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Simple Tips to Make Time for Content Marketing

As a business owner, you know that you should be doing certain things to marketing your business online; content marketing like blogging, creating videos, press releases, building links, connecting with other industry professionals, branding through social communities, consumer and client engagement.

So let’s say that you’re even acutely aware of the need for all of that – but where do find time?

With all the work on your plate, your to-do list probably resembles the pre-trip checklist for the maiden voyage of the Titanic, and  “don’t sink” is #1.  Everything else is supposed to keep #1 going strong.  The problem is getting all of the tasks done in order to stay afloat.

And now we want to add content marketing and mobile marketing…and social media marketing on top of that?

I feel your pain.

Content Marketing – Taking an Example from Real Estate

Here’s an interesting figure: more than 80% of home buyers turn to the web for information when they’re considering purchasing a home, a foreclosure or getting information on a mortgage.  That’s a big change from the old practice of casing neighborhoods and picking out a home like you’re on a used car lot.

For a real estate agency, that means that the majority of their customers are now trying to find homes online as opposed to writing down addresses and phone numbers from “For Sale” realty signs.

A perfect example of an opportunity where content marketing can draw in customers.

That agent could utilize blogs, videos, tips on choosing contractors, a quick eBook that dissects local neighborhoods and highlights the great offerings they have, etc.  Optimize the content marketing for targeted keywords and it makes that content far more visible.  In addition, that content can help people making a closing decision whereby they reach out to that agent.

A Life Without Content Marketing

If you decide to avoid content marketing, or you skip the chance to get involved in social media marketing, you’re bypassing an unlimited number of opportunities to interact with potential as well as existing customers.

Intentionally leaving content marketing to the side is like an ice cream truck driver who opts to travel through an under-developed subdivision instead of the neighborhood two blocks over with children and families playing in their yards.  Eventually, the ice cream truck driver is going to have to close up shop unless he changes tactics.

To survive, you need to supplement your existing marketing with the new age of social media and content marketing.

Finding the Time for Content Marketing

So you understand the need, but that still doesn’t solve the problem of finding the time.  Content marketing doesn’t have to be all-consuming.  The key to success is with consistency.  This will help you develop a balance in your schedule that makes it easy to add content marketing to your to-do list in a way that won’t overwhelm you.

Start here:

• Create a time slot a few days a week to do some research, reading and listening into what’s trending in your industry and what your customers are talking about.  Use this insight to help develop topics.
• Schedule a few minutes each morning  and in the afternoon to check and update your social media profiles, share some content and respond to others or join conversations.
• Once a day, comment on a blog relevant to your industry and share something of value
• Consider the posts you read and commented on – is there a way you can create a new angle or perspective that you can share on your blog?
• Blog once a week for your business and share something insightful, relevant and interesting as it pertains not only to your industry but to the interests of your audience.

You don’t need to spend half your day scour social media for content to share, begrudgingly writing post after post for your blog.  You also don’t need to invest thousands of dollars in the salary for a community manager.  You just need to manage your time with a consistent strategy.  If you’re still struggling, consider reaching out to an agency that specializes in building search and social strategies, who can assist you in getting the ball rolling with your content marketing.

Sometimes taking the first steps is the hardest part – content marketing always gets easier from there.