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Each week, the team here at Flair Interactive rounds up five of the top news articles on a relevant marketing, social or SEO topic. This week, we're talking inbound marketing. By the time you're done reading, it'll be a little bit closer to the weekend (and you'll be up to date with the latest in inbound marketing news)! You're welcome.

The wealth of knowledge available to internet users is nothing short of dumbfounding. You can literally, for better or worse, learn how to do anything online. It really is amazing.

But even with the plethora of information out there, finding valid and thorough content that’s actually useful and has purpose often seems overwhelming. I find I have my handful of “go-tos” who don’t let me down. Time after time, I trust I can search my good ol' standbys.

Say I have a question about content marketing – HubSpot has always got my back.

If I wonder “what time should I promote my blog across social channels?”…Social Media Examiner to the rescue.

Wonder what Google’s up to these days, or what all that hype about “Mobile-First” really means? Hey, Search Engine Land! 'Sup, Moz?!    

My point? Unless you have your own trusted go-tos, it can be a long, lonely trail of uncertainty. And in the abundant dark abyss of the web, we don’t always have the time to seek out our answer (let alone TRUST what we find).

You could spend hours looking at page after page of search results, and not really be sure about the advice you’re getting. It can be frustrating.

At Flair, we pride ourselves on the content we put out there – you know that if it has the Flair stamp of approval, you can trust it.

Our marketing library is chock full of resources intended to help you become better.

• Better at digital marketing
• Better at social media
• Better at designing (or redesigning) your website
• Better at SEO
• Better at lead gen
• Better at analyzing your metrics to see what’s working (and what’s not!)

Content marketing is a commitment, not a campaign. 

How totally (and for some, dauntingly) true is this?! So often (too often, really), we get the same push back when it comes to content marketing.

“We tried. It didn’t work.”

My response, every. single. time. I hear this?

“OK…I understand. I really do. Would you mind sharing a bit more about how or what you tried? What did you do?”

And, it never fails. I get the same answer, time after time.

"We blogged for [insert any length of time…a month, a quarter, a year] and nothing happened."

And there it is. I’ve said it before, and I’ll probably say it a thousand more times – content marketing is NOT a set it and forget it project. It’s a commitment. A dedicated, consistent, concerted commitment to so much more than just writing and posting a blog. To successfully create and implement a content marketing strategy (that WORKS), you must be willing to do it all.

Have you been staying on top of the latest trends and news in the world of content marketing lately? Summer is a busy time, we know. The team here at Flair Interactive has gathered the top five content marketing news updates for this week, so read on to get your fill of industry news. 

1. How do you set smart SEO goals for your team/agency/project? - Whiteboard Friday (Moz)

When it comes time to make SEO goals for your company, project or otherwise, are you gung-ho to get right in there and start crafting your actual SEO goals right off the bat? If that's the case, you're doing it wrong, according to Rand Fishkin on this Whiteboard Friday from Moz. He recommends a different approach that he explains in this blog. 

Infographics are an engaging, easy way to spread your wealth of knowledge and cement your place as a thought leader in your industry. They're bright, visual, eye-catching...everything you've been looking for when it comes to a fresh way to share content. Frankly, we love them. Check out our faves from the month of May 2018. 

1. Six Important Points About the State of B2B Content Marketing [Infographic] (MarketingProfs)
   Most B2B companies are finally on board in terms of knowing they need to use content marketing as a strategic, warranted part of their marketing efforts, but many still aren’t quite sure what works best in the world of content. This infographic breaks it down plain and simple – everything from the roles different content formats play, to the impact on lead generation, to planning for success - if you’re a B2B with questions, this infographic’s got you covered.
   
   

2. How to Enhance Your Content by Building Infographics with These 12 Tools (QuickSprout)
   Love the idea of infographics, but aren’t sure where to start? Feel like the cat’s got your design tongue? With any one of these 12 tools, you'll run out of excuses on why you aren’t creating infographics faster than you can say…well…infographic. A dozen cool (and even some free) easy-to-use tools that will let you say “adios, designer” and start making award-worthy graphics any time the inspiration strikes. 

They say it takes a village. And nowhere does that apply more than when it comes to your content. Anyone who has managed their own digital presence will agree…just doing it at all is no small feat. Doing it well takes grit and diligence.

So whether you have a dedicated marketing team, or if you’re fighting the good fight alone, most of us can agree that any help is welcome help.

Luckily, in today’s digital age, help is out there and readily available. So don’t reinvent the wheel…take advantage of what’s there for you.

What's that? You say you don’t have time to weed through the hundreds of pages of sites claiming to make your content the best it can be?

Don’t you worry…we’ve got you covered.

Check out our current list of top five resources we can’t blog without.

There's no denying that in today's digital age, brand marketing and content go hand in hand. After all, content is king...

But remember, content can include all of the following:

• pages on your website
• blog posts
• social media posts
• premium downloadables
• apps
• games
• videos
• much, much more

Check out these not-to-be-missed marketing events in June. 

What? SearchLove: Boston

When? June 7-8, 2018

Where? Boston, MA

Focused on current data/research for analytics, content, search, site optimization and more, SearchLove Boston is two full and inspiring days with leaders in the industry.

What? SMX Advanced

When? June 11-13, 2018

Where? Seattle, WA

An exclusive gathering just for experienced search marketers, SMX Advanced is chock-full of fast-paced, informative sessions that will up your search marketing game.

Like everything else digital...the world of social media is always changing. With new platforms and tools being developed all the time, there's a lot to keep up with.

The fact is, your customers are already using social media. And we all know you want to be where your customers are. But where do you start?

To help you stay on top of your game, the team here at Flair Interactive has gathered the top 5 social media marketing news updates for this week. 

For this week's #throwbackthursday post, we're looking back at a 2013 blog from SEMRush on silly mistakes marketers make when it comes to pay per click campaigns. Curious to know what those are? You can check out the original article, but if you don't have time to read the whole thing...no worries...here are the down-and-dirty mistakes you want to avoid in your campaign:

1. Don't bid on lame keywords 
2. Don't bid on your own name
3. Don't send people to a landing page that doesn't relate
4. Don't repeat your ad copy
5. Don't forget to diversify 

All great tips - even five years later, these "don'ts" still largely apply. But we think there are a few "do's" worth mentioning, too...so read on to learn four (more) things you should do to ensure you have a successful pay per click campaign.