Content Chat

#ContentChat is a weekly twitter chat that brings together content creators and content marketers to share their challenges and best practices for solving them.

I took over hosting duties from Lucy Rendler-Kaplan on June 13, 2016. The chat was originated by Jenise Stout Fryatt of Smarter Shift who built up the community over three years.

Check out these recaps from recent chats and join us on Mondays at 12 noon Pacific/ 3:00 p.m. Eastern to join in the conversation.

August 1, 2022 Content Chat Recap: How To Identify And Partner With Industry Peers to Create Compelling Content

August 8, 2022 by Alek Irvin Leave a Comment

Your content marketing team shouldn’t limit itself to working with only internal thought leaders when creating content. Often, there are plenty of brand partners and viable industry experts that are ready to create engaging content with you—that is, of course, if you know how to find, invite, and effectively work with them.

In this #ContentChat, we’re joined by Dennis Shiao (@DShiao), founder of Attention Retention, to discuss how to identify and partner with industry peers to create compelling content. Read the full recap below to learn:

How to find and assess potential content partners
Ways to invite people to create content with you
The many types of content that are ripe for partnership!

Q1: Why can it be beneficial to partner with an industry partner or peer to create content?

There are many benefits of creating content with an industry partner or peer. A partner can add perspectives and insights that complement your own…

A1: A partner can add perspectives and insights that complement your own.
Also, as @crestodina often says, “a partner in creation is a partner in promotion.” #ContentChat https://t.co/4r08QBoCTT
— Dennis Shiao (he/him) ✍️ (@dshiao) August 1, 2022

Promote the content with their audience (expanding your potential reach)…

A1b: Also, a partner can promote the content to their audience, which may not have much overlap with your own (i.e., whole new audiences). #ContentChat
— Dennis Shiao (he/him) ✍️ (@dshiao) August 1, 2022

So true! Too often, content creators spend all their resources on content creation and forget about/run out of budget for the distribution. Partnership helps a bit with that aspect. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 1, 2022

This gives you + your content a “warm introduction” to potential new community members. That’s something paid distribution can’t do.#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 1, 2022

A1: Industry/ peer benefits of creating content is reaching a larger audience with similar target audiences. It’s also great to have other voices on your platform that support your brand! #contentchat ~Jenna
— Nimble (@Nimble) August 1, 2022

Give your content added authority…

A1: Collaborating with industry thought leaders gives your content added authority and a wider range of perspectives and experience than working just with subject matter experts within your own organization.#ContentChat https://t.co/wK7S6CvI0x
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) August 1, 2022

A1: Creating content with a reputable industry peer or partner can help you…
– Lend credibility to your ideas
– Infuse diverse perspectives into your content
– Reach more people (assuming your partner promotes the content, too)#ContentChat
— Alek Irvin (@AlekIrvin) August 1, 2022

A1: Working with a partner for content marketing allows you to leverage their authority and tap into new audiences #ContentChat
— Sweepsify (@Sweepsify_) August 1, 2022

And connect you with other content partners.

A1: Partnerships can create new opportunities, introduce new audiences, or provide additional partnerships introductions.#ContentChat https://t.co/YwThkYoWqj
— Kathryn Lang – hopesmith and dream ignitor (@Kathrynclang) August 1, 2022

Q2: Where can content marketers find viable partners or peers to create content with?

July 25, 2022 Content Chat Recap: How to Be A More Productive Writer

August 1, 2022 by Alek Irvin Leave a Comment

A writer is often their own greatest enemy, letting self-doubt or a lack of structure stop them from writing efficiently… or at all. But there are plenty of ways to train yourself each day and set up systems to be a more productive writer.

In this #ContentChat, we’re joined by Kathryn Lang (@KathrynCLang), speaker, author, and teacher, to explore how to maximize our writing productivity and overcome common challenges that writers face. Read the full recap below to learn:

Ways to overcome writer’s block
Tools for writing efficiently
Tips to create more content faster

Q1: What is your biggest blocker or procrastination point when it comes to not writing? Bonus points for sharing how you most frequently procrastinate!

