3 Benefits to a Purposeful Content Marketing Strategy

Posted on April 4, 2012 by admin

You’ve likely heard a lot about content marketing, and the way it plays an important part of your online strategy to drive traffic to your site. Did you know an effective content marketing strategy is not just implementing the right pay per click ad? In fact, with the right key words, content and social media activity, you may be able to do away with that PPC campaign altogether.

Compared with other marketing tactics deployed to reach a large and diverse audience, content marketing is truly an inexpensive method for making an impact in your market. It will take time, effort and patience, but the pay off in the end can be significant.

If you understand your positioning in the online market, you understand how important it is to have the right content marketing platform in place.

Let’s explore a few benefits to content marketing and why it’s time to implement a strategy for your online efforts:

Content Marketing is Cost Effective:

Whether you do the work yourself or you hire an outside writing team, creating purposeful content to drive traffic to your site to learn more, interact on your pages and eventually buy is really the key here. Yes, it is nearly free if you do the work yourself. Keep in mind, if you’re too busy creating your content, you may not have time for other things that need to happen to drive that revenue. Prioritize your activities and hire out the work that can drive results if it’s not your core competency.

Content Marketing Lasts Longer than Standard Advertising:

Whenever you search for information online, do you only find results that were posted in 2012? Most likely, you’re finding results that span several years and that information is still ranking well for the keywords you used for your search. This is the kind of approach you want in your content marketing – the power to continue to drive traffic years after it is posted. (Don’t for a minute think that one great article or blog is all you need; it’s really only the beginning.)

Content Marketing Builds Credibility:

Google (and other search engines) has a method for ranking sites. The search giant’s applications – and new human reviewers – scan your site and crawl around your pages looking at the content you provide. Is it relevant to what readers want? Does it answer the question for which they searched? Is it keyword stuffed? The search engine is looking for the “authority” on your site. If it doesn’t appear that you know what you’re talking about, your site could be considered spam and thrown off the search pages. You need to build credibility and that demands a clear strategy.

At Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions, we maintain the “copywriting” in our name because that is one of our core competencies. We write the copy you need, with strategically placed keywords and authoritative content, to drive traffic to your site. We’ll show you how to incorporate your content, social media, website and other tools into an effective strategy that will immediately drive traffic to your site. Want to know more? Give us a call today and we’ll begin brainstorming your strategy with you.

Posted in Content Marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

White Paper Marketing is Driving Sales

Posted on April 3, 2012 by admin

White paper marketing is driving sales in a direction it has never gone before. Because you want to sell your product to buyers, you must make it available to be seen. This means more than just featuring what you have to offer on your site. You must be intentional in your marketing efforts. A strategic white paper offers a perfect vehicle to enable a prospective customer to explore your brand and product in-depth.

White paper marketing is the latest trend in promoting a product, service or brand, and has surpassed brochures and flyers in terms of marketing value. Buyers want to be educated about the product that your company offers and this marketing tool is a powerful way to promote your message.

A well-written and strategically marketed white paper is important because it gives the potential buyer all of the information they need about your product and your brand to make an educated decision before they buy. White paper marketing allows the customer to “get to know” your brand, your value proposition and why your product stands out from the rest.

At Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions, we are dedicated to helping you create the best white paper marketing strategy possible for your company. Our expertise and dedication to your business is what will make your brand stand out and generate more leads.

Our company is here to help your company; whether it be to generate qualified leads, support your marketing objectives or create one of a kind marketing, our writers are ready and waiting to answer your questions and help you fulfill your needs.

By allowing us to handle your white paper needs, you create extra time for your staff to follow up on the qualified leads we will generate for you. At Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions, we’ll work with you to establish the right approach to your online marketing efforts. For a free consultation – contact us today.

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Java with Jenny

Posted on April 2, 2012 by admin

As we continue our journey into the lives of our team, Jenny Wescoat is the next person we’d like you to meet.  Her situation is a little different than most of our team members. Jenny gets two versions of her story – grab your java and read on to see why.

Jenny’s take on her bio:

Jenny Wescoat lives in the St. Louis area with her husband and four kids. She enjoys reading classic books and chick lit novels. Jenny also likes to go on road trips, camping and hiking that includes no risk of running into a bear or breaking a sweat. She avoids anything related to numbers and she dislikes organic food just because it’s cool right now.

Besides writing for Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions, Jenny also writes a weekly mom’s column for Patch.com. On a good day, she loves her life as a stay-at-home mom and part-time freelance writer. On a bad day, she pretends she’s being held hostage by very short, sticky-faced terrorists.  She happens to be Susan’s favorite employee, not by Susan’s choice, but because she must. Jenny’s her sister.

