Quality content is the cornerstone of search engine optimization. In order to get the highest quality traffic, you’ve got to create high quality keyword-optimized content and distribute it across the web, linking back to your own site. This is how the search engines rank organic searches, by the content provided, and number of backlinks.
An effective content marketing creation strategy is multi-faceted and should include various types of content. The following are seven of the most effective ways to distribute original content about your business across the web.
Blog Posts
Blog posts are the bread and butter of quality content. Regular updating of your business blog will help you stay in touch with customers, bring new traffic to your site, and increase search engine ranking. Blog posts can also be integrated with an email marketing campaign, so that subscribers receive a personal email from you every time your blog is updated.
Social Media
Social media is the most popular aspect of internet use today. By distributing quality content social media eco-system, you are increasing your brand awareness, backlinks, and social equity. Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and Google+ can help your business gain prominence and connect more deeply with your customers.
Article Marketing
Another way to generate website traffic and build valuable back-linking is through online article distribution. There are many online article directories that are looking for authors to create quality information. These sites where you articles or white papers are posted link back to you, so readers will be drawn to your site, and to your business. Publishing articles on these article sharing websites increases your “expert” status in your field, and gives you a distinct advantage over local competition.
Video Marketing
YouTube is the second most used search engine after Google. The average internet user watches over 15 minutes of online video per day. If a potential customer is looking for what you offer, and your video is the first thing to popup in a web search, don’t you think that might effect his decision to call or visit your place of business?
Podcasting
Releasing varied types of content will help you reach the greatest number of potential customers. Podcasting is a great way diversify your content. A podcasts can be as simple as an audio recording of print content you’ve already created, or as detailed as a full audio presentation or interview. Most computers come standard with built in audio recording software, so it’s easier than ever to create your own audio show!
Online Presentations
Online presentations can be as simple as uploading a powerpoint presentation or whitepaper to a social media site like Scribd or SlideShare, or as in depth as an online webinar or Ustream broadcast. Online presentations are a highly effective way of tapping into new customers, creating brand awareness, and positioning yourself as the expert in your local market.
Press Releases
Distributing press releases will provide opportunity for free publicity and business awareness. When you publish a press release online, the information about you & your business is distributed to multiple media outlets, and helps you to be seen as the “expert” in your field. This lends credibility to your business, leads to free publicity, and exposes you to potential customers who need what you have to offer.
Journalists are increasingly relying on major search engines for their article research. If you happen to be one of the sources they use, your business could receive an immense boost in sales due to the publicity gained. This is especially valuable for small businesses, as local reporters search local results to find sources and content for articles. 98% of reporters go online daily, 73% to find press releases and 92% for article research.
What steps would you have included in this list?
