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- 10 Mar
4 Things You Need To Do To Create More Research-Based Content
- Mar 10, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Digital Marketing, Digital Media Trends
by James Riddle
A research study conducted by Demand Metric recently revealed that 90% of all companies employ content in their marketing efforts. Today, the majority of business owners believe that content should be central to marketing work.
It May Not Be as Simple as You Thought
However, content marketing, and content marketing that really succeeds, is more than crafting 600-800 words. No, it is far more than that now. Now research-based content is gaining favor. Especially so with those who consume that content.
Research-based content marketing is a sustainable way of bringing in more loyal customers. Even though both large and small-sized businesses can benefit from employing the best practices of content marketing, most of us struggle to pull off a successful content marketing strategy.
For some help with those struggles, James Riddle brings us some great advice on some research-based content actions you can take to improve your content marketing game. Read the full article on Jeff Bullas’ Blog
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- 27 Feb
How to Build Interactive Content to Achieve Your Digital Marketing Goals
- Feb 27, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Digital Media Trends, Engagement Strategies
by Chris Lewis
Because the online content landscape is so crowded, audiences value originality that interest and engages them. One way savvy content marketers are responding is to create compelling interactive content.
But, What Is Interactive Content?
For a piece of digital content to succeed, it needs to engage. That may sound trite, but engagement is a big challenge for content marketers today. And it’s nearly always the deciding factor between a hit campaign and a miss that “fell just short.”
Now, interactive content comes in many forms. But all interactive content shares one main trait. It’s built to have an audience actively engage with it in a way that isn’t solely reading written content. I is nearly always customizable. It allows user input. And, it is functional only when a user engages with it. But, where and how to start? To help you get started, the right way, here are 4 types of interactive content you can build at MarketingProfs.comNOTE: A Free Registration pop-up for MarketingProfs will open on this site and registration may be required to read the full article.
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- 24 Feb
Nine Types of Video to Help You Close Sales
- Feb 24, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Sales Enablement, Video Marketing
In just a short time, video marketing has evolved. It has now become one of the most important selling tools in your marketing tool-belt. And this is not only because it’s an effective way to deliver a message but also because it allows you to really connect with your audience. And all in just a few seconds.
How Can Video Help Your Sales?
It has been shown that videos help customers’ decision to purchase a product. In fact, 64% say they are more likely to buy a product online after watching a video. That’s why videos are the type of content with the best ROI. And that is why marketers are including videos in their digital strategies.
To get the most out of your video investment, here’s how to create the right types of video for each stage of the buyer’s journey at MarketingProfs.com
NOTE: A Free Registration pop-up opens on this site. Registration is not required to read the article.
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- 20 Feb
A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Video
- Feb 20, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Digital Media Trends, Video Marketing
In 2019, video marketing is being used more than ever. A whopping 87% of businesses say they use it as part of their overall inbound strategy. But even with its success, creating a video may seem daunting. And especially so if your company has never done it before.
Why Are We So Afraid of Doing Video?
Most of us get paralyzed by the “no time, too hard” fallacy. But creating a video doesn’t have to be hard or time consuming. If done right, videos can be made quickly and easily. And all while supercharging your engagement and click-through rates.
Ready to dive into your first video? If you, then read the full article at the HubSpot blog to learn the 5 Quick Tips for Producing Video.
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- 18 Feb
Pro Tip: How to Successfuly Embed Video in Email
- Feb 18, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Email Marketing, Video Marketing
If you’re an email marketer, you may be looking for ways to possibly spruce up your subscription and click-through rates. And video may just be the prescription you are looking for.
A Good Idea, But Beware . . .
Now in theory, it’s a good idea. After all, two-thirds of consumers preferring video over text when learning about new products or services. However, using video in your email can be a tricky proposition. Most major email clients including Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook don’t support embedded videos. So your subscribers may not be able to watch your video within the email. Or, even worse, they won’t see your email at all, because it’ll end up in their spam folders.
Fortunately, there’s a creative workaround to help you embed part of your video within your email, and incentivize subscribers to click-through to watch the rest. To see how, read all about how to Embed YouTube (or Any Other) Video in Email on the HubSpot Blog
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- 13 Feb
Should You Gate Your Best Blog Content?
