Great content is essential to attract your ideal audience and establish yourself as a credible resource. 58% of businesses say they could be more effective at content marketing. It takes time to learn to use content the right way and what trends to follow.
So how can you be successful with your content marketing?
You’ll need to avoid the common misconceptions surrounding content marketing and ensure that you’re not using a fake tactic in your content marketing plan.
We’re busting through five content myths that can seriously hurt your business.
Myth #1: Content Marketing Is Not Important for My Company
Believe it or not, some businesses still believe that content marketing does not play a role in the ultimate success of their business. [feel free to insert shocked face here 🤯😱🫣]
But good business owners know content marketing is necessary to increase sales, build relationships, and strategically grow your visibility.
Content provides context to the keywords that people are searching for – and without good content, you won’t rank in Google’s search engine – and you won’t be found on social media – making your business a lot less visible. And it allows you to nurture your clients and share what you know about your niche.
Myth #2: Social Media Plays No Impact On My Content Strategy
Companies avoid social media for many reasons, such as the lack of sales, not knowing how to use it, or the fear that social media is a waste of time.
But – news flash – the purpose of social media is to nurture your clients through your funnel. Millennials are more likely to search for your business on social media than anywhere else. So why not use social media to your advantage? And, even though you don’t see an immediate return, your efforts are still necessary.
By sharing content on social media, you’ll build relationships with your customers that you wouldn’t have the opportunity to otherwise. It’s a chance to show the world why they should work with you, how awesome you are, and the day-to-day life of your business.
Social media is one of the best ways to attract your ideal customer.
Myth #3: I Can’t Hire Professionals To Create My Content
Some companies refuse to hire professionals to help with their content needs. But, if you aren’t creating great content (or at all), you miss a huge opportunity to grow your business.
When you outsource your content, you can ensure that the content published on your website and social media channels is helping your company, not hurting it. A good content management company knows how to increase your visibility and ensure you are reaching your target audience.
We help our clients with content repurposing. They create one original piece of content a week (typically a video or podcast), and we use that to connect with their ideal clients on social media, in email marketing, and on their website. It’s a simple way to outsource while keeping your message consistent.
Myth #4: No Follow Up Is Needed Once Content Is Posted
You may believe that once you’ve posted new content, you can completely forget about it and move on.
I hate to break it to you, but content and social media are not set-it-and-forget-it types of tasks. You need to engage with those who take the time to engage with your posts. And you need to monitor the analytics.
You should be looking at things like:
- What content did your audience respond the best to?
- How are people finding your content?
- Are your reach and impressions growing week after week?
- What is your favorite place to interact with your ideal client?
- What content is driving traffic to your website?
Content is only the first step in starting the conversation with your perfect customer.
Myth #5: Content Should Only Focus On My Business
Some companies believe their content should only focus on their products or services. Doing this can actually hurt your company more than it helps!
People want to be educated, entertained, and nurtured. They want to know that you will show up consistently and guide them through their struggles. By highlighting something valuable to your audience instead of directly selling a product or service, you’ll be able to relate with your ideal clients and increase traffic.
These days, your audience wants to get to know you. They want to see what you do outside work and how your business has given you freedom.
I often talk in my content about my littles. I get more engagement and responses on my posts when I include something about my kiddos because that resonates with my ideal client.