In 2 different and recent interviews with Deb Krier, The Social Light, I share tips and dispel myths around content marketing and how simple it is to find, curate and even create your own high-quality content on which you can build your thought leadership (aka, subject matter expertise) platform.
The 1st interview: The myths around content marketing…what it is and what it isn’t. We talked about how identifying and/or curating good content has everything to do with content marketing and little to do with whether you’re a “writer” or not.
Also, how learning to spot and source share-worthy content can make you a social media marketer extraordinaire. And how storytelling is a part of our daily lives and why starting to record or write down your take on things just takes a little getting used to and practice.
The 2nd interview covered the ultimate forms of content creation for those brave enough to put their 2 cents out there: 5 easy steps to writing a book from which to build a platform on/around. I shared my own journey/experience in doing so and how it elevated my brand and biz.
Being an author gives you credibility as an expert in your field. However, it doesn’t mean throw any old words on the page and expect success.
If you have the desire to elevate your professional brand and the time, writing a book will give you a competitive advantage. I shared my story and tips for getting started and building content around your topic as well as my own journey/experience in doing so and how it exponentially elevated my brand and business.
A preview of my 5 easy steps to writing a book from which to build a platform on/around:
- Come up with a topic you could write rules or tips around – for me it was networking, but ask close contacts or members of a group you are in what they wish they knew more about.
- Produce a 4-6 page “white paper” on the topic and structure it as 10-12 rules or best practices (everyone wants to know what they “should” be doing or if they’re doing something “right” or not).
- Make sure you include an introduction, all your contact info in a footer on each page and a full bio with a link to your website or FB/LinkedIn group or LinkedIn profile or Company page. Save/distribute it as a PDF.
- Create a distribution plan, including sharing it via social media, listservs, private groups, your email list, etc.
- Start writing a book by expanding on your introduction and each of the 10-12 rules.
We also discussed the need to decide if you want to self-publish or seek out a small, non-fiction book publisher. And tools like CreateSpace (an Amazon company).
Bonus tip shared: Create a book trailer video like this one once you have your book is ready for mass consumption.
If you are ready to up your content marketing game, be sure to check out these jam-packed interviews soon or schedule your very own Content Marketing Mastermind session with me today!