Today is April 10, which is awesome because it’s Friday Fix Day! It’s also a little scary because that means it’s 11 days before Google’s new mobile-friendly update (is your site ready for this?). If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, do not pass go; do not collect $200. Just go straight to the Fix and read up on related information. If you are familiar with the update and are ready for “the big day”, then check out what else has been frying minds this week (Bobby Flay and Jamie Oliver, speaking of frying).
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There Is No ‘One Size Fits All’ for Content Marketing
From Daniel Newman’s brain straight to Victoria’s Secret free undergarment promotional team (I mean, is there ever a one-size-fits all anything…unless it’s a 750 ML glass of wine, then we’re talking, right?). Seriously, content marketing is a unique industry and as such, what works for Coca Cola or for Jamie Oliver (see below) may not work for you. So, why do we look at others? Because, there are pieces of what works for others that can work for us; however, in the meantime, as Daniel notes, what’s essential is forgetting the formula and figuring out the self and what works for that.
9 Things You Need to Know about Google’s Mobile-Friendly Update
Cindy Krum’s blog tells you everything you need to know (and then some) about the changes that will result from Google’s mobile-friendly update due to launch April 21. Organized in an FAQ fashion, the article handles tough questions and concepts starting with the most simple / obvious, which is, “What’s changing?” and “Do I have to play?” Short answers to those questions are: Lots of things and yes…if you want to stay relevant. Read on to get on board (if you’re already not).
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What You Need to Know about the Google Mobile-Friendly Update
Essentially, Google’s algorithm is going to be factoring in mobile-friendliness for mobile searches, which means that if your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re going to be eating web-dust. There are ways to test to see if you’re mobile-friendly. If you’re not, there are ways to get to that point. On the plus, the algorithm constantly updates, so if you get your site mobile-happy on April 23, you’ll be in with the cool kids on April 23 (no need to wait for the prom king to host a party a month later or anything like that).
Ways Content Marketing is Going to Change in 2015
In case you thought content marketing wasn’t going to change / wasn’t already changing, John Rampton most likely just blew the lid off your contented kettle. Some of John’s seven ways for content to change (like increased spending) have been in the forecast for ages now. Others, are a little more intriguing (like the idea of content going local); perhaps what’s most important is that John’s forecasts are in total alignment with what many pundits have been banking on for months, which means if you were skeptical and didn’t act then, now’s the time to get going.
How to Improve Your Content Marketing with Canva
The reality is, most people in content marketing aren’t inherently artists, and even if they are, they have a lot more that they have to deal with than the joy of creating art. Cue Steve Rayson’s article on the essential tool, Canva. Created for content marketers, Canva is the new BFF for those who don’t have access to graphic designers, who are going DIY, but who want professional quality images.
Content Marketing: I Want to Tell You a Story
I originally thought William Yates’ piece was going to focus on how to tell stories in content, but rather, it really hones in on the story of content marketing. Like a narrative, it talks about highs and lows and ways to be a successful protagonist of your content marketing fate and future. Want to avoid villains and pitfalls? Read this no-nonsense narrative for a greater understanding.
3 Steps to Performing Content Marketing on a Shoestring Budget
Though this mostly speaks to small businesses (and to my immediate household situation), Tom’s guidance on doing your content marketing on a shoestring budget is smart business regardless. Why? Because, quality and expense don’t always equate; also, you sometimes have to give it a little sweat equity to make the content a gem. So, how do you play your best hand when the chips are down? Check out what Tom Demers advises in this piece.
How Native Advertising Fits into Content Marketing
Zach Etten seamlessly explains what native advertising is and its role in content marketing. In fact, he explains it so well that you’ll feel that it should fall under the new classification of “native explanation”. In all seriousness, Zach not only examines the nature of native advertising, he also looks at who is doing it best and where it’s going, both of which are important to be cognizant of.
5 Content Marketing Tips for Boring Products and Services
The coolest thing about Emily Faget’s article is that she doesn’t play around…she’s willing to admit that there’s stuff out there’s that’s just dull (can you admit it? …the sooner you do, the better). The world needs boring products and services, but how do they overcome the pragmatism or lack of imagination affiliated with their product to rise to content marketing greatness? Easy…but, uh, you have to read Emily’s article to find out.
5 Unconventional Content Ideas for Technology Companies
Okay, you’re not a technology company, so why should Casey Newman’s article mean beans to you, right? Here’s the thing, Casey’s advice (like having a dictionary on your site) is great advice for any niche-market type company where you may have broader audience-appeal or where only a technical audience will get your content without an explanation. So, even if you’re not a “technology company”, there’s lots to be learned here.
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Jamie Oliver’s Drink Tube Shakes up Content Marketing Cocktail
It’s always fun to see what’s going on in the content world that’s working (because sometimes, it really can seem like getting the right nut in a mixed bag, am I right?). Seb Joseph takes a closer look at Jamie Oliver’s (who we’ve mentioned before) Drink Tube, which is a You Tube cocktail channel. The success is staggering, but clearly the cocktail for success is that it appeals to its audience: Millennials are a big part of today’s imbibing culture; Millennials like YouTube. Need we go further? The door is wide open for sponsorship among other things. Check out Seb’s take on things to get a better idea of what celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver, is doing right.
How Bobby Flay Used Content Marketing to Build His Business Empire
Speaking of celebrity chefs, Scott Aughtmon takes a closer look at celebrity chef, Bobby Flay. Practically a household name, Flay is known for his work on the Food Network and shows like “Iron Chef”, “Next Food Network Star”, and “Beat Bobby Flay.” Some people (we will all them jealous) say they don’t dig Bobby Flay; the thing is, the guy is doing things right from a content marketing perspective, so love him or hate him (cook his food, don’t cook his food), check out what Scott has to say on how he’s nailing his marketing.
Amy Delcambre is a freelance content and travel writer from Mobile, Alabama with a Master's in Creative Writing. When she's not painting the page with nouns, verbs, and adverbs, she's slaying grammar beasts as a freelance editor and saving the world one sentence fragment at a time teaching university writing classes. In her free time, Amy enjoys cooking, traveling, and testing which plant species best survive prolonged neglect.
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