They have devised a system for sharing the history of your business with the assistance of milestones and photographs. By using milestones along your new Timeline, you can create a sense of telling a story. Your audience will have the opportunity to see how your business has grown and changed over time by the milestones you choose.
Your first milestone will be generated by Facebook asking you for the date that your business was founded. This makes it easy to get started and to begin assembling your story through milestones. There are several events that come to mind that would be perfect for choosing milestones for. Some events that might be perfect for marking with a milestone might be when your business went public, when acquisitions were made, when buildings were expanded, or when ownership changed hands. There are some fun milestones that you can add also, such as when your company earned its first dollar, when your logo was created or changed and when new services or products were added.
Some great advice to consider is to try to include events that were happening in the world at certain times. The focus should always remain on your business, but it adds interest to place your business events in the midst of world events that viewers can relate to. How fun is it to embed a few events like man's first walk on the moon or the introduction of the first laptop computer into the Timeline with your company's important events? This will certainly make your business timeline more memorable to your viewing audience.
Adding photographs to your timeline is also a good idea for adding interest. People love to see pictures of what a business looked like when it started out compared to what it looks like today. Don't forget that interior photos are as desirable as exterior ones. Sure, it's great to see the front of your business with your sign proudly displayed in front, but people are also interested in seeing what it looks like inside too. Another photograph that holds great appeal is one of any partners or staff you might have.This is sure to add a more personal touch and attract potential customers.
Facebook also allows you the option to hide your milestones from the news feeds of your fans...but why? If you build a Timeline complete with well thought out milestones and images connected with your business, then share them!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6932029
Thursday 29 March 2012
Tuesday 27 March 2012
Pinterest Updates Privacy Policy, Terms of Service
The world’s 12 million pinning addicts have some changes headed their way.
Pinterest users will be held to new terms of service and have to follow updated acceptable use and privacy policies beginning April 6.
A Saturday morning email to users of the image-based social network from Pinterest CEO Ben Silbermann sheds some light on the reasoning behind the changes. It reads in part:
Over the last few weeks, we’ve been working on an update to our Terms. When we first launched Pinterest, we used a standard set of Terms. We think that the updated Terms of Service, Acceptable Use Policy, and Privacy Policy are easier to understand and better reflect the direction our company is headed in the future.
The changes follow an influx of complaints and inquiries about the legality of Pinterest users essentially copying and pasting pictures, regardless of copyright, from the Internet onto pinboards.
In the notice to users, Pinterest also responds to questions about the bookmarking site making money from pins. Pinterest has only acknowledged profitting from pins directing users to buy products on merchant sites.
“Our original Terms stated that by posting content to Pinterest you grant Pinterest the right for us to sell your content,” reads the email. “Selling content was never our intention and we removed this from our updated Terms.”
Another addition to the all-public pinboard system will be private pinning. When that will become available is not yet known, however.
Silbermann said a Pinterest API is on the way, too, meaning we’ll likely see more Pinterest-related applications soon. The API will allow developers to build applications using or revolving around Pinterest. Consumers will be more likely to show their image-and-text pins on third-party websites, and developers are already tracking the release of the API. An unofficial Pinterest API group on Facebook has more than 870 members.
There is also a shift on what users can pin. New pinning restrictions cover content that “[Pinterest] deem[s] to be hateful, violent, harmful, abusive, racially or ethnically offensive, defamatory, etc.” Pictures relating to harm, death, disability or disfigurement to yourself, other people or animals are prohibited.
The updated terms and policies attempt to bring the answers users have been seeking to the forefront. Pinterest explains they made the usage guidelines bare-bones to facilitate comprehension. Sections are numbered with several explainers.
The old terms of service simply laid out sections like how Pinterest works, general prohibitions, liability and eligibility. Now, there are specifications to how the company and other users can use content that is posted publicly.
There is also a new section about terminating accounts, which details how long your pins will stay on the network. The answer? “Pinterest may retain your User Content for a commercially reasonable period of time for backup, archival, or audit purposes.”
Expect more changes to Pinterest as the social network continues to grow in popularity.
“Like everything at Pinterest, these updates are a work in progress that we will continue to improve upon.”
Do you think these changes are good for Pinterest? Let us know in the comments.
