Tag: content marketing

Content Checklist for Writers

content marketing

content writing

infographics

PowerPoint Agency

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Oct 12, 2016

There are people who find writing a hard task. Some say there are too many rules on grammar or that they’re not confident about their pieces. The latter is a subjective matter; they would have to build their conviction first. The former, though, is the objectivity of the creative craft—the hardest part of it all, some will say. This is why writing is studied, why writing is an art, and why writing is not easy.

When it comes to the rules of writing, there are certain aspects you really have to study—grammar, punctuation, and spelling are by far the most obvious when it comes to reading a draft. A mistake in any of the three can be a great blow to your great copy and an object of scrutiny for the author (perhaps why people are afraid to write in the first place).

There are also the subtle points you need to fulfill. Like a few ones below. Familiarize yourself with all of them, and soon, you’ll be ready to write anything.

https://www.slideshare.net/SlideGenius/content-checklist-for-writers

Put An Effort When Writing

Like every form of art, writing needs effort. If you don’t take it seriously—and that fact will show on your drafts—then don’t expect readers to do the same.

Also, don’t be disappointed when your piece doesn’t live up to your expectations. Sure, you spent a significant amount of time and effort into it, but you can’t please everyone. If you’re trying to do that, then writing certainly isn’t the best craft. If you cater to too many interests, you’ll lose focus of why you’re writing and what you’re writing about.

Lastly, have fun during the process. As in the infographic, if you force yourself to write, then it’ll become more and more of a chore. Then, you’ll place yourself into a creative slump—a writer’s block—and there’s only a downward spiral from there. If you need inspiration, inspire yourself. Need food to write? Buy some and satiate your hunger. Feel you can’t write without music? Play some tunes. Be creative.

Need a writing prompt? Write about your interest… in a different way.

Resources:

Sambuchino, Chuck. “10 Tips for Writing.” Writer’s Digest. August 7, 2015. www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/10-tips-for-writing

Scocco, Daniel. “34 Writing Tips That Will Make You a Better Writer.” Daily Writing Tips. n.d. www.dailywritingtips.com/34-writing-tips-that-will-make-you-a-better-writer

Weinstein, Mindy. “One Colossal Content Checklist: 37 Tips For Writers.” Search Engine Journal. March 25, 2015. www.searchenginejournal.com/one-colossal-content-checklist-37-tips-writers/127122

Making It Big: Great Ideas and Good Plans Don’t Cost Much

content marketing

marketing strategy

marketing success

Rick Enrico

sales pitch

SlideGenius

viral marketing

Sep 07, 2016

Some of the grandest marketing successes are elaborate enterprises that looked like they required a lot of manpower and money. For example, as cited by AdAge contributor and Creativity editor, Ann-Christine Diaz, these experiential moves appear to have specific budgets with their productions.

We’ve attributed such innovation to large companies that could afford to bring their creative strategies to life.

However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money for a good idea. Most of the time, the best ideas won’t cost you anything.

Here are three ways you can execute your plan under a budget:

1. Prioritize the CustomerChef thinking of a great recipe idea for customers

Don’t put your brand directly in your output. Focus on building content first. To get yourself noticed, go with a strategy that impacts your customers emotionally.

For this purpose, content marketing exists to cater to people’s different preferences. Companies now focus on creating relevant content for their target audience before endorsing themselves.

This is because they know clients want to see information related to their interests, be it cooking, car mechanics, or even electronics. Similarly, knowing what the audience wants, and relating your content to commonly shared values are the first steps to mapping out your plan of attack.

Tug at basic human emotions and observe actions to draw your next inspiration.

For example, Coca-Cola, which has always been well-known for its impressive campaigns, launched Share-a-Coke in 2011, which continues up to the present. As its name suggests, Coca-Cola’s campaign banked on forming and strengthening human connections, which most people naturally relate to.

Similarly, tap into your audience’s preferences to relate to them better and convince them to invest their time and money on you.

2. Go ViralChef using Twitter to reach more customers

One of the most cost-effective ways to attract many customers without overstepping your budget is to go digital.