- Feb 13, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Digital Media Trends, Inbound Marketing
Gated blog content is a tried-and-true way to collect email addresses for your marketing campaigns. But gating all of your best content isn’t necessarily always the best move, either. You should decide on a case-by-case basis if a given piece of content should be gated.
There’s More Than One Way to Slice it
There are multiple factors that determine whether a piece of gated blog content will meet the goals you have for it. Or if it will just sit there, totally untouched.
Gating your content can lead your marketing strategy to either skyrocket or nosedive. And it almost entirely depends on choosing the right content to gate. And what information you require as the key to that gate. Here’s your guide to deciding whether or not you should gate your best blog content at Jeff Bullas’ Blog.
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- 12 Feb
What’s The Best Time to Send Email Campaigns?
- Feb 12, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Digital Media Trends, Email Marketing
Timing isn’t everything in email campaigns. But it’s a huge thing. After all, there’s no use in spending hours on a perfect campaign your subscribers won’t open. So, it’s imperative to get timing as right as possible.
The Make Or Break Factor
Undeniably, having a high ROI is critical for proving the success of your email marketing campaign. But, while the quality of content and a myriad of other factors contribute to a good email campaign, there’s one factor that makes or breaks it. And that one factor is the time you send your email.
For instance, Wordstream found that sending email campaigns before 10:30 on Thursdays yields 25% CTR. However, when sent Tuesdays at the same time, it earns a 5% CTR. Surprised? Well, there’s more and to learn all of the best times to send email campaigns, read the full article at the HubSpot Blog.
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- 07 Feb
B2B Video Content: Top Goals, Formats, Channels, and Challenges
- Feb 07, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Lead Generation, Video Marketing
by Ayaz Nanji
There are a lot of people and companies using video in their marketing now. For some it is because their competition is using it. Not wanting to be outdone, they use video in their marketing. However, the majority do so simply becasue it works.
But What is Working? What Are the Goals for Video Marketing?
According to recent research from Vidyard, in partnership with Heinz Marketing they asked these very questions. It seems that B2B marketers and salespeople are using video content primarily to build brand awareness. But, they are leveraging it more than ever to drive lead generation and to educate customers.
But, exactly what types of videos work best? What format? And what are the best channels to get your video noticed and seen? For the answers, and to learn the top goals, formats, channels and challenges of B2B video content, read the full article at MarketingProfs Blog.
NOTE: A Free Registration pop-up opens on this site. Registration may be required to read the article.
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- 06 Feb
10 Email Subject Line Formulas to Skyrocket Your Open Rate
- Feb 06, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Digital Media Trends, Email Marketing
You put a lot of effort and time into creating the perfect email content for your subscribers. But, no matter what or how well you write, people may not even see your email. That is, if the subject line doesn’t get them to click on your email.
Breaking Through The Noise and Distractions Ain’t Easy
Today our world is oversaturated with marketing messages, blog posts, and a deluge of content. And in this world full of distractions, it’s hard to get and hold the attention of your email subscribers. Your emails may be getting lost in all the inbox clutter.
And in this environment, the lowley subject line is becoming increasingly important. Especially to any marketing program that relies on email. So, in today’s feature from MarketingProfs, Brahim Belabbes gives us some great tips to help. In the article, he outlines 10 subject line formulas proven to get subscribers to open emails. Read the full article at MarketingProfs.com
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- 05 Feb
10 Great B2B Lead Generation Strategy Ideas
- Feb 05, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- B2B Marketing, Content Marketing, Lead Generation
by Lisa Smith
According to research from the Content Marketing Institute, 85% of B2B marketers say lead generation is a top priority for their content marketing. But, by that same token, 44% rate their lead generation of their content marketing efforts as lacking effectiveness.
There’s More Than One Arrow in Your Quiver
That’s not to say content marketing isn’t a valuable tactic. It is. However, it’s certainly not the only one at B2B marketers’ disposal. There are a number of additional tactics that can be leveraged.
In this article from WordStream.com, Lisa Smith takes a look at 10 B2B lead generation strategies. She takes a look at the realitive value of content marketing, LinkedIn, Google Ads, Facebook Ads and more. Then she goes on to explains how you can add these to your marketing plan and make sure your hard work and effort is effective.
