What a relief…it’s finally time for the Friday Fix! How did you fare in Mobilegeddon? Were you ready, or are you still working on it? Do you still not think it’s a big deal (if not, then definitely go directly to the Fix, do not pass go, do not collect $200 (not that cash is on the table) because “Mobilizing” your website definitely is important for survival)? If you were ready, pat yourself on the back and continue onto the Fix anyway because we’ve got lots of great stuff from an up-close and person with Purina’s Director of Content on that winning BuzzFeed collaboration (“Dear Kitten” video series) to ways to raise the stakes to tips for startups and newbies. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to get Fixed!
Ready for Mobilegeddon? Fix Quick-and-Dirty Tips to Save your Google Search Rank [Inforgraphic]
So, as you probably know by now, Mobilegeddon went down on April 21 (this was the implementation of a new search algorithm that favors mobile-friendly sites, to put it simply). On the plus, if you were still scrambling when the clock struck 12 on April 22, you can update whenever you’d like because the updates are automatic. That said, whether you were or weren’t ready, Chris Lucas’ article is a clever read that advises on five quick-and-dirty ways to fix your mobile mistakes to get mobile ready. It’s still relevant because (1) you might not be ready, or (2) you got ready, but things are going as well as you expected (maybe you missed something?).]
Google Gives Boost to Mobile-Friendly Sites
Speaking of Mobilegeddon, this timely piece by Rolfe Winkler provides an overview of what the algorithm change is and means as well as who was ready on time (so, if you weren’t, don’t feel bad…neither was the IRS). This is a great piece for those for whom Mobilegeddon is new news and for those who want to be in the know. One important tidbit I’ll share for free is that Google won’t fully finish rolling out the update for at least a week, so the full impacts / preparedness results won’t be ready for a while. That said, the other tidbits, you have to click and read for.
Google’s Mobile Search Shift Demands Website Upgrade
I promise, this will be the last piece I share about Mobilegeddon, but I really thought that Thomas Claburn brings new, important information to the table while hammering the point I made in the intro, which is that you must update. I’m sure this is a big pill to swallow for those who don’t like being made to do anything, but in this case…just…come to the dark side; they have Internet cookies. I digress. One of the main topics discussed in Thomas’ article is that small businesses will take the brunt of the hit from this change. Read on to find out why.
Purina’s “Dear Kitten” Video Series Proves BuzzFeed is the Cat’s Pajamas for Content Marketers
No doubt, neither BuzzFeed nor Purina had an inkling as to how obscenely successful the video series “Dear Kitten” (over 50 million view to date), but it took off, and they ran with it. No doubt part of this success is because no one can resist kitten videos. The other part is the result of actual planning and ingenuity in collaborating. In this interview with Amy Gesenhues, Purina Director of Content Rick Spiekermann speaks about the brand’s interaction with BuzzFeed and what he’s learned about his audience from “Dear Kitten.”
4 Keys to Raising Your Content Marketing Game
Brett Relander’s easy-to-read well-organized piece (really, thank you for the numbered key points!) covers four the most essential things you can do to make your content marketing pop. Sure, some of it is easier said-than-done. For example, Brett advises taking advantage of Google’s latest algorithm update to make the headlines, but you want to do it in a “Dear Kitten” (see above) kind of way and not necessarily a Madonna / Drake kind of way (which, folks are still going on about that magical moment, and most of the headlines are not so good).
What Startups Need to Know about Content Marketing
Though targeted toward startups, Joshua Johnson’s articulate piece is useful for anyone who needs content marketing including experienced folks who may have a hiccup in their strategy. Planning, establishing flow, and operating with deliberateness are some of Johnson’s key points, but he also advises hiring a CCO. While a Chief Content Officer may not have been a budgetary priority, reconsider the value that a CCO can bring to your organization (and if nothing else, than to your operative stress levels).
Content Marketing’s Chicken and Egg Budget Problem
Rebecca Lieb’s article takes the question of what came first to a whole new level (I admire this as I’m still trying to figure out which is more delicious: chicken or eggs (I’m leaning toward eggs…so versatile!)). In this case, she intelligently reflects on the cobbling together of content marketing and looks toward the future pointing out that just hiring clever writers (which, hey, you can kind of afford!) isn’t enough. Visual, audio, media editing, development etc. innovators are also needed. But those chickens won’t nest for free, but boy do you need the eggs! So, what comes first: the chicken or the egg?
Primitive Content Marketing?
Steve Rotter’s piece picks up to an extent on what Rebecca’s was talking about which is that you can’t have a primitive or fundamental approach to your content marketing and expect to get away with it (at least not for long, anyway). In other words, you can’t just pick components of an approach and target specific strategic goals and expect to succeed. You have to be more robust and comprehensive; you have to be invested. Steve breaks the essence of going beyond primitive content in a series of bullet points; check them out.
Using PPC Marketing to Make Content Go Viral: Here’s How It Works
So, you’re aware of what pay-per-click (PPC) marketing is (it’s essentially where advertisers pay each time their link is clicked), but you’re not sure yet. That’s okay, says Larry Kim…allow him to explain. The thing is, PPC marketing needs to be cleverly and intelligently approached. We all know that some marketers go for an approach that involves –how do I put this…hoping for the best. Despite the fact that this is how I sustain all of my personal relationships, you may find your content has more go power with PPC marketing. Check out Larry’s article to get the details on kicking it into overdrive.
Back to Basics: What Content Marketers Need to Know about Google Analytics
So, this article by Jonathan Blank is for those of you who are either doing what I suggest in the run-down of Larry Kim’s piece, which is hope for the best, or for those of you who are new or are just coming into content marketing and who are trying to figure things out. Jonathan Blank’s well-organized (always appreciated) article hones in on the three key things that you need to understand to maximize your content performance.
Amy Delcambre is a freelance content and travel writer from Mobile, Alabama with a Master's in Creative Writing. When she's not painting the page with nouns, verbs, and adverbs, she's slaying grammar beasts as a freelance editor and saving the world one sentence fragment at a time teaching university writing classes. In her free time, Amy enjoys cooking, traveling, and testing which plant species best survive prolonged neglect.
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