The

Power

of Content Strategy

The Power of Content Strategy

5 Tips for an Effective Content Strategy

In the vast digital landscape, where attention spans are dwindling and competition is fierce, content creation has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses to capture and engage their audience.  Scroll stopping content.   Simply churning out generic content is no longer enough to make an impact.

To truly stand out, businesses must embrace the art of storytelling, connect with their audience on a deeper level, adopt the “less is more” approach, and use content as a guiding light rather than a mere product showcase. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of these elements in content creation and how they can help brands effectively communicate their core values, brand identity, and the problems they solve.

writer working on typewriter in office

1. Understanding Your Brand: Communicating Values and Solutions

You first move for a great content strategy is to showcase your brand identity and highlight the unique solutions you offer. It’s crucial to align your content strategy with your brand’s values, voice, and mission. By consistently incorporating your brand’s personality and tone into your strategy, you create a cohesive and authentic experience for your audience. This enables them to form a deeper understanding of your brand, its purpose, and the problems you are passionate about solving. Showcase your expertise, address industry challenges, and position your brand as the go-to solution provider.

Lorax truffula trees in pink, yellow and purple

Chipotle’s branding and content strategy establishes them as a trusted food chain that believes in sustainability and a wholesome food choice.  Their “Back to the Start” commercial is a powerful reminder of the importance of sustainable farming practices.  In this animation commercial, a farmer turns the farm into a factory realizes it wasn’t a good idea, so he goes back to sustainable farming practices.  This also seems like a tip of the cap to Dr. Seuss’s , The Lorax, where the Lorax warns of great danger if all the Truffula trees are no longer.

2. Using Storytelling in Your Content Strategy

At its core, creating content is about connecting and telling stories. At least it should be. By using storytelling in your content strategy, you utilize an age-old tradition that captivates and connects people on an emotional level- the story narrative.  People remember stories, not statistics.  By incorporating storytelling into their content, businesses can effectively convey their brand narrative and create a lasting impact on their audience.  People feel more connected.  Compelling stories not only engage readers but also help them understand the values, mission, and vision of your content strategy. Stories make your content memorable, leaving a lasting impression and encouraging readers to share their experiences with others.

A retro Apple computer with monitor, mouse and keyboard

A great example of an effective content strategy is when Apple was releasing their first computer in 1976, their marketing strategy was to list all the technical aspects of what the computer can do.  This was in the 70s and words like bits, ram and computational speed was something out of a sci-fi novel.  Sales were nonexistent for the 1st 

Apple release and it was because the campaign focused on wowing their audience with hard to say terminology that really didn’t connect.  How can one associate how much ram it will take to find them a job?  Apple’s, now famous, “Think Different” revolutionized the company to one of the biggest corporations in the entire world because they were able to simplify what the computer can do.  They told a story on how their product can help their customers to think differently.

3. A Content Strategy that Builds Relationships Beyond the Screen

Content strategy is not just about producing words on a page or media creation; it’s about building a genuine connection with your audience. By understanding their needs, desires, and the struggles they face, you can tailor your content to resonate with them on a personal level.  Your audience will feel that you get them.  This connection goes beyond promoting products or services; it’s about establishing a relationship based on trust, authenticity, and shared values. When you connect with your audience, they become invested in your brand and are more likely to become loyal customers and advocates for your business.

You become the guide to solving their problems.  Once you are established as a guide for them, they will turn their attention to your brand.  Your audience will have a better understanding of how you can help them because you are using stories to help them understand your message and they can clearly identify how you can help solve their problems.  Your stories will help elevate your brand and the make your brand stand out from the competition.

4. The Content Strategy Less is More Approach

The average American is exposed to 4,000-10,000 ads per day *.  In an era of information overload, brevity is a valuable skill in content creation. This is why we put “understanding your brand” first. It’s not about sounding smart but having clarity.  For a great content strategy, the “less is more” approach emphasizes the importance of conveying your message succinctly and effectively. By focusing on delivering concise, impactful content strategy that understand your consumers. You not only capture your audience’s attention, but also gain respect of their time and attention span.  Cluttered content can confuse readers and dilute your message. Embrace simplicity and clarity to create content that leaves a lasting impression.

When you take a complex situation and distill into a couple words, and delivers precise meaning, it’s more effecting communication.  Dove did a remarkable job with the campaign, **Real Beauty, that used storytelling to question what “real” beauty looked like. 

This content strategy challenged the status quo and interviewed normal everyday people about how they see themselves.  The campaign utilized a professional sketch artist that drew 2 versions of 1 person.  The 1st sketch was based on how the individual viewed themselves.  The 2nd sketch was a sketch of how another person describe their look.  It’s fascinating how we see ourselves compared to how other see us.

Dove Real Beauty Campaign
Copyright Dove

5. Content Strategy as a Guide

The days when a content strategy solely focused on explaining what a product or service does are gone.  That ship has sailed. Today, consumers seek guidance and solutions to their problems. Your content strategy should act as a guiding light, helping your audience navigate challenges and make informed decisions. By addressing their pain points, providing valuable insights, and offering actionable advice, you position yourself as a trusted authority in your industry. The Know Like and Trust (KLT) philosophy.  Their attention shifts. Your content strategy should guide your audience towards a solution rather than pushing your products or services, and they will be more likely to choose your brand when the time is right.

When we clearly define the problems and how to solve them, your audience will associate your brand to being the solution to their problems.  We want them to know we are listening and by creating a content strategy that focuses paying attention to the customer’s needs, and their frustrations, you are setting your brand up to be a guiding light by building trust in your content strategy.   If they understand that you are looking out for their best interest, you build better relationships.

Conclusion

How do you stand out from crowd?  Glad you asked.  Effective content strategy has evolved into an art form that combines storytelling, audience connection, conciseness, and strategic guidance. By embracing these elements, businesses can transcend the ordinary and create content that truly resonates with their audience. Remember, content is not merely a vessel to convey information but a powerful tool to communicate your brand and how much you focus on having solutions. So, craft your content strategy with creativity, purpose, and watch as it transforms your brand’s presence in the digital realm.

If a tree falls in the forest, and there’s no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?  Having a strong content strategy helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level.  Focus on intention and delivering value to your audience.  They want to know how you can help them and content strategy, your efforts will increase your engagement, build a community and grow of your brand.

References: 

*https://www.zippia.com/advice/advertising-statistics/#:~:text=How%20many%20ads%20does%20a,person%20saw%20in%20the%201970s 

** https://www.dove.com/us/en/stories/campaigns.html

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Anderson Seal is an award-winning filmmaker & owner of Seal Media since 2007. A graduate of Cal State University Long Beach, community advocate, father, & husband. 

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