Pinterest users will be held to new terms of service and have to follow updated acceptable use and privacy policies beginning April 6.
A Saturday morning email to users of the image-based social network from Pinterest CEO Ben Silbermann sheds some light on the reasoning behind the changes. It reads in part:
Over the last few weeks, we’ve been working on an update to our Terms. When we first launched Pinterest, we used a standard set of Terms. We think that the updated Terms of Service, Acceptable Use Policy, and Privacy Policy are easier to understand and better reflect the direction our company is headed in the future.
The changes follow an influx of complaints and inquiries about the legality of Pinterest users essentially copying and pasting pictures, regardless of copyright, from the Internet onto pinboards.
In the notice to users, Pinterest also responds to questions about the bookmarking site making money from pins. Pinterest has only acknowledged profitting from pins directing users to buy products on merchant sites.
“Our original Terms stated that by posting content to Pinterest you grant Pinterest the right for us to sell your content,” reads the email. “Selling content was never our intention and we removed this from our updated Terms.”
Another addition to the all-public pinboard system will be private pinning. When that will become available is not yet known, however.
Silbermann said a Pinterest API is on the way, too, meaning we’ll likely see more Pinterest-related applications soon. The API will allow developers to build applications using or revolving around Pinterest. Consumers will be more likely to show their image-and-text pins on third-party websites, and developers are already tracking the release of the API. An unofficial Pinterest API group on Facebook has more than 870 members.
There is also a shift on what users can pin. New pinning restrictions cover content that “[Pinterest] deem[s] to be hateful, violent, harmful, abusive, racially or ethnically offensive, defamatory, etc.” Pictures relating to harm, death, disability or disfigurement to yourself, other people or animals are prohibited.
The updated terms and policies attempt to bring the answers users have been seeking to the forefront. Pinterest explains they made the usage guidelines bare-bones to facilitate comprehension. Sections are numbered with several explainers.
The old terms of service simply laid out sections like how Pinterest works, general prohibitions, liability and eligibility. Now, there are specifications to how the company and other users can use content that is posted publicly.
There is also a new section about terminating accounts, which details how long your pins will stay on the network. The answer? “Pinterest may retain your User Content for a commercially reasonable period of time for backup, archival, or audit purposes.”
Expect more changes to Pinterest as the social network continues to grow in popularity.
“Like everything at Pinterest, these updates are a work in progress that we will continue to improve upon.”
Do you think these changes are good for Pinterest? Let us know in the comments.
Thursday 22 March 2012
Be A Twitter Superstar With These Power Tips
Twitter is one of the most powerful avenues you can use to get your message out into cyberspace. If you want the most bang for your buck, here are a few tips that might help!
Be interesting - Your tweets need to consist of 140 characters that are useful and resonate with your followers. For example, if you are tweeting mainly for your landscaping business, those recipes and beauty tweets might not be appreciated. However, if your niche is focused on Moms, those mouth watering cookies and simple make-up tips will probably be much appreciated!
Be interested - A genuine interest IN your followers will make you a Twitter super star. Be big-hearted with re-tweets and recommendations. It's a way of saying, "I like what you're doing and I want others to take note."
Don't be a complainer - Who wants to tie up their day listening to negative comments? Be smart here. Post positive comments.
Spread the word - Want people to connect with you? Let them know it! Put it on your business card, your e-mail signature, blog, Facebook page, etc. Be sure others know you want them to connect with you on Twitter. And while you're spreading the word there, be sure your Twitter profile includes a current picture (very important), don't hide behind your logo, and also make sure your bio has a link to your site!
Pay attention to your stream - If others aren't following you, there's a reason. Either you aren't engaging enough or the tweets you send out aren't interesting or relevant. Also, no need to follow people that don't follow you. Clean up your own Twitter stream. Go ahead... unfollow those who aren't engaging with you!
Bonus Tip: Never buy Twitter followers. It's silly and unproductive. Who needs a lot of fake followers? If you tweet useful links, good content, and re-tweet others, you'll attract your target audience!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6938260
Be interesting - Your tweets need to consist of 140 characters that are useful and resonate with your followers. For example, if you are tweeting mainly for your landscaping business, those recipes and beauty tweets might not be appreciated. However, if your niche is focused on Moms, those mouth watering cookies and simple make-up tips will probably be much appreciated!
