{"id":21095,"date":"2023-04-26T06:00:50","date_gmt":"2023-04-26T06:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tawk.to\/?p=21095"},"modified":"2024-10-22T07:36:24","modified_gmt":"2024-10-22T07:36:24","slug":"cracking-the-code-content-marketing-for-small-business-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tawk.to\/customer-happiness\/cracking-the-code-content-marketing-for-small-business-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Cracking the code \u2014 part 2: Six\u00a0steps to create your content marketing strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to the second article in our three-part series on all things content marketing for small business (you can check out part 1 HERE<\/a>). This time, we\u2019re sharing a 6-step checklist to help you get started with your content marketing strategy today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So why is the \u201cstrategy\u201d part so important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you find yourself wanting to start this whole content marketing thing but also worrying about coming up against writer\u2019s block? Are you wondering how the heck you\u2019ll consistently come up with something interesting to say?! That\u2019s where your strategy comes in to save the day. Things run much more smoothly when you do the planning up-front: mapping out a game plan for topics, formats, placements, and timings before you jump head-first into creation mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to generate awesome results, then you\u2019ll need goals to aim for and a way to measure ROI (return on investment). After all, \u201cFailing to plan is planning to fail\u201d, as they say (whoever \u201cthey\u201d are!). In the content marketing world, strategy and consistency are everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, it\u2019s time to start ticking things off from our content marketing starter checklist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Define some simple goals. What do you want to achieve with your content?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What will you be measuring at this stage of your business? Are you going for brand exposure, rock-star recognition, customer engagement, user feedback, lead generation, or sales? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make your goals as specific, measurable, and relevant as you can. Then, make them official by setting a time frame for achieving each goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Define your audience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Set aside time to brainstorm ideas and create buyer personas. Recruit colleagues and bribe them with pizza if needed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who are your number-one customers \u2014 the ones that make purchases on repeat or refer their co-workers, friends, or family? What does a day in the life of each persona look like? What are their dreams? What keeps them up at night? Once you\u2019ve narrowed it down, talk one-on-one to your customers to learn more about how, why, and when they use your product or service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, document what you find and share it with your team.  Be sure to add a photo and name for each of your personas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Create an editorial calendar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you plan with a digital calendar, a project management platform, a spreadsheet, or a simple Google doc, documenting your plan and sharing it will keep you and your team focused and on your game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decide on the pillars \u2014 the main topics and products you\u2019ll cover. Then, add your content pillars along with your personas, content formats, due dates, and assignments to your plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set a rhythm \u2014 how frequently will you post on each social channel? How many blog posts and videos will you create each week? Where do you need to fill gaps in your knowledge base?  And where do you need long-form content for education and lead generation? Whether you\u2019re posting five times per day or two times per week, consistency is the most important thing here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Pick your social channels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Decide where you\u2019ll promote and share content. Which social channels work best for your business?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where are your customers active now? Where are they already chatting about your products and brand?  And which platforms showcase not only your genius but also the awesomeness of your customers? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you\u2019re focused on B2B technology, LinkedIn will be your primary focus. If you\u2019re all about design and lean into visual elements, Instagram will likely top your list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Need help creating, organizing, and posting all of your social media content? Consider hiring a tawk.to Digital Marketing Virtual Assistant<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Get started with email marketing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if you\u2019re sending a simple monthly newsletter, your subscribers are an incredibly valuable asset. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email allows you to start conversations with potential customers. You can get feedback from current customers and show them how to get the most out of your product or service. And you can keep all your readers current with product updates, promotions, and more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which of the following will help your business grow?<\/p>\n\n\n\n