Ok, this post is going to be a little long because there are A LOT of different ways you can use contribution marketing to build your brand and your business. That’s the point, after all: contribution marketing works because it is scalable and effective.
And if you’re willing to put in the time, effort, and resources it takes to implement a contribution marketing strategy on your site and you should be you’ll be able to reap the rewards for years. Here goes:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Utilize user-generated content for long-tail engagement. |
| 2. Collaborate with micro-influencers for niche visibility. |
| 3. Leverage customer testimonials to build trust and credibility. |
| 4. Embrace content co-creation with your community. |
| 5. Participate in forums and groups to target specific interests. |
| 6. Offer specialized products or services for unique needs. |
| 7. Create in-depth guides catering to specific queries. |
| 8. Implement personalized email campaigns for niche segments. |
| 9. Optimize keywords for long-tail search queries. |
| 10. Use long-tail keywords in blog posts and articles. |
1. Write How-To Content
How-to content is a great way to build your list, increase engagement and find out what topics people are interested in.
It’s one of the most popular types of content that you can write on your website. It’s also very easy for you to create, since all it takes is a list of steps or instructions along with some pictures or screenshots.
How-to posts are easy to share because they give people tips on how to solve their problems in life.
They’re also easy to monetize because they provide information that solves problems and allows readers/clients/customers something they need or want (i.e., how they can solve the problem).
And finally, how-tos rank well on Google search results because Google rewards sites that rank high on quality content over those who don’t have much original material online yet but still want rankings!
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2. Interview People & Record Audio Or Video
You can interview people and record audio or video, which is a great way to learn. Just make sure you have a subject that’s interesting enough to keep your audience engaged.
If you want to be more creative with your interviews, try talking to someone who isn’t an expert in what you do but has expertise in another field.
For example, if I was interviewing someone about working with children, I might talk to an actress who has young kids of her own (i.e., she knows something about it!).
Or if I was writing a blog post on how effective Instagram marketing can be for businesses selling products on Amazon, I might interview someone from Instagram who specializes in building brands through social media marketing (i.e., he knows something about it!).
3. Publish A Long List Of Resources
A long list of resources that you can send to people is a great way to build your credibility and show off your knowledge. Your list should be comprehensive, organized in a way that makes sense, searchable, and user-friendly. That’s right: you need a landing page!
Long lists work because they’re easy for people to access. If the information was hidden away behind some kind of registration form or paywall (like this one), it would cost them too much time just to find what they need from your site.
And since our goal here is getting people interested in what we have to say about contribution marketing (and not just selling them something), having quick access means more clicks and more conversions over time.
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4. Put Together A Directory Of Contacts, People & Companies In Your Industry
Make sure it is easy to find. If you’re going to put in the time and effort to create a directory of contacts, people & companies in your industry, make sure that it’s easy for people to find.
Make sure it’s mobile-friendly. People are using their mobile devices more than ever before and they’ll be using them even more in the future!
Keep it up-to-date: Someone who updates their profile regularly will seem more reliable than someone who doesn’t update theirs as often.
So make sure that you can easily keep track of all the changes made throughout your directory and update accordingly so that everyone has access when they need it most (and no one else does).
Shareable: You know how important social media is these days; this should go without saying but if there’s an easy way for potential customers/clients to find out about something new then there should be an easy way for them to share this information too!
For example, when someone signs up through my site I get notified immediately with details like name contact email address etcetera – which means I can reach out right away if needed.”
5. Write An Ebook
While the term “ebook” is somewhat generic, it can mean a lot of things. It might be an Amazon Kindle book that you sell on Amazon or it could be something you write and sell online in PDF format.
Unless you have a large audience already, making money with ebooks involves selling through third-party platforms like Amazon and Kindle (or Kobo).
You’ll first need to write your ebook. If you don’t have any existing content, this will likely require some research into what readers want to read about and then some writing! Once the manuscript is written, there are several different publishing options available:
CreateSpace – A subsidiary of Amazon that specializes in print-on-demand services for writers and small publishers; offers free ISBNs (required for all titles over 10 pages long) as well as low-cost printing costs when ordering more than 100 copies at once;
Does not offer digital downloads as part of their service offering but do provide links back out to where they can be purchased elsewhere on other sites such as iBooks or Nook store;
Benefits include using the same account information so uploading new versions after edits is easy without having multiple logins; lower cost per book than competitors like LuLu since they’re not charging anything upfront just yet since they’re still testing whether people will buy them before committing further investment capital
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6. Find A Way To Make Something Easier For People To Do
You want to solve a problem for your customers.