There are many things that stop us from writing, including not knowing how long a project will take…

A1: Biggest procrastination point: Never knowing how long it’s going to take. Some content takes hours while other content you can create in under an hour.#contentchat
— Sweepsify (@Sweepsify_) July 25, 2022

Finding the time to write when our schedule is already packed…

A1: Often, when I’m not able to get around to writing, it’s because I have too many to-dos on my mind that keep creeping into focus and demanding my attention.
Then I push it all aside and procrastibake something.#ContentChat https://t.co/hwEYVdAJfm
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) July 25, 2022

Finding the time to write, blocking the time, opening docs then staring into the infinite scrolling of one app or another looking for inspiration #contentchat
— Thomas Broadus (@TbroOnline) July 25, 2022

Worrying about personal matters…

A1: My biggest blocker when it comes to writing is worrying about finances. Ironically, not writing is the biggest blocker to my income. 😀#ContentChat https://t.co/LobUlLLzt2
— Kathryn Lang – hopesmith and dream ignitor (@Kathrynclang) July 25, 2022

Feeling like we need to write everything at once…

A1: My biggest blocker is feeling the need to write everything at once. I have so many stories I get blocked at organizing #contentchat
— Ares Marketing Group (@MarketingAres) July 25, 2022

Not knowing where to start…

A1: My biggest blocker when it comes to not writing is an angle or where to start! My favorite way to procrastinate is prioritizing non priorities #contentchat
— Nimble (@Nimble) July 25, 2022

“Needing” to conduct more prep work…

A1: My biggest procrastination point would for sure be feeling like I have to have everything fully figured out before I start. I give myself reasons to not start. #contentchat
— Diamond (@DRobinson520) July 25, 2022

Lacking sleep…

A1: Agree with earlier response — it’s having other to do’s that creep in & interfere…whether one is well rested makes the world of difference too. If I’ve had a good night’s sleep, I’ll take advantage and work on writing projects. Poor sleep is a writing killer! #ContentChat
— Caroline James (@CAZJAMES) July 25, 2022

Or simply finding the motivation to start.

A1: Inertia is often my biggest writing blocker. I simply have a hard time getting started and will wander my house, check the fridge, pet my dog, get the mail, etc. as a way to procrastinate. #ContentChat
— Alek Irvin (@AlekIrvin) July 25, 2022

Q2: When or how do you fit writing into your workday or workweek?

July 18, 2022 Content Chat Recap: Sales Enablement 101 for Content Marketers

July 25, 2022 by Alek Irvin Leave a Comment

How can marketing and sales teams boost their results without adding any new tools or teammates? By acting as one team and working together.

Too often, marketing and sales teams work in silos, which misses a key opportunity to streamline resources, drive the most value from your content, and help both groups achieve their goals.

In this #ContentChat, we’re joined by Pam Didner (@PamDidner), B2B and tech marketing consultant, author, and host of the B2B Marketing and More podcast, to explore how marketing and sales teams can collaborate to attract, capture, and nurture customers. Read the full recap below to learn:

How content can help throughout the buyer’s journey
Expert tips for aligning sales and marketing teams
Ways to measure your sales enablement program success

Q1: What is sales enablement, and who in an organization should be involved in developing a sales enablement strategy?

Sales enablement is when teams align with sales to engage prospects across the sales funnel and more effectively close deals.

A1a: Sales enablement def: Enable sales so that they can engage with prospects at different sales stages and close the deals promptly. However, the conventional def of sales enablement is only sales training & onboarding #Contentchat
— Pam Didner (@PamDidner) July 18, 2022

A1b: Depending on how your organization is structured. Many teams are involved in helping and supporting sales such as sales ops, marketing, business units, product team, and even HR and finance. #ContentChat
— Pam Didner (@PamDidner) July 18, 2022

A1c: Ownership of sales enablement plan depends on the structure of your company. Some companies have a sales enablement team, then they own it. Otherwise, it can be marketing, sales ops. In some cases, HR owns sales enablement. It depends. #ContentChat
— Pam Didner (@PamDidner) July 18, 2022

A1a: Publishing content is only the first step in your #contentmarketing journey. You’ve also got to distribute it to the right people at the right time. That’s why you need to let the same team know who the content is for and how it helps. i.e., sales enablement. #ContentChat https://t.co/JTRu6zq6o5
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) July 18, 2022

A1. Sales enablement is supporting sales/revenue teams with messaging, content & tools to move prospects from MQL to closed deal. *Ideally,* this is a strategic partnership b/t sales, marketing (& maybe customer success), aligned around shared insights &KPIs. #contentchat https://t.co/HAewbvBAIY
— Carmen Hill (@carmenhill) July 18, 2022

A1. Process of providing your sales team with the training, tools and content to sell effectively! It is definitely a multi-department function! #ContentChat
— Shruti Deshpande 🇮🇳🇬🇧 (@shruti12d) July 18, 2022

Content marketing has a significant role in sales enablement, and so can other business units like product, finance, and HR.

