The marketing tool known as the "funnel" has evolved into the "content marketing funnel" with the unprecedented growth of this new segment of the marketing world. This new version enables content marketers to better support sales by targeting each stage of the funnel with specific content that helps to qualify, nurture, and convert leads into customers. The strategic use of content can open up a lot of doors for marketers and startups.

We’ve all heard and used the adage “client is king”. No matter what sort of business you’re running, you likely understand the sentiment behind that phrase. What the client wants and needs drives the majority of the work you do. So, do you know your client? You probably wouldn’t hesitate to say “yes”. But think about it again. Do youreally know your client? Have you taken the time to research who they are, what their needs are, and how you can best reach them? For start-ups (and all businesses, really), it can be a challenge to designate time and resources toward creating buyer personas. But you should. 

Even if you work in sales or marketing, it’s likely that you’re being sold or marketed to more often then you’re selling to others. Whether it’s targeted advertising on your most-frequented websites, or in-person sales pitches at your local stores, you’re almost constantly being asked to consider a panoply of different products and services.