Today, social media plays a dominant part of everyone’s lives, allowing everyone to share content from all over the world with the simple click of a button. With something as connective as the Internet, it would be a loss not to take advantage of the opportunity to reach out to a greater number of people.

Viral marketing as cited on Web Marketing Today, by internet marketing pioneer Dr. Ralph Wilson, explains the nuances and principles behind the viral marketing trend, some include providing effortless transfer to others and utilizing existing communication networks to reach more people.

Once you have your great ideas in place, put them together as catchy content like a blog post, infographic, or better yet, a video.

Upload your content online. If the audience takes the bait, it will only take you a minimal promotion to turn it into a widespread Internet sensation for a couple of days.

3. Keep it GoingChef welcoming customers in his store

Viral marketing can only last for so long before it’s replaced by the next interesting thing.

Don’t let your name die out with the hype. Formulate a strategy to keep your brand up in the market for as long as you can. Take advantage of the publicity by introducing your product or service to your target market. Offering promos and sales discounts to potential customers will attract people to your brand.

Attending trade fairs can also get you noticed. This expands your network with peers in the industry as well as with clients. Having an established identity in the market can take time, especially if it’s a saturated one. It often takes more than one successful campaign to become a famous business.

That’s why after your first idea comes to fruition and you’ve gotten the most out of the publicity, you’ve got to go back to square one.

Think of a new idea, find another strategy to make it go viral, and maximize the attention you’re given.

Go Big or Go HomeChef using creativity to form great ideas

Creativity is a never-ending process. You need to constantly look for inspiration to benefit from it.

Before you even draft up your plan, consider your audience. If you’re on a very tight budget, using available resources instead of trying to match up to those used by major brands can reduce cost.

Tap into viral content online to reach out to more people, but don’t stop there. Strike while the iron is hot and show off your brand offerings.

Who knows – they might even invite you for a live sales pitch! For those presentation needs, our SlideGenius experts have your back. Contact us today for a free quote!

References

Diaz, Ann-Christine. “Here Are 15 of Marketing’s Most Memorable Experiential Moves.” Advertising Age Agency News. March 11, 2014. Accessed December 7, 2015. http://adage.com/article/agency-news/15-marketing-s-memorable-experiential-moves/291975
“Social Culture: The Digital Key to Connecting with Audiences.” Digital Information World. Accessed January 14, 2016. www.digitalinformationworld.com/2015/10/social-culture-digital-key-to-connecting-with-audiences.html
“What Is Content Marketing?” Content Marketing Institute. Accessed December 7, 2015. http://contentmarketinginstitute.com/what-is-content-marketing
Wilson, Ralph. “The Six Simple Principles of Viral Marketing.” Web Marketing Today. Accessed December 7, 2015. http://webmarketingtoday.com/articles/viral-principles

3 Tips on How to Improve SEO Writing for Your Business

branding tips

content creation

content marketing

digital marketing

Rick Enrico

search engine optimization

SEO

SEO writing

SlideGenius

Aug 01, 2016

With our increasingly digitized lifestyles, technology plays an even bigger role in society.

For businesses, the playing field has moved online. The Internet’s influence on people can greatly improve or ruin a company’s reputation. Beyond traditional marketing tactics like network expansions, the Internet now serves as the main arena where entrepreneurs vie for customers’ attention.

One way to improve your digital marketing strategy is through SEO writing for your company’s website or blog. Sometimes, SEO writing can be tricky, especially if you have lots of competition online. Fortunately, we’ve compiled three tips to improve SEO for your business:

Strategic Keywords

You want to be the first thing people see in a search engine when they look up something related to your brand offer.

More website views mean more people are becoming interested in you.

If you follow up on this interest with frequent correspondence and an effective sales pitch, you can best convert leads into sales.

But how do you come out on top when there are other sites competing for the slot?

Dave Davies, Beanstalk SEO Services CEO, suggests in his article on Search Engine Watch a strategic use of keywords in your entries.

These keywords are the things your potential leads will be typing in the search bar.

They act as the middle ground between your company’s specific services and the customer’s more general concerns.

Be exact with a keyword that will lead a prospect to you, but don’t overdo it.

Instead of individual words, use phrases to qualify your keywords without making it look like blatant marketing.

