I have no idea what you are going to be waiting on, I know I will be writing and continuing to develop my writing skills, so that by the end of 2014 my content marketing looks spectacular. Ambitious? Probably. Crazy? Not so much. Too many people predict things, without looking into actual facts. Unfortunately, I am not gonna be the one providing facts either.
The biggest obstacle you are going to have to deal with this year is the need to publish quality content that people will want to return to, and share on their blogs and with their friends. That is all we need to take into account when we think “content marketing”. That is, if we are looking to do it for free. I don’t bother mentioning “paid” or “premium”, it’s common sense that people who can afford to spend thousands of promotions, they have different view on marketing. You will get there, one day.
What’s the Strategy?
What is your strategy? Do you want to mindlessly create content or do you want to give your users something valuable in return for their dedication? I haven’t gotten around to create my own strategy, which I might in the near future, but until then you can read the one by Jason DeMers on SEW. It will help you understand a few things which you can start implementing straight away.
In 2014, it’s going to be hard to stay on track if you don’t create strategies for your content. In case you are still wondering, something as little as coming up with an idea, writing it, posting it and then sharing it can be considered a strategy. It becomes more rich when you spend time to think of the different ideas and how you can connect them.
Are You a Local Business?
Then maybe you shouldn’t worry about content marketing, not as much at least. Brad Shorr said the following:
In general, there’s way too much emphasis on content creation these days. As a result, we’re up to our eyeballs in content that is over promoted and underwhelming. Content may indeed be king, but unless marketers connect content to SEO goals, conversion goals, retention goals, branding goals, etc., the whole castle will collapse. So I would start by figuring out what exactly you want to accomplish and the value of accomplishing it. Then, work backwards to figure out what types of content you need and how much of it you can afford.
Instead invest that money in places like AdWords and local advertisements. It’s going to be much more efficient until you decide to create online your number one priority.
Time for a Product?
There is no doubt in my mind that 2014 is a great year for starting products. It will require some market research, but it can be done and should be done. If you aren’t a developer yourself, you can always hire people to make products for you, it should, in the long run, prove to be a great investment made.
People are very much after tools that will provide statistics or automate tasks for them, easily and effectively. Yes, eBooks that can provide great and detailed information are still very sought after. Think of products that somehow will not only solve your problems but also the customers.
Social Media in 2014 (for You)
I have just written a post on how-to chose the best one or two social media platforms for promoting content that will increase your ROI. Taking into account that advice we can develop a quick plan for the year 2014.
The plan which will consist of frequent updates on your social media accounts of choice. Interaction, engagement, mentions, sharing… It all has to come to life this year. We are entering that era where there are going to be bigger and bigger gaps for the possibility to make it out alive, so I recommend starting straight away.
Content Marketing 2014
I hope you weren’t expecting more, here is a summary of the four key points:
- Develop a Content Strategy (Small or Big)
- Local Businesses Need to Focus on Local Advertising
- Come Up With an Idea for a Product
- Develop a Social Media Strategy (Small or Big)
I only mentioned the local business part because I don’t want people to spend their money and gain no return on the investment made. Even then, local businesses should follow the same key points and try to integrate them as soon as possible to slowly prepare for the move to the wide online eCommerce.
Lots to learn, lots to read and lots to experience this year. I hope you will succeed and learn along the way.