You want them to be able to do something better than they could before, and you need a way for them to tell you what that is.
The easiest way is by making it easier for people to do what they’re already doing (and then helping them get more value out of it).
For example: If the goal is “do more marketing,” then make it easier for people who are already consuming content on Twitter or LinkedIn (or Instagram) but aren’t marketing yet.
Or if the goal is “increase sales,” then make it easier for existing customers who aren’t buying from you yet or even existing customers who aren’t using all of your products/services!
7. Make Your Content Accessible To A Mobile Audience
With the growth of mobile devices and apps, you should ensure that your content is easily accessible to a mobile audience. To do this, make sure that:
Your website is responsive and mobile-friendly. This will ensure that the size of all elements on your site is appropriate for smaller screens. If you don’t have the skill or budget to build a responsive website from scratch, many free plugins can help you out.
If building a new site from scratch isn’t an option either (and let’s be honest who has the time?), consider using Squarespace or WordPress as alternatives to building your responsive site from scratch.
Include a mobile version of your website. This includes just about any type of web content: blogs, videos, podcasts, and more!
Include an app version via iTunes or Google Play if possible (if not already built into your site).
Apps usually offer native functionality for sharing links on social media platforms as well as links back to buy products online via a store integrated within the app itself; however, this feature may vary depending on which platform you choose so make sure it suits what needs best fits yours!
8. Interview Other Experts In Your Field
Interviewing other experts in your field is a great way to get more exposure, build relationships with people who can help you out, and learn new things. Here are some tips for approaching the interview:
Ask interesting questions. It’s no surprise that people are more likely to give you an interview if they think it will be entertaining or informative for their audience.
If you’re not sure what type of question would interest them, ask yourself what kind of answer would fascinate or intrigue you. Then ask that question!
Ask questions that will help you learn something new from the person being interviewed (and from yourself). Questions like “What was it like starting?” or “How did it feel when X happened?” are good ones.
Because they give insight into how someone started and got where they are today plus they open up possibilities for reflecting on your own experiences as well as those of others in similar situations.
Ask questions that will help you understand the other person’s perspective on things (both professionally and personally).
When interviewing someone who has been doing this longer than I have been alive, I’m always trying my hardest not just to listen but think about everything said so I can get all those juicy bits down onto paper later (or into my headspace).
And even though we may be talking about business topics here…I still want those personal tidbits too!
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9. Write Articles For High Profile Sites That You’re Likely To Be Featured On
This one is so simple and obvious that I’m surprised more people don’t do it. The idea here is to write content for sites with a large audience, who are likely to feature you if they like your work.
This can be anything from a blog post, to an article series or book chapter (like the ones we write at Copyblogger).
The point of this strategy is two-fold: 1) You get visibility among the readership of these sites which means more eyeballs on your work, and 2) You build relationships with editors and writers at these publications which means more opportunities for collaboration down the road.
10. Post Incredibly Useful Tips On Social Media
You’re probably doing a lot of this already. But here are some tips for making your social media copy even more helpful:
Share useful tips from experts in your industry. When you repost something from someone like Seth Godin or Dan Pink, for example, not only will your audience benefit from the content but you’ll also look like an expert who knows what she’s talking about.
And as we all know (or at least should know), being perceived as an expert is one of the best ways to become one.
Answer questions on social media by linking to relevant posts and articles that answer those questions or write up summaries of those posts and articles yourself.
Or better yet, do both! It shows that you care enough about your followers to provide them with resources if they need help on a particular topic, which makes them feel valued and appreciated two things marketers want their audiences to feel!
11. Create Content With Search Engine Optimization In Mind
When it comes to content, search engine optimization (SEO) is a must. This means using keywords strategically and consistently throughout your posts. There are several ways to incorporate SEO into your content:
Use keywords in the title of each blog post you write. If you’re writing about how to contribute marketing strategies on Medium.
Use words like “contribution marketing” or “contribution marketing strategies” in the titles of posts (for example The #1 Way To Rock The Long-Tail With Contributing Marketing Strategies).
