The Beginner’s Guide to Content Marketing

A comprehensive introduction with stories from Upworthy, Tim Ferriss, Babe Ruthe, and the US government

We’ve all heard that this “content marketing” thing can do big things for our businesses. It can drive new users, lower marketing costs, and keep current users interested.

All of this sounds great, but what does it actually mean? How can I use content marketing for my business?

In 2008, Marcus Sheridan ran a pool company, River Pools, and he felt the recession heavily. To shore up his falling numbers, Marcus turned to content marketing. Writing prolifically, he answered hundreds of common questions that potential pool owners would ask, and he posted those answers on his website. Today? His pool business is booming, and Marcus focuses on his marketing consulting.

If content marketing can work for a pool company — a completely offline business — imagine the possibility for yours.

At the same time, content marketing isn’t the “magic growth hack”. (Those don’t exist.)

If you want to create a truly epic content marketing piece, you must be prepared to invest 20+ hours of your blood, sweat, and tears.