Content Rules Book Summary - Content Rules Book explained in key points
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Content Rules summary

Ann Handley & C.C. Chapman

How to Create Killer Blogs, Podcasts, Videos, Ebooks, Webinars (and more) that Engage Customers and Ignite Your Business

4 (85 ratings)
18 mins

Brief summary

Content Rules by Ann Handley & C.C. Chapman is a guide to creating and sharing valuable content for businesses. It emphasizes the importance of crafting compelling stories and delivering them in different formats across various channels.

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    Content Rules
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    Produce online content that makes your company an information source and deepens your customer relations.

    Are Facebook, Twitter or Instagram a daily part of your life? Well, you’re not alone. Since the past decade’s expansion of social media, consumers have become increasingly enamored of it, even using the internet to research products and guide purchasing decisions. But consumers don’t turn to social media sites alone; they also get product information from company websites, blogs and product reviews posted by other customers. So how can your business attract the online attention it needs?

    It all begins with content.

    In a nutshell, publishing content means creating and uploading of any kind, be it a blog post, a video, an ebook or a webinar. But to be successful, your content needs to appeal to your target customers. Obnoxious marketing calls and mail advertising are yesterday’s news; instead of going to your customers, the new strategy is to pull them to you with content they like.

    How?

    The most appealing and engaging content uses true stories about real people in normal-life situations. For instance, Procter and Gamble, the company behind the diaper brand Pampers, published a video series on their website called “Welcome to Parenthood.” The videos showed real new parents describing their daily lives – the potty training, the changing of diapers, the preparations for nap time. Instead of just selling their diapers, the company made a point of sharing experiences that new parents are actually invested in.

    So how do you show customers you care?

    Keep in mind that content is an extension of your brand. It creates the image customers have of your company; it builds credibility, helps your customers to trust you. That’s because content has the ability to foster one-on-one conversations between your company and your customers, even if your customer base is huge. Since your whole base sees your content, you’re building one-on-one trust with all of them at once. For example, the Chief Marketing Officer of Kodak, a $7.6 billion company, once reached out to a single potential customer by using Twitter to offer her product information.

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    What is Content Rules about?

    Content Rules (2012) is a guide to content publishing that’ll help you implement effective and sustainable strategies. Regardless of whether you’re a social-media novice or a web-savvy pro, these blinks will guide you through the ins and outs of web-based content tools and social media sites, while offering plenty of helpful content tips along the way.

    Content Rules Review

    Content Rules (2010) is a valuable resource for anyone looking to create compelling content that engages and connects with audiences. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It offers a practical framework for developing and implementing effective content marketing strategies, helping businesses stand out in a crowded digital landscape.
    • Through real-life examples and case studies, it demonstrates how to create content that resonates with the target audience, driving meaningful interactions and conversions.
    • With its accessible language and actionable tips, the book ensures that readers can immediately apply its insights to their own content creation process, making it a valuable asset for marketers and entrepreneurs.

    Who should read Content Rules?

    • Business owners looking to integrate content publishing into their marketing strategy
    • People hoping to harness the power of social media to reach huge groups
    • Creative professionals in any media who want to complement their skills with a flair for sales and marketing

    About the Author

    Ann Handley is the Chief Content Officer for MarketingProfs, a company that offers marketing resources and training to 442,000 subscribers. She is the author of Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content, a Wall Street Journal bestseller.

    C.C. Chapman is a marketing consultant who, in addition to creating DigitalDads.com, co-founded the marketing company The Advance Guard. His previous positions include VP of New Marketing for the design-marketing firm, Crayon.


    [Ann Handley, C.C. Chapman: Content Rules] copyright [2012], John Wiley & Sons [Inc. or Ltd. as applicable] Used by permission of John Wiley & Sons [Inc. or Ltd. as applicable] and shall not be made available to any unauthorized third parties.

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    Content Rules FAQs 

    What is the main message of Content Rules?

    The main message of Content Rules is that creating valuable and engaging content is essential for any successful marketing strategy.

    How long does it take to read Content Rules?

    Reading Content Rules takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Content Rules a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Content Rules is a must-read for anyone interested in effective content marketing. It provides practical insights and actionable tips in a concise and engaging manner.

    Who is the author of Content Rules?

    The authors of Content Rules are Ann Handley & C.C. Chapman.

    What to read after Content Rules?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Content Rules, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The One Hour Content Plan by Meera Kothand
    • Success Secrets of the Online Marketing Superstars by Mitch Meyerson
    • Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
    • Persuasive Copywriting by Andy Maslen
    • Top of Mind by John Hall
    • Content Inc. by Joe Pulizzi
    • Marketing Above the Noise by Linda J. Popky
    • Level Up by Rob Dial
    • The 5 Resets by Aditi Nerurkar
    • The Power of Going All-In by Brandon Bornancin