Let’s keep this going, so you’ll be an expert content marketer in no time. If you missed yesterday’s first tip, it’s right here. Yesterday’s mistake was an important one, so be sure to catch up on that first.
Mistake #2: Thinking Content is All Blog Posts, Email and Social Media
A lot of people get trapped into thinking content is just article-type content that they share in a blog post, to their email list or even on social media. But if you’re trying to help people solve problems and connect them to products, you’ve got to think outside the box.Some of the most popular content (and the content that creates the most goodwill with your audience) is stuff they can download. Whether it’s a report or some kind of tool they can use.
Some of the most popular content (and the content that creates the most goodwill with your audience) is stuff they can download. Whether it’s a report or some kind of tool they can use.
Here are a few ideas for different types of content, including the above mentioned ones.
• Articles: For your website, to submit to online directories, print publications and more.
• Blog Posts: For your own blog and for submission to other blogs.
• Workbooks: So your readers can apply what they’ve learned. They might be given away for free or be part of a product for sale.
• PDF Reports & White Papers: Longer “articles” on a specific topic that can be used as an ethical bribe to build your list, as a gift for your customers or for distribution by other websites and affiliates.
• Ebooks: For free or for sale, ebooks can be very valuable for your readers.
• Checklists: Make it easy for your readers to complete a process by giving them a handy checklist.
• Transcripts: Got video or audio? Have it transcribed, so the content is easy to reference and can be consumed by readers who can’t watch video or listen to audio.
• Case Studies: Share success stories and experiences of your willing customers and clients.
• Quick Tips: Who says you have to write long articles? Share a daily tip that your readers would find valuable.
• Inspirational Quotes: People love quotes. Find relevant ones for your market.
• Autoresponder Messages: These prescheduled emails make it easy to deliver great content to your new and current subscribers.
• Reminders to Do Tasks: Reminders can be set up through an autoresponder where your reader is reminded to take action or move forward on a project.
• Email Broadcasts: Send out a promotion or share some great information to your whole list.
• Product Reviews: Your readers will appreciate in-depth and honest reviews of products.
• Product Comparisons: When your readers might need to make a choice between products, make it easy for them to compare features and benefits.
• Interviews: Audio, video or written – interviews are relatively easy to put together.
• FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) Answers: Ask your readers to submit questions and pay attention to what they ask via email, on your blog, etc. Create a FAQ with the answers they need.
• Questions for your Readers: Turn the tables and let your readers create the content. Ask them questions that will get them thinking and self-reflecting.
• Flowcharts: For your visual learners, a flow chart illustrating a process might come in very handy.
• Instructions: If there’s one thing that’s lacking online, it is detailed instructions for people to use products and services. Give your readers an extra hand by giving them handy instructions.
• Content Summaries: Summarize long pieces for your readers, saving them plenty of time in the process.
• Fill-in-the-Blanks: Give your readers a chance to apply what they’ve learned and self-reflect by giving them a fill-in-the-blanks sheet.
• Resource Lists: Everybody loves good resources. Share yours freely.
• Tip Lists: No need for formal articles all of the time – just give them an easy-reference tips list.
• Spreadsheets: Help your readers keep inventory, do calculations and stay organized.
• Glossaries: Keep a glossary of jargon and terms for your readers.
• Patterns: Think craft patterns, sewing patterns, etc.
• Editorials: Include commentary on guest articles, in your newsletter, etc.
• Audio & Podcasts: Record and publish…it’s as simple as that. Audios with just yourself or as an interview work well.
• Webinars: Interactive content that is a perfect educational and selling platform.
• Live Action Video: Take video of yourself or with someone else.
• Screen Capture Video: Show a slide show on your computer, demonstrate software or how to use a website.
• Coloring Sheets: Sometimes just for kids – but you might have useful ones for adults too.
• Quizzes: Quiz their knowledge, personal suitability and more.
• Questionnaires: Get their feedback or make an opportunity for your readers to self-reflect on their answers.
• Photographs: Easy peasy content. Take a picture and share it.
• Illustrations: Whether it’s hand-drawn or computer generated, you can show statistics, share an idea and more.
Just a few ideas to get you going.
What to Do in the Meantime: Get Your Free Content Marketing Templates
Need more help with your content marketing? We’ve got a great package of free content marketing templates that includes:
- A content marketing planner
- 7 content creation templates
- 13 byline templates with calls-to-action
Click here to grab the free package everything …no strings attached!
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