A1b: To ensure your #salesenablement strategy actually gives your salespeople and your other customer-facing folks the information and visibility they need, you will want to have representatives from these teams that span regions and personas. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) July 18, 2022

A1: I see it as a plan + resources that help the sales funnel become more effective and efficient. Besides sales, I’d involve marketing and content. I’d also argue for involving product in the conversations at some point if you’re at a tech/SaaS-type company. #ContentChat
— Melanie Graham (@mg_content) July 18, 2022

I have a SaaS client that struggles with when and how to involve product into the conversation. Do you have any tips or related blog posts? #ContentChat
— Tod Cordill (@todcordill) July 18, 2022

I think this is a common struggle, Tod!
I’ve found some success with regular (weekly?) Sales <> Product sync meetings. Sales can ask Qs, Product can provide As and demos. #contentchat
— Melanie Graham (@mg_content) July 18, 2022

A1: As for who should be involved definitely your social media / PPC team if your running paid ads #contentchat
— Sweepsify (@Sweepsify_) July 18, 2022

A1: Sales enablement focuses on productivity in sales, and those involved in developing a strategy can include social media/ marketing individuals #contentchat ~Jenna
— Nimble (@Nimble) July 18, 2022

Should also includes sales ops and whoever does sales training and onboarding as well. #Contentchat
— Pam Didner (@PamDidner) July 18, 2022

Very true! It’s so helpful to inform the primary curators and trainers, and make sure you are providing them information in the preferred format(s).#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) July 18, 2022

A1.1 Pre-sales, LDRs (lead development Reps), marketing of course, product marketing too #ContentChat
— Shruti Deshpande 🇮🇳🇬🇧 (@shruti12d) July 18, 2022

Q2: What types of content are valuable for sales enablement throughout sales engagements with prospects and customers?

July 11, 2022 Content Chat Recap: How To Use A Podcast As A Primary Thought Leadership Platform

July 14, 2022 by Alek Irvin Leave a Comment

As brand marketers find different ways to engage their communities, podcasts are a notable area of opportunity. The vast majority of content marketers (94%) that have used podcasts or audio content will continue to invest the same amount of resources or more into podcasting in 2022, and 53% of these marketers even say podcasting is the most effective format they use.

So, what goes into a successful podcasting strategy, and how can you use it to support your thought leadership activities?

In this #ContentChat, we’re joined by Lee Price (@LeeVPrice), founder of Viewfinder Partners, to explore how podcasts can boost your thought leadership platform. Read the full recap below to learn:

How to decide if a podcast is the right opportunity for you or your brand thought leader
Ways to distribute and promote your podcast
The best podcasting tools for content marketers

Q1: How can brands use podcasts as an opportunity to establish their thought leadership?

Podcasts can strengthen thought leadership in a few ways. For starters, podcasts are highly personal and intimate, helping thought leaders develop a genuine connection with a wide audience.

A1: Podcasts are highly personal and intimate. We listen to them when we do the dishes and walk the dog. They’re a chance to really connect with your audience, even a B2B audience. #ContentChat
— Lee Price (@leevprice) July 11, 2022

I feel like I know people well when I listen to their podcasts regularly. #contentchat
— Tod Cordill (@todcordill) July 11, 2022

Love this! Same here. Podcasts drive a deeper connection that you simply can’t get from written articles #ContentChat
— Sweepsify (@Sweepsify_) July 11, 2022

Agreed. It’s so personal, especially when you listen on your headphones—like you’re chatting on a call with them. Especially with folks like @Robert_Rose + @JoePulizzi who engage with their podcast communities across platforms, inviting feedback.#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) July 11, 2022

Those two definitely came to mind. Also @nealschaffer. I recently vacationed in SoCal and it seemed I should reach out to Robert to share a few tequila shots and to Neal to have a few beers. 🥃🍻
You know, like I had a glass of wine in Sacramento. 🍷😀#ContentChat
— Tod Cordill (@todcordill) July 11, 2022

A1: Brands can use podcasts to establish their #thoughtleadership by connecting with people by broadcasting their knowledge to a larger audience! ~Jenna #contentchat
— Nimble (@Nimble) July 11, 2022

A1. I recently sat in on the 1st meeting a client had with a prospect. When asked where she first heard about us, she said “I don’t know, you guys are everywhere.”
“Everywhere” likely meant:
1. Podcasts (guest ~ once/month)
2. Events
3. LinkedIn ads#contentchat
— Tod Cordill (@todcordill) July 11, 2022

I love that! Podcasts really do add to the surround sound that attracts folks to your brand. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) July 11, 2022

Podcasts can showcase your team’s experience…

A1: I think the @foodbloggerpro podcast does a great job showcasing their team’s experience + connecting with the unique niche they serve.#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) July 11, 2022

A1b: It gives them a platform for showcasing all the smart people who are part of the Food Blogger pro community, and highlights the unique tools and resources members enjoy. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) July 11, 2022

Allow a thought leader to convey their industry knowledge and discuss trends…

A1c: Demonstrating you understand industry trends and the people shaking things up in your greater business community are all aspects of thought leadership that podcasts are uniquely well-suited to support. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) July 11, 2022

And provide insights about a brand’s audiences, market, and strategies.

