3 Things Content Marketing Writers Should Read This Week
Instead of finishing up my blog post this morning, I spent hours on the local sledding hill hanging out with my kids and their friends. We got four inches of snow in Raleigh, which is a huge deal for us. Instead of feeling the nagging feeling of guilt that I usually do, I was able to really enjoy myself and put work on the back burner. Because, honestly, one of the main reasons that I freelance is to have the freedom to shut off the computer and play in the snow when the occasion arises, or go to the beach on the spur of the moment, or pick up a sick kid from school.
But the thing about flexibility is that you have to actually take advantage of it for it to be worth the sacrifices. So, this year I am trying to force myself to embrace the days where real life is calling, even if it means working over the weekend. So instead of my blog post on letters of introductions (I promise you’ll get that later), I decided to share with you three things that I enjoyed reading and think that will find both interesting and informational.
- Six Tips for Freelancers on Working with Content Marketing Agencies – Kathryn Hawkins has a unique perspective. She worked as a freelancer for many years and now runs Eucalypt Media, a content marketing agency that hires freelancers. She shares some fantastic tips for freelancers both on getting a gig and doing a great job. This is a must read for freelance content marketing writers.
- Content Marketing Playbook – 24 Epic Ideas for Connecting with Your Customers – Content Marketing Institute recently produced a fantastic slideshow that explains 24 different types of content marketing deliverables, when each one is most effective, tips for creating it and then examples of stellar content. I highly recommend taking the time to read through all of pages and guarantee that you will come away with some ideas and a more solid understanding of how to create amazing content.
- Content Marketing Academy – Ever wonder what brands and agencies struggle with when it comes to creating content? Want to learn more about content marketing strategy? Check out the fantastic LinkedIn group Content Marketing Academy. Not only is it the largest one of LinkedIn, the moderator has done a fantastic job of keeping it spam free so it is full of interesting and informative discussions. This is a great place to learn more and make connections with brands creating content.
Do you have any reading material that you would like to share with fellow freelance content marketing writers? Anything eye opening you learned from these sources?
Hello Jennifer,
I had the good fortune to stumble upon your blog this week and immediately subscribed. I’ve just read a handful of posts, but you deliver great information at every turn. Today’s offering is but another example. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience. And I’m *so* glad that you went sledding. Funnily enough, I’m sitting up here in New Hampshire wishing for more of the white stuff…..:-/
Thank you so much for the kind words. I am so glad you are finding my blog helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions or topics that you want me to address. Since I think tomorrow is going to be our third day of the schools closed (yes for 4 inches of snow), I will happily send it your way.
So nice to hear you taking advantage of the freedom that freelancing affords, Jennifer! And, yes, it’s so important to embrace real life, while balancing our workload. Thanks for the fantastic resources and links. The Content marketing Playbook is chock full of ideas and will come in very handy. I can easily see incorporating some of these ideas into a Letter of Introduction or an editorial calendar to give clients an idea of all the many forms that content marketing can take. A great find – so thanks for sharing!
Hi Justine, Yes, we are on our third snow day now and most likely a fourth tomorrow so I’m not sure how I would have handled this with a regular office job. So glad this week I am a freelancer.
I’m glad you found the playbook useful. I have to say that is probably the single most useful resource I have found on content marketing. I have already used it several times and know I will again soon.
Thank you for your insight, Jennifer, and the reference to the content marketing info. It’s a ever-changing landscape online! BTW — did you ever work with Steve Eisenstadt, also a Raleigh resident and former IBM PR executive who worked for the Raleigh Observer about a decade ago?
Debbie, I’m glad that you liked the blog post. Thanks for commenting. Steve’s name sounds very familiar but I don’t believe I worked directly with him. I have worked at both the N&O and IBM over the years.