Content marketing: Is it possible to grow an online business without spending money on advertising? Then, I sold all of the 1,500 pages on my website and over 10,000 images, graphics, and videos.
Should your company be using content marketing? You will. Your audience expects a better experience with your brand, and your competition heavily invests in this method. We’re discussing 91% of B2B marketers and 86% of B2C marketing incorporate content marketing into their marketing strategy.
Content marketing and paid advertisements are very different.
I built and sold my business using nothing but content marketing
I founded and sold Mad Methods, a fitness business, using content marketing. In just over two years, I used content to grow my company and sell it to Onnit Labs. During this process, I provided helpful information to thousands of people who wanted to get fit. I also integrated a previously dispersed community of fitness professionals (unconventional coaches) and connected with hundreds of fantastic health and fitness professionals.
The funny thing is, I’m not really into Fitness. It’s essential and beneficial, and everyone should do it. But if it were up to me, I would choose to watch a movie over going to the gym. I wanted to start an online business with a small budget and enjoy cataloging and presenting data. Fitness, with its exercise, diets, tips, and tricks, as well as professionals and general interest, was an excellent fit for content marketing.
Since then, I have helped more than 300 businesses create content across 20 industries. I realized that any company could create infinite content if it viewed marketing in the right light.
Why Content Marketing Works
Imagine how often you research products or services online before making a purchase. Content marketing makes your business more than just a store. You become an expert when you are a resource. Experts gain the trust and respect you need to convince people of your product or service. The Content Marketing Institute defines Content Marketing as follows:
A strategic marketing approach, content marketing focuses on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract, retain, and ultimately drive profitable customer actions.
Content marketing allows you to provide the information your customers want and need. When they are ready to purchase your product or service, they will know where to go.
Content Marketing & Paid Advertising: Bros for Life
If paid advertising and content marketing were brothers, paid advertising would be Jerry Maguire, and content marketing would be Ferris Bueller.
Ferris is a clever, charming, and unassuming content marketer who guides his audience through his planned adventure.
Jerry is the A-Type brother; he is direct, attractive, and energetic. He will convince you in one way or the other and keep a smile on his face.
Ferris, who does content marketing, doesn’t ask for attention. People will freely give it to him because they find him entertaining and informative. Jerry (paid advertisement) will try different tactics until he has your attention.
Content marketing is soft selling, while paid advertising is hard. Content marketing offers you helpful information, then waits until you realize the associated product or service.
Paid Advertising states, “This solution is what you are looking for. Buy now!” It may appear that Paid advertising will yield quicker results, but content marketing is essential if you want to achieve long-term income and growth.
Every day, consumers are becoming more sophisticated. More resources and vendors allow consumers to research, compare, and purchase long after seeing your ads.
They are bombarded with so many ads that they blend in the background. Many advertisers have become very creative to achieve results. They may be successful initially but will not provide results once the market is saturated.
In business, paid advertising is the equivalent of hitting the “cheat button.” Spend the money, and you will get the sale. Most small businesses lack the time, money, and strategy to determine the most effective paid advertising.
Content marketing is cheaper than hiring a professional or paying for a solution.
Content marketing also creates a valuable asset, which becomes more valuable as you continue to work on it. Your website may be worth millions or thousands of dollars one day, depending on how many pages you create and the amount of organic traffic.
You can create a retirement plan that allows you to cash out if ever you want to.