Have you ever thought about creating a blog, podcast, video series, or several social media posts based around your passion and then connecting it into your business. For example, within KazSource we have done this by creating a blog using sports to write about entrepreneurialism (SportsEpreneur). SportsEpreneur becomes the content platform. People would rather read about sports and business/entrepreneurialism then say insurance—at least in the beginning. From there it all comes together.
Say for example you are in real estate…
I assume you have an interest in city development. You may be passionate about the city culture, like restaurants and parks in your town. Maybe you like the financial side of real estate, such as mortgage rates or the stock market and how that has a lot to do with buying a home. Taking it further, maybe you love coffee–you love meeting clients at your favorite local coffee spot. You love brewing your own coffee. You love drinking coffee on your porch with a good book.
Either way… write about THAT.
As you take the next steps in creating the content, you can choose a hosted website (preferred), or use blog platforms, such as WordPress, or you can post directly on Medium or LinkedIn. Or use what you already have. Regardless of the type of website or publishing tool you go with—by creating interesting and unique content, you will build an audience. Imagine connecting with an individual that loves coffee too, and oh by the way, they need to buy a new home?
As your audience grows, people will get to know you as both a voice in your field and someone that is interesting. This will translate into exposure and respect. And you and your business will reap the benefits. Even more, your clients will be better off for it. It may not lead to immediate sales (this does not happen overnight), but this blog (or podcast or video series or posts) will be worthwhile. We do it for ourselves and we do it for our clients so we know it works.
However, you must put in the time (or hire someone to do the content creation with you) and build your audience. And then when you want to list a property (or whatever it is you are selling), there will be people paying attention.
Are you ready to create content? Here are some content marketing ideas for small businesses:
CPA Firm / write about dogs
Financial Advisor / create a travel podcast
Education / post about youth sports
Home & Auto Insurance Agent / share pictures of cars
However you start, just start. Create content.