With the new year/decade right around the corner, the #ContentChat community reflected on 2019, set our sights on 2020 by setting goals and anticipating hurdles, and shared content that has recently inspired us to start the new year. Check out the conversation below, and comment if you have any suggestions for our 2020 topics and guest speakers.
Q1: Share one favorite content marketing article / podcast / book / conference / event that has recently inspired you that we should all check out.
CMWorld is, as always, a well of year-round inspiration, as well as other events like WordCamp.
A1: The one conference or event that inspired me was over the last year was #CMWorld this past September. As a #content marketer, this is the place to be #ContentChat
— Bernie Fussenegger #Digital360Chat (@B2the7) December 9, 2019
It really is a cross between a #contentmarketing family reunion and master class all in one. #ContentChat #CMworld
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) December 9, 2019
A1: I always recommend WordCamp for not only the content sessions but for the relationships!#ContentChat https://t.co/XNnHroYRR5
— Kathryn Lang (@Kathrynclang) December 9, 2019
We have some articles to check out:
A1. Here is the first in a series of creative short stories I wrote for Halloween that I’m proud of.https://t.co/VQrS4Z1eBR
Check it out! #ContentChat— GreenRope (@GreenRope) December 9, 2019
A1: 12 Social Media Marketing Predictions From The Pros: https://t.co/4laj3JAbh0 via @SMExaminer, especially this quote from @dknowlton1: “Stop making standard template-based rubbish. Start creating entertaining advertising…” ⚡️🔥😊 #ContentChat
— Mark Armstrong (@mrstrongarm) December 9, 2019
A1: 49% of all Google queries result in a no-click because of featured snippets. In 2020, I expect this to increase even more. So, here’s an article to help prepare and optimize your content for Google Featured Snippets: https://t.co/XT67TYV7j7
— RankWatch (@RankWatch) December 9, 2019
And podcasts that marketers and content creators should listen to:
1) Content Chat, 2) @RobinhoodSnacks podcast
— sierrasummers (@SierraSummers) December 9, 2019
A1: The podcast I’m loving right now is Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History. It’s so juicy and really makes you think. #ContentChat
— Maureen Jann (@SuperDeluxeMo) December 9, 2019
If you like that, you’ll also like Problem Solvers. It’s put on by Entrepreneur magazine and they have a really nice, diverse selection of businesses they talk to and the problems they solve are illuminating. #ContentChat
— Maureen Jann (@SuperDeluxeMo) December 9, 2019
Thanks! I’ll have to check that out. These days Dan Carlin’s hardcore history eats up most of my time, it’s very long in form. #ContentChat
— GreenRope (@GreenRope) December 9, 2019
A1: I’ve been listening to the Food Blogger Pro podcast this year, and I’ve found that their topics and gests_while part of the food blogging world—have given me inspiration and insights for my day-to-day work as well—not just my food blog. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) December 9, 2019
A1. I’ve been listening to @BrainTraffic ‘s podcast with @halvorson , which has brought up some interesting viewpoints. #ContentChat https://t.co/cZgUjacmVd
— Jen Brass Jenkins (@chrliechaz) December 9, 2019
Q2: What is your biggest/scariest/hardest to solve #contentmarketing challenge as we head into 2020?
Our community shared their challenges, can you relate to any of them?: developing new specialty areas, juggling personal and business marketing, scaling business, gaining organizational buy-in, experimenting with new content types (like video) on the same budget, and diving deeper with data.
A2: For 2020 there are two areas that I want to really expand on that will help with #contentmarketing…
– MarTech solutions around Omni-channel marketing to be more targeted and relevant
– AI for more personalization and relevant content based on the customer#ContentChat— Bernie Fussenegger #Digital360Chat (@B2the7) December 9, 2019
A2: I’m working on some projects to expand in new directions (a children’s book, for one). The biggest challenge is finding balance: time to WORK on those projects, AND time to content-market myself, especially thru guest posts on high-profile sites. ⏳⌛️⏰😬💦 #ContentChat
— Mark Armstrong (@mrstrongarm) December 9, 2019
Scaling the business, defining swim lanes and the dreaded D word – delegating
— sierrasummers (@SierraSummers) December 9, 2019
A2: how to create more content with the same amount of time! I have ideas but I struggle to allocate the time to create it! That’s probably just bad time management 😂 #contentchat
— Maria Marchewka (@_MariaMarchewka) December 10, 2019
Organizational buy-in. There are those who see the problem and understand how to fix it, and those who do not.
— Chris Souther (@CDSouther) December 10, 2019
A2. Creating even more video content in a timely fashion with virtually no budget. #ContentChat
— GreenRope (@GreenRope) December 9, 2019
Q2: 2020 is the year I expand from being a solopreneur with some freelancers into an agency founder with employees. It’s a big goal! #ContentChat https://t.co/5igrZSYLt9
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) December 9, 2019
A2: getting access to more of my client analytics so we can help fine tune approaches and cultivate success. Often time we play the role of the car driving to a route. I want to help plot the route and pick the car! #ContentChat
— Maureen Jann (@SuperDeluxeMo) December 9, 2019
A2: I have to say scaling and governance. I work in a cross-disciplinary department, and it’s hard to keep everyone along the same lines. #ContentChat https://t.co/ekKYK5qfGM
— Jen Brass Jenkins (@chrliechaz) December 9, 2019
Q3: What is your primary #contentmarketing goal for 2020? What will success look like for your content marketing efforts?
