5 Best Practices for Content in 2014

1. Do Your Research – Before you create any piece of content decide what your goal is.  Is it to educate? Is it sell?  Whatever your goal is you need to take the time to do proper research.  Utilize research tools like Google Keyword Planner to see what people are searching for, and how great a chance you have to show up in search results for related searches.  You can also check out a free tool called ubbersujjest which utilizes Google Instant data to see what in relation you put in the tool is searched for. If you have access to a Google Analytics, you can utilize content break downs to see which content on your site is performing.  After wish you have a starting point for either improving content that is not performing or getting ideas from the content that visitors are engaging with to expand upon.

2.Know Your Target Demographic – Know who your target audience is.  Tailor the content to your specific audience.  Know what makes them tick and what they are looking for. Don’t just simply try to push something on them.  Provide useful information that they can get a value out of so at some point, they are more likely to come to you when they need a product or service.

3.Utilize User Generated Content –  Stop and listen to people that talk about your product or brand.  When you know what people are saying positive or negative you can adequately respond.  Not only can you gauge the mood, but you can observe what people want.  Does someone want another version of your product? Are people finding alternative uses for your service.  Gain insights simply by listening and turn them into an actionable plan.

4.Incorporate Other Types of Media – You are many times as likely to have your content read and shared if you provide a richer experience for a reader.  Enhance compelling content with pictures, videos, tables, and others forms of media.  Give a reader a visual representation of what you wrote and paint a more elaborate picture.  Sometimes all you need is a captivating image to become amplified by others.

5.Timing is Key – Make content relevant to something that may be going on in your industry or field.  Be a trend setter and jump on the idea first.  Also focus on things such as specific dates. If its Valentine’s Day target it in a romantic manner. If it’s Christmas tie it to gift ideas. The ideas are endless.