People can’t buy from you if they don’t know your brand exists. That’s the purpose of brand awareness — to help people recognize and recall your business when they need you. Making sure people know and remember your brand is where to use content marketing to build brand awareness.
Understanding Brand Awareness
Brand awareness is how readily consumers recognize your brand. Have they heard of it? Do they remember anything about what you do? Brand awareness is critical to your business’s growth because people can’t consider purchasing from you if they’ve never even heard of your brand.
But what you want from brand awareness goes beyond just an “Oh, that” moment. Yes, you want people to recognize your company’s name, but it’s also excellent if they associate specific details with your name.
For example, we don’t just recognize the name McDonald’s. We know what McDonald’s serves, how easy it is to find one, the consistency of their products, etc.
We tie thoughts, feelings, emotions, behaviors, and preferences to brands. Those things help us differentiate and prefer certain brands over others. But all of these positive benefits start with brand awareness.
Children don’t want that Happy Meal toy until they know McDonald’s exists and has Happy Meals.
Content Marketing’s Role in Brand Awareness
Awareness is the first step in the customer journey. That means, without it, you can’t make sales.
Back in the day, companies like McDonald’s spent tons of money on traditional advertising to make people aware of their brands. They erected golden arches seemingly everywhere and made TV commercials featuring Ronald McDonald so children would beg their parents to go. But that’s not the way brands get recognized anymore.
Today’s buyers go online when they’re thinking about buying something. More than 65% of people research online before making a purchase. Enter content marketing’s role in today’s customer journey. By having a website and doing SEO content marketing, your brand is more likely to show up for customers when they search for products or services in your category.
For example, let’s say I have a problem. It’s getting colder outside, so I like to have a mug of green tea in the afternoon. Kind of a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. But I’ve noticed that I bring the tea to my desk, then get distracted by calls or emails. My tea gets cold before I drink it. I mentioned this frustration to a friend, who recommended I get a mug warmer. I can set my cup on the warmer, and my tea will stay warm until I finish it. This product sounds like a perfect solution to my problem, but I have no idea where to buy a mug warmer. So, I head to Google and type it into the search bar. Here’s what I see:
I find brands I’ve never heard of, varying products and price points, and even a story from “The New York Times” recommending specific warmers. If I scroll down past the ads, I also find smaller businesses that have written posts similar to the one from the “Times” and have links on their sites to buy those products. That is content marketing’s role in brand awareness! It leads me from a Google search to content that makes me aware of new brands and helps me eliminate my pain point. My afternoon tea will be warm from here on out!
As a bonus, the money spent on content marketing (much less than those television ads featuring Ronald McDonald) will keep those brands showing up in search results potentially for years, driving traffic and leads to those companies’ websites while creating greater brand awareness.
Advice for Using Content Marketing to Build Brand Awareness
Now that you understand how content marketing can drive awareness, you want it to happen right now! That’s understandable. Once you have a tool that you know can make big things happen for your business, you want to use it. But here’s some advice before you dig in.
When using content marketing to build brand awareness:
- Know Your Audience. Understand your audience and their pain points. What are they likely to search for on Google? Be sure your content is anticipating their search intent.
- Use Keywords. Once you know what your audience searches for that your brand helps with, build your keyword strategy around those specific searches. You want your site to pop up when they ask Google their questions.
- Vary Your Content. Don’t focus on blog posts alone. You need product or service pages, emails, Google Business Profile, and a presence on social media. Post words, videos, graphics, photos, etc., to help people see, recognize, and consider your brand.
- Show Up Regularly. You can’t post once and expect people to flock to your site. You have to show up regularly for your audience. That means having a strong website, posting on your blog at least twice a week, and posting and interacting daily on your social media channels. Use the content marketing methods you choose to best serve your audience regularly.
- Be Patient. This piece of advice may be the most challenging. You have to be patient. SEO content marketing done right will always work for your brand, but it won’t work overnight. You have to trust the process and celebrate the steady increase in awareness.
The Lesson to Learn
Building brand awareness through content marketing takes a thoughtful approach but has lasting effects. Using content in these ways will attract more customers to your brand on social channels, your website, and even strategic partners who never heard of you before. Planning and executing a content marketing plan takes time, but the effort is always worth it.
The post Using Content Marketing to Build Brand Awareness appeared first on DigitalMarketer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an entrepreneur succeed?
There are two types, those who make their money and those whose time is theirs.
What makes them different is their approach to business. Money-makers focus on making more while time-makers focus on making more.
The desire to have financial freedom is what drives those who make money. Their goal, and their only goal, is to get rich and stay wealthy.
They are motivated by fear, greed, and a sense of entitlement. They don't really care about the longer term, as they know that their goal will bring them joy.
This type of person is commonly referred to by the term "hustler". They focus on the bottom line and find ways to increase revenue without regard to quality.
