Content Marketing

How seasoned marketers can get started making videos to build your audience

Hello, and this is my first video back after a while. My name is Al Carmona, and I want to go over why I’m making this video. So first, I’d like to show you my outline. I think that when you’re making a video, just like any presentation, having an outline helps you stay on top of what you’re doing and have some key points to go through instead of trying to make things up on the fly and improvise. The first thing I wanted to do was create an outline. In this outline, you can see it’s very simple, just on a regular notebook, with some of the points I want to touch on. So, let’s get started on that, and the first point will be the introduction, where I’ll introduce myself a little bit.

My name is Al Carmona. At the time of this video, I’m 49, about to turn 50 this year. I’ve been in marketing for a little over 20 years. I first started off during the first.com boom and bust, where I worked as a graphic designer and a web designer. So, I’ve made a lot of those early websites that you saw, kind of like web 0.0, and a lot of flash websites with interactive media. Obviously, flash and macro media are kind of extinct now, and you don’t really see them that much on the web.

But that’s what I specialized in at the time. Then, I started to work in different companies as a designer. Back then, there was no such thing as a digital marketing director, so they basically took the people who understood the internet the most, which were the graphic designers, programmers, PHP guys, HTML guys, and those who knew how to make websites and small applications on the web.

Back then, internet marketing was just starting out, so nobody really knew anything. SEO was kind of non-existent, and there were just some things that people were trying out to see how they could build websites and drive traffic to them, using that to gain traction online for businesses. So, while doing that, I learned on the fly as I went, since the digital landscape is constantly changing and has changed so much in 20 years, and it’s going to continue to change a lot. That’s one thing you have to keep on top of.

So that’s the first part of the outline, which is basically when you’re doing any kind of marketing, including this one.

You have to think about your audience and who you’re talking to. So you might be watching this video, and you could be a young person in your early 20s, or you might be a little bit older. But I believe these videos are geared towards showcasing my experience and the length of time I’ve been doing this, with the aim of helping other people at a similar experience level—those who have over a decade or decades of experience in online marketing and want to stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

We want to know what’s happening, what the new technologies are, the new ways of handling marketing, and what’s working and what’s not. We want to try out these new approaches because, in our positions as marketing directors, managers, or CMOs, we encounter new things all the time, and we need to decide whether to allocate a budget for them, test them out, and stay ahead of the curve.

So, that’s basically the second part of my outline: who I’m doing it for. The third part is about getting started and improving as you go, which is the hardest part, especially when putting yourself out there on camera. The process involves making that video, making mistakes, and then reviewing it. I know it’s going to be cringe-worthy when I look at this video, but I’m going to share it with some people close to me to get some advice. In the next video, I’ll try to make it better, refining some things and making my points more clearly to improve the overall experience for my audience, for you, the person watching this video, so you can get the most out of it.

Now, the fourth part of this video’s outline is belief in building an audience. I believe the way the internet and online marketing are evolving, every person will have to build an audience, whether they work for a company or are freelancers or business owners. You’ve got to get yourself out there and establish a presence and an audience.

For instance, I came across an article on LinkedIn today, mentioning they’re training over 80,000 employees to be LinkedIn influencers. This means they want everyone to promote their brand on social media. If you work for a company, you’ll likely be asked to post something on social media tied to the company you work for. That way, they’re going to average all their employees, turning them into content creators if executed correctly. I think this is a great approach and something people should embrace.

Some might see it as just another task from their company, and they might feel overwhelmed with work, wondering how they can create content and put themselves out there. But it’s worth it for several reasons. First of all, your profile and content belong to you, not just the company. So even though you’re producing content related to your work, it stays with you. If you apply for another job in the future, potential employers will see that you’re a great content creator and brand ambassador. Additionally, it helps you gain more followers, which opens up more opportunities for the job you want. Also, it benefits the company you work for by leveraging your followers. I believe this is a direction everyone will want to pursue.

In order to build your audience, you need to know where to do it. There are platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn where you can publish your content. Repurpose the content you create by cutting and pasting it, creating clips, and turning it into blog posts. To get started, focus on what you’re good at and what you do day in and day out that can be helpful to others, whether it’s writing a tweet, creating a LinkedIn post, or making a video.

