Confounded by Content Marketing? Think: “Is There a “Takeaway?”

There’s no shortage of articles and points of view on the growing importance of content marketing in today’s SEO environment. Of course, you’ll find a lot of hype as with any hot topic, but there’s no denying that the content you share with your audience has the potential to get you noticed, set you apart from your competition, demonstrate your expertise, and strengthen ties with your customers. Compelling reasons to put some dedicated thought and effort behind it!

Confused about Content?

“Content,” as pure and simple as it seems, has become a buzzword of sorts. Fact is, it entails everything your small business puts out there that’s building the perception of who you are and what you bring to the table through the eyes and ears of your prospects and customers. Print – by the nature of economy – is more static and less changeable. But online, solopreneurs – just like larger businesses – need to approach content dynamically and consistently. Most importantly, your content needs to provide value to your audience.

Think “Takeaway.”

Delivering value means something different than pushing a special deal or discount. It means putting yourself in your prospects’ and customers’ shoes and thinking about what they need and what they can relate to – in the context of your industry. Your content needs to give them a takeaway each and every time you post to your blog or social media channels. Seek to provide content that:

• Answers a common question.
• Helps them manage their time more effectively.
• Makes them laugh.
• Helps them save money.
• Helps them make money.
• Gives them a new perspective.
• Motivates them.
• Saves them from making a mistake.
• Inspires them.
• Gives them courage to try something new.
• Connects them with resources for professional and personal development.

Realize that your audience might benefit from takeaways not mentioned here, so make sure you consider who you’re sharing with and what topics, issues and challenges resonate with them. If you don’t know, ASK!!! Also be prepared to experiment – sometimes it takes a period of trial and error to find the right combination of ideas and information that your followers and fans will grab onto and interact with. Above all, stick with it! It takes time and consistent effort to build an engaged and interested community around your content.

Your turn! What challenges have you faced in your content marketing efforts as a solopreneur? What has worked for you? What hasn’t worked?