A1: Provide insight about their audiences, market research, strategies, and results. #ContentChat
— Michelle Ngome 🇨🇲 (@MichelleNgome) July 11, 2022

Lee shares a few podcasts that she likes below, and check out Q4 for more recommendations.

A1: You don’t have to look long to find brands creating interesting podcasts. A few I like: Joy@Work + more shows from @kearney, Hardly Working from @fishbowlapp, 43% and Rising from @earnestagency, and the stunning show from @theygotacquired #ContentChat
— Lee Price (@leevprice) July 11, 2022

A1: One more show I want to recommend: Hacker Chronicles from @tenablesecurity. This is actually a narrative show (fiction storytelling from a B2B brand)! If you’re looking for a creative take on B2B podcasts, go listen. #ContentChat
— Lee Price (@leevprice) July 11, 2022

Now that sounds like a really interesting #contentmarketing angle + channel combo I haven’t seen. (and as a CMworld awards judge, I’ve seen a lot of interesting programs!)#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) July 11, 2022

Q2: Podcasts aren’t always the right fit for a brand or thought leader. How would you determine if a podcast is the right opportunity for your company’s thought leaders?

June 13, 2022 Content Chat Recap: How to Overcome Marketer Burnout

June 17, 2022 by Alek Irvin Leave a Comment

Understandably, many marketers are reaching their breaking point. We’ve planned, pivoted, and persevered throughout the pandemic, but prolonged fatigue makes it hard to stay focused and optimistic about our work. Something has to change.

In this #ContentChat, Maureen Jann (@NeoLuxeMo) of NeoLuxe Marketing leads the community in a conversation about marketer burnout, including what burnout looks like and how we can manage this overload. Maureen shares findings from her team’s “How Burned Out Are You” quiz for marketers—take the quiz here and read through the recap below to learn how to reduce your burnout.

If you haven’t had a chance to take the burnout quiz, you can share your burnout level via our toast-o-meter, here: https://t.co/y5Oey4TyzF
I’m 5/6 on that meter, 7 out of 10 for these purposes! #ContentChat
— Maureen Jann (she/her) (@NeoLuxeMo) June 13, 2022

Q1: Hey marketers, on a scale of 1 to 10, how burnt out do you feel?

According to preliminary findings from the “How Burned Out Are You” quiz, 70% of respondents rate some sort of serious burnout.

A1b: It turns out that I’m not alone. Preliminary findings of our recent “How Burned Out Are You?” Quiz report that 70% are rating some sort of serious burnout (feeling toasty – burn to a crisp). #ContentChat
— Maureen Jann (she/her) (@NeoLuxeMo) June 13, 2022

The community mirrors these findings.

A1: Me, personally? I’m pretty burned out. Between the demands of work, business ownership, parenthood and the general craziness of all of this *gestures around myself*, it’s hard to handle. #ContentChat
— Maureen Jann (she/her) (@NeoLuxeMo) June 13, 2022

7 today. Hoping it decreases throughout the week. #ContentChat https://t.co/Ifci6eIpqB
— DiKayo | dikayo.eth (@dikayodata) June 13, 2022

While it’s a little hectic at the moment, with many proposals in play and more availability than I’d like, I’m still pretty engaged and happy about work life. #contentchat https://t.co/3J1hmWq9AL
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) June 13, 2022

I was feeling a little crispy before I went through everything in play with @AlekIrvin on Thursday. #contentchat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) June 13, 2022

A1. Currently, burnout is at bay. But I’ve seen worse in the year when the pandemic hit #ContentChat
— Masooma | Content Writer (@inkandcopy) June 13, 2022

A1: I’m probably at about a 5. And, reflecting on where I was at this time last year, I’m good with that! According to my quiz results, I was “getting warmer,” so I think that sounds about right. #ContentChat
— Amy (@amylonghorn) June 13, 2022

