Insights on Content Marketing | Humans of iSchoolConnect!

The love for content marketing

It’s often the people around us that inspire and motivate us to do better, to stay focused on our goals. Ankita Nagpal is one such leader who has relentlessly and effectively led the Content team over the last few years. Everything about Ankita is admirable, from the way she manages her team to her ideas and execution. And who better than her to give us an insight into content marketing? 

So without any further ado, let’s dig in!

An engaging interview to learn all about Content Marketing.

Question 1: You hold a B.E degree in Electronics and Communication. What made you shift to content and communications?

Answer: While I was doing my engineering, I did a couple of internships as a content writer, and I learned a lot. That’s when my creative side appealed to me, and I decided not to sit for campus placements. Instead, I started searching for jobs in content; it took me 2-3 months, but I found a job with TedTalks. From curating content to training speakers on how to talk on the stage and present their journey, I learned many things there. After experimenting with my luck with coding and a few other things, I finally landed up in iSchoolConnect. My journey as a content marketer ever since has been nothing but amazing and full of learning and growth. 

Question 2: The field of content and communications have developed drastically over the last few years. What is your take on that?

Answer: Oh well, this was inevitable. Even if you look at the bygone decades, we did have the traditional media like magazines, newspaper articles, brochures, etc. But, accessing those wasn’t that seamless. We saw a massive number of channels just seep into the digital world with the internet.

Businesses are thriving now, whether social media or website blogs, PRs, etc. For writers, I want to say that along with the ongoing content activities, there will be more additions and technology in the future. So, be prepared to take them on and create magic with your content.

Question 3: How do you think the digital marketing field, as a whole, will pan out in the future?

Answer: Going to grow, going to scale. The one thing that I would like to urge all the content marketers is – yes, digital marketing is growing, like the Mumbai city, where some dreams come true, some don’t; you will also face many challenges, but to create content that provides value and stands out is what writers have to think about.

Question 4: That said, can you shed light on the key factors of content marketing?

Answer: Firstly, aspiring writers or those planning to make a career in content should learn analytics. I know we cannot measure creativity, but some aspects need to be for content marketing. That’s what organizations look at – they look at skills for SEO, Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and so on. So having a basic understanding and knowledge of analytics will be a plus point. Secondly, adaptability is crucial for content writers and marketers. Third, as I said before, the value that your content provides and the integrity you hold to your craft of writing.

Question 5: The evolution of content marketing has sparked interest in everyone. How well do you think it works for businesses?

Answer: I think it works really well for businesses. Of course, they are dependent on their marketing and content team, but overall, it is a big win for businesses. Regardless of the sector, companies work with agencies or hire in-house content creators who take care of the entire content marketing process. However, one of the things that you’ve to keep in mind is that your content needs to stand apart from the crowd. 

Question 6: You manage a team of writers, editors, and interns. The whole workflow is dependent on you. So, what soft skills should a content manager have?

Answer: For me, there are four points – 

1. Clear communication with your team – ask them for roadblocks, give accurate KT before a project starts, etc. 
2. Space – you need to give your writers, editors, and other team members their space and freedom to understand, create, and work. 
3. Feedback – constructive feedback is one of the most important things that makes a strong content team. Writers will make mistakes; it’s a part of learning, but giving them the proper feedback and helping them grow is what a content manager should do. 
4. Deadlines – you have to set realistic deadlines. Setting realistic deadlines is quintessential as they give your team members space and enough time to complete and deliver quality work. Often, deadlines are very tight, which pressurizes the writers or editors. It often leads to a lack of quality, which we’ve to be mindful of.

Question 7: Lastly, many of our students and readers ask us about a career in content. Would you like to give them some advice?

Answer: Never be afraid of doing something offbeat; never be scared of writing. A lot is going on in this field, and the scope of growth is a never-ending one. Secondly, keep learning. The best part about working in content and communication is that you can learn a lot. Be open to feedback, let your creative juices flow, and you will be good to go!

Summarizing the blog

As Ankita rightly said, content is a tremendously growing field today globally. It has scope and growth, and the pay is decently lucrative. 

We hope this opinion blog helps you understand the nuances of content marketing. If you wish to learn more about it, comment below or contact us!

Stay tuned for more such exciting content!

Liked this blog? Read our blog on Becoming an HR Manager | Humans of iSchoolConnect, Pratima Dhas!