How Academic Approach Fast Tracked Its Brand Awareness With Content
Tutoring leader Academic Approach was expanding its reach in Chicago, aiming to reach targeted parents in defined ZIP codes. By focusing on content marketing with an aligned media partner, the business drew 10,000 website visits within two years, building its brand with thousands of local parents.
Direct Website Visits
Promoting content with media partner Chicago Parent resulted in steady traffic
Highest Referral Source
Zoe’s efforts to drive direct web traffic were second only to organic Google search
Hours Spent Reading
Visitors focused on content, spending valuable time learning from tutoring pros
Standing Out + Earning Trust in the Crowded Tutoring Space
Academic Approach offers high-quality tutoring for academics, high school admission, AP exams, the SAT and ACT — but so do many of its competitors. Its Chicago branch wanted to connect with parents in certain ZIP codes around the region, specifically connecting with parents of children ages 11-17. Its goal was to build trust, not simply advertise services.
Creating + Promoting Helpful Content Featuring Their Experts
Academic Approach’s experts were interviewed for 17 education-based articles appearing on ChicagoParent.com, covering various angles of test prep and academic tutoring. This content was promoted in on-site digital ads, targeted email marketing and social media, targeting Chicago Parent’s highly aligned audience — as well as other parents in this market.
Strong Content Engagement + Direct Web Traffic
Academic Approach’s content drew 14,960 pageviews on ChicagoParent.com with 300+ hours spent on page over the course of two years. In addition, it resulted in a striking 10,000+ visits directly to the company’s website, making this content marketing second only to Google in driving traffic.
Create Your Own Brand Awareness in 3 Simple Steps
Reach key customers and earn their trust with powerful content that’s shared with a highly aligned audience — with a media partner and/or targeted emails.
Talk With Your Marketing Expert
Share your ideal prospects’ demographics, geographic area and more. We’ll chat about your goals and past or existing content and marketing.
Create Content + Promote Your Expertise
We work with your experts to create stories designed to highlight your knowledge. They’re optimized for SEO and to build your authority.
Grow Your Brand + Draw Customers
Through email, social media and more, your awareness and web traffic grow. Strategic tweaks and regular reporting build and track success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brand Awareness
Content can play a pivotal role in building awareness and trust for your business. Learn answers to some common questions about growing your brand.
What is content marketing?
Content marketing is about earning people’s trust vs. “selling” them something. Common methods include blogging, webpage writing and even sponsored content, where your stories are published on the website of a media partner that’s highly aligned with your audience.
The content’s goal is to position you as a knowledgeable expert. It should be well-written, SEO-minded and helpful. While it features and quotes your experts, it’s not focused on you; in fact, about 80% of your content should be dedicated to educating your prospects.
Content must be produced consistently (monthly at least; weekly is ideal) — and requires time to work. It can easily take 6-12 months to start seeing traction in your Google Analytics. Learn more about content marketing here.
How does content marketing sway a potential customer to choose my business?
There are five ways content marketing can influence your prospects:
- Brand awareness: It gets your name in front of potential customers who are searching for information about your products or services.
- Lead generation: It can earn leads by providing valuable information prospects can use to decide whether or not to do business with you.
- Improved SEO: It gives search engines relevant, high-quality content. This helps you to rank higher in search results, which can create more traffic and leads.
- Increased sales: It helps boost sales by providing prospects with the info they need to make a decision about whether or not to buy from you.
- Better customer loyalty: It provides people with valuable information that they can use. This can lead to repeat business and referrals.
How do I know if Zoe’s media partners are right for me?
Zoe works with two long-established parenting media websites and magazines: Metro Parent and Chicago Parent, which serve metro Detroit/southeast Michigan and the Chicagoland region. This parent audience primarily has children ages 2-15 and is highly interested in family activities, education and health.
To learn more about whether sponsored content with Metro Parent and Chicago Parent is right for you, talk to us.
Create Your Own Brand Awareness With Zoe
Reaching new customers within a niche takes trustworthiness — and a willingness to “give away” valuable information to help them. It also means meeting them where they are. A marketing partner can help fine-tune your message and target the right audience. Start creating content that builds meaningful connections with your future customers.