Question. When you go out on a first date, do you typically blurt out all the wonderful, amazing things about yourself and all the great things you can do, then ask the person you're out on a date with to marry you?

Eek! Let’s hope not!

It seems that is what a lot of small businesses and startups tend to do when it comes to marketing. Whether it’s and advertisement, brochure, landing page, social media post, blog, YouTube video, etc...many startups, entrepreneurs and business owners feel compelled to share every last value proposition in one shot to “seal the deal.”

But this isn't how a great date, or a great piece of marketing actually works. What most of us tend to forget in our rush to make the sale is, our first shot isn't our only shot. If everything goes well on that first date (with, for example, a social post) then that customer will likely come back for a second date (perhaps with a visit to your website) to find out more, and if they like what they learn there, they will likely want to take things to the next level (by say, signing up for an offer via the form on your site or taking a look at your products). If all goes well there, you’ve likely landed yourself in a solid relationship and a conversion (whatever that is for your business) isn’t far behind.

That's what a great content marketing strategy is all about, determining exactly what you need to say to make the right first impression in order keep the conversation going. Talk too much about yourself or say the wrong thing and the date is over.