--- title: Blog | Trending Up Strategy | Content Marketing description: Content Marketing | Educational information about all things digital to help market, sell, and grow your business today. --- [![Trending Up - Logo - Horizontal - Color - Inverted copy](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logos/Trending%20Up%20-%20Logo%20-%20Horizontal%20-%20Color%20-%20Inverted%20copy.png?width=210&height=70&name=Trending%20Up%20-%20Logo%20-%20Horizontal%20-%20Color%20-%20Inverted%20copy.png "Trending Up - Logo - Horizontal - Color - Inverted copy")](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/) - [SALES-READY WEBSITES](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/automated-sales-machine) - [SALES & MARKETING STRATEGY](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/marketing-strategy-for-specialty-manufacturers) - RESOURCES - [BLOG](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/manufacturing-blog) - [FREE RESOURCES](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/manufacturing-marketing-resource-center) - [MARKETING ROI CALCULATOR](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/roi-calculator) - [CASE STUDY](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/conveyor-system-manufacturer-case-study) - CONTACT - [CONTACT US](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/contact) - [CAREER CENTER](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/career-center) - [FREE MARKETING ANALYSIS](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/personalized-marketing-analysis-video) ## Smarketing Blog ## 4 Ways To Shorten Your Sales Cycle Using Inbound Marketing Tactics by [Jenna Orrock](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/jenna-orrock)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1160%20square.jpg?width=35&name=IMG_1160%20square.jpg) July 5, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/Infographics_and_Offers/Prospect-content.png)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/4-ways-to-shorten-sales-cycle-using-inbound-marketing-tactics) Many industries are weighed down with negativity about sales cycles. Sales pros might suspect the nature of their industry makes it impossible to accelerate the cycle. They may believe they are hampered by prospects' processes or corporate culture ... or that they just “can’t make up their minds.” [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/4-ways-to-shorten-sales-cycle-using-inbound-marketing-tactics) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/4-ways-to-shorten-sales-cycle-using-inbound-marketing-tactics#comments-listing) Topics: [Content Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) [Inbound Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/inbound-marketing) [Sales Enablement](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/sales-enablement) ## The Top 3 Tried-and-True Tips for Successful Marketing Content Management by [Jenna Orrock](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/jenna-orrock)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1160%20square.jpg?width=35&name=IMG_1160%20square.jpg) June 27, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/Blog_Photos/prioritize_important_essential.jpg)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/the-top-3-tried-and-true-tips-for-successful-marketing-content-management) Successful [marketing content management](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/content) is all about prioritization. However, with so much on your plate - managing social media, handling paid advertising, coordinating events and case studies, and more - how do you make sure you’re prioritizing when it comes to [managing online marketing content](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/content)? Keep reading for my top three tried-and-true tips for prioritizing and managing marketing content. [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/the-top-3-tried-and-true-tips-for-successful-marketing-content-management) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/the-top-3-tried-and-true-tips-for-successful-marketing-content-management#comments-listing) Topics: [Content Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) ## #33DaysOfStrategy: What It Is & How It Works by [Brian Bzdawka](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/brian-bzdawka)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/44179875_10156868119424595_6988195911268564992_n.jpg?width=35&name=44179875_10156868119424595_6988195911268564992_n.jpg) May 8, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/DIY_marketing_plan_template/33days/social_promo/33day%20CTA%20-%2022Enter22%20-%20v1.jpg)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/the-33-days-of-strategy-promotion) Today marks the start of Trending Up's #33DaysofStrategy, a celebration (and get-the-word-out-there promotion) of our latest product, the [DIY Agency-Level Marketing Plan](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/marketing-plan-template-for-marketing-coordinators-launch-special).  [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/the-33-days-of-strategy-promotion) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/the-33-days-of-strategy-promotion#comments-listing) Topics: [Content Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) [Marketing Strategy](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-strategy) ## How To Increase Visitors To Your Company's Blog by 100% by [Jenna Orrock](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/jenna-orrock)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1160%20square.jpg?width=35&name=IMG_1160%20square.jpg) May 2, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/Jul-Creative-Blog-Readership-Custom-Home-Builders.jpeg)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-increase-readership-on-my-blog) Blogging experts agree that the #1 most important aspect of popularity is great content. But that seems like the easy part. The struggle seems to be: how do you get more people to your blog in the first place? Business leaders struggle with how to increase blog traffic while leveraging social media – but it’s easier than it looks when you start with a strategic plan for creating content that's relevant to your ideal buyers - the ones you want to read your blog. When you start viewing the blog writing through the eyes of your prospects, you'll start increasing visitors. Here are some other tips. [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-increase-readership-on-my-blog) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-increase-readership-on-my-blog#comments-listing) Topics: [Content Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) [Blogging ROI](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/blogging-roi) ## Specialized Construction Marketing Plan Pt 2: Create Content \[VIDEO\] by [Alicia Westphal](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/alicia-westphal)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Profile_Pictures/Hubspot_Persona-Avatars/alicia_westphal_headshot_02.2017.jpg?width=35&name=alicia_westphal_headshot_02.2017.jpg) April 27, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/Blog_Photos/publish_relevant_content.jpg)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/construction-strategic-marketing-planning-part-2-create-content-video) We recently published the [first part](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/specialized-construction-strategic-marketing-planning-part-1-strategy-video) in this series about specialized construction marketing planning. It starts with a [strategic marketing plan built for specialized construction](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/inside-content-marketers-blueprint-content-commercial-contractor) with clear goals and measurable, results-oriented tactics can help you build up a lead-generating machine for your business.  