Your online presence can significantly impact your success. Ensuring your website is not only appealing but also informative is essential for establishing your authority and attracting your target audience. While there are numerous aspects to consider in your digital marketing strategy, one approach stands out – answering the questions your audience asks.
This blog will explore the “They Ask, You Answer” methodology, which involves addressing customer questions and producing content that provides valuable answers.
About “They Ask, You Answer”
“They Ask, You Answer” is a highly influential marketing book written by Marcus Sheridan, a digital marketing expert and entrepreneur. Since publication, it has become a cornerstone for content marketing and inbound marketing strategies.
The core message revolves around the idea that in today’s information-rich world, businesses should proactively address their customers’ questions and concerns through valuable content. It’s about being transparent and genuinely helpful to potential customers, building trust, and differentiating your brand.
Here are a few ways to implement this method:
Every Question Should Be Written Down
You can’t predict what your audience will search for on Google, but you can prepare by recording every question that your customers ask you. These questions can come from leads, existing customers, or even the general public. By collecting these inquiries, you’re creating a goldmine of content ideas that are clearly targeted to your audience.
Every question should be recorded and developed into a blog post or another type of content that provides a comprehensive answer. This approach will help boost your online visibility because your content will align with the questions people ask Google daily.
If you don’t know where to start, you can start with your frequently asked question page and turn those questions into blogs.
Write Topical Content
In addition to answering customer questions, you should keep your finger on the pulse of your industry. What’s happening right now that you need to write about?
In digital marketing, it’s important to stay up-to-date with current news, trends and events in your industry and in your target audience’s lives. This helps you connect with your target audience and provide current information.
Creating topical content not only showcases your expertise but also engages your audience by catering to their specific current needs. Users are more likely to engage with and share content that resonates with them in the moment.
Create Content Around Trends
Similarly to topical content, keeping up with and writing about current trends is a great way to connect with your audience.
Trends are like waves in your industry, and you want to ride them to success. Whether it’s a hot topic, a new innovation, or a buzzworthy event, addressing these trends in your content can set you apart as an industry expert. Being informed about current trends and producing content around them demonstrates that you’re in sync with the industry and engaged with your audience.
Leveraging Tools
You don’t have to do all this work manually, in fact effectively implementing digital tools can help you further optimise your content. And luckily, in our ever-evolving digital landscape, there are many tools and resources that can help.
Here are a few to consider:
- Google Keyword Planner: This tool helps you identify popular search terms and phrases related to your industry or niche.
- Buzzsumo: Discover what content is trending and being shared across social media platforms. You can also analyse your competitors’ content.
- io: Explore a comprehensive list of long-tail keywords based on what users are searching for.
- Answer the Public: This tool generates content ideas by visualising what people are asking in various search engines. It provides insights into common questions and trends.
Embracing the “They Ask, You Answer” Methodology
Embracing the “They Ask, You Answer” methodology involves staying attentive to your audience’s questions, keeping up with industry trends, and utilising valuable tools to craft meaningful content.
By consistently answering questions and providing informative and relevant content, you position yourself as an industry authority and foster trust with your audience. This approach not only enhances your online visibility but also strengthens your relationship with potential and existing customers, ultimately driving your business forward.