Once you have your first follower, keep in touch with them and build a core following. Connect with your first 10, 20 followers on a personal level through messages and emails. Creating an audience is personally rewarding as well, especially if you’re shy or introverted. Expressing yourself and sharing your knowledge helps clear your mind and provides space for new insights.

As you make more videos, you’ll see gradual progression and improvement. For making videos, you can start with a simple HD 1080p webcam and use OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) for capturing and editing. You can also edit the video using software like Final Cut Pro or iMovie for Mac or even within YouTube itself.

The most challenging part, especially for introverts, is getting in front of the camera and speaking. However, the key is to get comfortable with speaking and talking about what you know. Later on, you can work on creating intros, animations, and transitions for your videos. Encourage viewers to subscribe to see more of your content in the future.

I hope this was helpful. Please leave a comment below, and if you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to hit the subscribe button. Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Step-by-Step Guide to B2B Content Marketing Planning

Welcome, fellow content aficionados! Today, we’re diving into the world of B2B content marketing planning. This step-by-step guide will help you create a content marketing strategy that engages your audience, builds trust, and ultimately drives results for your business. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Define Your Content Marketing Goals

First things first, it’s essential to determine what you want to achieve with your content marketing efforts. This will help guide your strategy and ensure you stay focused on what matters most.

Some common B2B content marketing goals include:

  • Brand awareness
  • Lead generation
  • Customer retention
  • Thought leadership

Know Your Audience

Understanding your target audience is crucial for creating content that resonates with them. Take the time to research and develop buyer personas that represent your ideal customers.

Consider their:

  • Demographics
  • Job roles
  • Pain points and challenges
  • Information-seeking behaviors

Conduct a Content Audit

Before you start creating new content, it’s a good idea to evaluate what you already have.

A content audit will help you:

  • Identify gaps in your existing content
  • Determine which content assets are performing well and which need improvement
  • Uncover opportunities for repurposing or updating content

Develop a Content Mix

Now that you have a better understanding of your audience and your current content landscape, it’s time to develop a content mix that aligns with your goals and speaks to your audience.

Consider incorporating a variety of content formats and types, such as:

  • Blog posts
  • Whitepapers and ebooks
  • Infographics
  • Videos
  • Webinars
  • Podcasts
  • Social media posts

Create a Content Calendar

A content calendar is an invaluable tool for keeping your content marketing efforts organized and on track.

It helps you:

  • Plan and schedule content production
  • Ensure a consistent publishing cadence
  • Maintain a balance of content types and topics
  • Coordinate content efforts across your team

Optimize for SEO

Don’t forget to optimize your content for search engines. This will help you attract organic traffic and reach a wider audience.

Some key SEO considerations include:

  • Conducting keyword research to identify target keywords
  • Incorporating keywords naturally into your content
  • Optimizing meta titles, descriptions, and URLs
  • Ensuring your site is mobile-friendly and fast-loading

Promote Your Content

Simply creating great content isn’t enough – you need to get it in front of your audience.

Develop a promotion strategy that leverages a variety of channels, such as:

Measure and Analyze Your Results

Finally, it’s essential to track the performance of your content marketing efforts and analyze the data to gain insights and make improvements.

Some key metrics to monitor include:

  • Traffic and engagement (page views, time on page, bounce rate)
  • Social media shares and engagement
  • Leads generated and conversion rates
  • SEO rankings and organic traffic

B2B Content Marketing Planning Made Easy

And there you have it – a step-by-step guide to B2B content marketing planning. By following these steps and keeping your audience and goals at the forefront of your efforts, you’ll be well on your way to creating a winning content marketing strategy that engages, educates, and ultimately drives results for your business. So, go forth and conquer the world of B2B content marketing, one well-planned piece at a time!

Case Studies: Successful B2B Content Marketing Examples

Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of B2B content marketing, exploring some stellar examples that can inspire us all.

The Power of Storytelling: Mastering Customer Success Stories

One company has brilliantly showcased the true power of storytelling in B2B content marketing through its customer success stories. By demonstrating real-life examples of how their products and services have helped clients, this company has managed to:

  • Demonstrate the tangible benefits of their solutions
  • Build trust and credibility with their target audience
  • Foster a strong emotional connection with readers

The secret to this company’s success lies in its ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience while providing valuable insights and actionable takeaways.

