[et_pb_section admin_label=”section” transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” use_custom_gutter=”off” gutter_width=”3″ padding_mobile=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” make_equal=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”on” parallax_2=”off” parallax_method_2=”on” parallax_3=”off” parallax_method_3=”on” parallax_4=”off” parallax_method_4=”on” disabled=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n
Everyone loves to talk about SEO and content marketing or, about how SEO is dead and has been consumed by content marketing or, how content marketing is useless without SEO\u2026 confused? I don\u2019t blame you!<\/strong><\/p>\n If you actually stop and ask people what SEO is, you\u2019ll get a lot of diverse answers or stunned looks. Some people believe SEO belongs back in the dark days of the internet when scrolling text was awesome, whereas others argue that they\u2019re one of the same and it\u2019s impossible to separate SEO and content marketing.<\/p>\n So, what\u2019s the answer? Below is an extensive guide, a bible to SEO and content marketing. These resources will help guide you on the confusing SEO path. However, the message in these resources is actually quite simple\u2026 just focus on writing engaging content for your audience. That\u2019s it.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”https:\/\/ping.design\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/20161130-Content-Marketing-Blog-Post-2-social-media-icon-sharing.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1px” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”] [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n Are you telling me that all those nights clacking away at keyboards trying desperately to squeeze in another keyword and improve my \u2018density\u2019 where all for nothing? Well, yes and no. You see, if you\u2019re focused on creating high-quality content that your audience will love and want to share, then it will naturally contain the right keywords and rank well. Our main objective should be to simply write awesome stuff and then look at it through the SEO viewfinder and tweak things if necessary.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A Manifesto of Content Marketing<\/a><\/span> This 10-minute presentation sets the scene for what your focus area should be. Simply put \u201ccontent’s goal is not simply links nor SEO, but to earn the awareness, affection and trust of potential customers\u201d Here Fishkin reminds us that the number one priority is to make content that your audience can\u2019t wait to read.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Why Content Marketing is a Long Game (And How to Play It)<\/a><\/span> Here Hayden reminds us that content marketing is a long-term plan and not something we should expect an instant ROI from. Essentially we\u2019re building our own library of relevant content that interweaves together to build long-term readership and customers.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Why SEO Is Actually All About Content Marketing<\/a><\/span> Patel discusses the myth of the split between SEO and content marketing and demonstrates how the two are both co-dependent. You can\u2019t do one without the other. This reminds us to stop worrying about whether SEO is \u2018relevant\u2019 anymore, and instead understand that you can\u2019t have one without the other. He also uses a simple analogy of two people. One is SEO and the other is content marketing. When we look at it this way, we see that SEO states the requirements and content marketing fulfils them.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”https:\/\/ping.design\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/20161130-Content-Marketing-Blog-Post-3-SEO-search-engine.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1px” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”] [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n For evergreen posts as well as highlights the importance of using this model so that our content doesn\u2019t always expire along with the shifting times.<\/em><\/p>\n for evergreen posts as well as highlights the importance of using this model so that our content doesn\u2019t always expire along with the shifting times.<\/em><\/p>\n Using Cornerstone Content to Make Your Site Rank<\/a><\/em><\/span> Here we learn about the value of cornerstone content and how to have it effectively drive large volume traffic to our website. We also need to remember, however, that when using cornerstone content, it\u2019s important to think less about search engines and more about your reader. Give them something worthwhile to read when they hit your landing page. Don\u2019t waste their time.<\/p>\n SEO Guide to Creating Viral Linkbait and Infographic<\/a><\/em><\/span> Here we learn about how to use \u2018linkbait\u2019 strategies to boost clicks but, with a disclaimer. As is the message in most of these pieces, we learn that it\u2019s important to focus on the quality of the content. You need to write something that\u2019s link-worthy and then employ linking strategies. There\u2019s no point in spreading and linking poor content because you will lose your audience<\/em>.<\/p>\n Using Cornerstone Content to Make Your Site Rank<\/a><\/span> Here we learn about the value of cornerstone content and how to have it effectively drive large volume traffic to our website. We also need to remember, however, that when using cornerstone content, it\u2019s important to think less about search engines and more about your reader. Give them something worthwhile to read when they hit your landing page. Don\u2019t waste their time.<\/p>\n SEO Guide to Creating Viral Lin<\/a><\/span>kbait and Infographic<\/a><\/span> Here we learn about how to use \u2018linkbait\u2019 strategies to boost clicks but, with a disclaimer. As is the message in most of these pieces, we learn that it\u2019s important to focus on the quality of the content. You need to write something that\u2019s link-worthy and then employ linking strategies. There\u2019s no point in spreading and linking poor content because you will lose your audience.