Success can take many different forms. Some of our community members hope to increase their use of video…
A3. I want at least 1/3 of our content output to be video. I’ve created a bunch of outlines for different segments. I think video will help to drive impressions and provide a bunch of evergreen content. #ContentChat
— GreenRope (@GreenRope) December 9, 2019
Adopt additional tools (especially those for data management) to increase effectiveness…
A3: For my full time – More MarTech tools to support the digital/marketing departs for segmentations, targeted and campaign management.
For solo – continue to move forward with digital eCRM solutions for new clients. #ContentChat
— Bernie Fussenegger #Digital360Chat (@B2the7) December 9, 2019
A3. Understanding the user’s intent behind the search and creating content accordingly, be it videos, podcasts, blogs, etc. This trend will pick up pace in 2020 #ContentChat
— RankWatch (@RankWatch) December 9, 2019
Increase their amount of contributed content…
A3: To become a regular contributor to certain high-profile sites, by submitting regular guest posts, pitching the appropriate people, and building relationships with key players by promoting their content. #ContentChat
— Mark Armstrong (@mrstrongarm) December 9, 2019
Finish projects that will lead to new revenue streams…
A3: I have a few online courses in the works. Success will mean launching at least one of them in the next 6 months. #ContentChat https://t.co/UmC0LEdxtO
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) December 9, 2019
Better communicate the ROI of marketing initiatives…
A3: Success will be showing internal stakeholders that our recommendations result in better outcomes for them. It’s already happening, just need to communicate it! #ContentChat https://t.co/UwsN7eKY8w
— Jen Brass Jenkins (@chrliechaz) December 9, 2019
Or, the ever-popular aspiration of world domination.
A3: Does WorldDomination count as a content marketing goal?
😀#ContentChat https://t.co/rEUNuxQZBe
— Kathryn Lang (@Kathrynclang) December 9, 2019
World domination is ALWAYS the best goal EVER. #ContentChat
— Jen Brass Jenkins (@chrliechaz) December 9, 2019
Always yes. #ContentChat #worlddomination4eva
— Maureen Jann (@SuperDeluxeMo) December 9, 2019
I am pretty sure @ginidietrich would give that a “yes” #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) December 9, 2019
Absolutely, it does!
— Gini Dietrich (@ginidietrich) December 10, 2019
Q4: What are you most proud of this year [from Maureen Jann]?
Achieved revenue goals, led conference sessions, published articles on top sites, broke traffic records with strategic content… our community had an incredible year! Share what you are most proud of in the comments.
I’m most proud of a) getting an article published on @CMIContent ‘s blog and b) hitting a revenue goal! #contentchat
— Maureen Jann (@SuperDeluxeMo) December 9, 2019
I am most proud of hitting my revenue goal, followed by getting to do a #CMworld session based on my brand voice workshop. #ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) December 9, 2019
I’m most proud of 2 strategic pieces we created a year ago that continue to break records traffic-wise and with digital ads https://t.co/il0Nxcx2kW #ContentChat #healthcare https://t.co/zqYNGdvSoz
— Jen Brass Jenkins (@chrliechaz) December 9, 2019
Q6: What has been your favorite #ContentChat topic so far this year? Head over to the Content Chat archives if you need a refresher on all the topics we’ve discussed this year.
It can be hard to pick from the 40+ chats we hosted. The community weighed in below—what were some of your favorites?
A6: Wow…that is a hard one…I’m taking the low road on this one. I do get something out of each #ContentChat that I have participated in…there is something new to learn from all the great contributors and the community. #ContentChat
— Bernie Fussenegger #Digital360Chat (@B2the7) December 9, 2019
A6. I enjoyed “Where Executive Thought Leadership Fits Into Your 2020 Content Marketing Plan.” #ContentChat
— GreenRope (@GreenRope) December 9, 2019
A6: Oops! This is my first #ContentChat, so I guess I’ll hafta pick THIS one. Hmm… that was easy! 😊
— Mark Armstrong (@mrstrongarm) December 9, 2019
Q7: By the end of next year, how do you want to be able to introduce yourself and describe the work that you do?
By setting (and stating) your goal, you’re one step closer to having it come to fruition. See some of our introductions below:
A7: I want next year’s elevator pitch to be: I am the founder of a content marketing consultancy, with a team of content professionals that works with brands across the U.S. to create and execute content strategies that grow businesses. #COntentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) December 9, 2019
A7: An honest answer on my full time would be that I have moved from Product Management back over to my love, which is digital marketing and eCRM. #ContentChat
— Bernie Fussenegger #Digital360Chat (@B2the7) December 9, 2019
A7: Yes, I’m the famous illustrator Mark Armstrong, I’m in big demand, I create illustration for all the top publications and brands, and yes, I’d be glad to autograph your coffee cup! ✒️☕️😊 #ContentChat
— Mark Armstrong (@mrstrongarm) December 9, 2019
A7. I want it to be difficult to summarize what I do in a single title. The more unique and specialized your position, the more valuable you are as an asset. #ContentChat
— GreenRope (@GreenRope) December 9, 2019
Q8: As we close out 2019 and another year of #ContentChat, what feedback do you have for me? What would you like to see us do differently or explore in 2020? Is a weekly chat still the right format for us? Do you want a Slack channel or Facebook group? Or…????
Note that one new thing we *do* have in the works is The #ContentChat Bulletin, an every-other-week email newsletter, which launched Friday. Subscribe here: https://t.co/nFgWW8iXUA
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) December 9, 2019
If you have feedback on how we can improve #ContentChat, or if you have ideas for 2020 topics and speakers, either comment below or send us a message. We’ve collected the feedback from the chat, and are always looking for ways we can make this experience the best that it can be for everyone.
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