Wouldn’t it be a great online trust builder to share with prospects your original article that was published in an industry magazine? Your credibility with potential buyers would be enhanced if your content was published on a B2B website that runs lots of business news. Especially business news that attracts your ideal buyers.
Image: Flickr, Sterling Grace Jewelry
Or, to deepen trust with your current customers by sending a link to your by-lined article that’s published on a respected B2B industry website? How cool would it be to share a link to a ‘how-to’ online video your business created with your potential customers?
In my last post here I outlined some ways to add third-party credibility to your reputation as an industry expert. Creating content for respected industry websites is a cost-effective way to get the word out about your business. Contributed content/articles are a great way to build online trust with your ideal buyers. And contributed articles cost way less than traditional advertising. That makes contributing original content to quality third-party industry websites ideal for growing your business on a shoestring!
Most industry trade magazines and websites publish contributed articles from manufacturers, consultants or other vendors. Here are some additional steps you can take to get your technical and how-to articles published.
- Ask your customers for the names of their most trusted industry publications.
- Search your customers’ favorite publications and websites for information about contributing articles.
- Find a topic focus that fits with your ideal topics (your customers hot problems). Compare the topics that you or your team is in the best position to write about. See how those line up with the topics covered in your industry’s magazines and websites.
- Decide if you’re going to create a text article or an online video. Many Internet business-to-business publications are happy to consider ‘how-to’ videos contributed by industry experts. If educational videos are something you’re equipped to create, check with the editor about contributing one.
- Before you invest time in writing an article or creating a video, always ask the publication’s editor first. You’ll do best by emailing editors with a brief outline and summary of your proposed article or online video. Also ask them about deadlines, the length of the article or video and other publishing details.
Start Small
If you want to start small, create a short article for a blog post on a community blog for your industry. For example, design engineers can join this online community and contribute blog posts. Click here to visit the online community website, Engineering Exchange hosted by Design World Magazine.
Any other ideas for building trust online using original content? Do share in the comments.
Happy Writing!
Cynthia
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