You have this powerful hard-hitting brand that basically is in need of more exposure…am I right?  Any ideas on how to go about this? You could design and print some leaflets and organise a few Google ads, however, those aren’t going to build you a loyal following…are they?

If you’re looking to engage with your ideal client and target audience and you’re on a mission to increase your brand awareness then we highly recommend you put a content strategy in place.

With over 4 billion internet users worldwide (many of those are already on social media), there is ample opportunity to reach your audience through content marketing. Not sure where to begin? We’ve set out 5 crucial steps help you get started.

What is Content Marketing?

According to Content Marketing Institute, “content marketing is a strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience — and, ultimately, to drive profitable customer action.” Content marketing can range from a social media post to a mobile app, with several varieties in between.

 How to get on the content marketing wheel!

Step 1 – Do your research

If you’re reading this blog right now, you’re already on the right road. It’s important to learn as much as you can about all the different types of content before you begin. Please don’t assume that blog posts are the only pieces of content that you can create. There are a number of ways to get your brand name out there without having to type a single word (clue…video, podcast, soundbite). Our main piece of advice is to keep in mind the cost of creating some of these pieces of content, as before too long you will start to get carried away and end up spending a lot of money. If you have the budget for them, that is fab! If not, start with the free stuff (like social media stories, articles, e-handouts, ‘how to’ guides, case studies, testimonials and interviews).

•  Determine your target audience

Once you’ve determined the pieces of content you want to start with, it’s time to take a look at who you’ll be showing them to. Here’s an example…let’s say you’re an online ladies clothing boutique. Your primary audience is female ages 25-55. Your next step is to determine where these women are most likely to find your content. Eventbrite wrote a helpful article on how to find your audience online to get you started. Don’t hesitate to try new networks that you haven’t dabbled in before–you might just find your new favourite platform!

•  See what your competitors are getting up to!

Do you know what your competitors are up to?  Before putting pen to paper perhaps it would be wise to do some research on your competitors. What sort of activity are they putting out across their digital platforms and are they engaging? What about blog posts? Are your competitors sharing meaningless blog posts just to push content? Take the time to create a blog post that is worth reading and includes images, graphics, and even infographics.  Here at Infuse7 we love using Canva.

•  Create – Communicate – Connect

Sure, you could start creating and posting content right away, but what happens when you begin to lose steam after a few weeks? By creating a plan, you’re setting yourself up for success. Simply put together an editorial calendar with the draft and posting dates at least one month in advance. This will not only hold you accountable but will also keep you organised in terms of your content plan and see whether you are beginning to connect to new prospects.

•  Review, monitor and adjust

At the beginning of each month, you will always find us here at Infuse7 updating our client’s reports. This is where we determine what is working and what isn’t (and how to fix it). The same should go for you. Always monitor your results, whether that be through your social media insights or through Google Analytics so you can see what’s engaging with your audience. If you post and never look back, it’s hard to adjust to improve results.  

1. Stuck for time..perhaps it’s time to on-board an agency to do it for you.

If you’re looking to hire someone to create effective content for you, look no further than Infuse7 Agency. We have experienced creative designers, blog writers and video editors who are ready to showcase your brand in a whole new light. If you’re interested in learning more about us, visit our website at www.infuse7.co.uk or connect with us on Socials @infuse7.