This is part two of a six-part series on starting and growing an online business.
Part one was How to Build an Email List, and in this episode, we’re going to tackle content creation.
Content is what we go looking for whenever we’re online, whether it’s a video about how to prune a rose bush or a breaking news piece covering the latest iPhone release. Content is how business owners like you and me attract more traffic, establish our credibility, and build an audience of fans and followers.
Content marketing and list building go hand in hand, which is why I recommend getting your content systems up and running just as soon as you can. In this episode, I’ll walk you through what you need to know, and give you some tips to make content development easier.
Prefer a transcript? Here you go!
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why content matters in your business—and it’s not just because it drives traffic.
- Three types of content you can create, and why it’s important to commit to one content channel.
- How to create a content production system to make it easy for you to maintain consistency.
- Three ways to find endless content ideas you can use.
- Nine different formats to follow. There are dozens more, but these nine will get you started.
- What to do if you legit run out of ideas. You won’t, but just in case you do, there’s a simple fix.
- Why you can’t just create content and wait for the traffic to show up.
- Five easy ways to promote your content, and one more advanced method.
Resources mentioned:
- How to Build an Email List is part one of this six-part series on starting and growing your online business.
- Mike Futia of Stupid Simple SEO recommends creating content based on keywords, not the other way around.
- Jeff Herring says Boring Article Titles Bring Prospects and Profits. While you’re there, be sure to pick up his 21 Article Ideas
- 22 Tips for a More Successful 2022 is my most downloaded episode, and a great example of list-style content.
- Stop Nurturing Your List is an example of an opinion piece. Don’t be afraid to take a stand for something you believe in, even if it’s controversial.
- If you run out of time (or ideas) Karon Thackston has you covered with her Repurposing Game Plan: Easy Ways to Double Your Exposure and Cut Your Writing Time in Half.
- Optimizing your content for search is the most sustainable method of promotion, and Debbie Gartner shows you how it’s done with her Easy On Page SEO