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”https:\/\/ping.design\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/20161130-Content-Marketing-Blog-Post-4-Hook-icon.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1px” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”] [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n How to Go Viral: Lessons From the Most Shared Content of 2015<\/a><\/span> This is a fascinating look at the most shared content of 2015. Based on the top posts, Rayson takes us through the commonalities between the most shared and advises us how to follow the same matrix to increase our own chances of going \u2018viral\u2019.<\/em><\/p>\n Link Building and Analysis<\/span><\/p>\n How to Steal Your Competitor\u2019s Backlinks, Rankings & Traffic<\/a> Be a thief in the night and steal keywords\u2026 sound exciting? Well really, everything is open for sharing on the internet nowadays. There are several tools and strategies you can do to reverse-market a website from learning from your competitors!<\/em><\/p>\n Link Audit: Competitive Backlink Analysis<\/a><\/span> If you want to be even more sleuth and get one up on your competitors, then follow the strategies outlined here to do an in-depth audit of your competitor\u2019s websites and use that valuable information in your own marketing strategies\u2026 but don\u2019t tell anyone.<\/p>\n Link Building Case Study: How I Increased My Search Traffic by 110% in 14 Days<\/a><\/span> When you\u2019re building your business, you don\u2019t have to completely start from scratch. Using the \u2018sky-scraper\u2019 technique, you can learn so much about your competitors\u2019 weaknesses and strengths and use it to your advantage to score some quick wins.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”https:\/\/ping.design\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/20161130-Content-Marketing-Blog-Post-5-viral-marketing.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1px” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”] [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n How to Include Influencers in Your Content Strategy<\/a><\/span> Often, we just produce content and hope people will like and share it. However, you should include some top \u2018influencers\u2019 in your strategy to help extend your reach. Influencers are usually people with a strong \u2018voice\u2019 and a large social media following. They\u2019re able to drive high engagement through their audience as it continues to build.<\/em><\/p>\n Content-based Outreach for Link Building<\/a><\/span> While there are a lot of fancy tools, social media channels and top influencers, it\u2019s important to not forget the manual work that you can do to get links. In this article, we learn some tactical examples of how to manually build website links.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”https:\/\/ping.design\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/20161130-Content-Marketing-Blog-Post-6-email-marketing.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1px” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”] [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n How to Email Busy People<\/a><\/span> In this modern era, we\u2019re bombarded by information and experience stimulus overload daily. So, how is it possible to get someone\u2019s attention from their inbox? How can you stand out from the inbox crowd and get a response? Here Ciotti tells us how to be concise and get results.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I Just Deleted Your Outreach Email Without Reading. And NO, I Don’t Feel Sorry<\/a><\/span> Really? You deleted it? You didn\u2019t even read the first line?! That\u2019s the harsh truth folks. Many an email will indeed be \u2018filed appropriately\u2019 leaving your email crafting skills to waste away\u2026 Here the message is how to focus on quality rather than quantity and get responses.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”https:\/\/ping.design\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/20161130-Content-Marketing-Blog-Post-7-tools-for-content-marketing.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1px” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”] [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”]<\/p>\n Keywords Everywhere<\/a><\/span> This tool is a Chrome and Firefox plug-in that helps lift the curtain on the mechanics of Google. See the specific keywords that are related to a search and use them in your posts on the same topic.<\/em><\/p>\n MozBar<\/a><\/span> The MozBar extension helps you keep your finger on the pulse of your competitors by gaining visibility into their domain rankings as well as monitor any trends that could be to your benefit.<\/em><\/p>\n Ahrefs<\/a><\/span> This is an awesome tool and one of the biggest databases of active backlinks. Get valuable insight into your competitors (and your own) traffic, mentions and more. This is a must-have tool in your SEO armoury.<\/em><\/p>\n BuzzSumo<\/a><\/span> Remember how we spoke about using influencers in your outreach plan? Well, this tool will help you find them. Search and choose from the top influencers on your topic and use them to help share your content and build your audience.<\/em><\/p>\nContent Marketing Theory & Strategy<\/h3>\n
\nBy Rand Fishkin<\/p>\n
\nBy Beth Hayden<\/p>\n
\nBy Neil Patel<\/p>\n
\nBy Joost De Valk<\/p>\n
\nBy Distilled<\/p>\n
\nBy Joost De Valk<\/p>\n
\nBy Distilled<\/p>\n
\nBy Steve Rayson<\/p>\n
\nBy Robbie Richards<\/p>\n
\nBy Vagelis Varfis<\/p>\n
\nBy Brian Dean<\/p>\nOutreach and Promotion<\/h3>\n
\nBy Amanda Gallucci<\/p>\n
\nBy Justin Briggs<\/p>\n
\nBy Gregory Ciotti<\/p>\n
\nBy Tim Soulo<\/p>\nMust-Have Tools<\/h3>\n
\nKeyword Research<\/p>\n
\nLink & Competitive Analysis<\/p>\n
\nContent & Link Analysis<\/p>\n
\nInfluencer & Content Analysis<\/p>\n