Be interested - A genuine interest IN your followers will make you a Twitter super star. Be big-hearted with re-tweets and recommendations. It's a way of saying, "I like what you're doing and I want others to take note."
Don't be a complainer - Who wants to tie up their day listening to negative comments? Be smart here. Post positive comments.
Spread the word - Want people to connect with you? Let them know it! Put it on your business card, your e-mail signature, blog, Facebook page, etc. Be sure others know you want them to connect with you on Twitter. And while you're spreading the word there, be sure your Twitter profile includes a current picture (very important), don't hide behind your logo, and also make sure your bio has a link to your site!
Pay attention to your stream - If others aren't following you, there's a reason. Either you aren't engaging enough or the tweets you send out aren't interesting or relevant. Also, no need to follow people that don't follow you. Clean up your own Twitter stream. Go ahead... unfollow those who aren't engaging with you!
Bonus Tip: Never buy Twitter followers. It's silly and unproductive. Who needs a lot of fake followers? If you tweet useful links, good content, and re-tweet others, you'll attract your target audience!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6938260
Thursday 15 March 2012
How Can Google+ Benefit Your Business?
Brands that have embraced internet marketing know that there is no simple fix, with a constant battle within the search engine results pages (SERPs) for that coveted first place. Particularly for online retailers keeping traffic high and converting those into customers is vital. Hence why search engine optimisation (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) as a whole is on the rise, year after year.
2012 brings yet more challenges and innovations, with the introduction and Google+ in 2011, that has seen the new social media platform achieve an incredible 100 million users, in a short period of time. With a projected 400 million users by December 2012 it has become obvious why businesses must take notice.
Yes, most brands have created a Twitter and Facebook account and continue to be pro-active within social media. So why must everyone accept another contender that will add to the current work being carried out?. Well the new social media offers something new that many people consider 'fresh'. After all Facebook has been around since 2004 and the recent changes have not been widely accepted by users. So, with a user base that is projected to reach 400 million within a year, combined with the possible demise of Facebook all brands and companies must take action now.
Google+ pages can help brands connect and interact with customers and fans. With options of a +1 within the SERPs and for sharing content or adding the brand to their circles can allow for long term communication and increased visibility. With the recent implementation of Google+ within the SERPS, otherwise known as 'Search, Plus Your World' brings Google+ content to users along with other relevant search results in the SERPs.
In the near future Google+ will soon be fully integrated with YouTube, again creating new opportunities. By creating a one-stop-shop for all customers and fans. Not forgetting that Google has an incredibly diverse product portfolio and with integration into Google+ could mean that Google Checkout, Google Maps, Google Products, and so on means that the potential for the new social network for brands and business is very exciting.
Also, Google+ can have the biggest benefit for smaller brands and businesses. As no matter the size and revenue each brand has the opportunity to present themselves in similar ways. By adopting all of Google products can help increase brand search terms and overall visibility. With little set-up time and available to absolutely everyone.
Here are several tips for those new to Google+:
- Benefit from Google+ circles and post to each circle with relevant information.
- Don't just post content, but also engage and comment on other postings and follow users.
- Don't forget about other social networking platforms, Facebook and Twitter are here to stay.
- Hold you're very own hangout and go the extra mile on providing useful information.
- Be patient! It takes time to create a following.
- There are many brands already present on Google+, such as H&M, Sony and many others. See what everyone else is doing and try to be innovative.
- Don't forget to include the Google+ badge on your website.
Remember that whenever including social media within any search engine optimisation campaign it's vital that every brand is seen to engage with customers. This means that to be able to create an established following frequent postings with new content and engaging with fans and customers will help create foundations of a successful campaign. Set up your Google+ business page today and see what benefits it can bring to your business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6895310
2012 brings yet more challenges and innovations, with the introduction and Google+ in 2011, that has seen the new social media platform achieve an incredible 100 million users, in a short period of time. With a projected 400 million users by December 2012 it has become obvious why businesses must take notice.
