Didn't have a chance to read the top content marketing blogs last week? Here are the top stories in one post!
How to Be More Creative in Your Online Campaigns
By Shelli Walsh, @ShelliWalsh
Creativity is often viewed as an illusive dream that only the gifted few can attain. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Much like math equations, it’s possible to learn to be creative if you understand and embrace the steps. In this blog, Shelli Walsh attempts to help bring out the creativity sides of the ‘closed’ thinkers among us. I remember tackling this very challenge in my college Creative Marketing class. Like anything that’s truly worth it, being creative takes time and practice, which is a small price to pay to make your online campaigns more creative.
If you’re sick and tired of recycling the same old boring concepts, and are itching for a fresh take on your campaigns, experiment with Shelli’s creative tips alone or with your marketing team. Build idea walls and content strategy idea walls to connect themes and take your creativity to the next level.
Becoming Jedi Masters of Content Marketing
Kevin Howarth recaps a presentation by Colleen Jones at a recent meeting with the Technology Association of Georgia’s Marketing Society and Society Media Society. Five content experts joined her for a roundtable discussion on how to use the Force to become Jedi Masters of content.
In this post, the experts take turns leading a discussion on the essentials of content marketing, such as strategy, creative content, lead generation, social media, and content creation. These pros lead content strategy for brands like SunTrust, Cbeyond, Porsche Cars North America, Pardot, and VeriFone.
Key Takeaways from Brands Getting LinkedIn Content Right
By Taylor Radey, @taylorlauren
If you distribute content on LinkedIn, this blog is for you. You may not have noticed, a dip in your engagement recently. I sure have. I believe it's due in part a change in the way group sharing is structured, and LinkedIn's new publishing platform, which was launched back in February. If you want to get your content back on the radar, follow this advice from self-professed ‘LinkedIn fangirl’ Taylor Radey. She took the liberty of whittling down the most important takeaways gleaned from her experiences working with Influence & Co., and their clients.
She starts with a tip from LinkedIn’s help section about publishing long-form posts using their new tool. Taylor proposes two other key takeaways that will help make your content more authentic to harnessing the full power of this new platform. What’s still a mystery is how to get your content noticed by LinkedIn AND shared on a channel, but don’t worry about that just yet. One step at a time. Follow Taylor’s tips to write and distribute content using LinkedIn’s publishing platform.
Platishers: The New Trend Content Marketers Need to Know About
by Herbert Lui, @HerbertLui
Herbert suggests that we prepare to ride the wave of a new trend – platishers. It’s a word that represents a shift that some brands have already adopted in order to “generate traffic and create engaged advocates,” which is something we all want. A couple of early adopters of this trend are as Gawker and Buzzfeed, which allows its users to contribute thieir own content. Hence the phrase “user generated content.”
Not sure this new trend is right for your brand? Before you jump to any conclusions prematurely, read Herbert’s story to learn about how Sephora, Conde Nast Travelor, and Entertainment Weekly made it work for them.
2 Essential Elements for Getting Started with Content Marketing
by Michele Linn, @michelelinn
Just now getting your feet wet with content? Then you should dive into the “Back to Basics” series of fundamental skills and information everyone needs to be successful with content.
This post is a great place to begin understanding how content fits into the rest of your marketing plan. First off, you should understand your goals and mission statement, because this helps you decide what content to create. Author Michele Linn breaks down why these two steps are essential for getting started by giving examples from Content Marketing Institute. And with a job title like “Content Development Director” of CMI, you should rest assured you’re in safe and knowledgeable hands. Don’t forget check out the entire series!
