Archive for June, 2016

Content Marketing: A Deep Dive Into the Definition

Thursday, June 30th, 2016

Podcasting and other forms of content marketingContent marketing is, as the words suggest, using content to market yourself, your company, your products or your services. The key distinction between “content” and “content marketing” is the purpose behind the content. Content marketing is done with the ultimate goal of generating a positive marketing impact for an individual or organization.

It’s important to note, though, that while marketing is at the basis of these activities, effective content marketing does not take a heavy sales approach. On the contrary, content marketing is more subtle than a sales appeal—and far more valuable to its recipients. That was true when John Deere launched “The Furrow,” and it is still true today, 120 years later. (more…)

Even Very Small Businesses Can Benefit From Strategic PR

Thursday, June 23rd, 2016

Creative business corporate work concept: tablet computer PC, modern black glossy touchscreen smartphone with news internet web site, stack of newspapers, cup or mug of fresh coffee and metal ballpoint pen on wooden office table

Publicity is key for any business, and while most companies probably think first about paid advertising, there’s no reason you need to spend money to get the word out about your product and service offerings. Savvy marketers are always looking for ways to get free publicity through third parties, such as news outlets or celebrities. For example, having a popular sports figure wear your company’s clothing or shoes can make your brand seem trendy and relevant. An industry publication mentioning an award or positive survey your product or service received can add credibility and a sense of value. A news story about a grand opening of a new branch of your business increases consumer awareness.

And it’s not just the fact that the publicity is free that makes third-party promotion so desirable. (more…)

Driving Valuable Backlinks Through Exceptional Contributed Content

Tuesday, June 21st, 2016

Keyboard - smallAs a strategic marketing company, we have promoted the importance of marketing for any business loudly and often. At the same time, we understand that small businesses are often operating on razor-thin margins (if they’re even in the black at all) and may not have substantial cash reserves on hand to fund an aggressive marketing campaign. Fortunately, a large war chest is by no means a necessity in successful marketing. (more…)

In Marketing—Of Any Kind—It Pays to Be Consistent!

Saturday, June 18th, 2016

BrandWhat do your Facebook page, your primary business website, your Twitter feed and your direct mailing materials have in common? Hopefully it’s a lot of things, and not just the fact that they are part of your content marketing and branding strategies. Although these are all different media, it’s important to make sure that your branding standards are both consistent across all social channels, and in alignment with your corporate website and overall branding guidelines. (more…)

Sometimes You Really Shouldn’t Connect With Your Audience

Thursday, June 9th, 2016

Most of the time I exhort the audiences I speak to—students, clients, conference attendees–to identify, analyze and work hard to connect with their various audiences. It’s Marketing 101 and, generally, it makes good sense. But, I recently came across an example of when connecting with your audience might be at cross-purposes with an organization’s mission or brand. (more…)

CTAs Don’t Belong On Social Media

Tuesday, June 7th, 2016

Social media isn’t about blatant promotion, it’s about subtle connections. Yet every once in a while we find ourselves working with a client who (in our opinion) steps over the promotional line. CTAs (calls to action) don’t belong on social media. Social is, or should be, more subtle. (more…)