my next post I’m going to cover how blogging (in my opinion, the cornerstone of content marketing) can be used to launch your content marketing strategy FULL STEAM AHEAD! Like a giant ship on mighty ocean waters!