Susan’s take on Jenny’s role in the company:

It is the classic case of clear nepotism. As a kid, I thought this meant people hired their nephews. Most of mine are under the age of 10, so asking them to write for our blog would likely be a trip down elementary school lane. It would be fun reading, but may do little to promote our image. If you’re looking for high quality, great work ethic and a love of writing – Jenny is the perfect fit.

Her role in this company is not the result of her relation – that is really just how we met. Jenny’s quality approach to her work, her dedication to early delivery and her team mentality is why she plays an important role. We have a very large family – large enough in fact that we could completely replace each member of the SJC team and have plenty left over. But our focus is not on ensuring the people in our family work; our focus is on producing quality work by assembling the right people.

Jenny’s background is diverse from her University of Missouri degree in Religious Studies to her role as a sales rep for a local oil company. Perhaps her most fitting experience, however, were her days making cookies at the Mrs. Fields stand at the mall, saving me the cut pieces of the chocolate, chocolate chip to snack on during my time helping to manage the children’s clothing store in the same shopping center. If it’s not about chocolate – it’s not worth doing.

One day, we hope Jenny will lead the charge to expand our efforts in the St. Louis area. Until then, she’s happy being a mom and writing once the kids are off to bed. Her lifestyle is the model on which I first built this company – offering intelligent women an opportunity to challenge themselves in the workforce, without leaving home.

Is it working? We’ve grown 75% in the last 6 months – I think we might be on to something.

Hopefully, these Monday morning coffee talks are starting your week off on a positive note.  At Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions we love what we do, and we’d like to think that it shows in the content that we produce for our clients.  To be a little cliche, there is definitely no “I” in teamwork and that is something we embrace daily.  If you’d like to learn more about what we do, feel free to visit our website, with or without your coffee!

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Are You Making SEO Writing Work for You?

Posted on March 30, 2012 by admin

The Internet and the use of websites to create leads, convert more customers and drive increased revenues are now dominating the world of business. Not only do a number of companies today handle the bulk of their business online, they use the Internet and rely on SEO writing to find the information they need to continue to promote their business.

Taking advantage of SEO writing is one way to get your company noticed. By using SEO writing on your website, you are targeting a specific market by putting keywords within your content that you know your audience will use to search.

Although the quality of your writing is very important, the content of that writing is what will matter the most. Error free writing and proper grammar are important, but without keyword optimization you have nothing.

With that being said, make sure you don’t get too carried away with your SEO writing. Using your key word too often won’t make much sense and it’s a great way to get Google to consider your page or your entire site as spam, throwing you to the end of the search results. Make sure there is a good balance between strong content and SEO writing.

At Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions, we are able to help you with your SEO writing and make it make sense, using this writing to drive traffic to your site, help you to identify new leads and convert more sales. We do understand that SEO writing is a process and that your target audience should always be kept in mind.

At SJC Copywriting Solutions we will help you create a content marketing strategy that ensures your content and SEO writing is targeted and meaningful. We conduct the research to identify the perfect “keywords” for your website, create your editorial calendar, design your social media strategy and execute it all to drive results.

Learn more about the services we offer and why you need SEO writing to drive the traffic you want. Contact us today.

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Get Over Being Liked … Yes You Can!

Posted on March 29, 2012 by admin

Everybody wants to be liked. But when it comes to your content marketing with social media, being liked is simply not enough. (Yes, we’re going to ask you to get over being liked.)

The beauty of social media conversations on platforms such as Twitter or Facebook is that you are setting up an arena for sharing, not just for liking. When your followers or “likes” share your posts and invite their contacts into the conversation, you’re on your way to serious impact that causes readers to take action.

When they re-send, retweet and share, you’re not just liked … you’re moving way past the title of Homecoming Queen, or King you always dreamed of. You’re gaining more widespread appeal and building more legitimate brand loyalty. (The math behind this concept is relatively simple but very exciting, as featured in a recent Constant Contact post. A typical Facebook consumer has around 250 friends. When they share your post or link, you could reach more than 31,000 potential new buyers or Advocates!)

What’s the secret to getting past “liked” and into the action realm of being shared?

-Give readers useful, valuable information. The same rules of quality copywriting still apply, even with social media. Simple lists of tips toward a subject readers are interested is one example to try.

– If you have a level of corporate responsibility, from recycling around the office or getting involved with local non-profits, brag about it. People resonate with these types of efforts and want to share.

– Have fun with your posts, and include key questions while you’re integrating smart humor.

– Offer a unique deal or discount to those who share.

– Ask them to share, retweet or send to their friends. Some organizations overlook the obvious:  people like to do things they’re asked to do, especially when it’s simple and fun.

