Content has changed the way we now market to our target audience. Social media algorithm has dramatically impacted the way we sell online, but it isn't all bad!

As businesses owners, it gives us the opportunity to engage with our clients, work out what they like and have a more casual approach to business.

How would you do this? How do you become a resource hub for our community? Now it isn't about using just social media to sell stuff.

It is about creating a sense of trust and loyalty amongst our audience, so they come to you when they are looking for anything from buying your product or service to finding information and advice!

You want to be the only business they go to when they are looking for your niche. To do this, yes you need to provide good quality service - BUT you also need to be the "go-to" expert on everything to do with the topic!

Okay, so what types of resources am I talking about? Let's go through the FOUR best strategies and platforms you can use to really engage and speak with your audience.

At the end of the day, you have to be producing content to be SEEN! Not only do I want to help you understand this, but I want to help you create this!

1. Blogs

Long-form content is a key part of audience engagement! You want to start producing information they can source when they need it. A blog platform linked to your website is a great way to start producing anything from tips and tricks to industry news.

Blog content allows your target audience to find the information they need and also adds a level of trust to your brand. If they can see you are offering free knowledge, they are going to get a lot more value out of your business, and are more likely to stay loyal!!

My advice, aim for at least 1-2 blog posts per month from a variety of different categories! Be consistent and use your social media channels to share the content.

Better yet? Blog content also helps with your SEO. Want to learn more, read more blog: "Six reasons why you need to start writing content and a solution to get you started!".

2. Social Media

I bet you already know social media is a game-changer when it comes to marketing, but are you using it correctly and are you showing up on the right sites?

When it comes to social media, it isn't about being on EVERY channel, it is about identifying the channels your target audience is showing up on!

If you are starting out in business, aim for 1-3 channels with a mixture of "watch, read and listen"! With these three platforms, choose which will be your communication channels and which ones you will sell on.

For me, I'm currently showing up the most on Instagram and LinkedIn with a new podcast on the go. I also use Facebook every couple of days.

When it comes to social media, you don't just want to sell to your target audience, you want a strategy that combines sales messages, call to actions and general engagement posts.

3. Podcasts

Have you ever thought about starting a podcast? They are MASSIVE now. If you are anything like me, I listen to podcasts daily, and I LOVE them! They are one of the best ways to work on personal development, refine skills or listen to the latest news and trends.

If you are a purpose-led business, I have NO doubt you can start a podcast! How do you do this?

Well, podcasts are really easy, I wrote briefly about it on my IG account (below). But you want to make sure you develop a purpose and message behind the podcast. Ask yourself, why am I doing it?

You want to create a podcast to inform and educate your readers, to build trust and provide them with free value-added content!

Start brainstorming, you will be surprised how many episodes you can think of to kick start your new pod!

4. Email marketing

Now you receive email marketing... yes you delete thousands of these daily. BUT let's look at email marketing differently! Remember, it is not all be about selling, let's provide VALUE!

Your email marketing can grab attention in a subject line and inform and educate in the body on the email. Forget product listings, let's think tips, tricks, hacks, offers - you name it and add it into your email marketing plan!

Be creative, content plays a HUGE role in your email marketing game!

Next steps

Now you can see all the high-value content areas in your business, it is time to refine and decide what will work for you and how they will work together!

Of course, you want to have a call to actions in your pieces to show your target audience what you can offer, but you want to add value with your content. You want people to trust you can add value to them!

If you are starting out, you might want to take the time to focus on perfecting one key area. Although social media is always a platform you want to be connected with, choose wisely and spend time building up a presence on a few selected platforms.

To make this ALL work together, you need a content marketing strategy. Get started on yours today. Content Queen have the perfect template to help you get your content marketing strategy in order!