The second step is to create and distribute [content that's relevant to your target audience](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/create-relevant-content-for-measurable-marketing-strategy-results). Relevant content will attract this audience to your website when they're searching for solutions, and will establish trust with them when they read what you've published.  [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/construction-strategic-marketing-planning-part-2-create-content-video) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/construction-strategic-marketing-planning-part-2-create-content-video#comments-listing) Topics: [Content Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) [Marketing Strategy](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-strategy) [Commercial Construction Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/commercial-construction-marketing) ## Outbound vs. Inbound: Marketing Spend vs. Marketing Investment \[INFOGRAPHIC\] by [Benjamin Engel](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/benjamin-engel)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ben%20Author.png?width=35&name=Ben%20Author.png) March 13, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/Images/Featured%20Images/outbound%20vs%20inbound.jpg)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/outbound-versus-inbound-marketing-spend-versus-marketing-investment) Those of you who know me well know that in a prior life I worked for a private equity company that focused on acquiring mid-size manufacturing companies.  I then became a small business owner/operator investing and running a specialized construction company.  I can tell you that it has not always been easy to make the long-term investment over the short-term instant results when it comes to marketing. Do you feel the same way? Seeing my logo on a web banner, my name on a billboard, or hearing my voice on a radio ad made me feel like I was doing something to promote my business. So many eyeballs, and so many ears! It’s gotta be working, right? [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/outbound-versus-inbound-marketing-spend-versus-marketing-investment) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/outbound-versus-inbound-marketing-spend-versus-marketing-investment#comments-listing) Topics: [Content Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) [Blogging ROI](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/blogging-roi) [Inbound Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/inbound-marketing) [Marketing for B2B](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-for-b2b) [Manufacturing Blogs](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/manufacturing-blogs) [Marketing for Home Builders](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-for-home-builders) [Increase Lead Generation](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/increase-lead-generation) ## Cost-Benefit Analysis: Hiring In-House vs. Outsourced Marketing Agency by [Jenna Orrock](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/jenna-orrock)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1160%20square.jpg?width=35&name=IMG_1160%20square.jpg) January 18, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/Blog_Photos/Outsourced_vs_in_bouse_marketing.jpg)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/cost-benefit-analysis-hiring-in-house-versus-outsourced-marketing-agency) A strategic role like a VP or Chief Officer of Marketing has a big impact on your business. Depending on the size of your business, a director of marketing may have just as large an impact. Hiring for this role means a long and often difficult recruiting process, with the chance that the person hired may not be a good fit or will not have the leadership qualifications promised during the interview process. Outsourcing the responsibilities of a CMO to an agency or firm may be the right choice for your marketing investment due to a few key differentiators. [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/cost-benefit-analysis-hiring-in-house-versus-outsourced-marketing-agency) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/cost-benefit-analysis-hiring-in-house-versus-outsourced-marketing-agency#comments-listing) Topics: [Content Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) [Marketing for B2B](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-for-b2b) [Marketing Strategy](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-strategy) ## Content Marketing 101: An Introduction for B2B Organizations \[Video\] by [Alicia Westphal](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/alicia-westphal)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Profile_Pictures/Hubspot_Persona-Avatars/alicia_westphal_headshot_02.2017.jpg?width=35&name=alicia_westphal_headshot_02.2017.jpg) August 18, 2016 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/Blog_Photos/content_marketing_for_b2b_organizations.jpg)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/content-marketing-101-a-video-introduction-for-b2b-organizations)   *Content marketing* is not an easy definition to pin down. When you Google this term, over 49 million search results come back. And this trending term has grown 500% in the past five years. [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/content-marketing-101-a-video-introduction-for-b2b-organizations) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/content-marketing-101-a-video-introduction-for-b2b-organizations#comments-listing) Topics: [Content Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) [Marketing for B2B](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-for-b2b) ## How To Produce Useless Manufacturing Marketing Content in 3 Easy Steps by [Alicia Westphal](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/alicia-westphal)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Profile_Pictures/Hubspot_Persona-Avatars/alicia_westphal_headshot_02.2017.jpg?width=35&name=alicia_westphal_headshot_02.2017.jpg) August 9, 2016 