Thought Leadership: A Blog That Illuminates the Industry

Another organization has positioned itself as a thought leader in its industry through its informative and insightful blog. By consistently publishing high-quality content that addresses the key challenges and trends facing their target audience, this business has:

  • Established itself as a go-to resource for industry knowledge
  • Attracted a loyal following of engaged readers
  • Generated valuable leads and conversions

The key to this company’s thought leadership success is its focus on providing value to readers and staying ahead of the curve when it comes to industry trends and developments.

Video Content: Engaging Webinars That Resonate

An innovative firm has embraced the power of video content with its engaging webinar series, which offers a wealth of knowledge and expert advice on a range of topics relevant to its target audience.

This approach has allowed the business to:

  • Reach a wider audience by tapping into the growing popularity of video content
  • Provide an interactive and engaging learning experience for viewers
  • Showcase their expertise and position themselves as industry leaders

The secret sauce behind this company’s webinar success is its commitment to producing high-quality, informative, and engaging video content that resonates with its audience.

Social Media Savvy: A LinkedIn Presence to Envy

A company that has mastered the art of B2B social media marketing boasts an impressive LinkedIn presence. By sharing a mix of original content, curated articles, and thought-provoking discussions, this organization has managed to:

  • Build a strong and engaged community of followers
  • Drive traffic to their website and generate leads
  • Stay top of mind with their target audience

The key to this company’s social media success lies in its ability to strike the right balance between promotional and non-promotional content, ensuring its LinkedIn presence remains valuable and engaging for its audience.

Interactive Content: An ROI Calculator That Delivers

One business has leveraged the power of interactive content with its innovative ROI calculator. This interactive tool allows users to input their data and receive a personalized report on the potential return on investment from using this company’s solutions.

This approach has enabled the firm to:

  • Showcase the value of their products in a tangible way
  • Capture valuable lead information for follow-up
  • Provide a unique and engaging user experience

The secret to this company’s interactive content success is its focus on providing a valuable tool that addresses a key pain point for its target audience while also generating leads for its sales team.

Podcast Power: Captivating Industry Expert Interviews

A forward-thinking enterprise has tapped into the growing popularity of podcasts with its series of industry expert interviews.

By featuring in-depth conversations with thought leaders and innovators in their field, this company has managed to:

  • Build brand authority and credibility
  • Reach a new audience of podcast listeners
  • Provide an engaging and informative listening experience

The key to this company’s podcast success is its commitment to high-quality production and its ability to secure compelling guests who can offer valuable insights and perspectives on the topics that matter most to their target audience.

Long-form Content: Comprehensive Whitepapers and Ebooks

Another organization has mastered the art of long-form content through its well-researched whitepapers and ebooks. By delving deep into industry-specific issues, trends, and solutions, this company has:

  • Positioned itself as a knowledgeable and reliable source of information
  • Built lasting relationships with its target audience by addressing their needs and concerns
  • Generated leads by offering valuable resources in exchange for contact information

The key to this company’s long-form content success is its commitment to providing in-depth, actionable, and well-organized information that helps its audience make informed decisions and solve their challenges.

Email Marketing: Nurturing Leads and Building Loyalty

A savvy business has harnessed the power of email marketing to nurture leads and build lasting relationships with its audience. By sending personalized, targeted, and timely messages, this company has achieved:

  • Higher open and click-through rates
  • Increased conversions and sales
  • Enhanced customer loyalty and satisfaction

The secret to this company’s email marketing success lies in its ability to segment its audience, deliver relevant content, and maintain a consistent and engaging communication strategy that keeps its subscribers informed and interested.

Influencer Marketing: Leveraging Industry Leaders

An astute organization has embraced influencer marketing to expand its reach and credibility within its industry. By partnering with well-respected and influential experts, this company has managed to:

  • Gain access to new audiences and potential customers
  • Enhance its reputation as a leader in its field
  • Drive traffic, leads, and sales through influencer endorsements

The key to this company’s influencer marketing success is its strategic selection of partners who align with its brand values and have a strong connection with its target audience.

