86% of B2C businesses think content marketing is a key strategy.

If you're not doing it, why not?

Since the world went online, we've been filling it with content - from 500 hours of video every minute on YouTube to the words on our websites. But why are we pumping out so much content, and how can you use it for your business?

To help you realize the importance of content marketing, we've put together some of its top benefits. Take a look and see for yourself.

Build a Relationship With Your Customers

Generating leads is a key part of business, but turning leads into repeat customers is the real money-maker.

There are plenty of reasons why you'd want repeat customers. Over 60% of SMBs reported that repeat shoppers made up over half of their total revenue, and increasing customer retention by 5% can boost profitability by 75%.

By building a relationship with your customers, you're securing your self long-term, loyal shoppers. Just make sure to put high-value content. This only works if your content is actually giving something to your audience.

Encourage More Conversions

Why is marketing important? Look no further than conversions.

At the heart of every business is a desire to convert their audience into paying customers. But you need to take action to do this, and online content should be your go-to method.

All content marketing companies will tell you that quality content is a persuasive tool. Just look at this: after reading recommendations from a blog, over 60% of consumers were convinced to make a purchase. If you're able to convert 60% of your audience into paying customers over blogs alone, why wouldn't you?

Content works to convert your audience for a number of reasons. It can help inform them of products they're interested in, build up trust with your brand, and guide them on what to do next.

To convert your readers, make sure to include plenty of CTAs. This will encourage them to do what you want, such as buy your product.

Increase Your SEO

Google now has around 40,000 searches every second, which adds up to somewhere near 3.5 billion searches a day.

Of those searches, 95% of people won't get onto the second page. In fact, the majority (67%) won't even get back the first five listings, make the rest of the search results pretty pointless.

This shows just how important it is to rank highly for your industry. To do that, you need to be implementing SEO.

SEO can help you rank for search phrases that are related to your business, helping the people who need you to find you. It can also be used to help you stand out in your local area searches.

Content marketing and SEO go hand in hand, making the perfect pair to help you get more traffic. Where SEO has demands, such as for the use of keywords and regular updates on a site, content marketing can deliver.

To show you the importance of content marketing for small businesses, websites with blogs have 434% more indexed pages on search engines than those without.

Show You're an Industry Expert

Customers always want to know that the company they're buying from is an expert in their industry. It links it to building trust which is essential for a successful business.

Content marketing helps you show your audience everything you know. From explaining more about your products to talking about industry news, you can show that you know the ins and outs of your business.

Why is this so important? Everyone wants to know that they're putting their money in the right place, and an expert brand will be much more worthy of that.

Your knowledge may also help them, which goes a long way in building trust and creating relationships. When the time comes to buy something, they'll remember your advice and go to you.

Expert content gives consumers peace of mind, and that encourages them to buy.

Create a Notable Brand Image

Creating a brand image can transform a business and help you gain customers.

There are tons of ways a brand image can help you. Just check out these branding stats, all of which can be achieved through content:

• 80% of consumers see branded, authentic content as the driving force for them to engage or follow a brand.
• Almost 50% of consumers will pay more for a brand with positive values.
• 69% of marketers put branded content as more important and valuable than PR.

Your brand's image comes from what you're saying and how you're saying it, and this is all through content. You can shape your brand image through online content, becoming the business your audience want.

The Importance of Content Marketing is Clear

It's hard not to see the importance of content marketing when it's laid before you - all the facts are there!

Content marketing becomes the backbone of a brand; how they build trust, gain an audience, and convert them into loyal customers. From blogs to video, it's the modern-day marketing must.

If you need help with your content marketing - or you don't have a strategy at all yet - our team at Desoto is here to help. We're experienced in the art of creating content that works for your brand and appeals to your target audience. You want results and we can get them for you.

Get in touch with our content company to learn more and check out our own blog to see our work in action.

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