A SIMPLE 8 STEP GUIDE FOR CONTENT MARKETING

STRATEGIES FOR BEGINNERS

Before we move to the process of devising an effective content marketing strategy, let us talk
about why we need a content marketing strategy in the first place. The need for a content
marketing strategy arises because it is tough to work without a plan.
Well, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” To achieve the goals made in our head, we
should know how to bring it all together and make a structured plan out of it, and develop an
effective content marketing strategy.
Without a well-defined strategy, the functioning and analysis of marketing would go haywire.
It would feel like a journey without a destination or a map. No matter how much you love a
spontaneous, plan-less adventure, going on an adventure in business can lead to losses.
Starting from ground zero for a beginner can be difficult.
But guess what, we have some simple steps for you. Here we go:
1. Decide a Topic-
Although, this step looks like the easiest of them all, however, it is mind boggling to
successfully pick the right topic. Amongst the plethora of content flowing on the internet, it is
very tough to choose a topic that-

● is relevant

● has room for creativity

● is audience-friendly

So, what should be the ideal steps to follow in terms of choosing a topic?
Reading through existing content will not only give you a hint of the topics that are doing
well, but will also give you an idea of the competition that you’ll be facing once you release
your blog.
Create history or become a part of history? The problem with choosing old topics is the lack
of originality in the content. Similarly, choosing a new topic can lead to lack of existing
content. Therefore, it creates a lack of reading material to write your own blog. This also
means that you have no past records of the reach and relevance. Tricky, right? You need to
choose something that has a hint of both. Balance is the key.
For example- Taking the topic as ‘What is Demonetization?’ will give you no returns. It’s a
3-year-old, widely known topic and a lot has been talked about it. However, if you decide to
write an article on ‘Was Demonetization Successful? – A Three Year Recap’, or ‘Effects of
Demonetization in context of the Pandemic’, it will sell better in the content world.
2. Decide your Goals-
Something as basic as deciding an objective is often overlooked. Well, someone who
cluelessly walks without knowing his destination is known as a wanderer, not a traveler.
Basically, without an objective, you are clueless about your destination and lost in the content
world. We all know putting our thoughts on paper makes every idea look concrete, so
similarly, start by writing down your goals.
Now you’ll ask, “How to know your goals?”
Great Question!
Ask yourself, “Why do I need an effective marketing strategy for my content?”
Some sample goals that are fundamental and generic are enlisted below-
● Getting more traffic

● Getting more customers

● Getting more recognition

● Make better sales

● Improving reach and revenue

Think of some points, write it down and begin. Ideas will start flowing through.
3. Know your Audience-
Unless the Amazon delivery guy does not know the address of the customer, how do you
expect him to deliver the package to the right customer? Similarly, it is primary to know who
your customers are by their demographics, their feedback and their response to your content.
What do they want? Why will they read this? What will they learn from my topic? Do they
want content on this topic?
It is all in the simple questions. If your demographics incline towards the major readers as
teenagers, there is absolutely no point to write an article on ‘Pension Schemes of the Elderly’.
The better topic would be, ‘Must Watch Teenager Movies’.
4. Find your Niche-
I know you were expecting this. Just as boring and overrated that this sounds, realize that the
necessity of a niche in developing an effective content marketing strategy is of prime
significance. Experimentation and creativity knows no bounds, however, there are some
things that you can be the best at. Choose that.
While the topic should be audience-friendly, the form of content should be writer-friendly.
“Jack of all trades and master of none” will lead to quality compromises, which should never
be the case. In the beginning years of content marketing, stick with the ‘one thing’ that works
for you, and in the later years, gain an expertise in all the possible areas for exploration.
5. Quality > Quantity-
The direction of attention must be more inclined towards world-class, quality content. We, as
consumers, enjoy consistency and frequency of the blog posts only until they are top-notch.
Nobody would enjoy reading an average blog, every Tuesday, just for the sake of it. Once
you ace quality, jump to quantity. If you are able to achieve Quantity and Quality together,
accompanied with effective methods to target your audience, your brand is sorted and your
content marketing strategy is working.
6. Attention to Detail-
● The content should not be boring. It should include interaction. Keep the
content actionable for better engagement.
● Visual content has stood undefeated, therefore, font size, graphics and the
style of writing also results in determining traffic on your website.
● A good content piece is easy to read, understandable and avoids use of
technical jargons.
● More headings, catchy titles, division into paragraphs, addition of bullet points
enhance the quality of the content piece, adding to the traffic.
● Including the major keywords in every part of the content piece is an essential
element to increase reach.
● Give examples to the audience. Relatable content always sells better.

● Think outside the box. The content space is so congested today, that a breath
of fresh air could really ace your marketing game.
● Do not leave the reader hanging. Provide references for more such content
pieces that will increase their interest.

7. Social Media Engagement-

In a world thriving online currently, nothing can survive without a good support of social
media engagement. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat and Emails are a
few to name. Discover platforms that get more reach, get acquainted with its features, its
new trends and continue to experiment.
For example- Earlier, people used to write the entire content in their Instagram captions.
Now is the trend of visually-appealing slides with limited content, and 15 second reels
that can give you the information of a 10 min read.

8. Self- Assessment-
 Once you have applied all the above steps, try figuring out what worked for you and what
didn’t. Consider the steps that you used, the outcomes produced and fill the gaps by
analyzing the gaps you left unfilled. Then begin again, from step 1.
Now when we have established the process of devising an effective strategy for content
marketing, let us give you a DISCLAIMER!!
It is a process of trial and error. What works for a competitive brand, may or may not work
for you. Therefore, taking inspiration from a well-performing brand is healthy, but copying
their plan may not give you the best results. You need a custom-made content marketing
strategy for your brand, because you are the one who knows your brand the best.
We hope this gave you a few simple tips and tricks to create a framework to devise your
strategy and ace the game of content marketing! Good luck!

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