Maintaining
the loyalty of your customers can come in many shapes and forms. We all know
about the traditional, tried-and-true ways to keep them hooked--these methods
have been around a long time. Think air miles, loyalty points, special offers
for VIP customers, and so on.
While these
methods still have their place, today's internet-centric world has necessitated
that businesses change the way they communicate with customers. Not only is the
older generation internet savvy, but the millennial generation essentially
takes online communication for granted as their primary way to receive and
offer information.
These
internet savvy generations primarily shop and research products and services on
their smart phones and mobile devices. Laptops and desktop computers, for many,
have become a secondary technology.
How do they
shop and research online? They seek out online communities. They use social
media and blogs. They ask people for references and advice. They visit online
forums and blogs to get information from fellow product or service enthusiasts.
They look up peer reviews online.
Sure, people
sometimes still look at ads and visit company websites, but often, these
traditional ways to get information are not as influential as the information
and opinions they get from people they view as the most credible--people who
have used the products or services and those who have gained a reputation for
expertise and thought leadership. Traditional marketing messages often only
make a difference when they are corroborated by these other online content.
It's all about trust.
This is why
content marketing has risen to the forefront of marketing. If you are not
practicing content marketing, you may be left behind.
We came
across an excellent way content marketing was being described: it's a light
handshake or introduction to a brand, or product. Content marketing is a way to
provide information that is truly helpful to online shoppers and researchers.
It's about telling a strong brand story and engaging your audience so that they
view your business as valuable and credible.
Read more on... Distributing
a Press Release to the Media - Insight From 24-7PressRelease on New Strategies
in Content Marketing
Author: 24-7pressrelease
