radiant-blog-first-slider_01
The Content Marketing Strategy Checklist

THE CONTENT MARKETING STRATEGY CHECKLIST

>> Download the PDF here to read later! <<

WE NEED GREAT CONTENT.

IS IT:

    • Findable. Can the user find the content? (Include links to both your own content and relevant third party content)
    • Readable. Can the user read the content? Use bullets and numbered lists (we have limited attention spans!)
    • Understandable. Can they understand it? Reflect that you considered the targeted persona, context, reading level & share old ideas in new ways!
    • Actionable. What is the goal of the content? Does the reader know what they need to do? Include a call to action (CTA)
    • Shareable. Do they care enough to share? Provoke emotional response, give them a reason, ask and make it easy (personalize! add hashtags to tweets, etc.)

An awesome guide, for awesome marketers

GET THE BASICS DOWN

CHECK CHECK CHECK IT OFF: YOUR GUIDE, TO CREATING THE MOST ENGAGING, AWESOME, KICK-BUTT CONTENT OF YOUR LIFE

  1. Eye-catching title. This is very important as it’s the first impression you give and can be used to lure the reader in, while telling them what they can expect to learn from reading your post. Length should be 50-60 characters.
  2. Keywords. Always aim to include keywords naturally throughout your content (1 to every 100 words can act as a good guideline). Include in the title, subheaders and throughout the copy.
  3. Tone. Blogs are generally more informal than articles, so make sure your tone reflects this & the brand voice guidelines in all published posts.
  4. Links. If possible, include external links to other approved sites and sources. Internal links: to offer valuable content/pages on the same site. External links: to approved sources for additional quality information (i.e. studies, reports, infographics, research, etc.)
  5. Facts & Stats. Use facts and stats to add value to your statements (site sources).
  6. Quotes. Add quotes for inspiration and context where applicable.
  7. Call to Action. Follow these CTA tips:
    • BE SPECIFIC. WHAT DO YOU WANT THE READER TO DO?
    • KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET
    • CREATE A SENSE OF URGENCY
    • ACTION ORIENTED. START YOUR CTA WITH A VERB LIKE ‘DOWNLOAD’ OR ‘REGISTER’, “GET INSPIRED’ OR ‘SUBSCRIBE’
    • USE WORDS THAT PROVOKE EMOTION OR ENTHUSIASM
    • GIVE YOUR AUDIENCE A REASON WHY THEY SHOULD TAKE THE DESIRED ACTION – (WHAT’S IN IT FOR THEM?)
    • TAKE ADVANTAGE OF #FOMO Call to Action. Follow.

THINK LIKE A GREAT HOST THINK LIKE A GREAT CHEF:

    • Take your guests on an amazing multi-course journey
    • Think bigger than a single dish
    • Every detail should contribute to the overall experience
    • Each guest should walk out the door feeling like they were your first priority and planning for their next visit

GREAT INGREDIENTS GREAT SEASONING GREAT TECHNIQUE AND PREP GREAT PRESENTATION THE CONTENT SHOULD DRIP WITH BRANDING. Brand messaging should:

    • Take the audience on a journey
    • Never leave your audience hanging
    • Focus on the big picture and details
    • But keep them coming back for more!
    • Ensure every detail contributes to the big picture

Every brand story needs:

    • Great ingredients – core messaging
    • Great seasoning – details that fit your unique audience
    • Great techniques and prep – engaging words and structure
    • Formal or informal? Ready to listen – short attention span? More emotional – or matter of fact? Scan-friendly bullet points or compelling prose?

BRAND IT UP – PUT IT ALL TOGETHER!

The power of stories in your STORYTELLING

What sets chefs apart, is the way they PRESENT things. This isn’t dinner – it’s art! What takes a plate from plain – to WOW!?

Your stories set you APART

    • The background on you can bring
    • The challenges only you have overcome
    • Problems only you have solved
    • People only you have brought on board
    • Customers only you have helped
    • Innovations only you dreamed up!
    • Great presentation – the right medium, at the right time
    • Your brand story should be audience seasoned:
    • Their values, goals, dreams, passions, impact on their lives and solutions to their problems
    • Your brand story should be laced with stories:
    • Your background, challenges, problems, people, customers, innovations
    • Short and sweet for social media? An about us page? Story on your blog they can connect with? A targeted page? A response to a Q&A?

Take it to the next level – get them excited about what you do!

WRAP IT UP – Stories have POWER

    • Power to prove a point
    • Power to answer a question
    • Power to boost confidence
    • Power to make a connection
    • Power to turn MESSAGING INTO MEANING

Use a story to:

    • Establish value of new product
    • Add life to your ABOUT ME
    • Start a convo on a FB post
    • Bring purpose to a follow-up email
    • Inspire and invite customer testimonials
    • Fill up the other floors after your elevator pitch!