Content Strategy Do's and Don'ts

In the Digital Age, content is essential to everyday business. We live in a world where everyone is trying to send a message to someone. What we choose to say and how we say it determines how effective the message is. Every day, an individual who is active on any platforms social media is bombarded with content, and we’re fickle about what we choose to engage with. If our favorite clothing store or ice cream parlor didn’t have amazing things to show and tell us, their newsfeeds would be quickly ignored. The truth is that we only really “like” and “follow” companies and people that share content worth looking at.

As humans, we like things that grab our attention and make us excited. In order to have a winning inbound marketing campaign, you have make sure your content is intriguing and, most of all, tells a great story.

To make it short and sweet, your content strategy should detail a plan for creating relevant and valuable content that will tell a story and capture your relevant audience within seconds. Since content is so important in our increasingly virtual world, here are some do’s and don’ts to help guide your content strategy. Don’t forget: It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it!

1.) DO know which social media platforms coincide with the audience you want your content to reach. Not many decorators search LinkedIn for furniture, and not many business managers seek out IT firms on Google+.

2.) DON’T forget to use magical keywords to help with your SEO goals. No one can read your messaging if they can’t find it online.

3.) DO make sure you’re aligning content to fit your business goals. All of your messaging and calls to action should be focused on the action you want your readers to perform.

4.)DON’T copy competitors. Instead, use them as a tool to facilitate your own ideas.

5.) DO use questions in order to guide the reader and help them stay on the page. Content that can’t answer questions or inspire any is useless.

6.) DON’T post any content without purpose. Social media is a platform to send messages, so make sure your message is clear and concise.

7.) DO plan ahead. Monthly social media editorials will help you organize your content and ensure your social media is consistently written and consistently delivered.

8.) DON’T forget to engage with your audience. Commenting, liking and following will help your company have more involvement and create a positive relationship with your targeted audience.