Every company can learn a few things about becoming stronger in today’s market. Here are 5 business cards that visually explain the most important angles to consider for content writing and branding:
1. Providing Value: Lush
Take it from this company, customers love freebies! Providing your website visitors with value can come in the form of free training sessions, free product samples, free tips and more. While you may at first feel as though giving away anything is a bad business model, there are many smart ways to boost business without threatening your company’s stability.
While content marketing focuses on drawing in the outside viewers to learn about your company, custom content is one of the ways you can provide existing customers with value. Custom content provides loyal customers with updates, brand reinforcement and opportunities. The Custom Content Council found:
- 90% of customers consider custom content to be valuable
- 61% of consumers have positive feelings about a company that provides custom content and are more likely to stay loyal to that brand
2. Google Us: Laser Printing Inc.
It’s becoming increasingly important for companies to understand the dire need for a strong business presence online. This means mobile-formatted websites, content marketing to boost SEO ranking and preparing to make online shopping easy for consumers. SalesForce compiled data for the 2014 State of Mobile Behavior and noted:
- 91% of consumers want the freedom to access content however they want
- 85% say mobile devices play a central part in their everyday lives
- 76% of consumers found location sharing content is meaningful
3. Full of Personality: Lego
It’s got to be you. Above all else, your brand has to project your mission, values and personality as a company. Have fun with it, but find a way to connect with your audience in the process. The visual design, content writing voice, social media profiles and approach of your sales reps should all be in line with this branding identity.
4. It’s What We Do: Yoga Instructor
Both content marketing and custom content provide ways for your business to show expertise. You know the old saying “actions speak louder than words?” Well, in this case, the actions are the words – by providing expert advice, insights and commentary, you allow potential customers to see your understanding of the industry. If you are saving time and working with a freelance writer, then give the content writer specific subjects to cover – checking each article to make sure it aligns with how your company does business.
5. Solid Content Niche: Murmure
What sets your company apart in the market you serve? Why should consumers choose you over the other companies that do similar work? Find what sets you apart and understand that this should be part of your company branding. Don’t cut out parts of the market by being overly focused, but try to focus on the market that will be drawn to what makes you different as a business.
Some say Planet Fitness’s new “Judgment Free Zone” mentality excludes weightlifters and bodybuilders, but they choose to focus on the larger part of the market that drifts between unused gym memberships and home gyms. This market niche has opened them up for an overwhelming flood of people looking for a place where they don’t feel out shown by the other participants.
Use these 5 great business cards as a guide to help you point your company in a direction that works. Don’t be afraid to select writers and designers to help so that you aren’t bogged down by the details and time-consuming work involved with content writing and website optimization.
Alethea M is a corporate blogging guru and freelance writer for WriterAccess. She often uses interesting facts from her article research to impress friends at dinner parties. Her husband is her biggest fan — though this may be because her writing income allows her to share in bill-paying each month.
