6 Ways to Make Your Posts More Actionable

By Neil Patel

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Do you ever feel that your content just isn’t reaching your audience as well as you’d like it to?

…and that even though you’ve created something of value, it doesn’t seem like anyone’s actually taking your advice and implementing it?

I’ll let you in on a secret…

Almost every content marketer has felt this way at one point or another.

It’s difficult to create content that resonates with your readers, but it’s even more difficult to create content that inspires action.

And not for the reason you think.

Yes, people are lazy. Not all, but I’d say it’s fair to call most readers in a typical …read more      

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3 Resources to Help Your Content-Driven Website Flourish

By Stefanie Flaxman

how digital marketing grows your business

Although it’s only January, I refer to this time of the year as “pre-pre-spring” (in the Northern Hemisphere). Call me optimistic.

The gingerbread, cinnamon, and pine aromas of the holidays have certainly faded, but the sweet smell of flowers blooming and warm breezes haven’t quite arrived yet.

Still, it feels like the seasons are shifting and we’re moving toward a new beginning.

And we don’t have to impatiently wait for this change to occur — a powerful, content-driven website works for your business any time of the year. You can start building or expanding yours today.

This week’s Copyblogger Collection is a …read more      

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What’s the Difference Between Content Marketing and Copywriting?

By Sonia Simone

are you writing copy or creating content?

From a traditional marketing standpoint, the answer to the question in the headline above is simple.

Content marketing means creating and sharing valuable free content to attract and convert prospects into customers — and customers into repeat buyers.

Copywriting gets a reader to take a specific action. Sometimes that’s making a purchase, but it can also be subscribing to your email list, signing up for your content library, or calling you for more information.

Content marketing is blogs, podcasts, and email autoresponders.

Copywriting is sales pages, ads, and direct mail.

Two different critters, right?

Well, not if you’re doing …read more      

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Want More Effective Content Promotion? Choose From These 15 Tools

By Neil Patel

content promotion

Content marketing is different these days.

You used to be able to publish blog posts on just about anything, and you’d get at least some traffic.

But now, you won’t get any.

Content creation levels are at an all time high as more and more marketers start to understand how effective it can be.

This has created a phenomenon known as “content shock.

Now, if you want to really succeed, you need to do two things.

First, you need to create truly great contentthere’s just no way around it any more.

But second, you need to promote it.

You need to find the people …read more      

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6 Marks of Effective Content: ‘The Lego Movie’ Edition

By Demian Farnworth

how to snap together effective content marketing

Shortly after the release of The Lego Movie (2014), more than one professional marketer went on record to say that it was the best piece of content marketing they’d seen in a long time.

Well, I finally saw the movie, and I don’t buy that claim. Why?

To be honest, I have a hunch it won’t pass a simple test — a test I’m calling “The Six Marks of Effective Content.”

And what exactly are those six marks? They are:

  1. A headline that instantly commands attention
  2. An opening that hooks your audience
  3. An element of education, inspiration, or entertainment
  4. A persuasive story
  5. A single, …read more      
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