Getting customers to notice your business online and make a purchase can be a battle; especially with other businesses also competing online for customers but with the right strategies, you’re on your way to achiving your business goals. You’ve probably searched far and wide for solutions and strategies to create awareness for your online business but the most powerful tool at your disposal that will help make your business stand out is content creation. But, creating content that actually sells isn’t just by posting pretty pictures or videos of what you sell, sharing memes or catchy words and telling your audience to come and buy. It is about planning properly and executing a strategic content calendar that speaks to your audience, builds trust and drives sales.
It might seem like a lot but to guide you, here are some ways you can plan a content calendar that helps you sell.
Know Your Audience First
Before you begin creating your content or even developing your content calendar, you must first determine who your audience is. Consumers within Nigeria and across the world vary widely depending on their region, background and spending habits. Whether your business is catering to tech savvy millennials or budget-conscious buyers, understanding your audience will help you effectively craft content that resonates with them. The best way to know your audience, their needs and desires is by asking them directly and you can do this by regularly sharing question polls on your Instagram story or sharing a post asking them what kind of content they want to see from you.
Diversify Your Content for Engagement
Many businesses often fall into the trap of focusing on only 1 type of content which is usually product promotion. While promoting your product is crucial to making sales, creating various unique content that educate, entertain and engage your audience is equally important. Why? That is because creating these kinds of content help you build a connection with your audience and show that you’re not just there to sell but add value. So, consider sharing content like- 5 Ways To Care For Black Shoes, Do This To Make Your Perfumes Last Longer, Pack An Order With Me, etc.
Here is a breakdown of some content types to include in your content mix;
- Educational Posts: Share tips on how to use your product effectively or industry-related knowledge that your audience will find helpful.
- Behind-the-Scenes: Show what happens behind closed doors at your business. For instance, show how your products are made or introduce your team.
- Promotional Content: Of course, promotional content is important. But make sure they don’t dominate your entire content strategy.
- User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to share their experiences or reviews with your product, creating a sense of community and trust.
Be Consistent, But Don’t Overwhelm
You have probably heard this a million times and I’m here to tell you again. Consistency is KEY to any successful content strategy. The average person is more likely to trust brands they see regularly, so you need to ensure you are posting as often as possible to stay relevant and top of mind but do not post so much that you overwhelm your audience.
How do you plan consistent content? Start by creating a posting schedule based on how much time you have to dedicate to content creation. For example: pick out one or two days a week for content creation and plan your content calendar with the content you have created. According to your content calendar, you could once or twice daily. Whatever the case, ensure that each post serves a purpose and aligns with your goals.
Planning a content calendar is one of the most important steps you can take as a small business owner. It allows you to stay organized, consistent, and strategic. When done right, your content can do more than just engage—it can sell. By understanding your audience, diversifying your content and timing your posts, you’ll be well on your way to creating content that not only boosts your brand but also drives sales.
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