Some people have the ability to make it work. These entrepreneurs are driven and passionate. They desire to create something meaningful and lasting.
They are driven by altruism. They are motivated to do great work. They care about making products and services that make a difference.
They are often called dreamers. They are driven by inspiration and vision. They know that success requires hard work, perseverance and dedication.
The most important trait of these entrepreneurs is their creativity. They are constantly seeking out opportunities that haven't been done before.
They thrive in the unknown. They love to research new areas of interest and will often spend hours on it. Because they love learning new things, they are always open to trying new ideas.
They can also adapt easily to change. They are not afraid to get dirty and do whatever it takes in order to win. They don't like mediocrity.
Which type are you? Are you driven by making money or seeking meaning?
If you answered yes to both questions, then congratulations! You are a successful entrepreneur.
Over the years, I have met many successful entrepreneurs and observed one thing: passion.
Success isn't measured by just monetary wealth. They leave behind an impact that defines them.
Steve Jobs, for instance, was well-known because of his charitable work but wasn't very wealthy. He was only in his mid-40s when he bought his first house.
His wealth came from his ability to create products that changed the world. And this is what defines him.
It's not your job to build wealth. It's not about building empires and amassing power.
Your job is building relationships with customers or partners. To build trust. To inspire others to succeed.
To make a difference. Your legacy. That's your legacy.
We'd love to talk with you if we can help you build a lasting legacy.
Social Media University will teach you how to generate passive income online. We'll show how to market your business so it grows naturally.
How to Motivate Yourself as an Entrepreneur?
Find someone to motivate you. Ask someone who's working hard to reach his goals for how he achieved them.
Ask for advice, listen, learn and most importantly follow it. Follow the example of someone who is successful.
You can do whatever it takes to be that person. Learn from them. Take notes. Follow their example.
Keep moving. Keep moving. Never stop learning. Never give up.
Never let anyone tell you that you aren't capable. Do not let anyone tell your that you aren't capable of following a specific path.
You might fail but that doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Failure is an opportunity for growth. To learn more. To push harder.
Failure is just another step on the road to success.
Let's get started! Get started today and you will be closer to your goals.
What are you waiting for?
How can entrepreneurs motivate employees?
Motivation can come from any source. Motivation can come from anywhere. Motivation is vital for any business.
The more motivated employees feel, the better they will perform. For a team that performs well, provide them with the tools they need to feel empowered.
You have to give them a sense of belonging. They need to feel valued and able to learn. They can share their ideas freely without fear of being punished.
It is important to create a culture within your company that encourages employees to flourish and be successful. It's how to keep your best employees happy, loyal, and productive.
To maintain the culture, you need to reward those behaviors that help you succeed. This can include bonuses when goals are achieved, training opportunities, raising pay raises, and providing perks like insurance.
It is important to communicate clearly and provide direction. Make sure everyone is clear about what they are expected to do and why.
Make sure you have written policies and procedures. Make sure there's someone responsible for making sure they're followed.
Communicate often, and that's the most important thing. Make sure your team is informed about the latest happenings in the company. Let your team know about what's happening.
Communication is crucial, and it is important to look after your team. They will take care you.
If you don't build a strong relationship with your employees, it could be costly. Studies have shown that companies with high employee engagement score higher in productivity and profitability than those struggling to retain their top performers.
It is important to realize that not all employees want to work at the same speed. Some prefer to work independently while others like to work in a team. Each person can be motivated in different ways, so it is up to you which one works for you.
Some may be more inclined to accept recognition than others. Whatever works for you, ensure it aligns with the company's goals.
It's up to the leader to set the tone. Keep your mind open. Listen to your team. Don't forget to listen.
What motivates entrepreneurs?
Passion is what drives us. However, we are driven by passion and a strong desire to create meaningful things that make a real difference. To make a difference for ourselves and our loved ones.
To give back. To give back. To leave behind a legacy.
Most importantly, though, we do it because we enjoy doing it. We are driven to live a full life and enjoy success in the ways that matter.
We are driven primarily by a sense that purpose and mission is important. It cannot be achieved solely through money.
The key here is to find a way to combine business with pleasure. Entrepreneurship can be more than a career; it's a lifestyle.
This is why I love helping entrepreneurs succeed. My goal, as an entrepreneur, is to enable them to reach financial freedom and leave a lasting legacy on the world.
I'm living proof that there is nothing better than creating value. It's sharing your knowledge with the rest.
It is not enough to create a great product. It is essential to understand your customers' motivations and what they want. What they want.
You'll always be able to improve your offerings if you do. You'll provide more value.
If you can offer more value, customers will come back. Plus, more customers will mean more sales. More customers will mean more revenue. And if you generate more revenue, you will eventually become financially independent.
Money is not everything. It's just the means to an end. It's not the end itself.
