The days of small businesses solely relying on outbound advertising are falling behind us, and innovations like the internet have made that possible. Where outbound advertising is focused on advertising to customers through TV, radio, print ads, and cold calling, the new form of marketing is inbound advertising — a strategy that brings customers to your business rather than the other way around. Yet it’s not simple advertisements that get people to patronize businesses these days. Part of the allure with inbound advertising is the use of content marketing to contribute something useful to a customer’s internet experience.

What is content marketing? Web-based content marketing strategies use everything from quality web design and blog posts to social media websites and videos to attract customers to a business. If you think that your small business’s web presence could use a boost, try these three content marketing strategies with the help of an advertising agency:

• Start with SEO. Search engine optimization may not sound like one of the most surefire content marketing strategies, but it’s actually one of the building blocks of a successful one. The discovery phase of an SEO campaign will let you know which keywords you should be using more often, and the agency will also determine other areas of your online presence that can use some help. Website design, for instant, is one of them.
• Add useful and insightful content to your website. In most cases, your search engine optimizers will also provide you with website development services. Website development and design are absolutely crucial, but they aren’t the only concerns you should have. Content is also number one — meaning that things like images, infographics, blog posts, and even information about your business are essential in letting customers know what you do. By adding things like news-worthy blog posts or how-to videos, you can keep customers coming back to your site and establish your company as an expert in your field.
• Get with the social media program. In the age of the internet, social media for small business is an essential strategy. Around 70% of businesses in the U.S. use services like Facebook, and of the largest 100 companies in the country, 77 are on Twitter. This means that your business will fit right in, but you’ll also have a lot of competition.
  
  However, it’s not just about setting up a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other profile — it’s also about how you use the account. A survey from SMI revealed that 52% of Facebook users have had to stop following a corporate page because of its repetitive or boring posts. Having a social media marketing firm on the side of your business can give you the right strategies to keep customers engaged and interested in what you have to offer.

Do you have more questions about using online content marketing to rake in more business? Contact a qualified local SEO and social media firm to give you more information.