Read the full article at WordStream.com
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- 04 Feb
Five Steps to Building Trust With Thought Leadership
- Feb 04, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Marketing Strategies, Thought Leadership
According to current data, about 50% of B2B marketers believe thought leadership builds trust in their organization. However, among actual buyers, that number is much higher. That is around a whopping 83%.
Thought Leadership = Trusted Resource
And that represents a huge disconnect. This disconnect is preventing B2B marketers from using thought-leadership content to it’s fullest value – in their quest to become a trusted resource for their customers. And marketers and business leaders alike need to understand that establishing a thought-leadership program drives value and builds trust. And not doing so risks falling behind or damaging their brand’s credibility in the industry.
Are you in the same boat? Here are five easy-to-follow steps for kicking off (or elevating) your brand’s thought-leadership program at MarketingProfs.com
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- 27 Jan
3 Ways to Make B2B Content Marketing More Engaging
- Jan 27, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- B2B Marketing, Content Marketing, Inbound Marketing
by Leah Wynalek
When it comes content, even with complex topics, your content is most effective when it’s simple to understand. Whether a website, a blog post, white papers, your content must deliver a clear, valuable message. And it must do so in an engaging way for potential buyers to pay attention.
“Momma Always Said, Simple is as Simple Does”
Recently at Content Marketing World 2019, a number of B2B marketers led sessions about how to craft more compelling brand stories and thought leadership content. And all of the speakers at that event stressed the need to simplify your message. Storytelling need not be complex. The simpler, the better was their mantra.
The Bottom line: Buyers are people. They don’t want to be bored, and they shouldn’t have to analyze your content to grasp its business value. To learn 3 ways to accomplish this, read the full article on the Publishing Executive blog
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- 23 Jan
Five Content Marketing Myths Debunked
- Jan 23, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Demand Generation, Inbound Marketing
Not long ago, content marketing was real simple. It was all about launching a website, posting on blogs, and circulating emails to new and existing customers.
Well, That is no Longer the Case
Today, it’s a critical, multifaceted discipline. Today, most organizations now see content marketing as one of the most invaluable tools in their belts for driving brand awareness and sales leads. Which is why content marketing budgets continue to rise. In fact, nearly 85% of technology marketers surveyed recently by the Content Marketing Institute (CMI) and MarketingProfs say they’ve used content marketing effectively in the previous year.
Myths Busted . . .
Yet it’s highly likely that those campaigns were less successful than they could have been. And by looking deeply into these campaings, we would most likely turn up weaknesses. And most are borne from some broadly held content marketing myths. Here are the five most common content marketing myths to overcome at MarketingProfs.com
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- 21 Jan
How to Win at Content Marketing to Generation Z
- Jan 21, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Generational Marketing, Marketing to Gen Z
For what seems like “forever”, marketers have invested heavily in developing strategies and content to capture the attention of Millennials. We have studied and worked tirelessly to define the ideals, desires, and buying habits that this segment possess.
Now That We Have That Nailed . . . A New Challenge is on The Horizon
The new challenge? The rise of Generation Z as a force to be reckoned with in the market. Its members are part of the youngest generation on the planet, the oldest among them barely scraping past age 20. But they hold an estimated $143 billion in spending power. And it is the first generation that does not know a world without interconnected devices.
And these two points have significance for the future of our marketing. Brands have been attempting to reach Gen Z in a multitude of ways. But a connection is almost impossible without incredible content. It is not an easy task, I know, but here are some tips to make engagement more likely, at MarketingProfs.com
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- 20 Jan
More B2B Marketers Say Successful Content Generates Sales
- Jan 20, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- B2B Marketing, Content Marketing, Marketing Funnel Strategies
rom Marketing Charts
Almost two-thirds of B2B marketers believe that content marketing is an effective tactic for the top of the funnel. And yet it also is proving to be useful for activities further down the funnel. Indeed, it’s the bottom-of-the-funnel goals that are growing the most for B2B marketers in North America this year. This, according to a recent report from the Content Marketing Institute (CMI) and MarketingProfs.com.
Bottom of Funnel is Benefiting from Content as Well
The survey of more than 650 B2B marketers in North America reveals that more respondents achieved top-of-the-funnel goals such as creating brand awareness and generating demand or leads. However, the biggest improvement was with goals residing towards the bottom of the funnel.
