Content Makers

This week on Content Makers it’s a solo episode talking about the framework I use when determining whether it’s worth putting time and effort into creating a new piece of blog content. We’re often told by “experts" that showing up and consistently producing new blog content is the most important thing. But I’d like us to consider a different view point, one where strategy and substance, over speed and quotas, are the most important markers of success. Let’s see if you agree with me. If you'd prefer to read this episode you can visit bethgladstone.com/blog/what-to-blog-about

Harry Lang is a Marketing and Brand Consultant who specialises in helping brave brands to build their strategies and become known in industries such as betting, gaming and esports. Harry has worked on multi-channel campaigns for well-known brands like Budweiser and Penguin Books, and helps startups who want to get up and running, and into the world. In this episode we discuss Harry’s approach to brand architecture and the importance of a customer-first approach that doesn’t just focus on the glory of awareness, but also considers what brands can do to make their customers come back. I hope you enjoy this episode and if you do, I’d love for you to subscribe to the Content Makers podcast to hear more like it. Show notes are at bethgladstone.com/podcast/episode14

Simon Schnieders is the Founder & CEO of Blue Array, an agency that does SEO and nothing but SEO. In this episode, we get pretty technical on the elements needed to create a successful SEO strategy in today's world and why a lot of what we're told about SEO is just noise. From why we shouldn’t always be prioritising content creation over strategy, to how to think about the keyword universe and why SEO is really all just about links and content. Plus, we talk a lot about how Simon built his agency with a (fast approaching) five-year plan to sell and exit, why his team comes first and why they're launching a book and a training academy this year. I hope you get as much SEO clarity from this episode as I did, and I’d love to hear your feedback (and any SEO questions you might have) after. You can view all of the links from this episode at bethgladstone.com/podcast/episode13 and you can learn more about Simon and Blue Array's work at bluearray.co.uk.

I first met Adrian Ma at an event, where we shared our mutual passion for organic reach and how content that catches fire can far outperform paid boosts. I knew then that I had to get Adrian on the show, and I’ll be honest, recording this episode absolutely blew me away. From Adrian’s approach to PR attribution and numbers, to how Fanclub frameworks a “shareable story” and the emergence of employer brands, there is a ton to unpack in this episode. Enjoy and to get links to all of the things Adrian mentions, you can checkout the show notes at bethgladstone.com/podcast/episode12

Imogen Roy is a Strategy Coach and Content Marketing Consultant working with entrepreneurs, experts and influencers. In this episode we hear from Imogen on what she learned as Community Manager for Eurostar and why customer service should fit under marketing’s wing. How to build a brand from the ground up, the four brand models and why it’s dangerous to try and do them all. Plus, Imogen’s thoughts on time management, how to connect with remote teams when you’re a consultant and why we should all be aiming to work in our “zone of genius”. I hope you enjoy this episode and if you do, I’d love for you to subscribe to the Content Makers podcast to hear more like it. Show notes are at bethgladstone.com/podcast/episode11

Find out more about Imogen's work at https://imogenroy.com.

If you’re a brand of content creator you might be considering if you should start a podcast. Maybe you’ve had an idea, you’re longing to interview people or, you just think it would be a good way to get your business out there. Even if you’re not planning to start one, maybe you’re wondering about podcasts as a medium and what the future holds. In this episode I’m going to give you some insight into what goes into creating a podcast, from my experience creating this one and also supporting podcasts within companies I’ve worked at.

Matthew Butler is a Digital Planner for BBC Studios and works on campaigns for shows like BBC Earth and Top Gear, to help bring them to new and wide-reaching audiences. In this episode Matt gives us a look at what the role of planning involves, both from an in-house and an agency perspective, like how to bring a fresh approach to long-standing brands and the importance of research in order to see beyond your own perspective. Plus, the sweet spot between being a brand strategist with a background in digital, rather than holding them as two separate elements and why understanding & listening to the zeitgeist is key for brands trying to become relevant today. Find out more about BBC Earth at bbcearth.com and connect with Matt on LinkedIn.

Hayley Smith is someone who inspires forward-thinking PR that looks towards the PR methods that are going to get her clients the biggest reach in today's landscape. As Director of lifestyle agency Boxed Out PR, that specialises in "PR with a purpose", Deputy Head of PR at Pride London & the Founder of FlowAid she is a master at managing different priorities.

In this episode we cover:

• What it means to specialise in “PR with a purpose”, looking after brands and clients that are making an impact, either in their industry, globally or in society
• How advertising has affected print PR & the benefit of digital PR for SEO and social media sharing
• The difference between macro and micro influencers and how to get the most from influencer partnerships
• How Facebook, Twitter & YouTube can be just as worthwhile as Instagram, so long as you know which audience you’re tapping into
• How Hayley ensures her PR agency is forward-thinking and the benefit of collaborating with digital agencies
• Why Hayley champions remote working and the benefit this has for her and her team
• Highlights while working on PR for Pride London and the true meaning of Pride, as both a party and a protest
• The benefit of not taking on more than you can do
• The message and story behind her charity campaign, FlowAid
• The opportunities that come from being a speaker at TEDx
• The importance of creating content as a business owner

Connect with Hayley on Twitter @officialhayleys

Drew Collins is someone who proves that anything is possible if you just set your ambitions high enough. Starting out in a career in music, which led to a career in media, Drew is now the Brand Partnerships Director at student news site The Tab and has worked at some of the most ardent publishers of this century, like Unilad. In this episode we take a deep look at brand partnerships - their power, why they’re valuable and how brands can tap into the value to increase their consumer base. Drew explains why finding the middle ground between the objectives of the brand and the editorial tone of voice of the publisher, is what leads to great success. With insight into some of his seriously creative partnerships to date, like Unilad and North Face who built a pop-up store at the top of a mountain. Drew is ambitious and passionate about his mission to produce the best content possible for consumers and I loved this insight into his world. I hope you enjoy this episode and would love to hear your feedback! Connect with Drew more by searching for Drew Collins on LinkedIn and find out more about The Tab at thetab.com.

Everyone has content ideas. But how to execute them and how to make content work, as a source of brand awareness or lead generation, is a whole other ball game. How do you know where to start? How do you know that what your writing is the right thing? How can you improve as a writer and increase your engagement? All of which, I discuss in this week's (solo) episode, covering the five elements I believe will make your content strategy more refined and better performing.