In the world of marketing, where attention spans are fleeting and competition is fierce, the...
Five years ago, did you ever imagine an AI tool generating responses in such a conversational manner that organizations would even think of substituting humans for it?
The fact remains that the majority of us never thought of the current wave of global AI intervention, but it’s here to stay, and there’s nothing we can do about it.
A report by MsPowerUser states that 77% of businesses are already exploring or using AI to run their operations. There is no doubt AI is cost- and time-effective, and organizations want to maximize both.
So as a content marketer, there is a need for you to channel your energy into that aspect of your job that AI cannot do. AI has limitations and cannot do everything;
Therefore, if you want to remain relevant and indispensable, You need to master AI and also be an expert in those aspects of content marketing that AI cannot do.
If you want to succeed in content marketing, you need to have the right skills. Grab a cookie and read this article to learn the 10 content marketing skills you’ll need to rule in the next five years.
1. Content creation skills
Content creation is the foundation of content marketing. If you can’t create high-quality content, you won’t be able to attract and retain an audience.
There are a few things you need to know to create high-quality content.
First, you need to understand your target audience. What are their interests? What are their pain points? What kind of content do they want to read?
Second, you need to write well and communicate your ideas clearly and concisely in engaging and interesting language.
Third, you need to be able to research effectively and find out what content has already been created on your topic and how you can add value to the conversation.
2. Audience research and deep understanding of sales funnels
The best marketing is always customer-centric. Content marketing is not just about creating content. It’s also about using content to move people through a sales funnel.
For this to happen, you must have a deep understanding of your customers’ needs and wants, and the best way to do this is to do audience research.
There are many ways to do audience research: you can talk to customers directly, work in customer-facing roles, do social listening, or scan review sites.
The more you know about your customers, the better you will be able to market to them. Also, you need to understand the different stages of the funnel and create content that is relevant to each stage.
The sales funnel is a journey that customers take from the moment they become aware of your business to the moment they make a purchase.
There are different stages in the sales funnel, such as the top of the funnel (TOFU), the middle of the funnel (MOFU), and the bottom of the funnel (BOFU).
Each stage requires different types of content to guide your audience through their buyer’s journey. For example, create content that educates people about your product or service in the awareness stage, compares your product or service to the competition in the consideration stage, and helps people make a purchase in the decision stage.
3. Behavioral-science-backed messaging
Human beings don’t always make rational decisions. There are often psychological factors at play that influence our choices. As a content marketer, you need to understand these factors and use them to your advantage.
And one way to do this is to use behavioral science-backed messaging. This means creating messages that appeal to your customers’ hardwired psychological needs such as messages that appeal to your customers’ sense of independence or their fear of loss.
4. Storytelling ability
Stories are a powerful way to connect with people on an emotional level. It is one of the most important content marketing skills because it helps build relationships with your audience and makes them more likely to remember your content.
Therefore, learn the art of effective storytelling as a content marketer. First, your stories need to be relevant to your audience. They need to be something that they can relate to and learn from.
Second, your stories must be well-written. They need to be engaging, interesting, clear and concise.
Third, your stories must be memorable. They need to leave a lasting impression on your audience.
5. Unique Writing
In today’s crowded marketplace, it’s more important than ever to create content that stands out from the crowd.
So learning how to present your message in a clear, concise, and engaging way is key. Be original with your content and avoid being a copycat.
If you can master the art of unique writing, you will be well-positioned to succeed in the future of marketing.
6. Staying focused
The world of marketing is becoming increasingly unpredictable. New trends are emerging all the time, and it can be difficult to keep up.
However, it’s important to not panic and to stay focused on your goals, and one way to do this is to figure out which trends are actually important and which are not.
Conduct thorough research and always communicate with your customers to know which trends are worth pursuing so you can adjust your marketing tactics accordingly.
7. Constant exploration and upskilling
The marketing landscape is constantly changing, and as a marketer, you must always be willing to learn new things.
Try out new tools, processes, skills, and other inventions relevant to your work. Always be willing to experiment and try new things, because that’s the only way to find out what works and what doesn’t.
8. Data analysis skills
You need to be able to analyze data to track the success of your content marketing efforts. This includes tracking traffic, leads, and sales.
You don’t need to be a guru or data analyst, no. However, you should be able to collect and interpret data for insights into your content marketing performance. This is the only way to see what is working well and what needs to be improved.
9. Relationship and project management skills
Content marketing is a team sport, and this means being able to collaborate with others, manage projects, and build relationships.
It is not something you can do alone which is the reason you need to learn how to work with others, such as writers, designers, and marketers. You also need to manage projects effectively and track your progress.
10. Networking
Real wealth, it is said, is in people. Networking skills are one of the most important skills you must learn as a content marketer.
It includes building relationships with people in and outside your industry, both online and offline. As a content marketer, networking helps you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and new opportunities.
There are many different ways to network, including:
- Attending industry events
- Joining online forums and communities
- Connecting with people on LinkedIn
- Reaching out to people you admire
Final thoughts
These are just 10 of the most important content marketing skills you need for today and the next five years. Hone and own them, and you’ll never have to worry about losing your job to AI.
