In a world where memes are currency and attention spans are shorter than a TikTok clip, content marketing isn’t just a passing trend.

It’s a powerful tool for startups looking to engage with their community and build a loyal customer base.

With over 70% of marketers actively investing in content marketing, according to a 2023 HubSpot report, it’s clear that this strategy is key to startup success.

Whether you’re in the US or across the globe, content marketing is the fuel that will launch your brand to new heights.

But where do you start? How do you start? And then:

How to ensure your content doesn’t get scrolled past like last season’s fashion?

We’ve got you covered. This guide is your go-to playbook for turning content into a community magnet.

You’ll get the lowdown on mastering content marketing with detailed steps, pro tips, essential tools, and real-world examples from top brands—all topped off with doola’s expert insights.

We also discuss how doola has been the behind-the-scenes MVP for content creators-turned-founders—helping them form their Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and maintain tax compliance.

Let’s engage and grow your community!

Step 1: Understand Your Audience

Before you can create content that resonates, you need to know who you’re talking to.

Start by defining your target audience. Are they tech-savvy Gen Zers, busy professionals, or eco-conscious consumers?

Understanding their pain points, interests, and online behavior will help you craft content that speaks directly to them.

Glossier’s Playbook: Audience-Centric Approach

Take the example of Glossier, a billion-dollar luxury beauty brand that built its empire by deeply understanding its audience—primarily young women who value natural beauty and inclusivity.

Glossier didn’t just sell makeup; they sold a vibe. Their content was like a breath of fresh air in the beauty world.

Instead of pushing products, they created a community of “skincare enthusiasts” who felt seen, heard, and understood.

From their relatable blog posts to their Instagram-worthy campaigns, Glossier’s content was always authentic, empowering, and 100% relatable.

This resonated with their target audience, building a strong following and turning them into not just customers, but brand advocates.

doola Tip

Use tools like Google Analytics and social media insights to gather data on your audience.

These tools can help you understand where your audience is located, what content they engage with, and what their interests are.

This data is invaluable in shaping your content strategy.

Step 2: Define Your Content Goals

What do you want to achieve with your content marketing efforts?

Whether it’s brand awareness, lead generation, or customer retention, having clear goals will guide your content creation process.

Buffer’s Blueprint: Authority Through Content

A leading social media management tool, Buffer, set a goal to become a trusted resource for social media tips and insights.

Buffer didn’t just drop tips—they served up a content feast.

By consistently dishing out high-quality, data-packed blog posts and case studies, they became the ultimate resource for anyone looking to level up their social game.

Instead of just selling a tool, Buffer created a buzzing hub where social media enthusiasts could get the inside scoop, learn new tricks, and feel like part of an in-the-know community.

As a result, Buffer has not only increased brand awareness but also positioned itself as an industry leader.

doola Tip

Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for your content marketing strategy.

For example, aim to increase your blog traffic by 20% in the next three months by publishing two new articles per week.

With doola by your side, you get more than just startup growth advice—we help you with bookkeeping services and compliance insights that make your US business dream a reality.

Right from idea to IPO.

Step 3: Create Relevant Content

Content is king, but only relevant content wears the crown.

Be it a blog post on insider tips, a video that breaks down complex topics, or a meme that hits just right—your content should be tailored to your audience’s needs.

It’s not just a theory—a 2022 Semrush study showed that 91% of companies crushing it in content marketing are all about delivering content that hits home with their audience.

Need more proof? Here’s one.

HubSpot’s Story: A Hub of Tailored Content

Just how does HubSpot keep ranking number one among the sales and marketing tools?

It’s not just their software; it’s their content marketing magic.

With a whole host of free resources, in-depth guides, interactive tools, and data-driven insights, HubSpot has become a go-to hub for marketers and sales professionals.

In fact, a 2023 report revealed that 80% of marketers who use HubSpot’s resources see a significant boost in engagement and lead generation.

If you also want to build a loyal community, attract millions of visitors to your website, and generate tons of leads, take a page from HubSpot’s playbook.

doola Tip

Always use a content calendar to plan and organize your content creation. This ensures consistency and helps you stay on track with your content goals.

Tools like Trello or Asana can be handy for managing your content calendar.

Step 4: Optimize Content for SEO

Crafting stellar content is only half the battle; the other half is making sure it’s easily findable.

SEO is your golden ticket to getting your content in front of the right eyes.

This means using relevant keywords, crafting catchy meta descriptions, adding alt texts, and ensuring your site is as user-friendly as possible.

Why? Because organic search isn’t just a nice-to-have—according to BrightEdge, it drives a whopping 53% of all website traffic, making it the top traffic source.

This underscores the importance of optimizing your content for SEO.

The Moz Miracle: Content that Clicks

Moz, an SEO software company, excels at optimizing its content for search engines.

Around 72% of marketers say relevant content is the most effective SEO tactic, and Moz’s strategy is a prime example.

Moz has mastered the art of captivating content by delivering insanely valuable SEO insights, witty blog posts, and epic guides that are as educational as they are entertaining.

They’ve got something for everyone, from beginner to pro.

By targeting relevant keywords and providing in-depth articles on SEO best practices, Moz consistently ranks high in search engine results, driving organic traffic to its site.

Today, any successful founder would agree:

Moz isn’t just a tool; it’s a whole tribe of SEO enthusiasts.

doola Tip

Incorporate long-tail keywords into your content to target niche audiences. Tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush can help you find relevant keywords that your audience is searching for.

