There’s no one right way to do content marketing, so you’ve got to make sure you’re staying on top of your gameHow many companies can say they have a former YouTube star among their ranks?

Brafton can.

It’s our very own Content Marketing Strategist Bill Cooper.

When he was 16 years old, Bill launched his own YouTube channel, dubbing himself The iPod Kid. His videos focused on providing reviews of Apple products and accessories, as well as offering troubleshooting tips for the technology.

Here he is detailing the features of the new (back then) iPhone 5:

 

Throughout its four-year run, it was at one point the world’s most-watched Apple-related YouTube channel, which is definitely no small accomplishment. Bill said it was during this time he realized exactly what content can do, and he was immediately hooked.

“My audience continued to grow, not just in the U.S., but across the globe,” he said. “This channel gave me the chance to see first-hand just how powerful content can be and how it can drive a brand.”

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Bill went on to major in digital marketing at the University of Dayton. After graduating, he moved from his hometown to Chicago, the city in which his parents met and one he has always loved.

And although his YouTube sensation days are behind him, he continues to hit his marketing stride as a Content Marketing Strategist for Brafton.

Marketing master

Since starting at the company a little over a year ago, Bill has had the chance to work with a variety of clients to make their marketing dreams a reality.

“One of my favorite things is bringing to life unique projects and tracking results and ROI through Google Analytics,” he said.

One of these projects is a series of videos he recently worked on for a client.

“We just wrapped up one of the most impactful video shoots I’ve ever been a part of,” Bill explained. “It was emotionally driven and featured powerful women of all shapes and sizes being confident in their bodies, both physically and mentally. I’m stoked to see our video team work their magic.”

My Youtube channel gave me the chance to see first-hand just how powerful content can be and how it can drive a brand.

Besides diving deep into Google Analytics and working closely with clients on their strategies, Bill cites his co-workers as another favorite aspect of his job. He said the different personalities and mindsets give his team the ability to bounce ideas off each other to further boost their clients’ goals.

“The people I work with are brilliant, and they are second to none,” he said.

But it’s not all sunshine and roses in this industry. Bill said there are certain challenges that he and his team face as content marketing quickly changes.

“You have to stay sharp within the rapidly evolving world of digital marketing and content,” he said. “There’s no one right way to do content marketing, so you’ve got to make sure you’re staying on top of your game.”

He recommended reading industry blogs, attending webinars and events, and thoroughly analyzing what is and isn’t working with content as ways to keep marketing skills in check.

Bill Cooper: From YouTube wunderkind to content marketing strategist

Another challenge is knowing when to tell clients that something they may want in their strategy is not going to bring them success. As Bill pointed out, one of those things is stressing quality over quantity when it comes to content. This way of thinking is extinct and will only lead to lackluster marketing efforts.

As for trends on the horizon that he encourages companies to implement?

“It’s all about visuals,” he said. “Visuals are here now and it’s time to put videos and graphics on the front burner.”

There’s no one right way to do content marketing, so you’ve got to make sure you’re staying on top of your game.

Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper

On a typical day, Bill said his top tip for being a content marketing rockstar is to “wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy.”

Once that’s out of the way, his day is filled with client meetings, discussing their current projects and brainstorming new ideas for their strategies. When he’s not in these meetings, he’s usually going through all of the data in Google Analytics to see how Brafton’s content is performing.

Outside of Brafton, you might find Bill learning how to code (so he can bring his “million dollar ideas to life”), cooking or playing sports, including golf, volleyball and ultimate frisbee. He’s also a skilled beatboxer and Super Smash Bros N64 player.

When asked what, as a kid, he wanted to be when he grew up, he listed: a beatboxer, an architect, the Chicago Cubs third baseman, a YouTube personality and an actor.

I’d say two out of five is not so bad. There’s no telling what he’ll accomplish next.

Tressa Sloane is the Sr. Manager of Editorial Development in Boston. Born a Southern belle, she now resides in the chilly (but wicked awesome) Northeast, and when she's not learning everything she can about content marketing, she's obsessing over Elvis, Auburn football and France.