A lot happened on this blog in 2016. I wrote a lot of content marketing blog posts, ranging from segmentation to hiring freelance writers. Along the way, I talked about strategy and specific pieces of content that boost content marketing campaigns. Here are the most-read content marketing blog posts from my blog this year.
How iTunes Illustrates the Importance of Customer Segmentation: iTunes suggested a whole bunch of music that had nothing to do with my recent downloads. If you’re doing that to your customers and prospects (offering them content that has nothing to do with their interests), you might want to rethink your customer segmentation strategy.
12 Reasons You Shouldn’t Invest in Content Marketing: I’m definitely not a sarcastic content marketer, and you definitely shouldn’t read these 12 reasons why content marketing is a waste of time for you. Hint: sales people love making cold calls, and they really hate when you nurture leads.
4 Books About Content Marketing You Should Read: Here’s a little reading list for you. If you don’t have these books, download them to your Kindle or get the paper copy and bring it on your next plane ride.
10 Undeniable Reasons People Hate White Papers: I love white papers, but not everyone does. Here’s why people hate them, and how to love your white papers again.
3 Sites to Help You Become an Expert in Content Marketing: We all get by with a little help from our friends. These sites are my BFFs.
The History of Content Marketing: Marketing geeks, rejoice! This post is all about the history of content marketing, way before the Internet was ever invented.
10 Compelling Reasons Why You Need Case Studies: Case studies, customer success stories – whatever you call them, you need them. Here’s why.
Avoiding the 7 Deadly Sins of Content Creation: I get a little Biblical and correlate how companies sabotage their content marketing using the 7 deadly sins.
The Big Reason Your “Storytelling” Falls Flat: Make your stories relevant! That’s all I can say. (Also, I kind of dislike the term “storytelling.” Yes, you want stories. But the term is overused.)
Stop Trying to Make Cheap Freelance Writers Happen: Just stop, okay? If you want good content, you won’t get it at a bargain basement price.
Have a great holiday season and happy new year, y’all! See you in 2017!