How to Get Found Online with Content Marketing
If you think that the only way to get found online with content marketing is by writing, writing, writing - and that's not your thing - don't panic! You might just be surprised by the biggest asset in your content marketing toolbox ...
In this day and age no business owner can afford to ignore the importance of having an online presence – but as I often say: having a website is only HALF of the equation.
So what can you do to increase the chances that people will find you, your business, your products and services, on the internet?
Through content marketing: providing useful and helpful information for your customers and target audience.
Not sure where to start? Here are my three top content marketing tips for any business wanting get found online.
1. What’s on Your Website?
Make sure you have a business website and put lots of useful content on it – and add to it regularly.
Think of each piece of content as a potential doorway to your website and ultimately, your business. The more doorways you have, the easier it will be for your potential customers to find them and walk right on in.
A blog is a great way to do this. If you run a business providing counselling services for example, you could add blog posts about the most common problems which you are able to help with.
If writing is not your thing, there are alternatives. Recently I worked with a Brisbane wedding reception venue, and encouraged them to add video clips of events held there.
Websites can be costly, so I am often asked: isn’t a Facebook page enough? My answer is no, for several reasons – the main one being: you don’t own your Facebook page, Facebook does. Which means if they go belly up, you lose everything. You also can’t control it – their place, their rules.
2. Develop Online Connections
No (wo)man is an island – and no business website should be either. If you want to get found online, you need to connect with others online.
This is where a Facebook page or other social media channel becomes useful. Remember it’s a two way street – it’s not just about getting people to like, comment or share your social media posts – make sure you are giving and sharing as well.
Building online connections goes far beyond social media. There are many ways you can do this: by writing guests posts for other websites, or becoming an active member of a forum and commenting with useful information (hey, isn’t that content marketing?!).
Not only do these activities help you build authority and trust with your audience, you may also be able to gain a link back to your website, a crucial element of Search Engine Optimisation (the fancy name given to making sure you get found online).
3. Get Offline and Get Busy
Don’t fall into the trap of never leaving your office or computer, because you are “too busy”. If you want to get found online, again, you need to build connections – but this time in the “real world”.
Make a point of regularly attending conferences, Meetups, seminars, networking events, etc. Once you are back at your desk, take those business cards and connect with their owners online, perhaps on Linked In, or by following them on social media. Many return the favour. Or if you really want to take it up a notch – consider speaking at workshops, or volunteering at industry events.
Remember – the biggest asset in your content marketing toolbox is YOU. You have knowledge, skills, services and products that people are looking for – so start taking these steps to increase your chances of getting found online.
