Content is (still) king

Since my work world is all about creative content, I'm encouraged by the anticipated growth in this area.  B2B Online's article "Mobile apps, social integration, content are key trends" is increasingly relevant...and of course, VIDEO is becoming  a key part of the content mix.

"A recent study by the Content Marketing Institute found that, on average, 26% of the total b2b marketing budget is now dedicated to content marketing, and that figure is expected to increase this year.  The study, based on an online survey of 1,092 b2b marketers conducted in August, found that more than 60% plan to increase their content marketing budgets this year...  To develop all this content, marketers are relying on their own marketing departments, as well as agency partners and freelancers.  Tom Haas, CMO at Siemens Corp., said one of his top marketing priorities this year is “content integration.” “Specifically, how we can integrate content across different platforms, particularly online and offline. That's very important to us.”  At Intel Corp., the marketing organization now has an editorial calendar that it uses to plan and develop content across all its marketing channels, from advertising to social media."

The full link is here: BtoB Online: Mobile Apps, Social Integration, & Content are key.

A confused mind says no

One of my favorite sayings (thank you Ron Seaver) is "a confused mind says no."  Our goal as communicators, is to reduce or eliminate resistance.  

Nancy Duarte, in this Harvard Business Review blog, addresses audience resistance...it's spot on!

Click to read about how to:  Anticipate and avoid resistance to your communications...

Native advertising...

Just when we thought we were caught up on the latest lingo...this one came up.  Native advertising.  The term used by many, understood by few.  This infographic does a good job of explaining what it is, and what it isn't.

We'll see how this "native" plant survives, flourishes, or evolves...

Check it out:  This Infographic Explains What Native Advertising Is

Take your audience with you

One of the greatest things about digital/social/mobile media is that you can take your audience with you wherever you go, and, wherever they go. 

Being able to deliver on your promises from anywhere, faster, is the holy grail for business.

While our lives seem to be blending personal and professional time, mobile media has given us the flexibility to respond in ways we never thought possible.

Lisbon, London, or Lubbock?  No problem.  Taking your audience with you makes it possible.

Boot the Buzz Words

In 2013, the buzz word from this list I am most happy to boot, is "viral video."  About time!  Want to produce great content, terrific production values, even with controversial topic/material?  Great.  But "going viral" is a wholly different matter.  Check it out:

13 buzzwords that need to die in 2013 If "dynamic," "viral" or "social business" are part of your regular vocabulary, it's time to bid them farewell. Here's why.

Two Big Mobile Trends for 2013

2013 marks the increased momentum of MOBILE:  Two trends to watch in the New Year?  Mobile Video and Sponsored Stories.

Click: See the details here, as reported by Mobile Marketer...

According to this, benefits of mobile video include:

• Boosting the customer experience
• Increased ROI with customized video content
• Increased brand loyalty
• Increased content share on social media

Sponsored stories, or "native advertising," also promise a more integrated way to engage with prospects and customers.

Great strategy!

With a little luck

The symbol of luck.  If only it was that easy.

Even during this holiday season, I am thinking of intent.  Intent to celebrate.  Intent to spend time with family. But even beyond the intent is the plan. 

"A goal without a plan is just a wish." -- Antoine de Saint-Exupery, French writer.

Because it's Christmas, I'm also thinking of nursery rhymes, and one in particular seems related to this post.  An old English proverb and nursery rhyme, believed to have originated in Scotland:

If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
If turnips were swords I'd have one by my side
If "ifs" and hands were pots and pans
There would be no need for tinkers hands.

Our plans for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are simple.  But beyond that...into 2013.  Not so easy.  Goals, intent, and plans need to be in place...or else it's just a wish.

In 2013, I am looking forward to the chain reaction of wishes, and intent, goals and plans, and action.  With all of that, AND a little luck, we'll get there!