So, if you truly want to live a rich life, you cannot focus only on money. Making a positive contribution is what you must do. Contributing. Leaving a legacy. Creating something valuable. You create something unique. You can add meaning to others' lives and your own.
Entrepreneurship requires risk-taking. It doesn't necessarily mean that you have to follow certain rules. Flexible means being open to change. Adapting. Adjusting. Improving.
If you're true to yourself and hold onto your values and integrity, you will not fail.
Entrepreneurship can be a calling. A vocation. A chance to make a difference. To build wealth. To create history.
If you embrace these things, you'll be the best you.
You won't be stopped.
What is the importance of motivation for entrepreneurs?
When we feel lost or stuck in life, motivation is the fuel that propels us forward. Motivation gives us the courage to face our fears, and makes decisions that may seem impossible or risky.
Motivation is also a driving force behind success. If we lack motivation, it can lead to being unmotivated, lazy, unproductive, and eventually, unsuccessful.
Finding ways to motivate yourself is key to unlocking your potential. This means finding a way to stay motivated throughout the day.
You can think about it like a muscle. The stronger it gets, the more you do it. It begins to weaken and atrophy when it isn't exercised.
Most of the most successful entrepreneurs are selfmotivated. They set goals, plan how to achieve them, and follow through.
You may find yourself struggling to stay motivated at times. These are three simple steps that will help you stay motivated.
Step 1) Get inspired. Find someone who inspires and motivates you. Someone who is already achieving the things you dream of.
Step 2) Set small goals. Each goal should be achievable. Focus on the next step rather than the ultimate result. Breaking down big goals into smaller steps will help you reach them quicker.
Step 3: Reward your self. You can reward yourself when you reach your goals. It doesn't have be something tangible, it could just be time spent doing something you enjoy.
Remember, motivation is a choice. Choose to be happy, to be successful, to live a fulfilled life.
Start today if you are ready to make a change in your life. It is important to take the first step and decide to change. Next, you must take action. You can start living the life of your dreams now.
What is your biggest motivation in life and why?
You're interested in my greatest motivation? Let me tell it. I find the greatest motivation in life to make people feel good about themselves. They will be amazed at how amazing they truly are. That they are worthy to be loved, because they are.
That they deserve happiness, because they do.
It is important to feel great about yourself. Nothing. I will do what it takes to make our world better.
When we feel good about our own self, we are more open-minded and compassionate to those around us. We stop judging each other based on superficiality and instead start seeing the person inside, which is really cool.
The most powerful way to motivate someone is to show them that they already have everything they need within themselves.
They might not have realized it yet but they know that this is why their struggle with something has been so prolonged. They knew deep down that they could heal themselves.
They only needed the right environment and support system. They lost sight of this.
They lost sight of the problem. Because they were too busy trying figure out what the problem was. They were desperate to fix it and didn't realize that they actually had all the necessary tools.
But they forgot that the true reason they couldn't solve the problem was because they didn’t know what the answer was.
You have the power to create a new reality. To tap into your inner genius, all you need is to learn.
The rest will fall into place once you do. You will be amazed at how simple it is to achieve your dreams.
You see, I believe everyone has access to their own unique superpower.
It is up to us to master its use.
Statistics
- I shifted my motivational point from something huge (and undefined) to improve by just 1% each day. (carolroth.com)
- According to analysts, Johnson has high appeal in all four quadrants tracked at the multiplex: male, female, over-25 and under-25. (forbes.com)
- “If you look to lead, invest at least 40% of your time managing yourself – your ethics, character, principles, purpose, motivation, and conduct. (americanexpress.com)
- “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” (oberlo.com)
- "If you improve by just 1% every single day, in several months, you will have improved by 100%. (carolroth.com)
External Links
entrepreneur.com
inc.com
kabbage.com
twitter.com
How To
Which five factors are motivating entrepreneurs?
Entrepreneurs want to be financially independent. Because they want control over their destiny, entrepreneurs are motivated to become financially independent. They want to be able to provide for their family and themselves.
They are also driven by the desire to assist others. Most people who are successful in business don't do it for their own gain, but to help others.
In addition to these factors, there are other motivations, such as
- Passion - To succeed you must love what your do. If you don’t enjoy what your do, who would?
- Vision - A vision can be described as a visual representation of the place you want to go. We visualize ourselves in the place we want to be when we dream. We feel excited when dreaming because we know our dreams can become real.
- Courage - Do not fear failure; face it head-on. Failing is inevitable but it doesn't have the power to define you. Failure is not inevitable. However, you can still achieve success if your persistence is constant.
- Belief – Believe in yourself. Don't let doubt stop you from achieving your goals. Doubt is often caused by fear. Fear keeps us stuck in our comfort zone. So break out of your comfort zone and move towards your goals.
- Persistence - Do not give up, no matter how difficult it seems. Everybody makes mistakes. But if you persist, eventually, you'll achieve your goal.
