Crash Course in Content Marketing Part 1: What the !@#$ is it?

“Content marketing” has fast become a buzzphrase among online marketers. Every hip blog, independent marketing know-it-all and old-timey trusted resource alike is preaching the benefits of content marketing. We’re told we must have a plan for it and that we must know all about it. The only thing is, what the heck is it? In response to all of this hullabaloo, we’ve come up with a four-part blog series to give you some ideas on how content marketing works, how to work it and what not to do. Today, we start off by explaining what content marketing is and why you’re probably already doing it.

Shortly put, the term “content marketing” refers to all formats of content created with the specific purpose of attracting business. This blanket phrase covers an entire online marketing strategy. Email marketing, blogging, online video creation, podcasts, white papers, article marketing and infographics are just a few of the channels that would fit nicely into the vast content marketing column. Basically, if you read this blog on a regular basis or a Google search led you here, then chances are good that you are already doing some sort of content marketing. Why this big umbrella phrase has gained momentum in popularity might have something to do with the fact that it neatly covers so many marketing techniques.

The beauty of this magical content is that you, the business owner, create it. This means now, more than ever, small companies have the chance to really create the language and image for online audiences. Every blog and article that is part of your content marketing plan can truly shape your brand’s image and how people find your company. Content marketing means you are selling the content you want people to know about and we think that is pretty cool.

In the end, those blogs, tweets, articles, guest posts and clever YouTube videos you spend so much time on for your business are indeed content marketing! Congratulations. You’re part of a hip trend and you just didn’t know it.

Tomorrow we will look at why good-looking content matters.