I spend a lot of time researching about content marketing writing and wanted to pass on a few good resources that I’ve come across lately. I know that I”m going to be spending the weekend inside with a book since it’s frigid here in NC and thought I would give you some more ideas for reading materials.

Here are four resources that I recommend either reading  or plan to attend:

NY Times Article: Retailers Try Offering Expertise Online Along with Products 

I recommend reading this article because it really focuses on the benefits that businesses can see from implementing great content marketing strategy. As writers, we often focus on the creation aspect, but this illustrates the benefits to the business. I think that this article would be a great resource to share with a business that is considering content marketing, but unsure about committing.

McMurry/TMG Article: What is Content Strategy, Really?

This is the best definition that I have found for content marketing strategy. I highly recommend reading this article. It is also another great one to share with potential clients to help educate them about what content marketing is and more importantly, what it isn’t. I have had the same experience as the author with clients simply wanting content and not knowing what their goal is with content marketing. For your work to be beneficial to a client, it is essential that they have a content marketing strategy in place as well as specifically address the needs of their audience.

Free Webinar: 10 Steps to Creating Better Content in 2015, Wednesday Jan 21 at 2 pm EST

I have watched several webinars produced by the Content Marketing Institute and have always found the content to be practical, interesting and relevant. While many of the webinars are geared towards business, this one promises to give specific tips for content creation, including how to increase page views and even produce content that goes viral. One of the speakers is Joe Pulizzi, the founder of CMI, and one of the leading experts on content marketing. I have interviewed him for a story I wrote on Content Marketing and have been very impressed with his knowledge on the subject.

Teleseminar: How to Find High-Paying Content Marketing Clients, Wednesday Jan 21 at 1 pm EST

This is a seminar that I am presenting for ASJA (American Society of Journalists) that will focus on identifying high paying clients and landing the gigs. The course is free for ASJA members and $19 for nonmembers. Yes, I know that this is right before the CMI webinar, but if you register, you can listen to it at a later date if you don’t make it to the live show. I will be sharing practical information to help you increase your income.

Have you run across any other resources to share? How did your first week back go? Any issues that you would like to see addressed on this blog?