My 2022 Content Marketing Conference Recap: Key Takeaways

Have I mentioned how much I love how virtual conferences are part of the renewed professional normal? Well, now I have. Most recently, I was a virtual attendee at the 2022 Content Marketing Conference (CMC). Taking time to continue to refine skills, explore content strategy topics, and experience professional development opportunities from some of the best in the industry was amazing. My first time attending this conference virtually in Spring 2020, and absolutely loved it.

For three full days this Fall 2022, I had unlimited access to multiple live keynotes, recorded sessions on content planning, content performance, and more. Two of my favorites were "Cut the Fluff to Make Your Content More Authentic" and "Expect the Unexpected: 3 Unique Ways to Use Keyword Research".

Being Authentic

Have you ever conducted an authenticity audit of your content? Frankly, I think it's beyond important for businesses and individuals to check in with themselves and their brands about how they're connecting with their respective target audiences. After all, the increase of ecommerce and need for creativity has become paramount. In this recorded CMC session, I heard Donna Mostrom, owner of Damn Smart Marketing, speak about the importance of conducting authenticity audit of messaging and brand positioning. Some important questions to ask yourself, include:

1. Is what you're offering or sharing true?

2. Will your message benefit your audience?

3. Can you fulfill any promises made to your audience base?

4. Are the products, the messaging, and offerings sustainable- can they last?

5. Is what you're saying or offering believable?

These questions can apply to multiple parts of your brand, business, and content. In fact, checking in with the authentic nature and positioning of what you offer really can be a regular part of your marketing process. How you choose to connect with your audience(s) and keep up with their evolving needs and interests, can support your brand's longevity.

Expecting the Unexpected

Keyword research can be confusing, however there are ways to make it work for you and best meet your needs. Of course, deciphering the details of the Google algorithm is a constant unknown, however all businesses and individuals are cognizant that Google has an "opinion" on how/what/when to rank content or brands, even as the algorithm changes periodically.

Collective Measure's Katie Tweedy gave a strong presentation on the importance of SEO and keyword research. Her sound advice really hit home and helped clarify how to approach keyword research, including several tools that can help. She spoke both eloquently and enthusiastically about thinking about content in the eyes of how Google will both see and evaluate, review how your competitors are presenting content; in other words, a strong competitive analysis can be your friend. And finally, it's also important to really know and define what your website is about. Ask your:

1. What are you really offering?

2. How can you stand out, even with competition?

3. What makes you, your products, and your brand unique?

Leveraging research on a continual basis and checking in with your site's value add, can help you maintain a space and virtual presence.

The Bottom Line

There is so much great insights, content, trainings, and more available. Taking part of training and conference is yet another way that I continue to stay abreast of what's happening in the industry, and it's also how I hope to be a better content strategist, content creator, and project manager. The 2022 CMC event was fantastic- I'm already looking forward to next year's!

What trainings and conferences have you participated in recently? Feel free to share those, or even others that are on the horizon that may be good. We're all continual students as we grow, develop, and thrive. March on!