Yes, most brands have created a Twitter and Facebook account and continue to be pro-active within social media. So why must everyone accept another contender that will add to the current work being carried out?. Well the new social media offers something new that many people consider 'fresh'. After all Facebook has been around since 2004 and the recent changes have not been widely accepted by users. So, with a user base that is projected to reach 400 million within a year, combined with the possible demise of Facebook all brands and companies must take action now.
Google+ pages can help brands connect and interact with customers and fans. With options of a +1 within the SERPs and for sharing content or adding the brand to their circles can allow for long term communication and increased visibility. With the recent implementation of Google+ within the SERPS, otherwise known as 'Search, Plus Your World' brings Google+ content to users along with other relevant search results in the SERPs.
In the near future Google+ will soon be fully integrated with YouTube, again creating new opportunities. By creating a one-stop-shop for all customers and fans. Not forgetting that Google has an incredibly diverse product portfolio and with integration into Google+ could mean that Google Checkout, Google Maps, Google Products, and so on means that the potential for the new social network for brands and business is very exciting.
Also, Google+ can have the biggest benefit for smaller brands and businesses. As no matter the size and revenue each brand has the opportunity to present themselves in similar ways. By adopting all of Google products can help increase brand search terms and overall visibility. With little set-up time and available to absolutely everyone.
Here are several tips for those new to Google+:
- Benefit from Google+ circles and post to each circle with relevant information.
- Don't just post content, but also engage and comment on other postings and follow users.
- Don't forget about other social networking platforms, Facebook and Twitter are here to stay.
- Hold you're very own hangout and go the extra mile on providing useful information.
- Be patient! It takes time to create a following.
- There are many brands already present on Google+, such as H&M, Sony and many others. See what everyone else is doing and try to be innovative.
- Don't forget to include the Google+ badge on your website.
Remember that whenever including social media within any search engine optimisation campaign it's vital that every brand is seen to engage with customers. This means that to be able to create an established following frequent postings with new content and engaging with fans and customers will help create foundations of a successful campaign. Set up your Google+ business page today and see what benefits it can bring to your business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6895310
Tuesday 13 March 2012
The Best Way to Promote Yourself on Twitter
For a few days now, we have had some interest in our opinions on how to appropriately use Twitter marketing software such as Tweet Adder and Tweet Whistle, so we decided we'd offer our views with you here. We've had problems as well as many, many successes and it all makes for high-quality suggestions and good advice.
So here are our best Twitter marketing tips, we've put on screen for you...
Some things to consider before starting; if you're employing Tweet Adder, automate it to unfollow users who have not followed you in return after a few days. Let's be honest, if the member are not regular to Twitter then you wouldn't want them to be a follower and if they are they'll most likely have overlooked your follow request and 3 days is more than enough of a period for them to reciprocate. In addition before you begin to follow users make sure you have at least 5 normal and intriguing messages on your account. Would you follow someone back who has no posts at all or a person with a considerable amount of promotional material on their profile?
If your Twitter page is brand new and you've just started using it, using your Twitter marketing tools, follow up to 50 members per day for the first few weeks or so. Don't purely add 500 members to your list for the reason that you will be banned from Twitter. This possibly will sound a little sluggish however to have a lucrative Twitter marketing promotion you'll need to have some patience. As you are getting users onto your list unfollow the users who have not followed you in return using the settings that you've assigned in Tweet Adder. This'll keep your ratio looking more believable to your potential brand new members.
After a couple of weeks has gone by, tot up your following to around one hundred a day, ensuring to follow the tips that we have mentioned before. Then go of your own accord into it effortlessly and add users of your own accord (obviously, within reason).
Keep in mind to add your own set of laws to the listing as you gather familiarity as each Twitter experience is distinctive. And make sure that your content is always fresh as well as advertising to the members...we can offer all the suggestions in the world but the most focal element is down to you; being yourself.
However we would not have so many successful Twitter marketing campaigns if it wasn't for software like Tweet Adder which as suggested above above, if used correctly, is completely safe.
So here are our best Twitter marketing tips, we've put on screen for you...
Some things to consider before starting; if you're employing Tweet Adder, automate it to unfollow users who have not followed you in return after a few days. Let's be honest, if the member are not regular to Twitter then you wouldn't want them to be a follower and if they are they'll most likely have overlooked your follow request and 3 days is more than enough of a period for them to reciprocate. In addition before you begin to follow users make sure you have at least 5 normal and intriguing messages on your account. Would you follow someone back who has no posts at all or a person with a considerable amount of promotional material on their profile?
