Content Marketing Made Simple

Studies show the average Internet user has an amazingly short attention span -- the time for a “double-click” which equals approximately two seconds. These tips will help you get potential customers to read your blogs.

 #1:  Grab attention.
Your headlines must be interesting and sufficiently attention-grabbing to entice readers into the main body of your blog. Offer a specific benefit if the reader continues past the headline.

 #2:  Fill a need.
You need to focus the expert advice you provide in your blogs on the needs of your customers – instead of on what you want to sell. Through your blog you freely share information, which builds trust. This way the customer will conclude on their own that they need your specific product or service.

#3:  Establish expertise.
Make your blog headlines and their contents believable and sincere. Demonstrate you are a professional business and you are serious about your service.

 #4:  Call to action.
Always ask your blog readers to do something. Every call to action should be simple to complete and should come with a sense of urgency. Consider “limited supplies” or “download now” as incentives. Free downloads are especially effective, but make it easy to get to the actual “download” click button.

#5:  Encourage sharing.
Make it easy for your readers to share what they found in your blog. If you offer the opportunity to view a video, include the option to share that video with friends. Encourage your readers to “like” you on Facebook and/or to follow you on Twitter.

#6:  Where to blog.
Ask your current customers to fill out a survey about which websites they regularly visit, which blogs they follow, what social media sites they utilize and where do they get their information. Study your competitors’ websites and analyze what they are doing.

 #7:  Get them involved.
By encouraging your readers to get involved, you make them a partner in your business. When you make it interesting and personal, readers will bookmark your pages and return often. Make it easy to register for future email notifications and make it easy to forward your blogs to others.

 #8:  Wanting more.
As you answer one question or provide one solution to a customer’s need, pose another question to be answered at a later time. Encourage your readers to keep coming back for more.