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#ContentWritingChat Recap: How to Build Data-Driven Content Curation with Ross Quintana

by | Aug 26, 2016 | ContentWritingChat

#ContentWritingChat Recap: How to Build Data-Driven Content Curation with Ross Quintana

Did you miss #ContentWritingChat this week? Get caught up with our recap and learn all about data-driven content curation!

#ContentWritingChat Recap: How to Build Data-Driven Content Curation with Ross Quintana


Our guest host this week was Ross Quintana. Ross is a growth hacker and also the founder of SocialMagnets.net.

Q1: What are the benefits of data-driven content curation?

What are the benefits of data-driven content curation? Find out what some of the people in Tuesday’s chat had to say:

As Ross said, data-driven content curation ensures the work you’re doing is targeted and driving your business goals. That’s a must! When you utilize the data and analytics that are available to you, you can maximize your results with less time and money.

Sarah knows that it allows you to see what’s working and offers proof. You can align your goals accordingly.

Edanry, our Senior Editor, said it helps you to gain more traffic, more feedback, more authority, and can help you rank higher on SERPs.

Data can help build your authority and credibility through the content you share. Ultimately, it can encourage others to view you as a thought leader in your industry.

As Shannon said, data-driven content is based on analytics, metrics, and ROI.

Data can help you determine the kinds of content your readers are most interested in, which helps you produce better content.

Our CEO, Julia, said that you’ll get firm proof and knowledge of whether or not your content is working when you tie your curation strategy to data.

Q2: Can’t people just share whatever content they find or like?

Can’t you just share anything that you like? Check out this advice from the chat:

Ross is spot-on with his answer! Sharing random content just because you like it doesn’t necessarily make sense for your business. It won’t help you achieve your goals and can lead to attracting the wrong audience.

He also said it’s hard to drive consistent results with random efforts, so it’s important to be strategic about the content you’re sharing.

Kristen knows you should think about your audience with everything you share online. Your content should be useful to your audience and you should like it as well.

As Andy said, there isn’t much point in sharing just for sharing’s sake. The content you share online should serve a purpose.

Here’s some great advice to keep in mind: make sure a piece is worth sharing.

Q3: Is there a formula for building data-driven content curation?

Is there a specific formula you should follow? Here’s what we found out during Tuesday’s chat:

Ross said it’s all about research, strategy, planning, analytics, and optimization.

Sarah’s advice is to know your audience, know what makes them convert, and then curate the content that works.

Cheryl believes the formula is all about identifying your audience, knowing what they’re looking for online, and finding a way to make yourself interesting.

Erika doesn’t believe there is a set formula, but recommends creating a process to help you use your time more effectively.

Kristen said everyone has a different formula. Do what works for you and utilize your own analytics and experience to create content that works.

Q4: How do I research the best content to share?

What are some research tips for finding the best content? We received great advice from our chat participants! Check it out:

Ross recommends using tools that do the work for you with algorithms, targeting, and filtering. It makes content curation much easier! You can also learn a lot from the influencers in your industry. See what they’re sharing and how people are responding to it.

Twitter lists can be a great way to find valuable and relevant content to share online. Create a list with your favorite sources and check it whenever you’re looking for amazing content.

Annaliese also recommends using Twitter lists, but she also suggested turning to email subscriptions and Feedly. Feedly is a great way to easily keep up with posts on your favorite websites.

Here at Express Writers, we’re also big fans of BuzzSumo. You can use this tool to see which posts are getting the most shares on content in your industry. It gives you a good idea of what your audience is interested in. Google Alerts is another great tool as well!

Amalia’s advice is to read a lot of blogs, look for trends, and check out what the influencers are creating and sharing.

Ask yourself if you personally love a specific piece of content. Julia knows it’s important that what you share resonates with you as well. You can then align it to your audience and analyze the results you get.

Q5: How can I use data in the sharing aspect of content curation?

Are you unsure how to use data when sharing content online? Check out these tips:

Ross recommends using data to find the best times to post for the platforms you use and for your audience. This will help you maximize your results when sharing.

You can also turn to data to see which types of content your audience is truly interested in. What are they responding to? What are they not enjoying so much? Use this information to craft posts accordingly.

Edanry suggested using data to figure out what is trending on specific social media platforms. You can use this to your advantage when creating content.

Q6: How do I use analytics for data-driven curation?

How can you use analytics to maximize your results? Find out:

Ross knows that your analytics will give you a ton of valuable information. You just need to be able to undersand those metrics and know how to use them.

Sarah likes to measure conversions. How many people are actually converting from your content? What works and what doesn’t? It’s important to figure this out so you can create more of the content that’s working for you and your audience.

Keep in mind that conversions can mean different things. It isn’t always about making a sale. As Sarah said, you need to know the goals of your content so you can create and measure appropriately.

Ask yourself what is in it for your audience. Make sure the content you share provides value to them in some way.

Erika said you can identify what types of content and which topics are working for you and adjust your plan accordingly.

Your analytics can help you discover patterns and insights you wouldn’t have thought to explore otherwise.

Q7: What role do adjustments and testing have in content curation?

What exactly will adjustments and testing do for you? Here’s what we found out during Tuesday’s chat:

As Ross said, testing and adjustments are the difference between trying and succeeding. You need to tune into your audience first if you want to be successful. Once you’ve done this, Ross said you can move and grow with them.

Jenn knows that you aren’t maximizing your potential if you aren’t constantly testing and optimizing your content.

When you test and analyze your results, you can adapt your plan based on what you find out. As Andy said, you should continue to test as well. You can always learn something and create a better strategy.

Explore your data! Edanry knows you can refine your strategy and maximize your results when you make adjustments and continue to test.

It’s just important! Brittany said it will help you see which content is working for your audience. When you know what they like, you can deliver more of the same.

You can continue to improve your content and your strategies with consistent testing.

Very important advice, Julia! You need to be fluid and ready to adapt to an ever-evolving market.

Q8: How will I know if my data-driven content curation is successful?

So, how will you know if you’ve been successful? Here’s what you need to know:

If you’re growing at a fast rate, it’s a good sign you’re on the right track. You need to keep in mind that success on social media won’t happen all at once though. As Ross said, it comes in phases and gains momentum. You just have to remain consistent.

Having a smart, agile strategy will set you up for great results. You need to make sure you’re staying relevant and growing alongside a digital world that’s constantly changing.

Check the number of views something received, amount of visitors, and growth in reference points. You need to keep an eye on your analytics.

Track open rates, shares, comments, conversations, followers, and subscribers. These stats will give you a good idea of how you’re progressing.

Are people clicking on your links? Are they sharing your content? Are they following you?

Christie likes to track engagement on her posts. Are people liking, retweeting, and sharing what you’re posting? If not, you might want to revisit your strategy and the types of content you’re sharing online.

It all goes back to setting goals for your content. If you meet or exceed those goals, you’re heading in the right direction.

We look forward to seeing you at the next #ContentWritingChat! Mark your calendars weekly for Tuesday at 10 AM CDT for great chats centered around content writing and marketing. Follow @ExpWriters to stay updated on our new topics and guests!

Tags: content curation