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/Blog_Photos/three_things_to_do_for_useless_content.jpg)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-produce-useless-manufacturing-marketing-content-in-3-easy-steps) Ask any SEO company representative, and they’ll tell you that the fastest way to gain better rankings in search engines is to produce more content. *More is better* appears to be the motto when it comes to search engine optimization and rankings. And before Google (on which over 70% of searches is conducted) released its [four major algorithm parts](http://searchengineland.com/faq-all-about-the-new-google-rankbrain-algorithm-234440) for search engine results quality, that was the truth. [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-produce-useless-manufacturing-marketing-content-in-3-easy-steps) [1 Comment](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-produce-useless-manufacturing-marketing-content-in-3-easy-steps#comments-listing) Topics: [Content Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) [Blogging ROI](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/blogging-roi) [Manufacturing Blogs](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/manufacturing-blogs) ## Should Sales Participate in Writing for Content Marketing? by [Jenna Orrock](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/jenna-orrock)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1160%20square.jpg?width=35&name=IMG_1160%20square.jpg) June 1, 2016 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/Blog_Photos/should-sales-participate-in-content-creation.jpg)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/should-sales-participate-in-writing-for-content-marketing) As content marketing becomes a more important part of your B2B marketing strategy as a whole, traditional roles of sales and marketing teams are being revised. [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/should-sales-participate-in-writing-for-content-marketing) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/should-sales-participate-in-writing-for-content-marketing#comments-listing) Topics: [Content Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) [Marketing for B2B](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-for-b2b) [Improving Close Ratio](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/improving-close-ratio) [All Posts](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/all) [Next Page](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing/page/2) ## Something Powerful ### Tell The Reader More The headline and subheader tells us what you're offering, and the form header closes the deal. Over here you can explain why your offer is so great it's worth filling out a form for. Remember: - Bullets are great - For spelling out benefits and - Turning visitors into leads. ### About The Trending Up Blog On our blog, we'll share our passion and energy for strategy, inbound marketing, selling, and growing businesses. We hope you'll do the same! Here's what to expect from our blog: - The best ways to accomplish your growth goals - News & updates on the digital industry and what it means for you - How to keep *trending up*. [Sign up to receive our blog updates in your inbox.](https://www.julcreative.com/subscribe/jul-creative-inbound-smarketing-blog) ### Subscribe Here! ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Inbound Marketing (28)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/inbound-marketing) - [Content Marketing (18)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) - [Marketing for B2B (15)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-for-b2b) - [Sales Enablement (12)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/sales-enablement) - [Inbound Marketing for Home Contractors (10)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/inbound-marketing-for-home-contractors) - [Inbound Smarketing (10)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/inbound-smarketing) - [Increase Lead Generation (10)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/increase-lead-generation) - [Manufacturing Blogs (10)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/manufacturing-blogs) - [Marketing Powered By Data (10)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-powered-by-data) - [association membership (10)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/association-membership) - [Inbound for Financial Institutions (9)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/inbound-for-financial-institutions) - [Blogging ROI (7)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/blogging-roi) - [quality leads (7)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/quality-leads) - [Improving Close Ratio (5)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/improving-close-ratio) - [Marketing Strategy (5)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-strategy) - [Attraction Recruiting (4)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/attraction-recruiting) - [Buyer Personas (4)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/buyer-personas) - [Commercial Construction Marketing (4)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/commercial-construction-marketing) - [Construction (4)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/construction) - [Inbound Sales (4)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/inbound-sales) - [Social Media (4)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/social-media) - [Marketing for Home Builders (3)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-for-home-builders) - [Email Marketing (2)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/email-marketing) - [Personalization (2)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/personalization) - [Website Development (2)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/website-development) - [Nari Trade Show (1)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/nari-trade-show) - [Overhead Door Industry (1)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/overhead-door-industry) - [Recruitment (1)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/recruitment) - [Trade Show Success (1)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/trade-show-success) see all [![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logos/Trending%20Up%20-%20Logo%20-%20Horizontal%20-%20Color.png?width=400&height=133&name=Trending%20Up%20-%20Logo%20-%20Horizontal%20-%20Color.png)](http://trendingupstrategy.com) ### 1870 The Exchange Suite 200 #357 Atlanta, GA 30339-2021   ### 720.213.8437   ### info@trendingupstrategy.com ![gold-horizontal-white](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gold-horizontal-white.png?width=220&height=71&name=gold-horizontal-white.png "gold-horizontal-white") ### From Our Blog ### Sign Up for Updates           © 2026 Trending Up Strategy [Privacy Policy](https://www.julcreative.com/privacy-policy)  |  [Terms & Conditions](https://www.julcreative.com/terms-and-conditions)