Scoop

There’s a lot more that needs to be done after you’ve installed that blog and set up plugins (although those are necessary steps). WordPress will only take you so far. Let’s take a look at the blogging process from soup to nuts, start to promotion.

Picking a Theme

Thesis –  The “ol’ Standard” in customizable themes. Thesis is referred to as a “framework” leaving a ton of room for customization. It’s uses a systems of “hooks” to allow you to change the theme as you see fit. Personally, I love this theme because its high quality coding and support. However it’s not the most user friendly when it comes to heavy customization. For that, you’ll have to get your hands dirty in some code.

Headway –  This theme is very impressive. It utilizes an ajax system of drag and drop to allow you to create any kind of layout you want. You can create unlimited layouts and customize any page of your site. It’s a great system. There’s a slight learning curve to the interface, but it’s fantastic when you get past that.

Flexability –  I have not used this theme in a couple years. When I did it was very user friendly. Whenever I talk about themes on a webinar someone ALWAYS mentions this theme. So it seems as though this one has many happy customers.

Must Have Plugins

I wrote a blog post called “best WordPress plugins for 2012” It’d be kind of weird to repeat that list or make new one for this post. So go read that post for the best plugins.

Creating Content

1.) Here is an insanely comprehensive post full of links to tutorials on the subject of creating great blog content. Sidenote Problogger is a fantastic resource for all things “blogging.”

http://www.problogger.net/how-to-write-great-blog-content/

2.) Neil Patel is an inspiringly brilliant Internet marketer. His content is always thoughtful, detailed, and most importantly actionable. I look up to his writing style when it comes to creating killer content. Here’s a post he wrote about writing content that goes viral

http://www.quicksprout.com/2012/06/04/forget-seo-heres-how-to-write-a-post-that-goes-viral/

Review quicksprout’s content. Seriously. Spend some time there and look over several posts. You’ll be blown away by the quality and detail of the info he provides.

Copywriting

Oh no, this is sooo not the same as writing great content. Copywriting is part science and part art. Probably more of the latter. Learn this well and you’ll be able to sell or presell any product you want.

1.) CopyBlogger – The name says it all, right? Actually this site is jam packed with great info on most things related to IM. Their copywriting info is always top of the line. Here’s a great post on writing copy that speaks to your potential customers desire.

http://www.copyblogger.com/ego-copywriting/

2. The copywriter’s crucible has been a go to resource for me for a while now. Here’s a great post full of pithy tips that will make your copy better instantly.

http://copywriterscrucible.com/15-punchy-copywriting-tips/

Content Marketing

So you’ve got a highly attractive and functional blog with great content and copy. What now? Marketing. Now it’s time for marketing to build readership.

1.) Back to copyblogger – Check out this page. It’s designed and written to get you to opt into their email list. During this process they give you some absolutely brilliant advice and links to articles on the topic. There are two lessons here. One is in the words you’re reading. One is in the presentation of the words you’re reading.

http://www.copyblogger.com/content-marketing/

2.) OnlinePRNews – This post speaks specifically to press releases. However it’s a must read. You’ll get solid strategy and how to info here, not to mention a great PR service

http://onlineprnews.com/blog/2012/04/how-to-use-online-press-releases-to-build-a-responsive-email-list/

Social Media Marketing

If you don’t know that you should be doing social media by now there’s no hope for you. Sorry. But for those of you who did know this here are a couple great resources.

1.) Hubspot – This company constantly publishes high quality content. Here is a curation post they did in 2011 about social media. Yes I know, it’s 2012. I still think you’ll find these tips useful.

http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/29348/30-Brilliant-Social-Media-Marketing-Tips-From-2011.aspx

2.) Social Media Examiner – This site specializes in social and they do that very well. Here is a more recent article full of social media tips you can use today.

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/9-social-media-marketing-tips-from-the-pros/

What do you think of these blogging tips? Any other topics you’d like to see great info about?

Let me know in the comments below

Much like in school, where you’ve probably heard more than one teacher say to your class, “If you have any questions, please ask them, because chances are, you are not the only one in the room with the same question,” it seems as though online marketing bares no difference.

Survey Says…

Many industry reports as of late, specifically the B2B Content Marketing Benchmarks, Budgets & Trends survey, reveal that the majority of content marketers are experiencing the same content-related challenges.

According the B2B Content Marketing survey, 41% of content marketers feel their biggest content marketing challenge is producing engaging content. Other common content marketing challenges included:

• Remaining relevant and compelling in the eyes of consumers
• Finding the right channels to distribute content
• Taking the time to create enough content
• Maintaining a sustainable content marketing process

Despite these challenges, the fact remains the same – content marketing is the future of online marketing. Now’s the time you need to stare those content challenges straight on, and kick them to the curb!

Find New Inspiration

Content marketing is a process that requires consistent delivery and engagement with consumers, but how do you keep up with their constant demand for quality content?

Have you ever thought about going directly to the source? Looking to your target audience for inspiration is one of the best ways to write the kind of content that will attract quality consumers. Ask them questions, request their feedback and address their concerns.

Everyone makes mistakes – even you. Somewhere throughout your career as a marketer, you must have taken a misstep at one point or another. Share your experiences with your followers by using those mistakes to inspire new content that will help educate your readers on how to avoid similar mistakes.

Get Connected

Social Media is here to stay, and your presence is vital to your success as a marketer in this new content-driven landscape. Hopping into the social media pool can be intimidating for those who have yet to dip their toes in the water. The list of social networks keeps on going and going – maybe even more so than the Energizer bunny.

Distributing your content through social media networks picks up in a virtual word of mouth fashion as users continue to share your posts, connect with you, and engage in real-time.

Don’t dive in and try to sign up for every “hot” new network right away. Take a step back and research which social networks make the most sense for your business. Obviously, you’ll want to use Twitter and Facebook, but look further into niche networks based on the interests of your target market.

Creating an account and posting a piece of content every so often just isn’t going to cut it with your followers. Make sure you remain active and present on these sites to offer true value to your social media connections.

When There is No Time, Make the Time

If you want to stay relevant and compelling in the eyes of your readers, you need to be visible and remain in front of them. They key to this is maintaining consistency.

There may only be a set number of hours each day, but you can maximize the time you have by formulating a plan and sticking to it. The best way to accomplish this, and preserve a sustainable content marketing plan, is by making an Editorial Calendar.

The best performing blogs update their posts at least once a day. If you’re just starting out, commit to blogging at least once a day. Organize your blog posting schedule with your Editorial Calendar by keeping track of upcoming deadlines, trending topics, events, and other content opportunities to keep your content plan fresh, organized, and most of all, consistent.

Don’t Neglect Home Base

As they say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” and the same is true of your branding efforts. Although your goal may not be to have your brand as recognizable as Coca Cola, you may have dreams of reaching top honors among the heavy hitters in your niche, or even your industry as a whole.

In all your efforts to create the best content out there, don’t neglect your home base, in this case, your website. Your website supports your online strategy and serves as the landing space for consumers who come from your other web properties – it is the epicenter of your online presence.

Rise above these content marketing challenges and use content marketing to establish your brand, project it on your website, social profiles, and email newsletters. The key throughout this process is to remain present and helpful while providing consistent and quality content.

This Article is brought to you by: Jessica Negri

Jessica Negri works as a Copywriter at CPA Network Blue Global Media. As part of the Blue Global Media team, Jessica helps to enhance the company’s in-house campaign optimization efforts through creating quality content.