by Kenny Harper
Join him on Twitter and at @KennyWHarper
Join Rock My Image on Twitter @RockMyImageJax.
Leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders.” -Tom Peters
Connect With a Content Marketing System
Isn’t it amazing how the internet continues to change the world? We are connecting with each other and businesses we love on social media, through our mobile devices, and are becoming more informed with content available 24/7. We have changed the way we search for, find, and decide to buy products and services.
You will need to make sure that the ways you connect with and sell to your target audience is up to date with today’s best marketing practices harnessing the power of the internet and the way in which consumers want to receive information from your company.
The key concept is that while you may be looking to convert connections into sales, your potential audience expects more and will not appreciate nor likely respond to a salesy response to their inquiry. Today’s savvy consumer expects information that is valuable, original, educational and even entertaining.
If your marketing efforts do not take this approach, it is time to update your content marketing system.
Changes in Consumer Behavior Mean Changes in Marketing
Recent statistics show that people consume 10 pieces of content prior to making a purchasing decision. By the time they decide to contact the company, their minds are 90% made up on who they are doing business with. Potential buyers or clients want to learn and gain knowledge so they can make an informed decision on what is best for them. The focus of your content marketing system today should be to share helpful and informative information to the people who are looking for it. It’s no longer about just making a sale, it’s about connecting with the right people, assisting them, helping them out, building trust and value so that they can decide if you are a good fit and have earned their business.
Today your goal should not be to “sell, sell, sell” it should be to connect with and nurture your audience. Consider offering them the information they want in the form of a complimentary ebook or PDF in exchange for their contact information for the purpose of continuing to give them information and encourage them to connect with you on other channels.
Reflect on what motivates you to connect with a brand. Was it because they had a great advertisement or because they shared who they are, what they’re about, and connected with you in some way? Aim to nurture your customer relationships. It’s no longer about creating the sale, it’s about nurturing your connections.
In closing, if you want better results you need to make changes. Start by evaluating your content marketing system to see if it needs a boost. You will soon be seeing the results of an updated content marketing system at the next level.
