You know you must develop great web site content to engage potential customers and rank high on search engines, but how can you establish a successful content marketing strategy?

1.Begin with original content. The first article a company creates should set the tone for all future endeavors. Start with a unique voice that reflects your company’s core values, without overwhelming the consumer on the benefits of your product or service. Enlighten the audience with a true 360-degree view of your industry, and you can become the consumer’s chosen source for information.

2. Be creative. Plain text content will rarely attract the masses. Craft your brand’s image through pictures, videos, infographics, and more. Use colorful language and stunning design to attract consumers who crave your perspective, and who will ultimately spend the most time on your website.

Creative Content3. You don’t have to do it alone.While developing original content for your business is important, you don’t have to write every article for your website on your own. Often, curating content from credible news sources will distinguish your company as a leader on industry news and breaking updates. Remember to add a personal touch to each story used so your company’s voice and brand is always recognized, even in curated content.

4. Play nice. You know the old saying, “Two heads are better than one”? Well, this motto rings true in the business world, especially in content marketing. Extend a friendly wave to others in your industry or field and you will have access to an entirely new, untapped market. Cross-channel promotions are especially effective here with interactions across social media, blogs, e-newsletters, and websites.

5. Use what you got. If you have already established your brand in social media, congratulations, you’ve taken the first step. Now it’s time to take advantage of the relationships you’ve built with these networks. Regular updates, engagement with consumers, and group memberships in relevant categories will increase brand awareness among potential customers. These relationships can then be utilized in content that gives consumers a true, unbiased perspective of what your company is all about.

Although implementing a new marketing strategy may feel overwhelming, the benefits will far outweigh the costs. Content development isn’t just the future of marketing; it’s the present. When you’re ready to engage with current and potential customers in entirely new ways,