The Game of Thrones & Your Content Strategy
Game of Thrones fans rejoice!
“The pen is mightier than the sword.”
-Edward G Bulwer-Lytton-
Your love of the series is actually helping your online business presence in more ways than you know. George RR Martin is not just a fabulous writer but the success of his stories also sheds some light on how you can use your content to strategically amplify your reach and visibility online.
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.
The man who never reads lives only one.”
-George RR Martin-
The game of thrones series is formatted in such a way that you are able to see gruesome glimpses of a variety of character’s perspectives on the events of a longstanding feud within each chapter. The different angles portrayed in each circumstance give way to a new way of thinking about the story that is unfolding. George RR Martin once said that he “ends each chapter with a cliffhanger, resolution, a turn, a reveal, a new wrinkle… something that will make you want to read the next chapter of that character.”
Applying this ideology to your content strategy isn’t as difficult as it might seem. When you are strategically providing value to your audience, you want them to be enticed to dive deeper into your world - your story. It is not always wise to give all of the expert information you have about a topic all at once. Not because you are withholding but rather because some information is better taken in segments. Bombarding your audience leads to confusion and a confused mind doesn’t buy. So, share only as much as you need and leave room for questions and further connection - give them a reason to come back.
“Once you’ve accepted your flaws, no one can use them against you.”
-George RR Martin-
Another key element of The Game of Thrones is its overarching theme of owning your flaws and wearing them like armour against potential enemies. A case can be made for many of the storylines within this series that those who try to hide behind false images experience more trouble in the long run than those who own up to or step into their truths. Although the journey toward that honourable goal is often fearful, your bravery is rewarded in the end.
“Can a man still be brave when he’s afraid?”
-Bran Stark-
“That’s the only time a man can be brave.”
-Eddard Stark-
The same is true for showing up authentically in your business. Not only does your vulnerability show integrity and improve the ‘know-like-trust’ factor but your bravery also makes showing up consistently in your content so much easier in the long run.
The popularity of The Game of Thrones series, in book and tv show format, sends a clear message about what kind of content that the general populace wants to consume - real and raw. This fact just reinforces the drive for authenticity in all that you create. It also reminds you that, when you’re creating and sharing content, it doesn’t serve you to dwell on the details in an attempt to make it ‘perfect.’
Progress, not perfection.
You are much farther ahead posting consistently and imperfectly than stewing over your content and only sporadically showing up, if ever. Consistency is vital and being genuine is advantageous. So, just show up! Let your enemies (read: internet trolls) approach and fend them off with your armour of authenticity while leading your true followers deeper into the amazing benefits of what you have to offer in life and business.
Dive in but keep your preferred weapon at the ready!
Remember,
“A mind needs books just like a sword needs a whetstone.”
-Tyrion Lannister-