When I teach marketing courses, the group eventually tires of seeing this list come up on the screen in every class:
- Build relationships, community
- Grow your reputation, sphere of influence
- Be seen as an expert
- Share valuable info, products, services
- Increase your social media following
- Give value to your customers, prospects and colleagues on a regular basis
- Get found – SEO
The items on this list are key reasons for publishing a blog or newsletter. Yes, of course, the ultimate goal is sometimes – but not always – an increase in sales.
The problem is, you (and me) can’t meet all the goals on that list at the same time. We’d become unfocused and demotivated. So I ‘force’ these small business folk to pick only two goals to focus on.
Last week I noted the two goals each person called out as we went around the room. I added my own two goals, as well, to round the group off at a dozen. Seven of us chose #2 – growing our reputation – as one of our two goals. And everyone had #1, #2 and/or #3 in their selection.
My two goals for blogging and creating other marketing content are #2 and #3. How about you? Share your two goals in the comments and I’ll keep tallying them up.
I'm with you! If I have to pick two … and it isn't easy … I would choose 2 and 3.
Thanks MJ… of course we have similar goals 😉
Hi Linda…. # 6 and 1 stand out as priorities for me, but a strong online position has it's foundation in SEO, hands down. Good article.
Thanks for sharing, Shelley!
Hey Linda, it’s definitely #2 & #3 for me, being a new independent business owner!
I'm starting to feel like we're clones… something else in common 😉