There’s no fixed formula to coining the right keywords.

Give yourself options before settling into what feels most natural and effective.

Relevant Content

The most important thing in your blog post or website is the content.

You may have all the right keywords, but without solid content to back you up, your post will fall flat.

Keep your writing original and fresh.

Be mindful not to duplicate content. Jayson DeMers, founder of Seattle-based social media marketing firm, Audience Bloom, provides useful tools that help you gauge your article’s originality.

These sites include Copyscape and Copysentry, which analyze your content for you.

If you want to keep yourself on a Google search’s first page, update often and avoid re-posting existing entries.

Besides, frequently updated material that keeps up with people’s changing interests attracts more attention.

You may be able to draw people in at first click, but the trick is to keep them reading. Consider your page’s bounce rate compared to how many online viewers actually interact with your site.

Limit the number of bounces you get by publishing material that’s worth reading to the end.

Consistent Branding

To make your site link-worthy, its content should bear your brand.

Once a viewer goes through your site, they’ll want to know who you are.

Establishing a personal connection with the client is as important outside a pitch as it is during your presentation.

People are more willing to invest in something familiar to them.

Use your posts as a springboard to bring your services to the viewer’s attention.

Introduce your business and foster a link between you and your virtual audience to gain their trust.

However, this doesn’t mean you’re stuck with a limited set of topics that revolve around your services.

Expand to related areas that will broaden your scope while keeping your identity.

It also helps to include links to your references within the text.

This associates you with authority sources, or other credible sites.

Conclusion

Writing with SEO can improve your overall digital marketing strategy.

Choosing strategic keywords and creating unique content showcases your brand and improves your online marketability.

Simply being on top of a search list doesn’t guarantee lead conversion.

But bringing in enough interested people to your page raises your chances.

After the initial contact with your prospect, don’t forget to follow up.

If you play all the right cards, they might even invite you to deliver your sales pitch in person.

References

“Bounce Rate.” Google Analytics. Accessed November 2, 2015. https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/1009409?hl=en

Davies, Dave. “How to Find Profitable Keywords For Your Website.” Search Engine Watch. March 29, 2012. Accessed November 2, 2015. http://searchenginewatch.com/sew/how-to/2164520/profitable-keywords-website

Demers, Jayson. “7 Advanced Ways to Improve Your Site’s SEO.” Entrepreneur. September 30, 2014. Accessed November 2, 2015. www.entrepreneur.com/article/237819

Demers, Jayson. “How to Make Sure You’re Not Publishing Duplicate Content.” Audience Bloom. August 14, 2013. Accessed November 2, 2015. www.audiencebloom.com/2013/08/how-to-make-sure-youre-not-publishing-duplicate-content/

Featured Image: “SEO” by NOGRAN s.r.o. on Flickr.com

Content Creation / Curation: Find the Sweet Spot [Guest Infographic]

content creation

content curation

content marketing

infographics

online marketing

SlideGenius

Dec 03, 2015

Have you ever met someone who only ever talks about their own interests, qualities and successes without showing any concern whatsoever for your input?

It’s not always the most engaging conversation for both parties, and by the end of it you’ll likely think of them as a self-centered and arrogant individual whom you would do anything in your power to avoid.

The same idea applies to businesses that use overly self-promotional advertisements, or create content that points all fingers back in their direction.

You don’t want to be stuck with absolutely no chance of being seen either.

The trick is to find a balance between how much of your content should be curated, and how much should actually be original content.

First, let’s get a better understanding of the difference between content creation and content curation.

Content Creation

According to Curata, content creation refers to “… the original creator of the content, either the author, illustrator, researcher or whomever is the original source.”

Content creation is necessary for influencers and marketers to position themselves as thought leaders within a particular area of marketing.

However, content creation can be extremely time-consuming, and crafting content that stands out requires a lot of research.

Content Curation

Content curation is similar to content aggregation (i.e. collecting a bunch of articles or references on a particular subject), except that this content is handpicked by the author.

This is a great way to take existing ideas and either provide an opinion on them or simply provide your audience with a selection of refined resources that you recommend.

So how do you find the sweet spot of content curation and creation?

