How to Build Your List Using Content Marketing

Why is it worth your time to share your expertise in content marketing pieces? How does content marketing help with list building? 

• Content marketing does a great job of engaging new readers.
• Developing an online relationship with new readers means they will eventually subscribe to your list because they want more of what you are talking about.
• Content marketing helps you build the know/like/trust factor with new prospects.

What “counts” as content marketing? The list is almost endless, and you can be creative in presenting your content to readers, for sure. Here's a few common ways to do content marketing. 

• Blog posts with a call to action.
• Paragraphs on social media
• Video on social media and YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat
• Tweets to show your knowledge and start conversations with others.

You may have heard of “article marketing.” In the past this was a good way to build readership and your list, but because of changes to Google article marketing isn't the best way to build your list. The content, however, can still be used – just in new and different ways. With content marketing you still educate people about yourself and what you offer, and eventually lead your new followers to buy from you.

Tips for content marketing that works:

• Content without a call to action is largely a waste of time. In order to build your list, you must lead people to take an action toward getting to know you – pick up a freebie, come to a webinar, or take an assessment, for example.
• Content marketing works best when there is a marketing funnel in place.
• It's not the best idea to offer a high ticket sale like coaching or consulting as your call to action in content marketing. Put a funnel into place that leads to a higher ticket sell after offering lower cost, less risk offers.  
• What is it that you want people to know? How can you help them? This is the framework for your content. Content marketing is pre-education – you use your knowledge to bring people up to speed and let them understand why they might need what you have to offer in a fuller way, or in more detail.
• Assessment usually makes good content marketing. Sometimes people do not even realize the situation they are in. Sometimes, for instance, a person's business might not be going well and they don't even realize that their mindset is affecting what they do in their business.
• Let your content reflect your personality. Content marketing is more usable when it's told as a story. Try starting every piece of content with a story that relates to what you are offering.
• Make the resource box very specific to the content you've just given. Don't use a generic resource box, sending readers to the same opt-in for every single piece of content.
• Titles are key in content marketing. Your title's one purpose is to get people to read your content. Your content has one purpose – to get the reader to opt-in to your list. Make your title very simple and straightforward, and key word searchable. Catchy titles don't work well. 

Bonus Tips!

• You can build a Facebook group and offer content in that group, leading your group members to opt in to your list over time.
• If you are a brick and mortar business, you can engage people online and lead them to come into your business. Instagram is particularly good for this.

What I love about content marketing for list building is that you can be as creative as you want to be, and you get great feedback right away. If no one is sharing your content or signing up to hear more from you then you know it's time to change something and try again. 

Have you used a specific type of content marketing that has helped you build your list? I'd love to hear about your success below. And if you need help to create a content marketing strategy, you can consider a One and Done hour with me. Get the details by going to this link. You can also get my own opt-in by going to www.confidentmarketer.com and leaving your name and email in the form on that page.