2011 Trends: Content Marketing is Critical for Social Media Success

 

Content is the most important asset in using social media for new business.

I think we all agree that one of the main reasons we’re in the social media scene is to generate new business. What we need to do is put our brand out there along with original content so our thought leadership will come through no matter what business you’re in. So when you’re planning your content this year, make sure to focus on what your readers want to know.

According to a social media study by King Fish Media, HubSpot and Junta42, original content, both branded and expert, is by far the most employed tactic for social media.

“Next year [2011], marketers will need to rethink their approach to advertising and marketing and intensify their focus on creating magnetic content that will naturally attract consumers, rather than relying solely on the interruption model of advertising, which consumers are responding to less and less. Think pull vs. push.” Geoff Ramsey, CEO, Co-Founder of eMarketer

Here are some Content Marketing resources that will provide you with some best content creation practices along with unique insights, practical advice and tips:

Tips on How to Get the Most out of Social Media Marketing.

More Corporations are Blogging: Is Yours?

5 Helpful Hints to Attract New Business Using your Blog.

7 Ways to use Twitter to Generate Traffic and Leads.

5 Ways to use Content Marketing to Attract New Business.

Click on the following link for a downloadable copy of the study by King Fish Media, HubSpot and Junta42, 2010 Social Media Usage, Attitudes and Measurability: What Do Marketers Think?

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B-to-B Marketers are Finding LinkedIn a “Go-To” Source for Prospecting

I’ve been saying for some time now that the most overlooked social media tool for the B-to-B market is LinkedIn. It makes sense to join groups on LinkedIn, whether it’s buying groups like A-D or Netplus Alliance, or associations like STAFDA or AHMA. Take advantage and participate in the arenas you sell to and through.

With sales cycles getting longer, social media is a good way to start building those relationships. They are by no means the only way to nurture a prospect, but according to a recent “B-to-B Sales Pulse Survey” from OneSource, LinkedIn usage has increased significantly. Nearly 50% of the respondents said they were using LinkedIn more than a year ago.

Change* in Use of Select Social Networking Sites for  Prospecting/Research According to US B2B Sales Professionals, January  2010 (% of respondents)

Hubspot, in their January 2010 data report, showed that 45% of North American B-to-B companies used LinkedIn for marketing and have acquired customers through the site.

So how are you using LinkedIn to identify new prospects and build relationships?

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