How to use content to build brand - with Chris Walker
Jul 19, 2024
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Chris Walker, CEO of Passetto and Chairman at Refine Labs, shares insights on the evolving landscape of content strategy in B2B. He discusses why content creation should involve more than just the marketing team, emphasizing collaboration with sales. The conversation covers how to develop unique perspectives, address sales objections with tailored content, and the critical role of SEO. Listeners will also learn about leveraging both internal and external talents to enhance project outcomes and the significance of urgency in demand generation.
Content creation has transformed into a collaborative effort across all company departments, enabling a unified approach to communicate with target customers.
Sourcing content ideas from direct customer interactions and leveraging feedback leads to more impactful and relevant content strategies.
Establishing a unique point of view rooted in customer insights differentiates brands in a competitive market, fostering recognition and trust.
Deep dives
The Evolving Role of Content Creation
Content creation is no longer solely the responsibility of the marketing department; it has evolved into a collaborative effort across various teams within a company. Sales, customer success, and account management personnel can also contribute valuable content, leveraging their unique insights and experiences with clients. This shift allows a more unified approach to go-to-market strategies, where all departments contribute to communicating effectively with target customers. With the accessibility of content creation tools, even individuals without formal marketing training can produce high-quality content, empowering different teams to engage in content generation.
Ideas and Frameworks for Content Generation
To develop effective content, it is crucial to source ideas and themes from customer interactions and experiences. By consulting with clients and understanding their pain points, teams can generate insights that resonate with potential customers, ultimately leading to more impactful content. Additionally, leveraging feedback from live sessions or events can help refine messaging and content strategies. Establishing a content framework that categorizes material according to its purpose within the sales funnel ensures that the content remains relevant and goal-oriented.
The Importance of Differentiated Messaging
Crafting a distinct point of view is vital for any company seeking to stand out in a competitive market. Many organizations fall into the trap of mimicking competitors instead of investing time in understanding their market and customers. This results in vague messaging that doesn’t communicate what sets a brand apart from others. By focusing on a unique narrative rooted in direct customer insights, businesses can develop a strong brand identity that fosters recognition and trust among potential buyers.
Navigating Content Strategies Amidst Competition
In an increasingly crowded software marketplace, distinguishing one's brand through content is more essential than ever. As the barriers to entry in software development diminish, new competitors frequently enter the market, making it difficult for companies to maintain their market share. Developing a solid content strategy enables brands to cultivate recognition among prospective customers before they are actively searching for solutions. By emphasizing the company's unique strengths and engaging with buyers early in their research process, brands can position themselves as leaders in their niche.
Timing and Alignment in Content Creation
Companies should consider the timing and readiness for launching organic content strategies based on their existing performance metrics. If a company is struggling to meet growth targets, it may not be the optimal time to introduce a new content initiative. Deletion of ineffective marketing strategies may free up resources to focus on initiatives that have measurable impacts, such as a content strategy. Aligning marketing and sales efforts through a data-driven approach can ensure that resources are allocated effectively while maximizing the potential success of the content strategy.
Erik Jacobson (CEO @ Hatch.fm) and Chris Walker (CEO @ Passetto and Chairman @ Refine Labs) do a content strategy live session where they answer questions and talk about how to create content that works in driving pipeline and building brand in B2B.
Here's what was covered:
00:00 - Intro
2:23 - Why content is not just a marketing responsibility anymore
Hatch is a video-first content production agency that helps B2B marketing teams create video podcasts, video series, and short-form video content so they can run an efficient content engine, and be seen as experts in their industry.