5 Reasons Why Content Creation is Important
You've probably heard it by now: content is king. But why? Those days of reusing uninspiring ads in the local paper are past us. Consumers are online, marketing has gone digital, and content creation is more important now than ever.
It's estimated that most Americans are exposed to around 4,000 to 10,000 ads each day. 😲 Since there's so much information we're inundated with everyday, it's important we find ways to stand out.
The advertising industry has changed quite a bit since the introduction of social media. Smaller brands now have a better chance of succeeding since we all have an equal chance at accessing more affordable advertising options. There is a catch, though—we have to find new, exciting ways to engage people so our brands can stand out amongst the waves of information. This is exactly why the phrase "content is king" has been buzzing around a lot lately.
With all that aside, let's get into the other reasons why content creation is important!
1. Builds trust
Relationships work two ways. Don't create content for the sake of creating content—provide your viewers with something of value to them. Perhaps you create work that educates your audience on a particular topic. Or, maybe you provide them with a daily dose of humor or entertainment. Make their time worthwhile.
Being consistent in delivering amazing content will keep them coming back, and they'll get to know you and your services. The more time someone invests in viewing your content, the more familiar and trusting they become with you.
2. Brand recognition
By creating new content consistently, you're building a library of amazing images and resources that define your brand. All these pieces of content together is what creates your brand.
Every time someone clicks on your article or image, you're instilling name recognition. By delivering content that's aligned to your brand (AKA building that library), your work will become recognizably yours. Eventually, when someone is in need of your type of product or service, you'll be at the top of their mind.
Use powerful and creative images that represent your brand's aesthetic. This is especially important for social media, where it's easy for us to keep on scrolling if an image doesn't grab our attention right away. Utilize stock photos sites that allow you to mock up or customize your images so that they’re unique to your brand.
You didn't think all this content creation was meant to be used once, then gone forever, right? Of course not! If you find a particular image or article resonated well with your audience, post it again down the road. Building brand awareness is a cumulative effort, so don't be discouraged if a piece of content doesn't succeed as well as you hoped.
Use mockups to tailor messages that fit your brand, like this retro phone mockup from Shamblen Studios!
3. Helps SEO
If you're using utilizing SEO, then you're increasing your chances for a potential customer to find you. Use keywords within every image and article that's relevant to your brand. When someone searches for those keywords in a search engine, your website will show up in the results.
SEO can take a while to truly kick in, which is why it's important to start now if you haven't already. Go back to your old blog posts and revamp them by adding keywords throughout your articles and images.
Pro tip: use this branding cheat sheet every time you create content to ensure it aligns with your audience and goals!
4. Creates leads
Every time you share a new piece of content, you're increasing your chances of getting your work in front of new eyes. When you spark someone's interest with your content, you're creating that initial relationship, or generating a lead.
Ensure that you're utilizing social networks to share your content. For me, I find Instagram and Pinterest to be my best sources for generating leads. See what channels work best for your business and direct your focus on them.
5. Establishes your expertise
What makes you the best in your field? Why should someone choose you over a competitor? Show off your wisdom!
Besides helping potential customers solve a problem, regularly creating content is a great way to establish how knowledgeable you are in your field. If you're an SEO expert, talk about ways you can improve on SEO. If you're an interior designer, teach some basic do's and don'ts of creating a space.
Discuss your topics in depth and prove to your potential client that you know your stuff.
Where content creation used to be a way to stand apart, it's now an essential marketing technique to any online business in the modern world. Create content that inspires, educates, or entertains your audience. Use high quality photos to stand out and use relevant keywords within your articles. Eventually, you'll build trust with your viewers. Above all, having a consistent content creation schedule is essential in ensuring that you have a steady flow of leads.
Most of all—don’t forget to grab your Branding Check List below to ensure you’re consistent with your content creation!
