Startup Guides > Avoid These 13 Content Marketing Mistakes

The science of content marketing is much bigger than publishing an occasional blog. Custom content has grown into a 43.0billion dollar industry, and even skeptics have to admit that it's serious business. The best content marketers are wizards who are able to blend writing, multi-media content, PR, social media, and networking into a comprehensive online presence. It's hard work, and there's no room at the top for branded messaging riddled with content marketing mistakes.

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Most common pitfalls to avoid:

1. Not Prioritizing Time Management

51% of marketers struggle to create enough content. It's the second biggest pain point among B2B content creators, behind only budget constraints. Since you probably don't want to work more hours, it's essential to develop laser-sharp focus and the ability to block almost anything out.

2. Obsessive Self-Editing

There's a time and place for editing, and some experts believe it's best left separate from the writing process.

3. Focusing on the Wrong Things

It's easy to focus on your number of words written per day, or blog comments per post, and lose track of the metrics that matter in the process. Ensure you're tracking keyword ranking, site visits, leads and ROI, and not expending energy on vanity metrics.

4. Failing to Invest in Personal Branding

A content creator's chances of success hinge on their ability to build a personal brand.

5. Diving Straight into Controversy

Before you fire off a heated or controversial article, stop and think. Not every viral post is good publicity, and it's wise to have a second pair of eyes scan your position before you accidentally brand your company with an unsavory position.

6. Failing to Leverage Influencers

Getting up the nerve to pitch a guest post, or start a conversation with a key digital influencer is tough. No one wants their brilliant idea for a guest blog to be shot down. However, influencers are critical to gaining the exposure you need in an era of content abundance.

7. Not Being Agile

Maybe your audience hates video content, or infographics. That's okay, as long as you're able to pivot in response. Track your metrics carefully, and ensure you don't fall into the money-wasting content marketing mistake of trying failed tactics repeatedly.

8. Not Focusing On Customers

Did you know that only 50% of companies consider themselves primarily customer focused? Sad, but true. If your company's goal is revenue above customer satisfaction, your self-centered attitude could taint your content.

9. Failing to Be Pithy

Does that idea really warrant a blog article, or could it be better expressed in a simple infographic? Your blog content should be long enough to build authority, but a concept should never be stretched to the point of being hideously boring in order to reach a target word count.

10. Not Using English

It's almost never acceptable to hide simple concepts behind confusing language or buzzwords. Keep it simple, stick to the basis of your ideas, and never let yourself slip into this content marketing mistake.

11. Not Moving Quickly

Do you think anyone would want to watch your company's cover of last summer's hit song Call Me Maybe? Memejacking and newsjacking will be much more effective if you move fast. Irrelevance can be an embarrassing content marketing mistake.

12. Being Irrelevant

There's a time and place for evergreen content, but using it to fill every spot on your editorial calendar is a content marketing mistake. Relevance is almost always more effective than irrelevance, and it's critical to map your content marketing to current events and trends people are talking about.

13. Not Leveraging Consumers

90% of modern consumers trust recommendations from family or friends more than earned or owned media, including blogs and social media. Your customers are your best content creators, and it's essential to leverage their advocacy as a key component of your content strategy.

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