Convince and Convert did some great research on how well an article performs based on where your outbound links lead to, and how frequently you should lead to your own work.

The following infographic by Venngage visually summarizes just how you can find the content curation and creation sweet spot.

content curation infographic

This infographic was made with the Infographic maker Venngage.

11 Online Marketing Tools to Help Reinforce Your Strategy

content marketing

marketing resources

online marketing tools

Aug 28, 2014

Online marketing is essential for businesses of all sizes, but navigating the vast array of tools available can be overwhelming. To help streamline your marketing efforts, we’ve compiled a list of 11 essential online marketing tools that can help you strengthen your strategy, boost engagement, and drive growth.

1. Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a must-have for understanding your website’s traffic and user behavior. It offers insights into how visitors find your site, what they do once they’re there, and where they may be dropping off.

Why It’s Important:

  • Tracks User Behavior: Allows you to see which pages are most popular, how long users stay on your site, and which channels drive the most traffic.
  • Informs Strategy: By analyzing user behavior, you can refine your marketing strategies and improve user engagement.

How to Use It:

  • Set up a Google Analytics account and add the tracking code to your website.
  • Use the dashboard to view metrics such as page views, bounce rates, and conversion rates.

2. Mailchimp

Mailchimp is a powerful email marketing platform that helps businesses create, send, and analyze email campaigns. It’s ideal for automating email marketing and nurturing leads through targeted campaigns.

Why It’s Important:

  • Automates Email Campaigns: Mailchimp allows you to set up automated email sequences, saving time and effort.
  • Provides Analytics: Track open rates, click-through rates, and conversions to optimize future campaigns.

How to Use It:

  • Create an account, build your email list, and design email templates using Mailchimp’s easy-to-use interface.
  • Set up automated campaigns for onboarding, promotions, and newsletter delivery.

3. Hootsuite

Managing multiple social media accounts can be time-consuming. Hootsuite allows you to schedule, manage, and analyze social media posts across multiple platforms in one place.

Why It’s Important:

  • Simplifies Social Media Management: You can schedule posts in advance, monitor mentions, and track engagement across different channels.
  • Provides Analytics: Hootsuite’s analytics feature helps you measure the performance of your social media campaigns.

How to Use It:

  • Link your social media accounts to Hootsuite, then use the dashboard to schedule posts and track engagement.
  • Monitor hashtags and keywords to stay updated on industry trends and customer conversations.

4. SEMrush

SEMrush is a comprehensive digital marketing tool that provides insights into your SEO, PPC, and content marketing performance. It’s great for keyword research, competitor analysis, and tracking search engine rankings.

Why It’s Important:

  • Boosts SEO: SEMrush helps identify high-ranking keywords and optimize your content for better search visibility.
  • Analyzes Competitors: Use the tool to spy on competitors’ SEO and advertising strategies.

How to Use It:

  • Enter your website or a competitor’s website into SEMrush’s search bar to view keyword rankings, backlink profiles, and traffic data.
  • Use the keyword research tool to find terms your audience is searching for and optimize your content accordingly.

5. Canva

Canva is a user-friendly graphic design tool that helps you create professional visuals for social media, blogs, and email marketing campaigns, even if you’re not a designer.

Why It’s Important:

  • Enhances Visual Content: High-quality visuals are crucial for capturing audience attention in today’s media-rich environment.
  • Easy to Use: Canva’s drag-and-drop interface makes it accessible for users with little to no design experience.

How to Use It:

  • Use Canva to create social media graphics, infographics, presentations, and more by choosing from their wide selection of templates.
  • Customize colors, fonts, and images to match your brand.

6. Ahrefs

Ahrefs is a powerful SEO tool that helps you improve your website’s search engine rankings by analyzing backlinks, tracking keywords, and conducting site audits.

Why It’s Important:

  • Improves SEO: Ahrefs offers in-depth insights into your website’s backlink profile and keyword rankings.
  • Tracks Competitors: You can use Ahrefs to analyze competitors’ websites and discover their top-performing content.

How to Use It:

  • Use Ahrefs to audit your site for SEO issues and fix errors that could be affecting your rankings.
  • Analyze your competitors’ backlink profiles to find opportunities for building your own backlinks.

