Savvy Small Business Owners Use This Powerful (and Free) Resource to Generate More Sales Leads
“We don’t have a story to tell.”
This is a common response to a question I pose when speaking with potential clients. That is to say when I ask them for an anecdote - something they recall doing to help their local community. Even when they give me an example, they often don’t see its value.
But, when I explain it’s one of the most important characteristics of promoting their business, its usefulness becomes clear. Combined with a unique voice and style, along with following a consistent publishing schedule, being involved in the local community creates a positive perception. And that helps to foster a good reputation throughout the local community.
3 Most Important Content Marketing Elements
Brands need to provide unique and informative content because it helps them stand out in a crowded market, establish their authority and expertise, and build trust with their audience. Unique content is not available elsewhere on the internet, offering specific data, company details, and unusual word combinations that differentiate it from other websites.
This originality is crucial for search engine optimization (SEO), as it increases the chances of other websites linking back to the content, thereby improving the brand's overall SEO performance. But even better, unique content engages the audience, encouraging them to stay on the site longer and potentially converting them into customers.
Consistent publishing of new content is equally important because it keeps the brand at the forefront of the audience's mind. Regular content updates keep the brand's website fresh, signaling to search engines that the site is active and relevant, which can help improve search rankings. It also allows the brand to engage with its audience frequently, fostering a sense of community and loyalty.
Consistent content creation also provides opportunities to experiment with different types of content, enabling brands to understand what resonates best with their audience and adapt their strategies accordingly. This continuous learning and adaptation can lead to improved marketing strategies and better business outcomes.
Then, there’s one more essential ingredient - local involvement. Companies that align their brands with local charities enjoy more customer loyalty, referrals, and goodwill. People looking for answers to their questions who come across a business that’s active with a charity are far more likely to take the next step when they see involvement in the local community.
Teaming Up with a Local Charity Creates a Win-Win Scenario
When done correctly, such a relationship and care can work wonders. It demonstrates commitment and support - compelling reasons for potential customers to take the next step and connect. What’s more, partnering with a local charity can significantly benefit a small business in creating a successful content marketing campaign in several ways:
Enhanced brand image. Partnering with a local charity demonstrates a company's commitment to social responsibility and community involvement. This can improve the public's perception of the business, making it more appealing to potential customers who value corporate social responsibility.
Increased engagement. Content highlighting a business's charitable activities can drive higher engagement on social media platforms and other digital channels. People are more likely to share and interact with content that promotes positive impact, increasing the reach and visibility of the business's brand and reputation.
Networking opportunities. Collaborating with a local charity can open doors to new networking opportunities. The business can connect with other local organizations, community leaders, and potential customers who share similar values, fostering relationships that can lead to future collaborations and partnerships.
Employee engagement. Employees often feel more engaged and motivated when their company is involved in charitable activities. This can lead to increased productivity and a positive work environment, which can indirectly support the success of the content marketing campaign.
Unique content. Content marketing thrives on fresh, engaging content. A partnership with a local charity provides a unique and compelling story to share, which can set the business apart from competitors and capture the attention of its target audience.
Long-term loyalty. By aligning with a local charity, a business can attract customers who share the same values and are more likely to become long-term, loyal customers. This can result in increased customer retention and a more stable customer base.
Better still, doing so will help to increase sales. Research repeatedly shows that a significant portion of consumers are willing to switch to a brand that supports a cause they believe in. By partnering with a local charity, a small business can potentially attract new customers and increase sales.
Of course, all of this benefits the charity too. In the end, such an approach is advantageous for all parties involved: businesses get more customers, local organizations receive more donations, and customers find reliable products and services.