Lessons from Successful B2B Content Marketing Examples

The case studies we’ve explored here demonstrate the power and versatility of B2B content marketing in driving success for organizations across various industries. By learning from these examples and incorporating their strategies into your own content marketing efforts, you can engage your target audience, build trust and credibility, and ultimately drive meaningful results for your business. So, get inspired, be creative, and watch your B2B content marketing efforts soar!

Content Marketing Tools for B2B Businesses

Hey there, fellow content marketers! Are you on the lookout for some fantastic content marketing tools that can elevate your B2B game? Look no further, as we dive into the world of content marketing tools that can help streamline your efforts and make your job a breeze.

The Swiss Army Knife of Content Creation

Creating high-quality content is the backbone of any successful content marketing strategy.

Let’s explore some tools that can help you churn out impressive content in no time:

  • Grammarly: Nobody wants their content to be riddled with typos and grammatical errors. Grammarly is your trusty sidekick that will help you polish your writing to perfection.
  • Hemingway Editor: This tool is perfect for simplifying your writing style, making it more accessible and reader-friendly. Who doesn’t want to write like Ernest Hemingway?
  • Google Docs: Collaboration is the name of the game when it comes to content creation. Google Docs makes it a breeze to work with your team and share your masterpiece with others.

The Masterminds of Content Planning and Organization

Planning and organizing your content marketing efforts can be a juggling act.

Here are some nifty tools to keep you from dropping the ball:

  • Trello: Think of Trello as your digital bulletin board for all things content marketing. Create boards, lists, and cards to organize your ideas, collaborate with your team, and track progress.
  • Asana: If you’re a fan of to-do lists and project management, Asana is your go-to tool. Assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor progress all in one place.
  • Google Calendar: Never miss a beat with Google Calendar. Schedule content, plan campaigns, and set reminders to keep your content marketing machine running smoothly.

The Wizards of Social Media Management

Social media plays a pivotal role in promoting your content and engaging with your audience.

Let’s take a look at some tools that can help you manage your social media presence like a pro:

  • Buffer: Scheduling and publishing content across multiple platforms has never been easier. Buffer lets you plan your social media posts, analyze performance, and manage your accounts all in one place.
  • Hootsuite: Hootsuite is another excellent social media management tool that offers scheduling, analytics, and monitoring. It’s like having your very own social media command center.
  • Sprout Social: With its robust analytics and reporting features, Sprout Social helps you understand the impact of your social media efforts and make data-driven decisions to optimize your strategy.

The Data Gurus of Analytics and Reporting

What’s the point of creating and promoting content if you don’t know how it’s performing? Analyzing your content marketing efforts is crucial, and these tools can help you make sense of the numbers:

  • Google Analytics: The gold standard for website analytics, Google Analytics provides you with invaluable insights into your site’s traffic, user behavior, and content performance.
  • SEMrush: For all things SEO and competitor analysis, SEMrush is your go-to tool. Uncover the secrets of your competitors’ success and use that knowledge to dominate the SERPs.
  • Moz: Moz is another fantastic SEO tool that offers a comprehensive suite of features, including keyword research, backlink analysis, and on-page optimization.

The Automation Geniuses: Saving Time and Energy

Automating certain aspects of your content marketing efforts can save you time and energy.

Here are some tools that can help you work smarter, not harder:

  • Mailchimp: Email marketing is a powerful way to connect with your audience, and Mailchimp makes it easy to create and automate your email campaigns.
  • HubSpot: HubSpot is an all-in-one marketing platform that offers a wide range of tools, including marketing automation, CRM, and analytics. It’s like having your very own marketing Swiss Army knife.
  • IFTTT: Short for “If This, Then That,” IFTTT allows you to create custom automations between different apps and services. For example, you can automatically share your latest blog post on social media platforms as soon as it’s published.

The Visual Maestros: Designing Engaging Content

Visuals can make or break your content, so it’s essential to create eye-catching graphics and images that resonate with your audience.