7. Buffer

Buffer is a social media management tool that simplifies scheduling, publishing, and analyzing posts across multiple platforms. It’s particularly useful for small businesses looking for a simple solution to social media management.

Why It’s Important:

  • Streamlines Posting: Buffer allows you to schedule posts for various platforms in one place.
  • Provides Engagement Insights: Buffer’s analytics show which posts perform best and how to improve future content.

How to Use It:

  • Create a Buffer account and link your social media profiles.
  • Use the scheduler to plan posts in advance and monitor performance with Buffer’s analytics dashboard.

8. Google Ads

Google Ads is one of the most effective platforms for driving targeted traffic to your website through paid search ads. It allows you to bid on keywords and display ads to users searching for related terms.

Why It’s Important:

  • Drives Targeted Traffic: Google Ads lets you target users who are actively searching for products or services like yours.
  • Increases Conversions: Well-optimized campaigns can significantly boost conversions and ROI.

How to Use It:

  • Create an account, choose your target keywords, and write your ads.
  • Set your budget and track performance to optimize your ad campaigns for better results.

9. BuzzSumo

BuzzSumo is a content research tool that helps you discover popular content and trends in your industry. It’s great for identifying which topics are resonating with audiences and for generating content ideas.

Why It’s Important:

  • Identifies Popular Content: BuzzSumo shows which content is getting the most engagement, so you can create similar posts.
  • Tracks Influencers: The tool helps you find key influencers in your industry to boost your outreach efforts.

How to Use It:

  • Use BuzzSumo to search for keywords related to your industry and see the top-performing articles and social media posts.
  • Analyze the content’s engagement metrics to inform your own content strategy.

10. HubSpot

HubSpot is an all-in-one marketing, sales, and CRM platform that helps businesses grow by automating lead generation, email marketing, and customer relationship management.

Why It’s Important:

  • Automates Marketing: HubSpot’s tools allow you to automate many marketing tasks, freeing up time for strategy.
  • Provides In-Depth Analytics: HubSpot’s analytics help you track your marketing efforts and measure success.

How to Use It:

  • Set up workflows to automate lead nurturing and email marketing.
  • Use the CRM to manage customer relationships and track interactions.

11. Sprout Social

Sprout Social is a social media management and analytics platform that helps businesses manage their social media presence, engage with their audience, and track performance.

Why It’s Important:

  • Enhances Social Media Strategy: Sprout Social provides detailed analytics to help you refine your social media efforts.
  • Boosts Engagement: The tool’s engagement features allow you to monitor and respond to social media messages efficiently.

How to Use It:

  • Schedule posts across platforms using Sprout Social’s scheduler.
  • Use the reporting tools to analyze audience demographics, engagement, and content performance.

Final Thoughts

These 11 online marketing tools provide powerful ways to enhance your strategy, streamline your processes, and drive measurable results. Whether you’re focused on SEO, email marketing, social media management, or content creation, these tools can help reinforce your efforts and grow your business.

Highlight Your Personal Brand with Eye-Catching Visual Resumes

content marketing

personal branding

visual resumes

Aug 12, 2014

In today’s competitive job market, standing out requires more than just a traditional resume. A visually appealing resume can help you showcase your personal brand and capture the attention of potential employers. Here’s how to create an eye-catching visual resume using PowerPoint or other design tools to highlight your skills and experience.

1. Focus on Visual Hierarchy

Your resume needs to convey key information in a clear, organized format. By using visual hierarchy—strategically organizing content by importance—you can guide the reader’s eye to your most important qualifications.

Why It’s Important:

  • Enhances Readability: A well-organized resume helps potential employers quickly find relevant information.
  • Showcases Key Skills: Highlighting key sections of your resume ensures that the most important information stands out.

How to Do It:

  • Use larger fonts and bold text for section headings like Experience, Education, and Skills.
  • Keep the most important information near the top of your resume for easy access.

2. Incorporate Branding Elements

Your personal brand should be consistent across all of your professional materials. Include your logo, color scheme, and fonts that align with your personal website or portfolio to create a cohesive brand identity.

