As a business owner, you've probably heard or been told that you need to jump on the content marketing bandwagon. Sure, it's easy. You just need to write a few articles, send some cool emails and make posters that can go viral, preferably with cute puppies and babies. 

Unfortunately, content marketing is a long-term game. But you shouldn't give up before trying because all it takes is setting aside a few hours a week to learn, plan and produce content. 

As a SavvySME member, you already have a head start in the game. Your articles are accessible to over 20,000 business owners and entrepreneurs in Australia. Here are some considerations that we look further into before hitting the approved button... but before that, I need to remind you of this cardinal rule:

This is not an avenue for you to advertise your product or service.

Remember those blinking neon coloured online ads in the 90's that took up your whole screen? No, we're not about that. 

You're here to produce content to educate, entertain and inspire your readers. Now, let's get started.

1. Ensure that it is Business Related.

Keep in mind, we are ONLY interested in articles on the following topics:

• Finance and accounting
• Human resources
• Information and technology
• Legal
• Online businesses
• Running your business
• Sales and marketing
• Startup

2. Your Member and Business Profile is Complete.

Writers are required to create a (free) member and business profile on the site. Add an attractive summary of what you do, your company or your value proposition. Make sure that you also complete your business profile page. Add your website, featured photo and all necessary information about your company. 

An incomplete business profile might lose your business opportunities. :)

3. Make it Personal and Original!

Come up with something fresh and original! That way, you are not only helpful, but you add credibility to your brand. Needless to say, plagiarism is prohibited.

If it suits your target reader, it’s okay to write with a different tone. You can slip in a little humour, or share a personal experience if it will help get your point across. Personal stories help us connect with each other and they make you stand out among a sea of content.

4. Keep it Within the Minimum Number of Words.

Our articles generally sit around the 2000 wordmark. Not simply for word length's sake but for the depth and actionability the businesses need to take away from our articles. Your article must provide adequate value and insight to businesses in our community and not be too simplistic and irrelevant.  

5. Back it Up!

Links are good in your article, especially if you are referencing a study, research or survey. It helps build your credibility and the trustworthiness of your content.

It’s also highly useful for readers who want to learn more about a new idea, system, term or noun you’ve just introduced. Instead of leaving your article to google something, they have everything they need in your article.

6.  DO NOT trade Editorial Coverage for Advertising/ Promotion

The objective of your articles should not be to promote your business but to establish yourself as a thought leader in your field, to build trust with your readers in your business and brand. 

Hence, articles that excessively promote your brand, company or product likely won't be published. Concentrate on the value you'll bring to the community. As mentioned earlier, an alternative is to ensure that you have completely optimized your profile so potential clients can reach out to you. 

If you'd like to include multiple backlinks to your article, then we can discuss sponsored content. 

SavvySME Tip:

Sharing is caring!

You need to give your content some legs. Share it in your online network or among your clients. If you’ve followed rule 1 to 6, then someone will find your content of excellent value and share it.

Rinse and repeat until you achieve world domination.

Another Tip! Repurpose your content. Slice and dice the important bits into bite-sized social media posts, or compile all the good ones into a slide or a video.