If your Twitter page is brand new and you've just started using it, using your Twitter marketing tools, follow up to 50 members per day for the first few weeks or so. Don't purely add 500 members to your list for the reason that you will be banned from Twitter. This possibly will sound a little sluggish however to have a lucrative Twitter marketing promotion you'll need to have some patience. As you are getting users onto your list unfollow the users who have not followed you in return using the settings that you've assigned in Tweet Adder. This'll keep your ratio looking more believable to your potential brand new members.
After a couple of weeks has gone by, tot up your following to around one hundred a day, ensuring to follow the tips that we have mentioned before. Then go of your own accord into it effortlessly and add users of your own accord (obviously, within reason).
Keep in mind to add your own set of laws to the listing as you gather familiarity as each Twitter experience is distinctive. And make sure that your content is always fresh as well as advertising to the members...we can offer all the suggestions in the world but the most focal element is down to you; being yourself.
However we would not have so many successful Twitter marketing campaigns if it wasn't for software like Tweet Adder which as suggested above above, if used correctly, is completely safe.
Thursday 8 March 2012
5 Ways to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is a great way to market yourself as a professional. It's not much use for a business as a whole, but if you're a freelancer, contractor or independent consultant it's one of the most important digital business cards you can have, and you neglect it at your peril. Despite being around for a while, I'm amazed at how some people just fail at using their LinkedIn profiles to sell themselves.
Before I make a list, there's just one thing I want to say about LinkedIn - it is not Facebook. That means that Facebook rules and customs do not apply. You want to be connected to everyone you've ever met, and everyone they've ever met - because you never know when one of those connections will turn into a business opportunity.
1. Your profile picture
As I just said, this is not Facebook. Don't have a picture of you in your bikini, or chugging beer with your bros. Get a professional picture taken, or use a good one of you in a suit. The more professional you look, the more seriously people will take you. And don't forget to smile - it's not a passport photo.
2. Think hard about your professional headline
Your LinkedIn profile allows you to add a "professional headline". This isn't a Facebook status to be changed every day, or a place for you to be funny. It needs to be 10 or fewer words describing what you do, and it needs to be as specific as possible. A good example is "Online Marketing and SEO Consultant for the medical equipment sector." A bad example is "I'm an online marketer, casual baseball player and a follower of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour amen". You get the idea.
3. Spend time organising your portfolio
Whether or not you work online, you can usually find something to add to your portfolio on LinkedIn. It takes a little bit of fiddling to get the hang of it, but it is well worth devoting time to. Get rid of the default descriptions like "my website" and put something interesting in there that tells recruiters and businesses what the website/project is, and what your involvement in it was.
4. Create a vanity URL
Vanity URLs are something that Facebook introduced a few years ago, and LinkedIn followed suit. It changes the URL of your profile from "LinkedIn.com/23u409832ur0u" (for example) to LinkedIn.com/JoeBloggsConsulting. If you can't get your name, then get something close to it. Don't use a nickname like "Jojo99" - it's not MSN messenger.
5. Write a good summary, and don't forget SEO
You have the opportunity to write a 2,000 word summary. You don't have to use up the word count (and nobody will read the whole thing if you do) but spend a good hour or so drafting a good page of writing here. Focus on keywords that are good for how you're trying to market yourself (use the Google AdWords Keyword Selector Tool for ideas). Divide it into sections with sub-headings if it helps, but for the love of Batman use paragraphs!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6832109
Before I make a list, there's just one thing I want to say about LinkedIn - it is not Facebook. That means that Facebook rules and customs do not apply. You want to be connected to everyone you've ever met, and everyone they've ever met - because you never know when one of those connections will turn into a business opportunity.
1. Your profile picture
As I just said, this is not Facebook. Don't have a picture of you in your bikini, or chugging beer with your bros. Get a professional picture taken, or use a good one of you in a suit. The more professional you look, the more seriously people will take you. And don't forget to smile - it's not a passport photo.