In addition to using keywords in titles, make sure they are used within the first paragraphs as well as sentences from graphs where possible but don’t overdo it!
You want readers who have questions about contributing marketing strategies to find your article through Google searches without being too repetitive or boring (and without sacrificing quality).
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12. Create Podcasts And Audio Training Content (Serialized!)
Podcasts are an excellent way to share knowledge, and audio training is a great format for this. Podcasts can be serialized, so you can build up a library of content that listeners can return to week after week.
You can use podcasts as a way to promote your product or service (or both).
For example, if you run an online store selling t-shirts, it might make sense for you to publish a series of interviews with designers who create beautiful t-shirt designs and then offer those shirts for sale on the podcast’s website.
You can also use your podcast as part of an overall branding strategy. By creating engaging content that people love and share widely on social media, it becomes more likely that listeners will associate your brand with something positive and memorable.
13. Offer Free Marketing Audits And SEO Reports For Your Products Or Services
Hook your audience with a free marketing audit and SEO report, then lead them to your product or service, where they can get their hands on it for an affordable price. This is a win-win situation for both you and the customer.
The customer gets the information they need (and maybe even some additional sales) from the audit, while you get an honest review of both the quality of your product and how well it meets their needs all without having to pay anything upfront!
14. Ask Your Customers To Recommend A Product/Service They Love In Return For A Discount Or Giveaway Entry
Ask your customers to recommend a product/service they love in return for a discount or giveaway entry.
The best testimonials are those that are endorsed by the customer, who has used the product and is willing to vouch for its efficacy. Ask your customers to share their experience with your product, especially if it’s something they’re passionate about (like photography).
You can also ask what they think is missing from the current market of similar products, as this will help you understand where there’s room for improvement.
Reviews are more formal than testimonials but still allow customers to go into detail about their experience with your brand or product without being too longwinded (or boring).
If possible, have them write reviews on third-party websites like Amazon not only does this give you some additional exposure in search engines but it also gives other potential buyers an idea of what others think about your service/product before making their purchasing decision!
15. Ask Your Customers To Guest Blog On Your Website Or Youtube Channel
Since you’re already working with your customers, it’s only natural to ask them to contribute content to your site. They already know the people and brands they want to share their expertise. All you have to do is provide a place for them to do so.
Why? Because guest blogging is one of the most popular ways for companies and individuals alike to spread their message online, especially when done correctly.
The right guest blog posts can help bring in new followers and even increase conversions as well!
You can also reach out on social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook where many bloggers are active and connect with them directly if they’re interested in writing something for your website or YouTube channel!
So what kind of content should I expect from my contributors? Well, that depends on who they are!
For example, if someone has traveled extensively then maybe they’ll write about some of their favorite destinations around the world (if there aren’t many travel blogs on our website).
Another example might be if someone works at an animal shelter – perhaps we could publish some tips about how best to care for pets without having too much money available every month ($$$).
16. Create Free Tools And Calculators For Your Industry
If you’re an expert in a certain field, why not create tools and calculators for your industry? This is a great way to demonstrate your expertise, help people make better decisions (or save time and money), and build trust.
Here are some ideas:
Create a tool that helps people calculate how much they’ll need for their retirement. You can even add links to other resources so that they can learn more about the subject matter.
Build an online calculator that shows users how many square feet of flooring they’ll need based on their room dimensions; include instructions on how to read the measurements on each piece of flooring so consumers know exactly what size plank they should buy.
Develop an app that calculates how long it will take two trains traveling at different speeds but both going 60 miles per hour to pass one another – useful if you’re planning a train trip with friends!
17. Create A Customer Forum On Your Website
Use it to solicit and gather input from customers and potential customers, then use that information to better serve them.
Encourage participation by offering incentives like discounts or free products for those who participate in the forums, as well as publicly recognizing those who contribute the most valuable and insightful content (this will help build loyalty).
Make sure everyone knows how to use the forums before they start posting: provide clear instructions and links to resources where they can find more information about using forums effectively (in particular, remember that not everyone is familiar with online etiquette be sure you’re demonstrating good behavior yourself!).
You may even want someone from your team who runs social media accounts for other brands (like [some blogger/influencer]) for example) teach best practices for using social networks at an upcoming event related specifically to this topic so he/she can share tips directly from experience!
