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9 common content marketing hurdles every business owner faces…

Lisa East • September 19, 2023

9 common content marketing hurdles every business owner faces…

9 common content marketing hurdles every business owner faces…

If you’re coming across some frustrating content marketing hurdles when trying to generate more leads and business, know this: you’re not alone. 

 

Almost every business owner will face at least one (but usually more) of these common challenges. 

 

Let’s run through what they are – and how to solve them. 

 

What are the challenges in content marketing?

 

As content marketing spans across a wide array of digital marketing media, including social media platforms, your website and its SEO, paid ads, and more, it’s no wonder that there are so many common content marketing hurdles. 

 

Even though each business owner will have their own challenges that are relevant to their specific situation, there are some that apply to almost anyone. No matter what your business does, don’t feel embarrassed if you fall short of these… 

 

The 9 big content conundrums: 

 

1. Defining your audience 

 

One of the most fundamental elements to successful content marketing is knowing your audience. But even though you may think you know who you’re selling to, many business owners still get this wrong… 

 

And that’s because you’re often developing your business offer or you’re marketing to a growing and changing customer. If you have more than one product or service and relating audience, it’s even harder to nail this completely. 

 

When this is the case, try to focus on your most dominant audience for your main products or services instead of trying to appeal at everybody all at once. You could even focus on one at a time, rotating your marketing efforts in a cyclical motion. 

 

If this resonates with you, read here to know more about why you need an ideal customer persona to create good social media content


2. Having a clear content strategy 

 

Too many people post on social media, write blog posts, and create other content marketing media without first having an agenda. It can feel like an overwhelming task, but lack of a content strategy means you’re likely to fall at all the other content marketing hurdles along the way, too. 

 

You need to create a content plan that builds in your goals and relates to your audience. Each post should have its own call to action (CTA) and purpose. Which offering does it relate to and what are you trying to achieve? 


If you have no content plan, then you are more than likely posting in a scattergun style, and this is no fun to do or to follow and see.

 

3.  Creating compelling content

 

So, you’ve been posting and creating content… but no one seems to be engaging or replying to you? 

 

It takes time to learn what works with your audience online, and when you add in the never-ending social media updates and algorithm changes, it’s no wonder creating compelling content is another huge content marketing challenge. 

 

Especially if you’re not talented in copywriting or design, and you’re learning as you go.

 

But that’s ok – here are some resources for you to learn how to create compelling content.


Alternatively, if you need a professional to come in and work with your team to create an engaging content plan and show them how to keep it going, I run content workshops, which can be a great starting point to get all your staff fired up and learn the ropes. You can read more about this service here.


4. Generating ideas

 

If you’ve struggled with the common content issue of creating compelling posts and media, it might be because you’re feeling stuck with ideas and don’t know how to talk about your business in different ways. Remember, what’s boring or obvious to you is often interesting to your audience, as it’s a sneak peek behind closed doors. 

 

To get some much-needed inspiration, you can buy our digital marketing & social media content ideas notebook on Amazon for £7.19, to view click here.



5. Balancing promotion and value 

 

Maybe the content marketing hurdle that keeps tripping you up is feeling too salesy… it can be difficult to get that balance between promotion and value. 

But think about the low percentage of how many of your audience sees those sales posts in relation to your full follower or connection number. Not everyone that follows you will see every post. 

 

Yes, it’s great to give value and share free advice, in fact it's essential in order to grow your audience… But you are running a business, so never feel guilty about selling online.  It's all about getting the right balance for you and your audience.

 

Another thing to note is you may have a good content strategy but there are still times when you need to post off-the-cuff sales posts. Maybe you’ve got an unexpected gap in your diary or you’re launching a new product or service sooner than planned. It’s good to be prepared to sell when you need to. 

 

6. Consistency

 

I'm sure you'll have you heard the phrase, “Consistency is key”? It applies to so many elements of running a business – content marketing being one of them. When you get busy or feel uninspired (see content marketing hurdle number 4), it can be difficult to keep up with a regular posting schedule. 

 

That’s yet another reason to plan your content in advance, so you never go without frequent posts. When you plan an annual social media content calendar alongside scheduling posts in advance, you don’t lose your consistent habits.


7. Measuring ROI

 

You’ve been posting but you’re finding it challenging to see what the return on investment is for your time and money. Check out how to analyse social media metrics to create your next plan – it’s all about checking how your marketing is performing against your business goals. 

 

8. Adapting to algorithm changes

 

If you feel like your content marketing isn’t performing because you find it hard to keep up with algorithm changes, I’ve got a hard pill for you to swallow. You should take no notice… Good content will perform regardless of the algorithm. 

 

If you’re still concerned about social media algorithms, a top tip is to follow a professional and let them do the hard work for you… 

 

Many LinkedIn ‘gurus’ share the summaries to their audiences, so you can see what’s relevant without digging into the updates yourself.   Follow influencers that specialise in certain platforms and let them do the hard work for you.


 9. Visual and design elements

 

As we’ve already touched upon, it can be hard to make compelling social media content if you’re not a designer. The Thinking Cap always encourages business owners to use Canva to create free, striking social media graphics. 

 

Sign up to the FREE online course, introducing you to creating Canva graphics that stop the scroll. 

 

 

Get help overcoming your content marketing challenges 


At The Thinking Cap, you can get help for all things relating to content and social media. 



Working with clients to overcome content marketing hurdles by offering training or delivering regular content marketing and social media management (so we do it all for you!)Book a call to find out more



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