Let’s talk about content. Content is essential when we reference social media because without content or a content strategy, there are no social media. Content is the lifeblood of social media. However, when creating content, the recommendation is to create content based on the stages that persons are in their customer’s journey.
There are many articles and blog posts out there that take a look into some of the things that every entrepreneur needs to do. While different people have different views as to what entrepreneurs need based on their experiences and expertise, I believe, however, it is important to note some of the things that entrepreneurs do not need when starting a business.
I have always been an advocate of content creation. Personally, I firmly believe that every piece of content that any individual were to put out online should contain some sort of visual element. A couple months ago, I created a PDF and wrote an entire blog post about apps and websites entrepreneurs and content creators can use to create content. Since then, I have come across a number of other content creation tools. However, the one I have been most impressed with thus far is Visme found at visme.co. The online tool is easy to use allowing anyone to create amazing infographics and presentations which can be published online, embedded on your website, or even downloaded for offline use. Also, before you get sceptical about my endorsement, please note that I do not work for Visme nor am I an affiliate. However, because content creation and helping others are areas I am passionate about, I believe it would be remiss of me to not mention how impressive the application is.
Visme allows anyone from the experienced designer to total tech newbies to transform boring data into visually appealing content. In the past, people heavily relied on programmes such as powerpoint and other similar tools to create their presentations. However, I believe that Visme has improved the content creation process especially with it user-friendliness. Therefore, if you are looking to become a better presenter and communicator, Visme is the tool for you and a must have for your toolbox.
Currently, bloggers are using Visme to create static graphics, interactive presentations, and infographics to support otherwise unappealing text content and increase engagement with their audiences. Educators and students are also using it to improve communication on various topics while small businesses and organizations use the application to better engage and market their products and services to potential customers.
Most importantly, most Visme features are free for all users, and it just takes just a few seconds to register then start creating your first project. Other features, such as downloading projects for offline use, password protection, access to premium widgets and templates however, are available for an affordable fee.
While many online content creating tools exist, I like Visme because:
Unlike programmes like powerpoint or other similar tools, Visme has a ton of features within its application such as text widget, animated text, millions of searchable images, and thousands of high-quality vector icons in over 20 categories. The tool also has tons of graphic images for every type of project. Personally, I am a non-designer, and because of my designing ineptitude, I have always hated starting a project from scratch in an attempt to create a great looking piece of content at the end. With Visme however, I don’t have such a problem anymore simply because of the many new infographic and presentation templates the tool possesses. Another feature I am very impressed with is the ability and the ease to animate any object. You simply click on the object then select “animate this object” and choose an animation from the animation engine.
One important aspect of branding your business is the use of the correct font and Visme has over 100 professional fonts that can be applied to all text objects. One feature that amazed me about the use of the fonts is that I can use one font for one word and another for another word in a text block.
Additionally, the text editor is one of the best I have come across to date. Not only is it simple and very intuitive, but I can add vertical and horizontal text padding.
It is also possible to now highlight words or phrases within a text block and apply styling while keeping the rest of the content’s formatting intact. That innovation alone was enough for me to try Visme to help with my content creation projects because in other text editors including the previous Visme editor, such a feature is nonexistent. Furthermore, any number of objects can be selected then duplicated, and even multiple objects can be copied from one slide to the next. Such a function is best when you do not want to duplicate an entire slide but just certain parts.
Now get this, you can also upload your own MP3 into your slides or use any of the already huge library of audio tracks for your projects. Moreover, if you have images from one project that you want to use in another, you can obtain it where it is located. Visme also offers powerful data visualization capabilities through a series of Infograph and Chart Widget tools. Admittedly, this is another one of my favourite features and may be yours too. You can then take boring data then convert them into stunning visuals that are fun to look at especially if you are giving a presentation to others. These charts are also animated, so it’s easy to add swag to them.
Again, I must reiterate that I do not work for Visme nor am I an affiliate, so I would not get any financial compensation for writing this. Personally however, I tried the tool because my aim is to create some sort of infographic or visual representation for each of my blog posts I create. Therefore, I used it to test its capabilities for a designing novice like myself, and I am very satisfied with the outcome. I have done my investigation, and I now encourage you to do yours. Check them out at visme.co, try it, and let me know what you think.
For many of you, the idea of content marketing might be a foreign concept or one that has not been explored too deeply. Therefore, what is content marketing and what does it entail? The concept is simple. Content marketing is the consistent formation, organization, promotion, and circulation of material that current and potential consumers may find useful and may ultimately alter and/or enhance their pattern of consumption. Content marketing can take a variety of forms such as using apps, videos, podcasts, blogs, and other forms of online media.
With the growth, reach, and promotion of the use of the internet as well as the proliferation of social media, an open and willing audience is at your mercy. Once it is done well, positive results are guaranteed like shooting fish in a barrel. Additionally, smaller businesses that have limited budgets should gladly jump on the content marketing bandwagon. Creating thoughtful, well researched content would only serve to benefit their companies through the free or inexpensive generation of leads, branding for their businesses, reduction in market costs, and interact with patrons who may consider them authorities in their fields because of the production of high quality content.
However, for content marketing to be effective, a strategy or some sort of methodology should be employed. Nothing should be done on the basis of guess work. You must be deliberate in your approach. To effectively understand the demands of the market and the information people are willing to invest in, it is advised that some sort of research is carried out before delving into the world of content marketing. Once done well, content marketing could be a sustainable venture so taking a shot in the dark is not encouraged.
Another useful component of creating effective and helpful content is to always keep in mind that the information should appeal to the patrons’ emotion and senses. Generally, most individuals would consider themselves to be rational beings. However, we are guided and sometimes overtaken by our instinct and emotions. Just ask the lady in the mall who just bought her 50th pair of shoes or the NBA fans who bought their latest teams’ gear. These persons may have practical, rational reasons why they forked out the cash, but in many instances, purchases are made because of the emotional connections individuals have with certain products. Therefore, created content should be engaging and emotionally charged.
Consequently, with the benefits that content marketing could generate, you should seriously consider using it to get ahead. However, ensure that you are strategic in your approach and formulate content that tugs on the emotional heart strings of your current and potential patrons.
