I recently was in a discussion where there was a difference of opinion on whether or not content is king. Our discussion centered around having the same Flash file with rotating images (that were basically the same every time you visited the site) showing on every page of the site.

OK, interactivity on a site is a good thing, and I’m all about using a bit of Flash. But when you go to a site that is showing a Flash file and that Flash file rotates the same images for the life of the site – then there’s  time for a change.  After the first visit, the Flash file becomes non relevant (you’ve seen it and the images are the same).  When you visit the site the next time, you’re looking for information, not looking at the imagery.  Further,  if you want to be found by search engines, then the content that is shown on the site needs to be updated regularly. (Which is why I moved my site over to a blog style site ~ besides,  I like to write).

Often when I visit a site,  I’m looking for information and I don’t want to look forever.  I don’t want it buried where I have to click on a thousand and one links  until I get to the information I’m looking for.  Believe me, I will click off and go somewhere else.  So it’s important to a) organize a  site so that your audience can find things quickly ~ and I don’t mean organize it where it makes sense to you, but organize your site where it makes sense to your target audience and b) let your information be found in as few clicks possible.

So why is well-written content important? Because it will improve your search engine rankings and increase the likelihood of links from other sites. But most importantly, quality content will help to engage your target audience and helps create ’stickiness’.  Sure, is it important to have your content developed such that your keywords are used. But at the end of the day, the content that is well-written keeps your audience focused, is engaging and draws the reader deeper into your site.

I began my discussion talking about a Flash file and basically what I feel is the ineffectiveness of that file. Here’s the change I believe needs to be made:

Instead of having a Flash file that shows the same images, over and over and over, the Flash file should be built in such a way where different images can be used whenever needed. At least when I go back to view the site and see different images from the ones that were there before, the imagery would engage me a little better and intrigue me to see if other changes had been made on the site as well.  ~ Just a thought.

I’ve learned so much from it already. Especially since it seems that every other paragraph in the book i had to underline due to the information that was shared. This will definitely be one of those books that won’t just sit on my bookshelf collecting dust. It has so many tips in it, I’m sure it will quickly become one of my most used resources.

I really like how the book explains the “why you should care” portions in the book. As you progress through each chapter, the authors really explain how you can successfully marketing your product/service. Inbound Marketing is not filled with a lot of theoretical mumbo jumbo, instead, it provides the reader with lots of practical and relevant information that will help fine tune their marketing strategy (if you have one) or add to your marketing strategy if you’re developing one.

This book is truly a practical guide that any business can follow. In a word, the book is “Remarkable”!