Engagement Matters: The Case for Content Marketing
The case for content marketing: this marketing tactic has emerged as a leading tactic in recent years due to its promise to engage audiences, enhance brand visibility, and drive conversions. However, skeptical business owners and leaders might wonder if it’s all razzle-dazzle or if there’s any substance. The short answer: It’s still relevant, and it offers a great deal of value. Here’s a look at the why and how.
The Case for Content Marketing
Content provides valuable, relevant, and consistent information to attract and retain a target audience. Unlike traditional outbound advertising — which can sometimes feel intrusive — content marketing seeks to engage and educate people. By inviting them in with trust and authority, your brand is perceived as a helpful guide, not merely sales-driven.
- Valuable: People hate “being sold to”. But they do love learning. As one B2B customer said to us, “When you share information, I love it. When you sell to me, I hate it. That’s why I love webinars, case studies, etc.” – all types of content.
- Relevant: Make sure your content is relevant to the target audience. If your audience is using Sage, sending them content pieces about Acumatica or Oracle isn’t relevant.
- Consistent: Don’t publish sporadically. Consistent publishing helps build an audience and adds to engagement.
Advanced Analytics Help Assess ROI
Advanced analytics tools provide a look “under the hood.” You can see how your audience interacts with your content, which allows you to refine or modify your content strategy. Adaptation is critical to creating content that meets your target audience’s needs and preferences. On that note, content marketing transforms the brand-consumer relationship from a transactional one to a deeper connection based on trust and brand loyalty.
In short, content marketing is here to stay, and savvy business owners know they must subscribe to this strategy. Effective content marketing can deliver results and help companies reach people they might not otherwise. In other words, it’s an investment brands cannot overlook if they want to stay in business.
Jeanne Grunert is the founder and president of Seven Oaks Consulting, and an award-winning writer and content marketing expert with over 30 years of writing, marketing, and business experience. She writes, teaches, and speaks frequently on all things writing, content marketing, and personal branding. Jeanne currently serves as the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) Branding and Marketing Expert. She holds an M.A. in Writing and an M.S. in Direct and Digital Marketing (awarded with distinction) from New York University. Jeanne is the author of eight books, including the acclaimed Majek Family Mysteries and Pricing Your Services: 21 Tips for More Profit.