2. Think hard about your professional headline
Your LinkedIn profile allows you to add a "professional headline". This isn't a Facebook status to be changed every day, or a place for you to be funny. It needs to be 10 or fewer words describing what you do, and it needs to be as specific as possible. A good example is "Online Marketing and SEO Consultant for the medical equipment sector." A bad example is "I'm an online marketer, casual baseball player and a follower of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour amen". You get the idea.
3. Spend time organising your portfolio
Whether or not you work online, you can usually find something to add to your portfolio on LinkedIn. It takes a little bit of fiddling to get the hang of it, but it is well worth devoting time to. Get rid of the default descriptions like "my website" and put something interesting in there that tells recruiters and businesses what the website/project is, and what your involvement in it was.
4. Create a vanity URL
Vanity URLs are something that Facebook introduced a few years ago, and LinkedIn followed suit. It changes the URL of your profile from "LinkedIn.com/23u409832ur0u" (for example) to LinkedIn.com/JoeBloggsConsulting. If you can't get your name, then get something close to it. Don't use a nickname like "Jojo99" - it's not MSN messenger.
5. Write a good summary, and don't forget SEO
You have the opportunity to write a 2,000 word summary. You don't have to use up the word count (and nobody will read the whole thing if you do) but spend a good hour or so drafting a good page of writing here. Focus on keywords that are good for how you're trying to market yourself (use the Google AdWords Keyword Selector Tool for ideas). Divide it into sections with sub-headings if it helps, but for the love of Batman use paragraphs!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6832109
Tuesday 6 March 2012
5 Content Marketing Tips To Include In Your Social Strategy
Content is king. That’s not the first time you’ve heard that, nor will it be your last. I do have a question though" Why aren’t more dealerships creating more content? One of the most effective and low-cost ways to drive traffic is through the creation of relevant and engaging content.
Content can be blog posts, videos, podcasts, status updates on Facebook, Tweets and much more. In this post I’m going to give you tips on what to include in your content marketing strategy that will help you to attract and influence more people to become your customers.
Keep in mind though, while reading this post, that it is but one part of your overall inbound marketing plan, a big part, but it is just one piece of the overall puzzle. Get this right and the rest will fall into place without much problem. So, are you ready?
Create A Content Creation Calendar
That’s right, plan! An editorial calendar will help you stick to your overall content marketing goal. By creating and sticking to an editorial calendar you will limit the time scratching your head wondering what to write about. Also, you should continually add to the calendar as you move along. I like to stay a month ahead, that way I’m never fighting for something to write about.
Another idea is to download the Evernote app to your iPhone or Android device so that whenever ideas strike, you can write a note to yourself to add it to the calendar. Of course you can use any app you like but I like the fact that Evernote syncs to both your desktop and the web, ensuring that no matter where you are you will have access to your notes.
Out of ideas? Read. Read as many in industry blogs and out of industry blogs as possible. Seek out the blogs of other non-competing dealerships for ideas. Also, remember that you can repurpose your content. What is a blog post this week can be a video a month or so later. Or even a slideshow, podcast, status update or even an image. In other words, one idea could be half a dozen
Optimize Your Content For Search
When writing your titles make sure that you do a little research to figure out what people are searching for in your local market. Then ensure that your key phrases are sprinkled throughout the body of your post or in the descriptions of your video or podcast.. Don’t overdo it, be natural and stick to your topic. As an example you could write a post about finding a repair shop and title it, “5 Things Your Need To Know Before Choosing A Repair Shop In Denver.”
Be sure to include the name of the city, it well help to keep your content local. Notice how the title draws you in with a promised list of 5 things you need to know. That brings me to my next tip.
Create Interesting Titles To Peak Interest
Think of your title as your headline, it’s what people will see that will encourage them to want to click on your content in order to consume it. I’ve always liked short lists, if you take a look at my blog you will see that I use the number 5 a lot, even in this article!
5 Steps To Connecting With The Movers And Shakers On LinkedIn
5 Reasons To Aim For Social Depth Over Social Breadth
5 Things You Need To Know BEFORE Designing Your Social Media Strategy
I use 5 because it’s not to long and it’s not too short and gets people to act. In fact Two of the above posts were syndicated on SocialMediaToday.com and have over 20,000 combined views! If the titles were poorly thought out, people wouldn’t have clicked on it, no matter how good the content was.
