5 Ways Content Marketing Can Help Young Entrepreneurs Grow Their Startups

For the past years Europe’s economy has been in a constant state of misery. On the bright side, recessions are a time of opportunity and as a result many amazing startups have been founded. However for youngsters – who become entrepreneurs after (or during) university – there’s a credibility issue that needs overcoming.

It’s an obstacle that can prevent you from getting meetings with potential partners and worse limit your ability to raise funding. This is usually down to a lack of relevant working experience and quality references. As a young entrepreneur, you’ve probably got a 6 month internship under your belt and a long-winded thesis to boast about.

But I’m here to tell you that through a combination of content marketing and just getting out there to meet people. Just about anyone can make it in the startup world regardless of age and experience. Indeed the emergence of social media and blogs has made everyone a publisher. Enabling anyone to reach a large audience by delivering quality content.

What is Content Marketing?

According to the Content Marketing Institute (CMI):

“Content marketing is a marketing technique of creating and distributing relevant and valuable content to attract, acquire, and engage a clearly defined and understood target audience – with the objective of driving profitable customer action.”

So if you’re a business student, you could be writing your own blog, guest posting, recording podcasts and filming videos on how to make life easier for marketing executives. If you’re a developer you could be doing tutorials on how to build awesome apps.

Whatever you decide to do, it speaks volumes about who you are! It shows you’re a capable person who can create and delivers results. It also positions you as an authority on the subject. And it’s way more impressive than a University degree.

My point is that with a little flair, you create your own opportunities. So how does it work to your advantage – and what other benefits can you expect deliver?

5 Ways Content Marketing Benefits Your Startup

1. Credibility and Trust

The reality is we do business with people we like and trust – it’s also the foundation behind every successful working relationship (such as team sports).  Think of your online presence as a way to establish credibility for yourself. It’s hard being the new kid on block, especially when you’re young and don’t have tons of experience.

When I started copywriting, my blog was one of the main reasons startups hired me. I got to spend 6 months working in Amsterdam, meeting with several CEOs networking with startups in the area and interviewing several CEOs. It’s also how I got started blogging for Finnish startup Cuutio.

The blog basically helped me establish an initial trust with people I had not met before. If they wanted to find out more about me they simply had to visit my website.

Make setting up a blog and being active on social media your top priority in establishing that trust. It could make the difference in getting a meeting someone important.

2. Building an Audience

You’re probably all familiar with the minimum viable product – but have you heard of the minimum viable audience?

Brian Clarke from Copyblogger coined that term. Which means building an audience first before starting a business.

Think about this for a moment. By building an audience first  – with valuable content – you’ll get a better idea of what people are willing to buy. In addition you’ll get instant feedback on new ideas and might even attract some talent onto your team. Perfect for when you’re starting a new venture.

Bear in mind that building an audience takes time, and you’re best bet is to creating content immediately before you need people’s input.

3. Perfecting Your Communication Skills

The old saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” Yes we’ve heard it a million time and it’s a cliche, but it’s still true.

Getting serious about creating content may feel daunting at first – it was for me especially with my ebook. But trust me when I tell you, that you will become a more proficient communicator.

Om Malik founder of GigaOm – a leading blog covering tech and startups – refected back on his 10 years of blogging and had this to say:

“When I was working for Forbes.com during the early days of the dot-com bubble, I learned a vital lesson – you had to write every day to be any good and to have a complete handle on the beat.”

With content marketing, you’ll pick up a knack for getting your message across more clearly. It will do wonders for those email pitches you’re sending out!

4. Having Something to Show for Yourself

These days it’s not so much about what you’ve written on your CV or LinkedIn profile, but more about what you have done to show for yourself.

It’s easy to toot your own horn online, and what sets the posers and the doers apart are the things they have accomplished.

In the end it boils down to the references you have. Imagine going into a meeting or a networking event and being able to say, “Hey, I wrote an ebook that can help you!” Of course it doesn’t have to be an ebook and it could a series of videos or a podcast.

5. Nurture Relationships

Integral to any success you have in life are the relationship you nurture. When startups are concerned being well-connected becomes a major advantage. One way you can use content marketing for reaching out to thought leaders is with interviews.

Simply send them an email explaining that you want to interview them for your blog/ebook/podcast/video. Most people are flattered and open to this kind of approach because it shows initiative and it’s also free publicity for them!

For you it’s a perfect opportunity to get to know them better and learn from their experiences. Another benefit is that you don’t have to create the content yourself. For a blog post, 20-30 minutes is sufficient time to get a lot of information written down. And it’s the perfect length for a podcast and video.

The idea behind content marketing is the rule of reciprocation. If you give away something valuable for free, you can expect others to “repay” you with a similar gesture. Which can mean more people are inclined to sign up as customers.

The beauty is that you don’t need a massive budget to implement it. Yes it takes time to create content. But what’s the alternative? Buying banner ads? Folks are more likely to complete NAVY SEAL training than click on a banner ad!

Images by Ian Sane, Anonymous Account, seanmasn, ashraful kadir, Paolo Camera, s.yume