Note: This means that we need someone else’s permission first before sharing their workbooks/guides etcetera).
18. Crowdsourcing Ideas And Conversations
When you have a problem or question, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s no shame in admitting that you don’t know something you’re human!
The same goes for crowdsourcing ideas for new products and services. If your company wants to make a new product, ask your customers what they want from it. They might surprise you with unexpected answers and solutions that weren’t even on your radar yet.
This can also work well when brainstorming marketing campaigns by soliciting feedback from those who are most likely to be interested in them (your fans.)
19. Customer/Fan-Driven Social Media Campaigns
Invite your customers/fans to share their stories. The most compelling content is that which is generated by your audience, so let them tell their tales.
Make it easy for them by providing a simple form where they can submit their personal experience with your product and/or service, along with photos and videos from their experience (if applicable).
Encourage people to upload content on your behalf. You may not have the bandwidth or resources to create a massive library of user-generated content.
But you can still benefit from having this type of material on hand at all times by inviting people to share photos or videos directly with you.
Whether it’s through email, social media channels like Facebook or Instagram, or other means entirely and then using those images in any way that makes sense for driving traffic back into the sales funnel (e.g., using them as part of an ad campaign).
Live Q&A Sessions
When it comes to living Q&A sessions, you can:
Ask your audience questions. This is a great way for them to get more involved in the conversation and feel engaged with one another, as well as with you.
Take questions from your audience. If you’re hosting a live Q&A session on Facebook Live or Periscope, this is an easy way of keeping people involved while also connecting with them in real-time much easier than typing out replies!
If you’re doing a podcast or video series that’s meant to be educational but doesn’t have much interaction between expert and student (or between experts).
Consider having guests who are knowledgeable about certain aspects of your topic area that may not be included in the initial curriculum but would benefit learners significantly;
Such guests could also offer helpful advice or additional resources during their interviews with you so that listeners have everything they need right there at their fingertips rather than needing outside research before continuing their learning journey independently afterward.”
20. User-Generated Content
User-generated content is a great way to get your customers talking.
Whether it’s a review, tutorial, or some other form of media (think photos and videos), you can use this user-generated content as an opportunity for your audience to engage with each other by responding to what has been shared.
Give your users a platform where they can share their thoughts and opinions on their experience with your product or service. This could be done through a blog post series, or even through the use of social media platforms like Facebook Live or Periscope.
Conclusion
We hope you found some of these suggestions helpful! If so, we’d love to hear about it. Please feel free to comment, tweet us at @buffer or reach out via email with any questions, comments, or suggestions for how we might improve this post.
You can reach us at hello@bufferapp.com or on Twitter @joelgascoigne and @lewishowes.
Further Reading
Explore more about the concept of long-tail marketing with these resources:
Rock Content: Learn the ins and outs of long-tail marketing and discover how it can drive growth by targeting niche audiences effectively.
Dr. Vidya Hattangadi: Dive into the details of the long-tail marketing strategy and understand its importance in reaching specialized markets and maximizing conversions.
HubSpot Blog: Discover six effective ways to leverage the long tail in your marketing efforts and tap into the power of niche-focused content for better engagement.
FAQs
Got questions about long-tail marketing? Here are some answers:
What is long-tail marketing?
Long-tail marketing refers to a strategy where businesses focus on targeting niche, specific, or less popular segments of the market rather than solely catering to the most popular products or services.
How does long-tail marketing benefit businesses?
Long-tail marketing allows businesses to tap into less competitive markets, attract highly engaged audiences, and potentially increase overall sales by catering to specific customer needs.
What are the key components of a successful long-tail marketing strategy?
A successful long-tail marketing strategy involves thorough market research to identify niche opportunities, creating high-quality and relevant content, optimizing for relevant keywords, and effectively promoting the offerings to the target audience.
Is long-tail marketing suitable for all types of businesses?
Long-tail marketing is particularly effective for businesses that offer a wide range of products or services, as well as those targeting specific niches or industries with passionate customer bases.
How can I implement a long-tail marketing approach in my business?
To implement long-tail marketing, start by identifying niche markets through keyword research, creating tailored content for those segments, optimizing your website for relevant search terms, and using targeted advertising to reach your desired audience.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.