Amass Wealth with These 3 Essential Content Marketing Rules
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Content Marketing
Content marketing may seem complex, but it’s quite straightforward.
At its core, it involves distributing free content through various channels, such as Medium articles, Substack newsletters, YouTube videos, or social media platforms. The only essential tool you need to begin is your creativity.
Research shows that 64% of the most effective B2B marketers have a documented content marketing strategy (Content Marketing Institute). Why is this important? Because it’s effective—when executed properly.
Are you ready to explore the three vital rules of content marketing that can significantly expand your business? Let’s dive in!
Section 1.1: Rule #1 - Prioritize Clarity Over Creativity
Many people struggle to grasp your message.
As a copywriter, I often conduct user testing on my copy, employing the 10-second test. I present my writing in a simple format and compare it to my clients' existing content, showing it to participants for just ten seconds. Afterward, I ask them to identify the product or service and its main benefit.
I select an audience that aligns with my clients' target demographic, ensuring they have a basic understanding of the topic. Ten seconds should be sufficient for anyone to comprehend your message. In reality, that’s likely all the time you’ll have before a potential client decides to move on.
However, eight times out of ten, when I test content that I or my clients believe to be clever or engaging, feedback often reveals confusion.
This scenario is also prevalent in content marketing. Your headline must be crystal clear, as this will attract viewers interested in your subject matter. Your content should be straightforward and concise, allowing your audience to find the value they seek. Even if you only gain one follower, that connection is valuable.
In essence, don’t stress overly about creativity; just communicate your message. The individuals who need your insights will pay attention.
"What you say is more important than how you say it." — David Ogilvy
Section 1.2: Rule #2 - Consistency Trumps Quantity
I remember when a new greengrocer opened across the street while I was on a smoothie cleanse. It was quite convenient!
Initially, I was one of their few customers. However, after the first week, they began opening an hour late. Instead of 9 am, they opened at 10. This frustrated me.
I suspect the owner thought it wouldn’t matter since they had hardly any customers. Who would notice if they were an hour late on a rainy weekday? Perhaps they wanted a little extra sleep or had something important to attend to.
But I noticed, and it was disappointing. I told my neighbors about my experience and stopped going there altogether.
Maybe I overreacted, but it felt significant when I was left without the ingredients for my morning smoothie, especially since there aren’t many stores nearby.
Why share this story? Because your audience—whether it’s one follower or many—needs you to show up regularly. If not, you risk appearing unreliable. No one wants to engage with someone who doesn’t deliver consistently.
Additionally, algorithms favor consistency.
To maintain reliability, choose a schedule you can commit to. It’s far better to post once a week for a year than to bombard your audience with daily content for three months and then vanish.
"90% of marketing fails because it doesn't get executed." — Neil Bradman
Chapter 2: Rule #3 - Speed Over Perfection
In the world of marketing, speed is essential. Spending too much time deliberating over whether your content is "good enough" can hold you back.
Quality is important, but if you take an eternity to produce high-quality content, you may find yourself falling behind.
The key is to strike a balance between quality and speed. Here’s what constitutes “good enough” to share:
- Does it offer useful information, practical advice, entertainment, or motivation?
- Is it grammatically correct?
- Is it visually appealing?
That’s it! Add the finishing touches and share it. The next day, aim to post something even better. This iterative process is far more effective than endlessly reworking the same piece.
Moreover, relieving yourself of the pressure to produce "perfect quality" can inspire some of your most creative ideas.
See? It’s simple. It should be easy; otherwise, you risk reducing your chances of success significantly.
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