6 Key Principles of Content Marketing

Consumer behavior is an ever-evolving phenomena. This means that traditional marketing tactics are becoming less and less effective with newer forms of marketing emerging. One strategy that has been proven to be very effective is Content Marketing.

What is Content Marketing?

“Content marketing is a strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience — and, ultimately, to drive profitable customer action.”

Have you come across a blog article that answers a specific question? Did an infographic provide valuable information to you? If so, those businesses successfully shared value to you by following the fundamental principles of content marketing.

In this article, we’ll share those principles that will help you build an effective content marketing strategy to grow your business! 

Let’s dive right in.

Fulfill a need

Your content should answer questions before your customers even think about asking them. Your product or service certainly takes care of a need, but the information you offer should go above and beyond from what your products or services offer. 

For example, brands may share the use of their services through storytelling while simultaneously fulfilling an emotional need. By sharing a relatable story that resolves your customers’ issues, your content offers a deeper and emotional connection while providing a solution to your customers’ needs.

Stay consistent

Delivering on time and consistently is a hallmark of a successful publisher. If you've ever subscribed to monthly newsletters, magazines, or emails, the content is always delivered on-time and as expected. Whatever you commit to in your content marketing, be sure to deliver consistently!

Be a human

Finding your voice as a brand is very important. For some, the concept may be hard to grasp, but that's where the fun begins. Your audience will be more interested in your brand if they know its story. Stories offer an emotional connection with your audience, and every brand starts with you, which means you have a story to share. Find your voice and share your story!

Have a point-of-view

Your voice and story shouldn't be written like an encyclopedia. It's okay to have opinions as a brand, in fact, it can vastly help with creative ideas! 

For example, there’s a food delivery service called HelloFresh. One of HelloFresh's main selling points is providing a greener option for food consumption. Their point-of-view on environmental issues is clear, and it’s an effective way to share their services with customers who align with their ideals!

Less of the sales-speak

While a call-to-action is significant, you'll need to warm your audience up before throwing them the sales-pitch. 

First and foremost, put yourself in the audience's shoes. What is it that they want? Can you provide answers as an expert in your field? Are you providing value to them? By offering valuable content, you lead your customers in the right direction to fulfill their needs while allowing them to make their own decisions.

Be the best version

It should go without saying, but your content should be the best there is! And of course, it'll take time to get there, but if you're aware of this, you’re one step closer to providing the best content in your field. Provide content that you would glue your eyes on!

Understanding these key principles will help guide your content marketing strategy to effectively grow your business, attract new customers, and provide value to your audience.

One form of content that we’ve found to be very effective are blogs. Learn more about the benefits that come with blogging for your business!