A1: My burnout has gone down a lot in the past week, thanks so our awesome new team members! I’d say I’ at a 5 right now 🙂 ~Julie #ContentChat
— Nimble (@Nimble) June 13, 2022

A1. I finally took some meaningful time off in May, really for the first time in a couple of years. That helped. I’m not feeling as burned out about work now. But I’m TOTALLY burned out on the wettest Oregon spring on record! 🌧 ☔️ #ContentChat
— Carmen Hill (@carmenhill) June 13, 2022

A1 3
I think I’m just tired though
-Alyx#ContentChat https://t.co/InJ6afbnhQ
— Charlie & Alyx – Charlie Appel Agency (@ColfaxInsurance) June 13, 2022

A1: I’m at about a 6, which is higher than I had hoped considering I just went on a week-long vacation. Each day is different, though. #ContentChat
— Alek Irvin (@AlekIrvin) June 13, 2022

A1. There are days when I feel 8…but then there are days when j feel like a 4! #ContentChat
— Shruti Deshpande 🇮🇳🇬🇧 (@shruti12d) June 13, 2022

A1: 8. I take breaks but it never seems like enough. #ContentChat
— Michelle Ngome 🇨🇲 (@MichelleNgome) June 13, 2022

Q2: Why are marketers feeling burnt out? What are the work or life areas that affect how burnt out we feel?

How can you tell if you’re burnt out? Burnout is typically associated with feelings of exhaustion, increased mental distance from your job, and reduced professional efficacy.

May 23, 2022 Content Chat Recap: 2022 Content Chat Summer Reading Challenge

May 29, 2022 by Alek Irvin Leave a Comment

What have you recently read or listened to that helped you as a marketer? Everything from books and blogs to podcasts and online courses can spark new ideas and inspire business innovation—and we want to help you on this quest for knowledge.

Each year we host a #ContentChat Summer reading challenge, where we share our favorite resources that keep us at the top of our game as content marketers. In the below recap, you’ll find all our recommendations, and don’t forget to download our Summer reading challenge worksheet to organize your list.

What is one thing you’d like to learn this Summer but aren’t sure where to start? Let us know in the comments so we can crowd-source some ideas for you!

On today’s #ContentChat, we’re sharing resources to help each other put together a content marketing Summer Reading list. Here’s a handy template for you to use to jot down your ideas! pic.twitter.com/aBhtpW2Pc3
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) May 23, 2022

Q1: What is the most recent #marketing, #contentmarketing, or business book you’ve read that we should all add to our Summer reading lists?

These books deserve a spot on your bookshelf (or in your digital library).

A1a: I am about to start reading “Futureproof” by @kevinroose, which was recommended to me because of all the time I spend in the #futureofwork world with my content creation.#ContentChat https://t.co/3kuBv29mI4
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) May 23, 2022

A1b: Some of the best marketing books I’ve recently read are:
– 2nd edition of “Content, Inc.” by @JoePulizzi which is so inspiring for my creator endeavors
– “The Referrable Speaker” by @DrewDavisHere which I got after seeing him talk about his speaker process#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) May 23, 2022

A1: We recommend Traction by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares, it’s a great read for start-up entrepreneurs 📚 ~Julie #ContentChat
— Nimble (@Nimble) May 23, 2022

Reading the book @HumorSeriously and it’s brilliant! #ContentChat
— Irina Graf (@themiceblog) May 23, 2022

Alek, I just saw this tweet. My recommendations are:
• Adam Grant’s Think Again
• Kindra Hall’s Stories that Stick
Newsletter recommendations:
• @amandanat’s The Menu
• @nicoletabak’s Social Media Detox #ContentChat
— Masooma | Content Writer (@inkandcopy) May 25, 2022

A1: I’ve been reading a few great books:
– Everybody Writes by @annhandley (a new edition is coming soon)
– Building a StoryBrand by @donaldmiller
– Content Inc. by @JoePulizzi
Next up: Grammatically Correct by Anne Stilman & RE:Think Innovation by @CarlaJohnson #ContentChat
— Alek Irvin (@AlekIrvin) May 23, 2022

A1a.: Joe joined #ContentChat last year to discuss his book. Check out the recap here to see what you’ll learn! https://t.co/6ABWQhBrqz
— Alek Irvin (@AlekIrvin) May 23, 2022

A1b.: And I highly recommend The Experience Maker by @DGingiss. He also discussed his book on #ContentChat (recap here): https://t.co/bWaSupa3Qv
— Alek Irvin (@AlekIrvin) May 23, 2022

Q2: What are your favorite #podcasts about marketing, content marketing, or business topics that you always learn something new from?