Why It’s Important:

  • Builds Personal Brand Recognition: Consistency across your resume and other professional materials reinforces your personal brand.
  • Adds Professionalism: Using custom branding elements helps your resume look polished and unique.

How to Do It:

  • Add your logo or initials at the top of the resume.
  • Use a color scheme that reflects your personal brand—whether it’s bold and creative or subtle and professional.

3. Use Infographics to Highlight Skills

Infographics can quickly and visually communicate your proficiency in various skills, making your resume more engaging and easier to understand at a glance.

Why It’s Important:

  • Makes Data Digestible: Infographics allow you to represent complex information, such as skills or accomplishments, in a visually appealing and easy-to-read format.
  • Shows Creativity: Using infographics demonstrates your design skills and creativity, especially if you’re applying for a creative role.

How to Do It:

  • Use bar charts or pie charts to showcase your proficiency in different skills, such as Communication, Technical Expertise, or Project Management.
  • Design simple visuals to illustrate milestones, such as years of experience or completed projects.

4. Add Visual Breaks for Clarity

A cluttered resume can overwhelm recruiters. Adding white space or visual breaks between sections can help make your resume more readable and organized.

Why It’s Important:

  • Enhances Readability: White space and visual breaks allow the eye to rest and make the content easier to process.
  • Improves Flow: Clear separation between sections creates a smooth reading experience, making it easier to scan.

How to Do It:

  • Ensure there’s sufficient white space between sections to keep the design clean.
  • Use lines or icons to visually separate sections without adding clutter.

5. Incorporate Icons and Visual Cues

Icons can be used to represent sections or important points, making your resume visually appealing while helping recruiters quickly identify relevant content.

Why It’s Important:

  • Simplifies Navigation: Icons provide visual cues that guide the reader through your resume.
  • Increases Engagement: Adding small design elements like icons can keep the reader’s attention and make your resume more memorable.

How to Do It:

  • Use icons to represent sections like Experience, Education, Contact Information, and Skills.
  • Add subtle visual elements that align with the overall theme of your resume to reinforce your message.

Final Thoughts

A visual resume allows you to highlight your personal brand in a creative and professional way. By focusing on visual hierarchy, incorporating infographics, and maintaining consistency with your personal brand, you can make your resume stand out and leave a lasting impression on potential employers. Make sure your design complements, rather than overwhelms, the content, and remember that readability is key.

PowerPoint Design Ideas: Visual Storytelling

content marketing

infographics

PowerPoint Design

visual storytelling

Jul 29, 2014

Visual storytelling is gaining more and more traction in social media platforms. Users these days are more inclined towards infographics, photos, and videos than purely text-based content, especially during the advent of social media and fast information.

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Brands are wise to take advantage of this trend in their marketing strategies. And you would be too, if you learn to apply visual storytelling in your PowerPoint design.

The importance of visual storytelling

Humans are highly visual creatures. We’re naturally attracted to beautiful colors and interesting patterns. In fact, our brain is able to process images 60,000 times faster than information presented in text. It’s also easier for us to retain visual information. According to Dr. John Medina, after three days, we’re able to recall 65% of information if it was presented with images or illustrations.

So if you’re presenting information that’s bulky with data, the audience will thank you if you can integrate comprehensible illustrations. Take the usual charts and graphs a step further by weaving stories through imagery.

Integrating visuals to enhance core message

There’s more to visual storytelling than sticking random pictures to your slides. Your statistics won’t make much sense if the visuals you add only serve an aesthetic purpose. Visual storytelling is about using different media that contribute to the message you’re presenting.

As an example, here’s a small part of an interactive infographic by Collaborative Fund, Hyperakt and Start Up American Partnership:

Visual storytelling - car sharing infographic

The infographic, which you can view in full here, showcases the positive effects of car sharing to the environment. It offers a lot of statistics that are perfectly illustrated to create more impact. It’s hard to imagine the difference a vague number makes but through this illustration, you can perfectly see how much carbon dioxide emissions have diminished.

Here’s another example, this time, from a Facebook post by Intel:

Visual storytelling by Intel-Facebook
Screen cap by Social Media Examiner

Intel showcases their brand identity while adding a bit of humor at the same time. For your PowerPoint design, make sure you choose pictures with interesting narratives. There’s always a rare gem in the sea of cheesy stock photos. Especially if you know where to look.