To see more of the data, for additional insights into the report and to download a copy of the original report, read the full article at MarketingCharts.com
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- 13 Jan
The 16 Best Marketing Strategies to Try in 2020
- Jan 13, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Digital Media Trends, Marketing Strategies
by Lisa Smith
Well, 2020 is here. And, so far, it doesn’t look a whole lot different than it did in December 2019. That’s why Lisa Smith, over at WordStream set out to ask dozens of digital marketers for their best marketing strategies of last year.
And Boy, Did They Deliver
They unloaded and gave us a huge list. But here is what we think are the 16 best marketing strategies you can take into 2020. So, to see what they are, read the full article at WordStream.com – The best marketing strategies to try in 2020
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- 07 Jan
How to Create the Right Amount of the Right Type of Content
- Jan 07, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- B2B Marketing, Content Marketing, Digital Media Trends
There is such a thing as too much content. And if you’re creating content for the sake of it (without a clear business need, strategy or to simply create something new), you’ve taken a wrong turn.
The Content Paradox: Not Enough or Too Much?
In today’s fast-paced, digital-first world, there is a glut of content available. And it’s a fine line between not having enough content and having too much content. On the one hand, you need enough content to satisfy various use cases. As an example, consider Forrester’s finding that a person on average consumes 11.4 pieces of content before buying.
On the other hand, having too much content creates challenges. When you have too much content, it becomes difficult to manage and volume can degrade the value of that content with both customers and your sales team. So where is the line between not enough and too much content? And how do you find the “just right” amount of content? Start with these six steps at MarketingProfs.com
NOTE: A Free Registration pop-up opens on this site. Registration may be required to read the article.
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- 06 Jan
50 Bright Ideas for Promoting Content to Drive Leads
- Jan 06, 2020
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Digital Media Trends, Marketing Strategies
by AJ Beltis
We know that content marketing is huge. And there is no doubt about that. Content is being created and published every second of every day. Plus, in 2019, more than four million blog posts were published. On a daily basis!
WOW! That’s a Lot of Noise Out There . . .
This brings up an imperative question. And, it’s a question that all great content marketers need ask themselves. How do I get more people to see, engage with and react to my content?
How Can I Make The Most of My Content?
To help, the good people at HubSpot have put together a great guide. They have outlined the best content promotion ideas across various mediums. From podcasting to blogging, to everything in between. You can use these best practices to get a strong ROI from your content. So, to learn them all, read the full article at the HubSpot blog.
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- 18 Dec
2020 B2C Content Marketing Benchmarks, Budgets, and Trends: New Research
- Dec 18, 2019
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- B2C Marketing, Content Marketing, Marketing Strategies
by Ann Handley
Content marketing has become a consistent tool for B2B marketing for a long time now. But, until recently it is a tool that has been largely missing in the B2C space. For most marketers in that space, they knew it could work. But they simply struggled to understand how to make it work in their markets.
“. . . and nair the twains shall meet . . . “
Well, now, it seems that business-to-consumer [B2C] marketers are making steady progress with content marketing. And it is quickly becoming a key element of marketing strategy. This, according to a just-published annual content marketing study [download available] from MarketingProfs and Content Marketing Institute.
To see what key actions and approaches you can take to improve your own content marketing program, read the full article at MarketingProfs
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- 16 Dec
Why Social Media is Integral to Your Content Marketing Strategy
- Dec 16, 2019
- Dan Hoff
- 0
- Content Marketing, Lead Generation, Social Media Marketing
from DrumUp
Face it, if you’re in business, social media is important to your success. In today’s climate, your business can’t afford to be without social media. However, social media isn’t the only answer. It is one tool and shouldn’t be your only avenue of marketing.
You need to have a multi-pronged approach to reach your target market. And that means that you also need content marketing to be part of your overall strategy. But, since social media has such an overwhelming prevalence in today’s society, content marketing is completely ineffective without it.
Content + Social Media = Success
Combining your content with your social media means that you’ll be able to grab the market’s attention with your social media marketing. And then that will drive audience to take a deeper dive into your broader content. To see how this can work for you, read the full article at DrumUp