1. Fulfill a need. Your content should answer some unmet need or question for your customer. It needs to be useful in some way to the customer, over and above what you can offer as a product or service. In some cases, it may fill an emotional need — take Coca-Cola or Red Bull’s storytelling, for example.
2. Stay consistent. The great hallmark of a successful publisher is consistency. Whether you subscribe to a monthly magazine or daily email newsletter, the content is always delivered on-time and as expected. This is where so many companies fail. Whatever you commit to in your content marketing, you must consistently deliver.
3. Be human. Find your voice. The benefits of not being a journalistic entity is that you have nothing holding you back from being you. Find your voice and share it. If your company’s story is all about humor, share that. If it’s a bit sarcastic, that’s okay too.
4. Have a point of view. This is not encyclopedia content. You are not giving a history report. Don’t be afraid to take sides on matters that can position you and your company as an expert.
5. Step away from the sales-speak. At my company, when we create a piece of content that is about our own products or services versus an educational post, it only garners 25 percent of the page views and social shares. The more you talk about yourself, the less people will share and spread your story. It’s that simple.
6. Be the best of the breed. Although you can’t get there right away, you want your content to be best of breed. This means what you are distributing is the very best of what is available in your particular content niche. I know this may sound overly simplified, but if you expect your customers to spend time with your content, you must deliver amazing value.
