What’s inside the article: Have you ever wondered what the difference is between content marketing vs. social media marketing? Here is everything you need to know about the benefits of content marketing and the trends to look out for in 2021.
We’re about to enter 2021 and leave this crazy year behind (although some of this craziness might come with us). Hands up if you want to get a head start on your marketing plan for next year? Do you have some big goals in your business, or you just want to feel really prepared and on top of it?
Well, we’re about to get really clear on the importance of content marketing vs. social media marketing. And, we’re going to showcase some great content marketing examples and big trends to look out for in 2021.
We whole-heartedly believe that brands live long healthy lives online when they integrate content marketing into their plan and not JUST rely on social media marketing. And, by the end of this post, you will too. So grab that pen and paper (too old-school?) and take some notes.
Content Marketing vs. Social Media Marketing – What You Need to Know
What is content marketing and how does it compare to social media marketing?
Content marketing is your strategic approach to creating valuable, relevant, and consistent content that is founded by your mission, your goals and your audience. By creating strategic content in this way you can attract, and importantly, retain your ideal clients. But the most important thing about content marketing is the big picture: considering where a brand fits into the digital space the most.
Content marketing is taking content and putting it in the right places. Social media marketing is JUST marketing on social media.
Social media marketing is an element of content marketing, but here’s why it’s important to consider content marketing vs. social media marketing when you are mapping out your brand’s plan for the new year:
1. Content marketing give you more opportunities to grow your business
The benefit of content marketing is that it opens up so many more opportunities to get your message and brand out there, and in the right places, and also seen in multiple places. Content marketing also considers email marketing, Google and SEO, video content, ads and brand awareness, outreach and partnership strategies. We’ll get into more of this later.
2. Social media could disappear
It is scary to hear, but social media is out of your control. It’s owned by big corporations who have the power to do what they want with the platform, even turn it off. We saw the threat with Tiktok a few months ago. If you are solely relying on social media what will you do if it is ever taken away from you?
3. Content marketing allows you to hold onto customers in different areas
Have you heard the phrase ‘don’t put all of your eggs in one basket?. By having a connected audience on various platforms, engaging with different forms of related content you are creating a great mixture of people that are connected to you and your brand. It also means that if one platform were to go down, you and your business would be ok.
Here are some examples of content marketing:
Here comes the juicy bit, where you can take these content marketing examples and use them in your own business.
Email Marketing (or as we like to call it ‘your new best friend’)
There are so many misconceptions about email marketing. Some people believe that email marketing is just spam or that it is too much hard work. But, by using your content marketing strategy you can hone in on what it is that you want to share with this audience. You want to provide value-driven content that speaks directly to your ideal client. Done right, email marketing can generate more inquiries and more money, than many other platforms.
So, build that audience.
Provide a ‘can’t say no to’ incentive or lead magnet to get people to sign up.
Promote, promote, promote
Provide relevant, valuable and conscious content
Repeat
We have a ton of support and advice on growing your email list, generating leads and ultimately increasing your revenue. Check out our guide here.
Blog, Blog Blog
In the world of content marketing vs. social media marketing, this is where content marketing shines. Blogging is not dead, and if you thought so, tell whoever told you that to come to talk to us. Blogging is a great way to give your audience lots of valuable content that helps them to solve a problem, learn something and increase their love for your brand. (We know you are loving this).
Blogging helps you to spread your expertise to the masses and it brings those masses to your website. Using SEO and keywords, you can reach your target audience through blogging.
Not to mention, blogging helps give your website street cred. So much more so than social media. Being popular on Google is oh so much better than being popular on the gram. Don’t shoot the messenger.
Video and Podcasts
Personal connection is a huge draw for people to engage with you and your business. People buy people, and they need to know you in order to know if they want to work with you. Video and podcasts are a sure-fire way to sell yourself and your expertise.
Social Media
Social media IS a type of content marketing! It’s a really important one. But can you see that it isn’t the only one? Scrolling on Instagram is one of the most popular activities out there, with all of us spending on average 53 minutes a day on there! Making it one of the most effective platforms to showcase your brand, build an engaged audience and grow your business, all for free (for now). Don’t forget Facebook and Facebook groups for finding like-minded individuals and job opportunities. There is also Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest (ok, this is technically a search engine). Find out more about the best social media channels to be on here.
Can you see how having a content marketing strategy and content in the right places can open up a whole new world of opportunity? Now let’s focus on the trends for 2021, so you can get that marketing plan done…
Trend #1 – Video is king
Yes, video is king, it’s the hot topic, and it’s set to get even hotter in 2021. Instagram reels are the best form of engagement on the platform with an average 2.7% engagement rate, compared to 2.2% for grid videos. We have seen explainer videos, tutorials, live streams to all get more and more traction. Shoppable videos will become a thing.
Trend #2 – Facebook Ads are in hot water
People are getting tired of the slow to no organic growth. Sure, Facebook is great for group connections, group programmes and finding some job opportunities but promoting your own business takes some marketing budget.
As we mentioned earlier, you are not in control of social media. In October 2020, Mark Zuckerberg changed the algorithm to send traffic to specific Facebook approved websites. Many people are turning away from this highly controlled platform.
Trend #3 – Google is always a great idea
Did you know that Google processes around 3.5 billion searches a day? Having a website, blog or any content searchable is a must. SEO should be a top priority for you to get your content in front of your ideal clients.
Trend #4 – Competition is high, how do you stand out
Many people might be able to do what you do, but they aren’t you. You are your unique selling point. After all, people buy people, so put yourself out there. Create a content marketing strategy that looks at building different types of content with your strong message for different places. Use the start of the year to test out what works and what doesn’t work for your business.
Do you want to find out more about content marketing? Would you like some help?
Contact us for a free discovery call.
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