In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting John Egan, an accomplished content creator, marketing strategist, and the author behind 'The Stripped Down Guide to Content Marketing.' John brought to the table a wealth of knowledge and experience, providing our listeners with a deep dive into the intricacies of content marketing and the nuances of audience engagement in today's digital landscape.
One of the primary focuses of the discussion was the strategic development of content marketing and its importance for businesses across both B2B and B2C sectors. The conversation centered on the necessity for companies to create content that extends beyond mere lead generation, emphasizing the building of brand identity and authority. John highlighted the pivotal role of being informative within your content strategy, recognizing that modern consumers engage in extensive research before making any purchase decisions.
The podcast further explored the concept of controlling the narrative around your brand. With an array of content forms available, from podcasts to testimonials, John stressed the importance of selecting the appropriate channels for content dissemination. He provided valuable insights into the delicate balance of content production frequency and its direct correlation to return on investment, advising businesses to maintain a consistent, brand-aligned approach while adopting a long-term perspective to truly measure the success of their content marketing efforts.
Shifting gears to the science of audience understanding, John discussed the impact of rapidly evolving social media platforms on content consumption habits. He shed light on the practicality of focus groups and surveys in uncovering the most impactful touchpoints for audience engagement, whether on established giants like Facebook and LinkedIn or the burgeoning spaces of Instagram and TikTok. The conversation also touched upon the pitfalls of relying too heavily on artificial intelligence for content creation, with John referencing the Sports Illustrated incident as a cautionary tale of the importance of authentic human connection in storytelling.
Throughout the podcast, the theme of authenticity in content marketing was a recurring motif. In a digital age where consumers, particularly the younger demographic, are driven by the ethos of the brands they support, the need for integrity and transparency in content creation has never been more pronounced. John Egan's insights pointed to the essence of authentic storytelling and the necessity of genuine engagement to build brand resonance with today's consumers.
In conclusion, the episode offered a masterclass in navigating the complex terrain of content marketing, underscoring the value of strategic, story-driven content that fosters a true connection with the audience. As businesses strive to establish their brand's voice and presence online, the wisdom imparted by John Egan serves as a guiding beacon in crafting a content marketing strategy that is both impactful and authentic.
John Egan
JOHN EGAN is a content creator
and marketing strategist who
believes the world needs more
high-quality writing. He began
his writing career in newspaper
journalism, rising through several
editorial positions before entering
the content marketing business in
2010 as editor in chief at Bankrate
Insurance. Later, John served
as editor in chief at two Austin
start-ups—SpareFoot (now part of
Storable) and LawnStarter. He has
in-house experience developing
content marketing programs for all
three companies.
John, founder of Jayhawk Media,
has been a content marketing
entrepreneur since 2017. His
clients include Forbes Advisor,
Experian, Bankrate, and The
Balance. John has also consulted
on content marketing strategies
for the launch of two personal
finance websites. Numerous
media outlets have interviewed or quoted him, including The New York Times, The
Wall Street Journal, USA Today, NPR, Reuters, and Fox Business.
John has received writing awards from the Texas Press Association, Missouri
Press Association, Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW),
National Association of Real Estate Editors (NAREE), and Ragan’s PR Daily. Heearned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas and his master’s degree in communication from Southern New Hampshire University.A world traveler who has visited six continents, John holds dual citizenship in the United States and Ireland. He is a native of Kansas and currently lives in Austin, Texas.
Learn more online: https://johnegan.net/.
