1. Be Transparent
Being transparent can not only instill trust but also has a huge curiosity value, especially if the users know that they can check back over time.
Buffer is one of the companies that have used this strategy very well. They publish their earnings report every month on their blog
Recently, they even started publishing their revenue acquisition stream live
The popular Entrepreneur on fire podcast also publishes its monthly earnings report which was inspired by Pay Flynn who probably started it all
Its not just earnings that you can publish. Basecamp publishes everything from upcoming feature releases being developed to design processes to office desk photos to allow their clients to connect to the people in their company on a more human level.
2. Build and promote your content in 4 types of networks
- A network where you are the expert (mailing list)
- A network where you learn from experts (interviews)
- A familiar faces network (peers)
- Fresh faces network (new forums)
I got this idea from the wonderful Alaia Williams
3. Use Long-form content on a distinct landing page
You can use Unbounce landing pages to create long form content. Highrise found success from long-form content in the form of an astonishing 37% increase in conversions
4. Find great writers for your blog
You can use Linkedin groups or Google + communities to find people who could potentially contribute to your blog in the form of interviews or articles.
You can also use BloggerLinkup and MyBlogguest to find eager mid-level bloggers who might contribute to your blog.
5. Give away free tools
Hubspot has made it a habit of releasing all sorts of useful free tools https://marketing.grader.com/ http://www.getsidekick.com/ and some are even open source
Our own little tool that solves the content marketers dilemma of “What might I create today?” has seen considerable success.
6. Use your recruitment process to generate content
Mindvalley is a unique company with a terrific culture which seems to attract talent from all over the world. They have a clever way of attracting talent while at the same time producing content that promotes their brand. Potential applicants are required to create a small video on YouTube making their case for being hired by Mindvalley.