We’re obsessed with creating great content.

We write about it.

We talk about it.

We speak about it.

We go to conferences dedicated to it.

We dream about it. Yes, dream about it.

Marketers love content almost as much as celebrities love fame.

But you know the funny thing?

Customers don’t care.

In fact, not only do they not care, most of them don’t even know what “content marketing” is.

We’re the experts. Yet, they determine if we’re successful. Or not.

So, while your customers may give you the blank stare if you ask them how much they like your content campaign, this is what they want you to know.

Even if they don’t know it yet.

Timing is everything.

Coca-Cola knows this.

They know that even though you prefer Pepsi, when you have the choice of Coca-Cola or nothing, you’ll choose Coca-Cola.

Almost every time.

That’s why their mission is “to be within reach at the time of thirst.”

Because they need to be in the right place at the right time to make a sale. And considering they sold $46.9 billion worth of products last year, I’d say they’re doing a pretty good job.

So, what does this mean for your business?

Well, what if you could “be within reach at the time of thirst” for your customers?

What if there was a way to target customers at the time when they’re most likely to convert?

And what if it fit within the $7 a day that most small businesses spend on marketing?

We’re 106 days into 2014.

So while it was fun to predict what’s going to happen this year, it’s already taking place.

The Rimm-Kaufman Group (RKG) just released their Digital Marketing Report for Q1 of 2014.

Curious to see what’s impacting your business this year?

We were too…

We fail at the most obvious thing in our business.

Our customers.

Specifically, keeping them happy when they don’t have problems.

Everyone talks about “delivering great service.” Which is why I cringe bringing this up. Especially since I’m sure many small businesses do.  

But what about delivering remarkable service when it’s not a reaction to a problem?

How many of us take the time to deliver proactive customer service?

I know.

Emails suck.

Well, not really, but with more than 294 billion emails sent daily, your inbox can be one of the worst parts of your day.

Except maybe blogging.

Am I right?

Well, it’s time to put an end to that and kill two birds with one stone.

Every email is a piece of content, which is why it’s possible to turn your inbox nightmare into a content marketing machine.

I promise.

Simply follow these 5 things…

I saw 2 things last week.

One made me excited.

The other made me cringe.

Thing 1: How To Win A Customer’s Heart (And Wallet)

I was running on my usual route last week when I saw one ofthe best pieces of old school marketing that I’ve seen in a long time.

A flyer.

Yes, a flyer.

Let me explain.

This isn’t your average list.

We’ve dug up 19 tidbits about online marketing that we think you’ll enjoy.

How will you know unless you continue reading?

Sticky Stats

1. The average small business spends less than $7 a day on marketing. (Search Engine Land)  << Click to Tweet >>

2. 11% of Americans think HTML is a sexually transmitted disease. (TIME Magazine) << Click to Tweet >>

I’ll get right to the point.

Gary Vaynerchuck is one of the world’s best social media marketers.

Chris and I had the opportunity to meet him in Vancouver two years ago and chat about Spokal.

His insights were invaluable.

I truly believe that if you’re having a problem online, Gary can solve it.

While his fees are geared toward the Fortune 500 clan, he recently published a book for small businesses, showing how anyone can use his tactics to stand out online.

From listening to Gary and reading his work, there are 3 golden rules that I’ve learned are essential to creating content.

Here they are.