We've quoted Sunshine Homes President, John Bostick's memorable saying, “Easy doesn't pay well.” There may be 'easier' ways to market, if you have a big budget than using 'content marketing.' But content marketing has tremendous advantages when it comes to getting organic Search Engine Optimization (SEO). So we have been believers in Content Marketing for years.
Did you know?
Content Marketing is so big, they have their own events. In a recent trip to Cleveland OH, I couldn't help but notice the banner ad which promoted their upcoming Content Marketing World event.
What is Content Marketing?
The Content Marketing Institute uses the following definition:
Content marketing is a marketing technique of creating and distributing valuable, relevant and consistent content to attract and acquire a clearly defined audience – with the objective of driving profitable customer action.
Let's be candid. Industry News, Tips and Views Pros can Use can be seen as a form of content marketing, just as Fox News, MSNBC or other media platforms are a way of attracting certain target audience.
In our case, the content we deliver here on MHProNews.com is specifically designed information for the manufactured housing professional, investor or other aficionados or experts keen on our topics.
Does that mean that the news and views are not real? Not at all! In fact, it is precisely because we share relevant information on MHProNews.com that you and thousands more like you log on daily here. The featured articles on our home page often provide business building tips, inspiration or more.
One example is our website builder/designer, Joe Karn's, who this month sounded off on Creating Marketing Plan.
How can YOU Use Content Marketing?
If you have a website, you should be keen to create relevant content for your target audience!
Did You Know?
Did you know that some websites are better than others at maximizing the SEO power of content marketing? It's true!
For example, there are some 'freebie' websites out there that better for them then they are for you. When you consider the value of
your time, you don't want to waste time on a website that could cost you in the algorithms that Google, YouTube, Yahoo or Bing use to decide what ranks higher in an unpaid or 'organic' search result.
Put Yourself in Your Target Audience's Shoes
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Before you type the first word or take the first photo, or create the first video, think about your desired target audience. Is what you plan to share of value or interest to them? Once you can formulate a message that is meaningful to your target audience, then you are on the path to good content marketing.
For example, our target audience are the MHPros and investors. What do they need to know?
Legal topics –
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Nadeen Green – Fair Housing Law
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C William Dahlin – 55 and Older MHCs
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Kurt Kelley – MHCs and Retailers
Marketing/Sales – Brad Nelms, Joe Karns, Scott Stroud, Tim Connor, LA Tony Kovach and more.
Cruise the home page, center column, and you'll see the featured articles for this month on topics ranging from events, interviews, management and more. See the graphic from our home page, to see where the featured articles are every month.
Remember, content marketing isn't just using key words to 'trick' a search engine or reader into coming. The idea is to provide REAL Value to the reader, so they will keep coming back!
Certainly, there is more to content marketing than what's noted here, but that's why people charge the bucks for attending the seminars at Content Marketing World.
Think about your target audience(s), and try to provide not just content, but routine content that is of relevance to them. Then, get that message in front of that audience. When you do, over time, you will build an ever larger – and given quality, a loyal – audience that is a win-win for the audience and you too. ##
(Image credits – Content Marketing World = MHProNews.com, Shoes = Wikicommons)
L. A. 'Tony' Kovach ManufacturedHomeLivingNews.com | MHProNews.com | Business and Public Marketing & Ads: B2B | B2C Websites, Contract Marketing & Sales Training, Consulting, Speaking: MHC-MD.com | LATonyKovach.com | Office 863-213-4090 Connect on LinkedIN: http://www.linkedin.com/in/latonykovach