Kickstart Your Content Marketing with These 12 Resources

Content marketing doesn't have to be overwhelming! Check out these 12 essential resources to streamline your strategy and start creating content that gets results.

When you’re starting out as an entrepreneur or looking into turning your personal brand and presence into a fulfilling career, the task can feel daunting.?

What content and communication resources does a new entrepreneur need?

There are quite literally endless options for social platforms to connect with people you want to reach, and more popping up as we speak.?

And even once you choose the channel of your choice, understanding the algorithm seems like another full-time job on top of the one you already have.?

Let’s pause and simplify things:

Good communication and writing content that supports your professional aspirations isn’t complex. I’ve distilled the most important things down into these twelve resources that help you go a long way.?

No, they won’t help you decipher the latest LinkedIn algorithm updates or tree-fold your sales over twelve weeks. But they help you rediscover solid gourd under your feet, so you can keep taking small steps to build a firm content and writing strategy that you enjoy implementing while waiting for amazing results.?

Sort out your social media

1 - Clean up your accounts

First things first: What to know about building a social media presence that helps you get noticed by the right people?

If you already have a presence, start by evaluating where you are and straightening your presence across platforms. Nothing sends away a potential client or recruiter faster than an incoherent message or unprofessional presence.

2 - Plan for your personality

Then, why not look into your writer and content creator type? Knowing your goals and natural style will make creating content much easier.

3 - Find out if ads could work for you

Are social media ads the fastest way to grow an audience? Learn from the guest expert Claudia Kramer what you need to understand about ad campaigns.?

4 - Create content fast

Content creation doesn’t need to be time-consuming: These 5-minute ideas get you started. Think about it: If you wanted to, you could have your next week’s posts ready in less than half an hour.

Communicate Well

5 - Build a communications library

I agree: good communication is much more than social media. This checklist explains what you need at the beginning of a new business - and which projects you can safely discard for later.

6 - Plan for a bad day

No one likes to be the bearer of bad news, but the good news is this: When you prepare for the day when your post gets trolled, misunderstood or goes viral for all the wrong reasons, having a plan helps you get out of the whirlwind faster. Read the step-by-step if you don’t believe me!

7 - Build a visibility plan

One place to safely save time: Writing press releases. To build a professional presence with an impact means, however, that you need a visibility plan. This is how to get started.

8 - Communicate successfully with clients

There’s no business without clients and there are no clients without good client communication. Learn from the best how to pamper your clients with the level of communication and professionalism that will make it very hard for them to ever leave you.

Set up and optimise your website

9 - Write a simple website

What does your business website need? There are six things not to miss - that’s probably much fewer than you worried you’d need!

10 - Make a strategy pitch stop

But before you rush off to work, make sure you’re not cutting corners where it matters! Guest expert Rob Swagten walks you through the seven questions to answer when building your website - these can save you from a lot of trouble and retakes afterwards.?

11 - Optimise your site for success

If you already have a website and it’s more of an improvement situation, your job is even easier! Only five things to check and freshen up a bit and your website is as good as new.

12 - Share your story

One thing you do need on your website - and it needs to be good! - is an “About Me” or “About Us” page. Follow this template for a play-by-play.

Where to go next?

Whoever resource you decide to start with, take things one step at a time and simplify the work as much as you can.

Join the Content Circle community for online co-working, networking and good-natured peer pressure to help you write better content for your audience.

About the Author

Pauliina Rasi is an independent communications consultant, copywriter and founder of Pauliina Rasi Communications. With over two decades of experience in journalism, corporate communications and PR, she harnesses her passion for powerful messaging and writing to help entrepreneurs, professionals and organisations create content that cuts through digital noise and makes a real impact.