Content marketing is now widely considered an essential tool in the armoury of any digital marketing strategy.  However, unlike some forms of marketing, the end goals can be trickier to define.  Interestingly, though, a new piece by Forbes has highlighted the key goals for any digital marketing strategy:

Brand awareness

In an age of high competition in almost every sector, the increase of brand awareness has to be a key goal for any firm.  Content marketing offers one of the most effective ways of doing so.  Indeed, brand awareness was listed as the no.1 goal for B2B marketers in North America.

Brand loyalty

Another key benefit with effective content marketing is that it can encourage an increase in brand loyalty: an invaluable factor in the post high street shop world.  Consistently creating entertaining, informative content to be regularly posted on your site is now an essential tool in encouraging returning visitors: returning visitors that might well invest in your services or make a purchase.

Educating customers

In almost any business it can be quite tough trying to work with customers who just don't understand your sector.  In content marketing and SEO, this is relatively common; however, customers that read your quality blog will learn something new about what it is that you do - leaving one less thing you have to explain when there is a face-to-face meeting.  It should also mean fewer misunderstandings: if the customer fully understands the process they will be less likely to query why you are acting in a particular way.

Talent recruitment

It is less important perhaps, but creating great content that showcases your company's working atmosphere and expertise is a great way to attract good employees.  Most individuals out there are more eager to work for a company that projects a well-informed, professional and enthusiastic image.