Hitting the 50-article mark in digital marketing has been a real milestone for me. It’s not just about the quantity, but the quality of learning that’s come with it. Here are some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way:
1. Niche Down, Then Expand (Maybe): I started out trying to cover everything digital marketing. SEO, social media, content, email… you name it. What I quickly realized is that it’s far more effective to become an expert in a specific area first.
Focusing on a niche (like, say, SEO for e-commerce businesses) allowed me to build real expertise and credibility. 1 Now, after establishing a foothold, I feel more confident branching out into related areas. 1. How To Find Your Niche in 6 Steps (2024) – Shopify New Zealandwww.shopify.com
2. Research Isn’t Just Googling: I used to think a quick Google search was enough research. I was wrong. True research involves delving into industry reports, reading academic studies, analyzing competitor content, and even conducting original research (surveys, interviews, etc.). I now understand that the more thorough my research, the more valuable and insightful my articles become.
3. Headlines are King (and Queen): I learned that a killer headline is crucial. It’s the first (and sometimes only) thing people see. A boring or unclear headline will kill your article’s chances, no matter how good the content is. I now spend almost as much time crafting headlines as I do writing the body of the article. Testing different headline variations is also something I do regularly.
4. Structure Matters (A Lot): I used to just start writing and hope for the best. Big mistake. Now, I always outline my articles before I start writing. A clear structure with headings, subheadings, bullet points, and visuals makes the article easier to read and understand. It also helps me stay focused and organized.
5. Data Speaks Volumes: I discovered the power of data. Backing up my claims with statistics, case studies, and real-world examples makes my articles much more persuasive and credible. I now make a conscious effort to include data in my writing whenever possible.
6. Visuals are Your Friends: I used to underestimate the importance of visuals. Now, I know that images, infographics, and videos can significantly enhance an article’s appeal and readability. They break up the text, make complex concepts easier to grasp, and help keep readers engaged.
7. Promotion is Key (Even for Great Content): I learned that writing a great article is only half the battle. The other half is getting it seen. I now dedicate time to promoting my articles through social media, email marketing, guest blogging, and other channels. I also track which promotion methods are most effective for me.
8. Feedback is Gold: I used to be afraid of feedback. Now, I actively seek it out. Constructive criticism has been invaluable in helping me improve my writing. I ask colleagues, friends, and even readers to review my articles and provide feedback.
9. Consistency is Crucial: I realized that consistency is key to building an audience. Regularly publishing high-quality articles keeps readers coming back for more. It also helps with SEO. I now have a content calendar and try to stick to a consistent publishing schedule.
10. It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint: I went into this thinking I’d become an overnight sensation. I didn’t. Writing 50+ articles has taught me that building a successful blog and establishing myself as a thought leader takes time, effort, and persistence. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. But the journey, and the learning, is definitely worth it.
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