Recently I’ve read a number of sales pages where people claim they spent zero dollars on advertising. How did they get their business noticed? According to them all they used was two strategies: social media marketing and content marketing.
Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing means what it says. You are using social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Reddit, Google+, etc. to promote your business. Interacting with people in this way can bring back visitors to your website which means they are seeing what you have to offer.
Content Marketing
Content marketing means adding blog posts and articles to your website that showcase your knowledge and expertise. You want to provide so much valuable content that people are eager and willing to subscribe to your newsletter or free offer so they can learn more from you.
These two strategies should be used together, not separately
There is synergy between social media and content marketing. When you understand the power each can have on your business you are setting yourself up for traffic growth. Here are two things you need to remember:
It’s Not about You
One of the mistakes many people make when it comes to writing their blog posts or articles is making it all about them. It’s really about your audience and what problems they are facing and how you can help them solve those problems.
Before writing, you should ask yourself, who the content is for and where you’re going to share it. Your criteria for posting the article is making sure there’s a specific audience for it. If there is, then you have a great chance of the article being shared on social media by others.
It’s Not an Afterthought
Rather than make sharing an afterthought, you need to use it as the starting point when writing your content. Your goal is not just adding posts or articles to your website but making your website like a library of content that your readers can learn from.
Once your readers see your information, it will help them to see you as the solution to their problems. They will be more likely, as mentioned earlier, to give you their name and email in exchange for a free report, etc.
You can not depend on others to be sharing your content. You need to be active in doing so. To further your reach you should join specific communities on sites like LinkedIn and Facebook. Research forums in your area of expertise where you can share posts on as well.
Real World Example
Let’s take this information and put it into the real world.
A designer wants to get her clothing in front of her ideal audience, so she posts pictures on her blog. That’s her content.
She then shares those pictures on Instagram. This savvy designer then starts a conversation by asking people what they think. Do they like the colors? Would they like to see other colors, etc? Not only that but she has the link in her bio lead directly to her online store. Very clever.
Utilizing the power of social media and again her “content,” she posts to Facebook where she encourages people to share their thoughts on the design. A link to her online store is also placed in the post she creates. And it doesn’t stop at Facebook. LinkedIn is used as is Reddit and other sites.
Just because you don’t sell clothing doesn’t mean you can’t use photos to capture peoples attention. As a matter of fact, having this type of “content” has the potential for more people to take notice and read your post or article.
Captivate people not only with your words but with the use of visuals, and you will stand out as different from anyone else.
Toni Nelson
Using a step by step approach, Toni Nelson has been helping entrepreneurs and service-based businesses plan, brand, and promote so they can boost profitability and productivity. As the author of Sexy, Savvy and Successful, she knows how to help clients plan their strategies for success. As an award-winning photographer and videographer, Toni is in the perfect position to help clients with the branding process. As a business success coach, Toni's second book, The Secret Equation To Attracting More Clients, is all about promoting businesses. As the founder of the Entrepreneur Hub Club, Toni encourages women to invest in themselves by gaining or sharpening their business skills. As an award winning videographer and photographer, Toni has had weddings published in such places as DIY Bride and Kiss My Tulle. In 2014, Toni was a winner in the Start Up Nation Top 100 Home Based Business ranking in the top 10 for most innovative.
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