Content is King
The phrase, Content is King, can be interpreted to mean that original and interesting content through any media venture is the most important part of its success, regardless of other factors. Content is at the heart of today’s marketing strategies. Many businesses use websites and blogs to demonstrate their own knowledge and expertise. Text content is particularly important for search engine optimization. Without original text content, most search engines will be unable to match keywords that your customers search for to your site.
Bill Gates first referenced the term “Content is King” back in 1996 when Advertising with the Internet was just beginning. In his article he says, “Content is where I expect much of the real money will be made on the Internet, just as it was in broadcasting,” and “Those who succeed will propel the Internet forward as a marketplace of ideas, experiences, and products-a marketplace of content.”
The term “Content is King” has evolved and has different meaning in today’s society. The Internet is a part of most people’s everyday life. It is where they keep in touch with loved one’s, research products, purchase products, and the list goes on and on. The Internet has become an important channel for Businesses to get their Brand exposed. However, the game has changed on how businesses go about getting exposed. SEO and Content are big considerations. It seems to be that a business’s goal is not to promote themselves but their thinking; our website is not a sales tool but an educational one. They realize that the main goal of their site is to build relationships and trust. Not to promote their products. You may be wondering “Why did this change?” or “How can I benefit from the change?”
Over the past 10 years, the Internet has changed how consumers review and buy products and services. It used to require a potential customer to pick up a phone and call you to inquire about your products or services. In today’s world, the Internet is typically the first channel that consumers will go to. They will use Google, find your website, and expect to find all of the information they need right there at their fingertips. This content needs to also be current, interactive, and valuable.
Consumers are more in control today than they have been before due to the internet and the transparency it offers. The information you provide about your company should be clear, concise, accurate, and all encompassing. By all encompassing, we mean that it needs to answer all of their questions and also provide real value to your customer base.
A few ways to keep your customer base’s interest peaked is to give them tips on how to achieve success, answer their problems, show them best practices, have customers give testimonials about how you have helped them, etc. This will turn you into a trustworthy partner instead of just another company trying to sell them something. Content Marketing is a win-win situation. Your potential clients get the information they desire and you get to demonstrate your expertise and build trust with your customer base. This approach is customer-centered. Create content that is genuinely useful to your customers and set yourself apart.
Creating and keeping content current takes time and effort. You need to have an understanding of your target customer base to know their needs and find out how you can make content that is valuable to them. Content Marketing may not be easy but it is becoming more and more necessary to being successful in today’s Internet driven world.
