Sales can seem icky, dirty, and just gross when you feel like you must ask for the sell and then when you ask, you don’t get it.
Even though I am an entrepreneur and I KNOW how important sells are to a business (duh), even I don’t like to whole process of selling sometimes. And I’m sure many of you feel the same way. But there is a way to sell without going through some of the uncomfortable emotions of being scared to ask for the sell and being disappointed when they don’t buy. This sales strategy is called content marketing. It’s the solution for the entrepreneur who wants to find other ways to sell that make you feel good and make your customers or clients feel good too.
The great thing about content marketing is that it uses the idea of creating valuable content to catch the attention of an ideal client with the goal that eventually that ideal client will turn into a consistent buyer. So, all you do is create content around what you are selling and then offer additional products or services that could help them achieve their goal(s).
Content marketing gets rid of the negative feelings you may have when you pitch or sell your products or services, because the content speaks for its self, sets you up as an expert, and gives your ideal clients a sneak peek of your capabilities.
To give you an idea of what this content could be, I’ve listed five types of content that can get you started with attracting the right buyer to sell your products and services too.
Here are 5 ways to help:
1. Blog specifically around common fears, problems, and stressors your ideal clients are experiencing.
Remember with the help of Google, information if available at anyone’s fingertips. So, make sure your content is not just a generalization of information anyone can access. It must be information that solves something that your ideal client can’t solve. When you figure that out, you’ve hit the jackpot!
2. Use live platforms like Facebook Live, Instagram Live, and webinars to showcase your training/teaching expertise
I was an English Instructor at a university for six years before I started designing online courses. I have experience teaching topics and breaking them down so that my audience can learn. What I’m noticing in the online space is that a LOT of people are teaching and training. But honestly some are not that great. I’ve witnessed it myself. When you use a live platform like Facebook, Instagram, or even webinars, you must make sure you know what you are talking about. It’s your big chance to set yourself up as the expert and develop that know, like, and trust factor with your ideal client. If you go live make sure you are prepared, that you have an outline of what you are going to say and what the learner will get out of your talk. Be organized and be sure to offer next steps and more opportunities to work with you further.
3. Create quizzes and surveys as a playful way to connect with your ideal client, get them on your email list, and learn more about them
Who doesn’t love an online quiz? They are a fun and simple way to identify a struggle yet offer a solution at the end through guided questions. Online quizzes and surveys help build your email list fast. Most people who subscribe to them are satisfied because they can get an answer immediately and that provides a quick win. If you feel your ideal client could benefit from a quiz, try Google Forms; it’s completely free!
4. Offer an eBook that shows your deep understanding of your topic and sets you up as an expert.
Most people are very familiar with eBooks and what they do, but why not take your eBook to the next level. Keep your eBook focused on solving a struggle or pain point for your ideal client. Include additional resources that help your reader fully comprehend the material. For example, if you use Canva, you can embed links in your PDF that your reader can click on to take them to a video or audio training. And make it as visually appealing and easy to read as possible. Canva can also help with that.
5. Give your ideal clients a quick win by creating a checklist, cheat sheet, or workbook
Checklists, cheat sheets and/or workbooks are great learning tools to use to accompany any training. They can enhance your training and take learning to the next level because the information is quick, concise, and to the point. Also the great thing for you is it’s a small time commitment on your part because they are easy to create. If you want to create this type of content, Canva is also a good resource to use.
So, there you have it. Here are five ways you can use content to increase your sales. The key to making this work is to start with knowing who your ideal client is, knowing what they struggle with, and knowing what the solution is that can help. If you can answer these questions, your sales will increase without all of the “buy this now” banter.
Want to learn more about this strategy and others? Join me every Tuesday and Thursday night at 8pm central on my Facebook Business page. Just like the page and you will get notified when I go live.
Need help identifying what you need to create to help sell your products and services? Let's have a quick chat about it. Click here to schedule a call with me.
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