Keep in mind that quality content marketing creates action, so make it your goal to get past being liked.  Check out our additional content marketing tips today that will help you concentrate on being shared, re-sent and forwarded onward. (Because just being “liked” is so 2011).

Posted in Content Marketing, Social Media, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Periodic Table of SEO Ranking Factors

Posted on March 28, 2012 by admin

We found this video on SEO writing and thought it was worth sharing. No, we didn’t create it, but SEO writing is a big focus in what we do. Everything featured here we discuss with our clients to be sure they’re maximizing their online investment. How are you doing on yours? If you’re not including SEO writing in your online marketing strategy, it’s time to give us a call. Check out our site for more info, and enjoy the video.

Posted in SEO | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Tips for an Effective Content Marketing Strategy

Posted on March 27, 2012 by admin

The value in content marketing only goes as far as the value you offer in your blogs. You want to build brand awareness, educate prospects that land on your site and even nurture them through the sales funnel. Can you effectively do this with a simple blog? The answer is yes if you keep a few important points in mind.

A recent MLT Creative blog explained it very well, offering some tips to launching and maintaining an effective content marketing strategy, especially in the B2B space. Here – we share a few of their insights:

Link Where? We all know that links are a valuable tool in content marketing, but not if they don’t offer any value to the reader. If you want to build trust and a loyal following, link to other content that adds value to the topic.

What Action? When the reader gets to the end of your blog, do you give them something to do? A call to action is an essential element to your blog, or you may be wasting time. Send them to a link for more information; invite them to leave a comment; point them in the direction of a contest; etc. The point is to give them something to do to enhance their experience and keep them focused on your brand.

Extended Warranty? You’ll be tempted to make all of your blogs focus heavily on your products, services, awards, advancements, etc. Yes, your audience wants to know these things, but only in small doses. If you’re not adding value to their experience, they won’t likely turn into a customer or come back to your site. Avoid the over-selling – no, you really don’t need the extended warranty.

Write Wrong? More often than not, I’ve come across blogs written for well-known brands that incorrectly use jargon, include bad grammar or incorrect spelling or even rely on foul language to make a point. Experts in their field will immediately notice when a blog is off the mark and you’ve immediately lost credibility.

B2B content marketing is a powerful approach to identifying prospects, qualifying leads and converting new customers. Just remember these tips to keep your blogs working for you.

Need some help along the way? Contact Susan J. Campbell Copywriting (see – call to action) for a free consultation and we’ll help you get started. Visit our main site for more information.

 

 

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Coffee Talk with Lisa

Posted on March 26, 2012 by admin

Last Monday morning we gave you the opportunity to get to know Rachel, this week it’s time to visit with Lisa.  Our ever supportive leader Susan, is giving us this peek into Lisa’s life because, in Lisa’s own words, “I begged her unmercifully!” You see, not only is Lisa a fabulous team member, she is also modest and doesn’t like to talk about herself.  So, grab your cup of coffee and sit a while with Lisa, our Project Coordinator.

From Misfit Girls to Misfit Writers –

Lisa Smith keeps everyone on their toes, from moderating notes from the boss (it has to be nice!) to making sure we only buy office supplies on deep discount. A nearly five-year SJC veteran, Lisa took the role with the promise of just a few hours a week that could be completed from home, any time of the day. Little did she know successful growth was in our future and she’s had to juggle four kids, 10 writers and a demanding employer.

Originally an Oklahoma girl who was led wayward into the stark abyss of the Kansas prairies, Lisa was a high school cheerleader, who loved her days in the halls of Stillwater High.  After high school her fate was forever changed when she met her husband in college, a younger man who jumped through a few hoops to be noticed by the older woman(not that much older).

After college graduation, Lisa decided she loved Manhattan Christian College too much to leave and took on the role of Director of Student Development where she first tested her skills in managing projects. Many of the programs she put in place are still in full swing today. Lisa returns occasionally to provide talks at the college, instructing moms on how to prepare a month’s worth of meals and the importance of making time for dinner with the family.

Along with her role as student development director, Lisa also served with her husband, Pete, as residence hall supervisor. It was in the environment of managing a residence hall full of hormonal women that she truly honed her skills in managing writers. The drama, tears, conflict and pressure that tend to accompany college life don’t always shed when entering the workforce. If any of these elements attempt to darken our company’s doorway, Lisa is there with the right tools to get the person on the right track.

Today, Lisa is the wife of a minister and the mother of four. She is actively involved in the community and serves on the PTA at the schools where her children attend. Well-known for working many of her SJC hours in her PJ’s, Lisa is that vital person serving as not just Project Coordinator, but also mentor, advisor, supporter and friend. She started with this company as an employee, but has put much of her heart and soul into her role. She cares about the company, the team and the final products we produce.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must go and generate as much revenue as possible. After singing her praises, Lisa is bound to think she needs a raise.

