Where Content Marketing Actually Begins

In over a decade now, there’s been so much talk about content marketing, content development, content writing, etc. Many companies and individuals have woken up to the realities of its benefits, while some are still struggling to master the concept and their use of it.

It is all about marketing, though taking a different approach from the traditional marketing style. In this case, you create and share free “contents” as a way of attracting an audience to your products/services, and the aim is to convert this audience into loyal customers.

The big question, however, is, “Where does content marketing actually begin?”

In the content marketing arena, it is commonly said that “Content is king.” I would personally argue against that, though it depends on the perspective from which we look. But even if content is king in this kingdom of content marketing, there are, nevertheless, KINGMAKERS. These are fundamentals for successful content marketing.

It Begins With The “WHAT”

What is your product? Since content marketing is basically marketing, then what you are trying to sell is as important as how you are trying to sell it (if not more important). You may have very nice, persuasive content and tricks to get people, but if you haven’t created something of value, you will not be able to retain loyalty, even if you get people at first.

What product are you offering? Is it what people want, or what you think they would want?

And The “WHO”

The WHO and the WHAT go hand in hand because creating a valuable product (the WHAT) depends on the target market for that product. You must know the people who would need your product. But not only is it important for creating and packaging your product, but this information also comes to play in creating and sharing your content for marketing that product.

Then Comes The “WHY”

In creating a valuable product, you must know why your target market needs it. These reasons are what form the basis for creating persuasive content. The more reasons you know, and the stronger they are, the more persuasive your content will be. Remember that content marketing aims at getting people to bring money out of their wallets, and you must be able to convince them they are doing the right thing.

And Finally, The “HOW”

All the other three kingmakers do not deal directly with the actual content and its creation but are things that must be taken care of before launching out. The HOW, however, takes care of the actual content development and publishing process. Here, you identify what content you should put together to achieve your aim, how to create such compelling content, and even how to share and make sure to attract your target audience.

The HOW is where you plan the actual content development/marketing. I put it last, though, unfortunately, it is usually what most persons fret over first. When you take care of ALL the other ones, it will be easier to get about the process, because you will be able to make the right decisions on any aspect of your content marketing.