Check out these tools to help you design like a pro:

  • Canva: With its user-friendly interface and vast library of templates, Canva makes it easy for even the most design-challenged among us to create stunning visuals for social media, blog posts, and more.
  • Adobe Creative Cloud: For those who are more design-savvy, Adobe Creative Cloud offers a comprehensive suite of professional tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create high-quality visuals.
  • Unsplash: In need of stunning, royalty-free images for your content? Unsplash has you covered with a vast library of beautiful photos that you can use without worrying about copyright issues.

Content Curation Connoisseurs: Sharing the Wealth

Sharing relevant content from other sources can be a great way to engage your audience and complement your original content.

Here are some tools to help you find and curate the best content for your audience:

  • Feedly: Stay informed with the latest industry news and trends by aggregating content from multiple sources into a single, easy-to-read feed with Feedly.
  • Pocket: Discover and save interesting articles, videos, and more from around the web with Pocket. It’s like having a personal content library at your fingertips.
  • BuzzSumo: Find the most popular and engaging content in your industry with BuzzSumo. It’s perfect for discovering trending topics and uncovering content ideas that resonate with your audience.

The Power of the Right Tools

With the right set of content marketing tools in your arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of B2B content marketing. Whether you’re budgeting for, creating, planning, promoting, or analyzing your content, these tools can help streamline your efforts and drive better results. So go ahead, explore the world of content marketing tools, and take your B2B business to new heights!

B2B Content Marketing Metrics and KPIs for Success

Hello, fellow content marketing aficionados! In this overview, we’ll explore the ever-important realm of B2B content marketing metrics and KPIs.

Setting Clear Goals: The Cornerstone

First things first, let’s discuss the importance of having a crystal-clear understanding of your goals. It’s like assembling a jigsaw puzzle: you need to know what the final picture looks like before you can put the pieces together.

The Awe-Inspiring World of Metrics

There’s a whole universe of metrics out there, but don’t get lost in the stars! Focus on the ones that matter most to your business.

Here are a few essential metrics to consider:

  • Traffic: Keep an eye on the number of visitors your content attracts. More visitors mean higher visibility, but don’t forget to dig deeper into the quality of that traffic.
  • Engagement: Analyze how long visitors stay on your site and how they interact with your content. Look at metrics like time on page, scroll depth, and social shares.
  • Conversion: Track the percentage of visitors who complete a desired action, such as signing up for a newsletter, requesting a demo, or making a purchase.
  • Retention: Assess the effectiveness of your content in keeping visitors coming back for more. Returning visitors can be a sign of strong content and loyal customers.

Defining Your Content Marketing KPIs

Now that you have a better understanding of the key metrics, let’s discuss how to choose the right KPIs for your content marketing strategy:

  • Alignment with business objectives: Your KPIs should directly align with your overall business goals, ensuring that your content marketing efforts contribute to the big picture.
  • Measurable and actionable: Choose KPIs that are quantifiable and allow you to make data-driven decisions. Avoid vague or subjective KPIs that may not provide actionable insights.
  • Relevant and specific: Opt for KPIs that are tailored to your specific industry, target audience, and content types. This ensures your KPIs are relevant and applicable to your content marketing efforts.

Some KPIs to Keep in Your Back Pocket

Here’s a list of some common KPIs that can help guide your content marketing efforts:

  • Lead generation: Track the number of leads in your sales funnel that are generated from your content marketing efforts. This can include form submissions, newsletter sign-ups, or content downloads.
  • SEO performance: Monitor your content’s search engine rankings, organic traffic, and backlinks to gauge the success of your SEO strategy.
  • Social media engagement: Assess the effectiveness of your content on social media by tracking likes, comments, shares, and clicks.
  • Content ROI: Calculate the return on investment for your content marketing efforts by comparing the revenue generated to the costs associated with creating and promoting the content.

Don’t Be Afraid to Adjust Your Sails

Remember, content marketing is not a one-size-fits-all approach. As your business evolves and your goals shift, don’t hesitate to revisit and revise your KPIs. Continuously monitoring and adjusting your metrics will help ensure your content marketing strategy remains on track and drives meaningful results.

The Magic of Metrics

In the enchanting world of B2B content marketing, metrics and KPIs are the guiding stars that illuminate the path to success. By setting clear goals, focusing on the right metrics, and aligning your KPIs with your business objectives, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the ever-changing landscape of content marketing with confidence and finesse. Happy measuring!