Step 5: Social Media Distribution

With 4.76 billion people swiping through social media and 59% discovering new brands there, social media is your business amplifier.

Each platform—be it Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or TikTok—has its own unique audience and style.

So tailoring is table stakes.

Safe to say, if you’re not leveraging social media to its full potential, you’re shouting into the void.

Duolingo Story: Scaling through Gamified Content

A global language learning app, Duolingo went from zero to a staggering $500 million in revenue—all thanks to its robust social media strategy.

By turning language learning into a game with reward points, levels, and daily streaks, they made education irresistibly fun and addictive.

They also tapped into the power of user-generated content (UGC), encouraging learners to share their progress and success stories on their social handles.

This sparked organic buzz and fostered a sense of community.

doola Tip

Schedule your social media posts during peak times when your audience is most active. Tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can help you manage and schedule your social media content efficiently.

And here’s the real game-changer: doola’s services can elevate your overall business strategy even further.

We help streamline your business operations, from forming your LLC to managing your finances, so you can focus on crafting killer content and engaging with your audience.

Let doola take care of the business aspects while you watch your social media presence—and your business—thrive!

Step 6: Engage With Community

With 79% of consumers expecting brands to respond to social media comments within 24 hours, timely and genuine interaction is crucial for maintaining and growing your brand’s relationship with its audience.

Now engagement is a two-way street.

Not just blasting out content, but sparking conversations.

To truly boost your business, you need to be active, responding to comments, asking questions, and creating interactive opportunities.

This approach not only builds a loyal community but also fosters long-term advocacy.

Because, always remember, engagement turns passive viewers into active participants who feel valued and heard.

TheSkimm Saga: Acing “Skim-Through” Content

Boasting over over 7 million subscribers, TheSkimm, a news media company has engaging audience into an art form, building a vibrant community through its savvy use of newsletters and social media.

By delivering concise, witty daily briefings straight to subscribers’ inboxes, TheSkimm has become a staple for busy professionals seeking smart news updates.

Proves, yet again, that a well-crafted content strategy coupled with active community engagement can lead to impressive growth and a loyal, engaged audience.

doola Tip

Consider creating a private Facebook group or a Slack community for your audience.

These platforms allow for more personalized interactions and can help you build a sense of community around your brand.

As you grow your business, the same platforms might become networking gold and help you discover a like-minded co-founder.

Step 7: Analyze and Adjust

Content marketing is not a set-it-and-forget-it strategy.

You need to continuously analyze your content’s performance and make adjustments based on data.

Track metrics like page views, time on page, social shares, and conversion rates to understand what’s working and what’s not.

Behind the Buzz: How BuzzFeed Creates Impact

BuzzFeed’s rise to a global media powerhouse is all about flexing its content strategy to match audience vibes.

By obsessively analyzing data and trends, BuzzFeed constantly tweaks its content, from listicles and quizzes to news and investigative journalism, to keep it fresh and engaging.

They don’t just post and pray—they use metrics like click-through rates, shares, and time spent on articles to gauge what’s trending.

This data-driven approach has paid off big time, with BuzzFeed attracting over 700 million global monthly visitors.

Proves when you keep your ear to the ground and pivot fast, you don’t just keep up—you lead the pack.

doola Tip

Use analytics tools like Google Analytics or HubSpot to track your content’s performance.

Regularly reviewing these insights will help you make data-driven decisions and optimize your content marketing strategy.

Step 8: Repurpose Your Content

One piece of content doesn’t have to live and die as a single blog post or video.

Repurposing content—turning a blog post into an infographic, a video, or even a series of social media posts—can maximize your content’s reach and impact.

Additionally, refreshing old content with updated information or new insights can give it a new lease on life.

In fact 60% of the most successful marketers repurpose content across multiple channels to maximize their reach and engagement.

See for yourself how a little reinvention can go a long way.

The GaryVee Playbook: Create Once, Rule All Over

Gary Vaynerchuk (GaryVee), the brain behind VaynerMedia and your favorite serial entrepreneur, didn’t just gather followers—he built a content empire by acing the repurposing game.

Gary’s approach? Create once, distribute everywhere.

He starts with a single pillar piece of content, like a keynote speech or podcast episode, then converts it into bite-sized clips, quotes, memes, and articles, flooding every social media platform.

From Instagram to TikTok, this content machine churns out over 100 pieces a day, leveraging each platform’s unique vibe and audience.

And the results speak for themselves: Gary boasts over 12 million followers across social media, with his videos racking up hundreds of millions of views.

Gary’s strategy proves that being everywhere at once isn’t just possible—it’s profitable.

doola Tip

When repurposing content, consider the platform’s strengths.

For example, a long-form blog post might be condensed into a series of engaging Instagram posts or a quick, informative TikTok video.

On a similar note, at doola, we get that every brand has its own vibe, and we’re here to tailor our services to fit your business needs.

From launching your startup to creating a business account and managing tax compliance, doola’s got your back with personalized strategies.

Build a Community, Boost Your Business – Let’s doola it!

So there you have it—the 8-step doola playbook to turn your content into a community magnet and skyrocket your startup’s success!

In today’s world, where content is table stakes for founders, it’s crucial to:

Engage, entertain, and educate your audience.

With doola, you’re not just getting tax and bookkeeping tools.

You’re scoring insights to thrive and keeping a pulse on your business’s compliance and financial health.

Whether you’re repurposing content like a pro or leveraging social media to its full potential, doola empowers you to steer your business toward success.

Ready to transform your business and build a vibrant community?

Let’s chat and get you started.