As we’ve mentioned before, teamwork is an integral part of the success of our company.  It takes many talented people to make what we do fall into place.  Be sure and visit our website to learn more, and be sure to tune in next week to have coffee with another one of our team members!

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5 Reasons Your Company Should Have a Blog

Posted on March 23, 2012 by admin

Once upon a time, individuals shared their deepest thoughts and passions on a weblog, hoping interested parties would find their blog, read it, post comments and share the link with their friends.

Fast forward a few years and the blog has taken on a whole new meaning. Sure, there are still individuals out there who share their thoughts and passions, and some of them have a significant following. In the corporate sector, the blog has become a powerful tool that enables the organization to take a more personal approach to communicating with their audience.

Should every business have a blog? As a company offering content marketing services, you would think our answer would be, “yes”. In reality, there are some companies that do not have a following online, are not trying to drive traffic to a website and do not want to grow. Such companies do not need a blog. If yours doesn’t fall into one of those categories, keep reading.

Why should your company have a blog? Let’s take a look at 5 reasons – make note that these are not the ONLY reasons, but 5 important reasons:

A Blog Helps You to Become the Authority –
People today use the Internet to gather information. They enter search terms into a search engine because their looking for answers. If your blog provides answers to their questions and other valuable information, your blog source is viewed as an authority in your field. That authority equates to search engine rankings and you start to dominate results.

A Blog Can Help You Promote a Product –
Once you have created valuable content and start to build trust among your readership, you can promote your product or service. This is where the strategy can get tricky. If you’re blatantly promoting your products at all times, your readers will tire of your blog and look for authority insight elsewhere.

A Blog Allows You to Make a Direct Connection –
While major corporations do successfully provide millions of products to use every day, people still want to make a personal connection with a company that takes their money. A blog allows you to more successfully communicate with your audience, making a personal connection. You can start conversations, ask for input and feedback and comment on any information shared.

A Blog Starts the Conversation –
Consumers are consistently using social media platforms to talk about companies they like or dislike. And, if you play a part in the marketplace at all, you’re part of the conversation, too. Don’t sit back and let it happen – start the conversation. You’ll be amazed at the information you can capture. You’ll likely be introduced to new ideas on how you can improve your product or service.

A Blog is the Perfect Stop on the Social Media Highway –
Hopefully you’re using social media to drive traffic to your site. Your blog can serve as the perfect stop along the way. It should serve as an authority piece that answers a question and provides additional information. At the end of the blog, include a call to action that directs your readers to the next stop – your website, your Facebook page, an article on your News Media page or even another authority site. The point is, don’t leave them hanging.

Starting a blog will help to promote your brand and educate your reader, if you do it correctly. Of course, if you optimize and put a clear strategy in place, you’ll also see more traffic to your website. If you’re ready to launch a blog, but need help or need it done for you, that’s where we come in. Our blog strategies are proven online to drive more traffic and help you to convert more sales. Contact us today and we’ll put together a strategy for you.

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How to Find Your Perfect Content Marketing Fit: Part 3

Posted on March 22, 2012 by admin

As we wrap up our research on content marketing, we hope that you have gained some helpful tips on how to choose the best agency for your company. Once you have found that perfect fit you will be able to use them to make your company grow quickly and at little cost.

Meet The Writers
Don’t just meet the owner, meet the writers. The writers are the ones who will be doing the leg work for your company. The writers are the ones who will make it or break it when it comes to good content marketing. Make sure that you are confident with their abilities and that you are comfortable sharing their talents with your clients.

Don’t Over-Value Experience
Don’t base your decision off of the number of years a content marketing agency has been in business. Just because they have been around for more years than the next guy doesn’t mean they have better results.

Find Out The Turn-Around Time For Work
Content marketing relies a lot on freelance writers to handle their work. Make sure that their time lines and your match up. Ask to see editorial calendars or projects that have been started and completed. Tell them your timeframe expectations up front and see if they can meet those guidelines before you go any further.

Don’t be Scared of Commitment
Commitment is the key to a great partnership. You may not see results overnight but if you are confident with your content marketing agency then give them time to work. Let them show you what they have to offer before you make hasty decisions to terminate the partnership.

Drop The F Bomb
Fun Fun Fun…content marketing that is. Make sure your content marketing agency enjoys what they do or you may be left with a great deal of dull, useless information that is being written about your company.

Hopefully these tips will help you in your search for the perfect content marketing company. Here at Susan J. Campbell Copywriting, we can assure you that we enjoy what we do and it shows in the work we produce.

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