108 of the Most Popular Content Marketing Terms and Definitions
Have you ever found yourself… in a meeting and someone uses a bunch of content marketing terms you don’t know but should?
At that moment, you likely decided to either:
- Fake it ‘til you make it, hoping no one asks you a related question
- Ask for clarification, outing yourself as not knowing
- Walk out of the room (disguising a “bloody nose”)
Hey, you’re here now, ready to level up, and we dig that!
This glossary on online marketing demystifies the terms you should know and gives you access to the content strategy terms the industry insiders use so you sound wicked smaht.
What is marketing automation?
Marketing automation is the act of using software to manage your campaigns across multiple channels and timelines based on preset preferences or thresholds.
Why is marketing automation important?
Marketing automation is important because it reduces the time your marketing team needs to spend on tedious or repetitive tasks, while allowing them to curate content for the right viewers.
When should I use marketing automation?
You should use marketing automation when handling any campaign that’s aimed at a wide audience, especially if you’re using different platforms to release your content.
How do I do marketing automation?
To begin marketing automation, choose a platform that’s right for you.
Examples of these platforms include:
- Salesforce
- Marketo
- Hubspot
From there, identify your goals and key metrics, configure the software according to your needs, and refine the process as you go on.
What is a marketing campaign?
A marketing campaign is a cohesive, integrated course of action to sell a product or service. It involves strategic planning, research, advertising, promotion, and assessment.
Why are marketing campaigns important?
Marketing campaigns are vital to your business because they allow you to reach new clients, engage current clients, and raise awareness for your firm. They’re your way of interacting with your audience to grow your firm.
When should I use a marketing campaign?
You should use a marketing campaign when you want to communicate with your audience.
What are elements of a marketing campaign?
Elements of marketing campaigns include:
- Setting marketing goals
- Understanding your ideal customer profile (ICP)
- Aligning message, values, and voice
- Creating quality content
- Promoting your content
- Including calls to action (CTAs)
- Analyzing metrics and data
What are marketing channels?
Marketing channels are ways you can communicate with your audience.
Why are marketing channels important?
Marketing channels are important because different people find information using different methods. If you don’t market your firm using the appropriate channels, your message won’t reach your potential clients.
This means time lost when you could have been growing your firm.
How do I use marketing channels effectively?
To use marketing channels effectively, research your current clients and create your ideal customer avatar (ICA).
Identify the platforms they’re using and focus your marketing efforts there.
What are examples of marketing channels?
Some of the most common marketing channels include:
- Digital advertising
- Influencer marketing
- Paid search
- Email marketing
- Social media
- Websites and blogs
- Video marketing
What are marketing metrics?
Marketing metrics are the numbers or data points used to quantify the performance of a marketing campaign.
Why are marketing metrics important?
Marketing metrics are important because they help you compare and contrast the effectiveness of your campaign(s) over time. They provide hard data and insight into what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve a campaign.
When should I think about marketing metrics?
Marketing metrics should be on your mind any time you’re running a campaign, and you should analyze them throughout the process.
What are examples of marketing metrics?
Examples of marketing metrics include:
- Cost per acquisition (CPA): how much marketing money it takes to yield a new customer
- Click-through-rate (CTR): how many people who are shown your content actually click on it
- Social media growth: how many new followers you’re getting
What are marketing tactics?
Marketing tactics are the methods used to achieve marketing goals and objectives.
Why are marketing tactics important?
Marketing tactics are important because they help you choose the right tools and techniques to market most effectively.
Tracking and optimizing your marketing tactics allows you to improve your lead and client acquisition.
When should I think about marketing tactics?
You should think about marketing tactics when you want to ensure you target the right clients for your firm using the right platforms and get a high return on your investment (ROI).
What are examples of marketing tactics?
Examples of marketing tactics include:
- Email newsletters
- Social media marketing
- Content marketing
What is a marketing-qualified lead (MQL)?
A marketing-qualified lead (MQL) is a lead that the marketing team has identified as a potential customer. MQLs are often found through lead generation tactics.
An MQL is typically determined when a prospect takes an action that indicates interest in the company's product or service.
Why are MQLs important?
MQLs are important because they’re a step further into the sales funnel than other visitors. Identifying MQLs means you can develop relationships with a higher chance of converting them into a client.
Following MQLs can mean expending less energy to get new clients in front of your intake team and new cases for your firm.
When should I think about MQLs?
You should think about MQLs when you’re looking for potential clients who are already aware of your firm and one step closer to hiring you.
What are examples of MQL actions?
Examples of MQL actions include:
- Filling out online a contact form
- Submitting an email address for a newsletter
- Visiting your website repeatedly
- Spending ample time on your site
- Clicking on a paid search result
- Contacting you to request more information
What is metadata?
Metadata is the unseen information that describes, explains, and organizes content on the internet.
Search engines crawl metadata to find information relevant to visitors.
Why is metadata important?
Metadata is important because it boosts your search engine optimization (SEO).
Optimizing your metadata with keywords makes your content visible in the search engine results pages (SERPs).
When should I use metadata?
You should use metadata in all your content to boost your SEO and provide context for readers.
What are examples of metadata?
Examples of metadata include:
- Page titles
- Keywords
- Image descriptions