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Your text-based, bullet point-ridden PowerPoint design isn’t helping anyone. It’s not engaging your audience, and it’s not helping you get your message across. Instead, you should consider taking inspiration from visual storytelling. Showcase and illustrate your key points with visual elements, and your PowerPoint design will have more impact.

If you need help, contact us to schedule a free consultation. Our professional PowerPoint designers will be happy to take your ideas and turn them into reality.

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Featured Image: Håkan Dahlström via Flickr

3 Questions Your Online Presentations Need to Answer

content marketing

online presentations

Jul 28, 2014

There are plenty of reasons you should include presentations in your content marketing strategy.

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Online presentations have the potential to become exactly the type of content users are gravitating towards today. If you re-purpose your slides properly, you can create a highly visual, dynamic, and engaging experience for a wider audience.

But there’s more to great online presentations than adding more visual elements and animations. Without a speaker to explain the finer points, your online presentations need to speak through the screen. Before you upload your deck to SlideShare, Brainshark, and other presentation sharing websites, make sure your online presentation can answer the following questions:

Are you addressing your target audience?

Online users spend about 10 to 20 seconds browsing through a web page. They practice the “screen and glean” method, skimming fast to make sure it has what they’re looking for. If they skip over your online presentation, it’s likely they’re not coming back to it again. You need to make an impression right then and there. How do you capture attention in a matter of seconds?

Make sure you’re clear on who you want to address. Fashion your headline and title slide in a way that lets your target audience know that you’re speaking to them. Avoid anything generic. Instead, lure viewers in with unique images and witty headlines.

There’s plenty of “Top Ten Tips” type of content out there, but few that are specifically meant for your clientele. According to startup guru Mark Evans, if you’re familiar with and have properly defined your target market, this part won’t be difficult at all.

Are you giving them what they’re looking for?

Getting users to view your online presentations is just the first step. You also have to maintain their interest until the very end. If your slides can’t answer their questions, they can easily click “X” and move on to another page. To make sure they don’t stray, you need to immediately establish that you have the answer they’re looking for.

Make sure the goal of your presentation is clearly defined before you delve into the main body. That way, your target audience knows that the presentation they’re viewing holds exactly what they’re looking for.

Are you clear on a Call to Action?

A Call to Action is important to any presentation, regardless of its medium of delivery. Your online presentations must have a proper CTA to let your target audience know what you want them to do next. By reaching the end of your presentation, you’ve successfully enticed and engaged their interest. Don’t let that impact go to waste without properly defining an action you want them to take.

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Online presentations are an effective way to address your target audience. Make sure your slides can speak through the screen by following these tips.

You can also try turning your presentation deck into a scrolling web pitch to give it a more interactive dimension. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.

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Featured Image: Lali Masriera via Flickr

Business Storytelling: Turn Presentations into a Powerful Marketing Tool

Branding

business storytelling

content marketing

Jul 24, 2014

Business storytelling has been helping brands add more impact to their online content, and it can do the same for your presentations.

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: Your presentations have the potential to become one of the most powerful marketing tools in your arsenal. During presentations, you’re directly talking to the people you want to reach out.

So don’t waste a good opportunity by boring potential clients with bad delivery. Engage them with a simple technique that’s ‘as old as time’. Tell them a great story.

What is business storytelling?

According to Mike Murray, business storytelling is basically about “brands sharing their messages in ways that engage audiences and drive them to a desired action.” It might sound similar to the definition of content marketing we gave previously, but Murray maintains that they are two separate, but related things.

“Business storytelling is a distinct content discipline that leverages well-crafted narratives in a diverse range of content types, while content marketing is much broader and speaks to the collective efforts that companies use to communicate with their audiences in informative and engaging ways.”

To frame it, content marketing refers to a collection of things you do to reach out and engage consumers and potential clients. One of the ways you can do that is through presentations that reveal the core identity of your brand and company.

What business story should you tell?

