Eric Wendt

Brafton’s Weekly Content Marketing Roundup features the latest news and trends in the world of content marketing. This week we’re diving into stories about the advantages of customer case studies and testimonials, selecting the right social network for your promotional efforts, scoring big with paid social advertisements and much more.

The power of case studies and testimonialsThe right way to use reviews

No matter how slick your content marketing, nothing compares to the power of good old-fashioned customer reviews. After all, your value proposition means a lot more coming from someone who isn’t being paid to talk it up. Allow Brafton’s Tressa Sloane to walk you through deciding between case studies and testimonials, getting clients on board and navigating non-disclosure agreements. Read more here.

The long and short of it

Quality content marketing is an art, and a science. But too many businesses today get hung up on things like word count while losing sight of relevance and value. A recent article from Search Engine Journal illustrated the importance of letting user intent and interest dictate content length instead of always opting for a long-form article. Get the full story.

Let your goals guide your social media marketing.Making social selections

Social media is many things, but short on options isn’t one of them. Deciding which platforms to invest time and money in can be difficult, if not overwhelming. Allow us to make your selection easier with a handy-dandy blog and infographic detailing how to choose social media networks that make sense for your promotion goals. Come for the pretty colors, stay for the essential information. Read on!

Hidden secrets of terrific trade shows

Sometimes the best way to generate leads and close deals is by rubbing elbows in real life. That said, trade show marketing takes careful planning to maximize success. MarketingProfs recently offered up a checklist of ways to drive engagement and sales with trade shows. Spoiler alert: Building a buzz online is still important! Find out more.

Pay to Play: Social media ads ebookLevel up your social ad game

Brafton’s newest eBook is all about how to use social ads for lead generation. In today’s pay-to-play social landscape, it’s more important than ever to understand the intricacies of different platforms and their benefits. Check out our walkthrough of the new eBook and then download it to see for yourself! Your ROI will thank you. Learn more.

Exploring entities

Google is placing a greater emphasis on “entities” when it comes to local search. Unsure what entities are or how they may be interfering with your local marketing? You’re in the right place. Well, you’re almost there anyway! Writing for Search Engine Land, Adam Dorfman breaks down Google’s latest changes and what local businesses can do to keep up. Important info, ahoy!

Is consistency part of your cross-channel marketing?Keeping it consistent

From storytelling to search engine optimization, consistency matters. Brafton Director of Digital Marketing Strategy Jeff Baker recently explained why cross-channel consistency is important to consumers, as well as how it can help ensure the right information pops up for your business in search. Find out how to stay safe and steady.

The state of security

If it seems like the frequency of website hacks is on the rise, it’s because it is. A new report from Google outlined a 32 percent increase in hacks from 2015 to 2016. Fortunately, Google also offers ways to keep your site safe, such as by registering for Search Console to better monitor site health. If you want to learn more about hacking risks and how to prevent them, this report is for you. Read the facts here.

That’s all we’ve got for you this week. Come back next Friday for more content marketing stories worth buzzing about.