Have A Call To Action
Everything you create should have some sort of call to action. If it’s a picture that you post on Facebook, ask a question about it to get people to respond. If it’s a blog post ask people to leave a comment giving their opinion of something you said. If it’s a video tell people to give you a call to schedule their next vehicle check-up. Whatever it is, ask people to act even if it’s to check out another piece of content that you’ve created.
Create A Downloadable eBook
Create something of value to get people to download so that you can add them to your email list. A few ideas:
The 10 Irrefutable Laws Of Car Shopping
5 Ways To Spot A Bad Car Deal
7 Tips To Ensure That You Get Top Dollar For Your Trade
10 Maintenance Tips That Will Keep You Out of The Repair Shop
The list can go on and on, the idea is to create compelling content that people want to read. From there you can create a lead nurturing campaign to turn those people into leads
Content can be blog posts, videos, podcasts, status updates on Facebook, Tweets and much more. In this post I’m going to give you tips on what to include in your content marketing strategy that will help you to attract and influence more people to become your customers.
Keep in mind though, while reading this post, that it is but one part of your overall inbound marketing plan, a big part, but it is just one piece of the overall puzzle. Get this right and the rest will fall into place without much problem. So, are you ready?
Create A Content Creation Calendar
That’s right, plan! An editorial calendar will help you stick to your overall content marketing goal. By creating and sticking to an editorial calendar you will limit the time scratching your head wondering what to write about. Also, you should continually add to the calendar as you move along. I like to stay a month ahead, that way I’m never fighting for something to write about.
Another idea is to download the Evernote app to your iPhone or Android device so that whenever ideas strike, you can write a note to yourself to add it to the calendar. Of course you can use any app you like but I like the fact that Evernote syncs to both your desktop and the web, ensuring that no matter where you are you will have access to your notes.
Out of ideas? Read. Read as many in industry blogs and out of industry blogs as possible. Seek out the blogs of other non-competing dealerships for ideas. Also, remember that you can repurpose your content. What is a blog post this week can be a video a month or so later. Or even a slideshow, podcast, status update or even an image. In other words, one idea could be half a dozen
Optimize Your Content For Search
When writing your titles make sure that you do a little research to figure out what people are searching for in your local market. Then ensure that your key phrases are sprinkled throughout the body of your post or in the descriptions of your video or podcast.. Don’t overdo it, be natural and stick to your topic. As an example you could write a post about finding a repair shop and title it, “5 Things Your Need To Know Before Choosing A Repair Shop In Denver.”
Be sure to include the name of the city, it well help to keep your content local. Notice how the title draws you in with a promised list of 5 things you need to know. That brings me to my next tip.
Create Interesting Titles To Peak Interest
Think of your title as your headline, it’s what people will see that will encourage them to want to click on your content in order to consume it. I’ve always liked short lists, if you take a look at my blog you will see that I use the number 5 a lot, even in this article!
5 Steps To Connecting With The Movers And Shakers On LinkedIn
5 Reasons To Aim For Social Depth Over Social Breadth
5 Things You Need To Know BEFORE Designing Your Social Media Strategy
I use 5 because it’s not to long and it’s not too short and gets people to act. In fact Two of the above posts were syndicated on SocialMediaToday.com and have over 20,000 combined views! If the titles were poorly thought out, people wouldn’t have clicked on it, no matter how good the content was.
Have A Call To Action
Everything you create should have some sort of call to action. If it’s a picture that you post on Facebook, ask a question about it to get people to respond. If it’s a blog post ask people to leave a comment giving their opinion of something you said. If it’s a video tell people to give you a call to schedule their next vehicle check-up. Whatever it is, ask people to act even if it’s to check out another piece of content that you’ve created.
Create A Downloadable eBook
Create something of value to get people to download so that you can add them to your email list. A few ideas:
The 10 Irrefutable Laws Of Car Shopping
5 Ways To Spot A Bad Car Deal
7 Tips To Ensure That You Get Top Dollar For Your Trade
10 Maintenance Tips That Will Keep You Out of The Repair Shop
The list can go on and on, the idea is to create compelling content that people want to read. From there you can create a lead nurturing campaign to turn those people into leads
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