In her book, “Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins,” Annette Simmons identified six kinds of stories that can help facilitate business communications:

  • “Who am I” Stories
  • “Why am I here” Stories
  • Vision Stories
  • Values-in-Action Stories
  • Teaching Stories
  • “I know what you’re thinking” Stories

While Simmons uses these stories to help frame interactions that are more straightforward, her insights can also be helpful to marketing presentations. Particularly, it’s the first three that are important to business storytelling in your presentations. These are the type of stories that help reveal insights to build trust and establish rapport between you and your audience.

Obviously, you won’t be telling stories from your own personal experience. Instead, think of answers to “Who am I”, “Why am I here” and “What do I envision” in terms of your brand and company identity. Here are a few specific questions, courtesy of Content Marketing Institute, to help you narrow it down:

  • What’s your reason for being?
  • What’s your history?
  • Who are your main characters?
  • What’s your corporate mission?
  • How have you failed?

Humans have always been storytellers. It’s our way of connecting with each other. In whatever form, the core of all our communications is the primordial impulse to tell and hear stories. Why not use that to improve your presentations?

 

References

Murray, Mike. “Business Storytelling: Key Questions.” Content Marketing Institute. April 23, 2014. Accessed July 24, 2014.
“The Six Kinds of Stories.” Annette Simmons. 2014. Accessed July 24, 2014.
Williams, Debbie. “Find the Heart of Your Brand Storytelling with These 6 Questions.” Content Marketing Institute. June 19, 2013. Accessed July 24, 2014.

 

Featured Image: UNE Photos via Flickr

Content Marketing Lesson: Presentations Create More Impact

content marketing

online presentations

Jul 14, 2014

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, content remains king. However, the way we present that content can significantly influence its impact. One of the most effective methods to amplify your message and engage your audience is through presentations. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting, understanding the power of presentations can elevate your content marketing strategy to new heights.

Presentations are a dynamic way to convey information. Unlike traditional blog posts or articles, they combine visual elements with concise text, making the content more digestible and engaging. This multi-sensory approach caters to different learning styles, ensuring that your message resonates with a broader audience.

One of the key advantages of presentations is their ability to simplify complex information. Through the use of visuals such as charts, graphs, and infographics, you can break down intricate data into easily understandable segments. This not only helps in retaining the audience’s attention but also aids in better comprehension and recall of the information presented.

Moreover, presentations are inherently shareable. Platforms like SlideShare, LinkedIn, and even social media channels provide an excellent avenue for distributing your presentations to a wider audience. A well-crafted presentation can go viral, driving traffic back to your website and increasing your brand’s visibility.

Another significant benefit of using presentations in content marketing is the opportunity for repurposing content. A single presentation can be transformed into multiple content formats, such as blog posts, social media updates, videos, and even podcasts. This not only maximizes the value of your content but also ensures consistency in your messaging across different platforms.

Engagement is another area where presentations excel. Interactive elements such as clickable links, embedded videos, and live polls can turn a passive viewing experience into an active one. This level of interactivity not only keeps the audience engaged but also provides valuable insights into their preferences and behaviors.

Creating impactful presentations, however, requires a strategic approach. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. **Know Your Audience**: Tailor your content to meet the needs and interests of your target audience. Understanding their pain points and preferences will help you create a presentation that resonates with them.

2. **Keep It Concise**: Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information. Focus on key points and use visuals to support your message.

3. **Design Matters**: A visually appealing presentation can make a significant difference. Use a consistent color scheme, readable fonts, and high-quality images to enhance the overall look and feel.

4. **Tell a Story**: People are naturally drawn to stories. Structure your presentation in a way that tells a compelling narrative, making it easier for the audience to follow and remember.

5. **Practice Delivery**: If you’re presenting live, practice your delivery to ensure a smooth and confident presentation. Your enthusiasm and confidence can greatly influence how your message is received.

In conclusion, presentations are a powerful tool in the content marketing arsenal. They offer a unique blend of visual appeal, shareability, and engagement that can significantly enhance the impact of your content. By incorporating presentations into your strategy, you can not only capture your audience’s attention but also leave a lasting impression. So, the next time you’re planning your content marketing efforts, consider the power of presentations and watch your impact soar.”