5 Types of Content Marketing That Get Results
Which Content Marketing Ideas are Right for Your Business?
Content marketing is one of the most popular forms of advertising today. If you’re here, that means you’ve probably heard this term thrown around and want to learn more about how content marketing can work for your business.
For those of you who don’t know, content marketing involves creating materials that don’t explicitly promote your products and services but instead stimulate interest in your brand through entertainment and information. In a world where brand loyalty drives sales, content is king.
To give an example, content marketing doesn’t ask someone to purchase your new espresso machine but instead teaches someone how to make the perfect latte. Now, they see your brand as a helpful and trusted resource and are likely to come back to purchase your espresso machine when they are ready to step up their morning coffee game.
There are many different types of content marketing ideas out there. For most businesses, it is impossible to do all of them. This guide will help give you some content marketing ideas and learn the benefits of each type.
Content Marketing Idea #1: Blogs
What is a blog?
Blogs are one of the most popular forms of content marketing. According to The State of Content Marketing Report, over 85% of the content marketing out in the world is blogs. A blog is essentially your business’s own publication. Think of it as a digital magazine. Here, you can post articles about pretty much anything. Blogs should always focus on informing, helping, or entertaining your readers. They should not be giant sales pitches.
What are the benefits of blogs?
There are many benefits to blogging. Blogs help to improve your website’s SEO score, which will get you seen higher in the Google search results. It has also been shown that blogs work to build your brand reputation and trust among potential customers. Before you sit down to write your first post, know that it can take a long time to write a blog.
Content Marketing Idea #2: Social Media
What is social media?
By now, we are all familiar with social media, but using social media for your business will be very different than keeping up your personal page. Instagram trends, algorithms, and expectations from your fans all change almost daily in this fast-paced form of content marketing! Here’s my tip—select a few platforms and do them well.
What are the benefits of social media?
Social media is a great place to show off the personal side of your brand. Here, potential customers can engage directly with you as they would a friend. Remember, you don’t own your social media pages, and many platforms go out of style. Always work to drive your followers to your main website, blog, or email newsletter to stay connected.
Content Marketing Idea #3: Podcasts
What is a podcast?
A podcast is essentially your own radio show, and some podcasts end up receiving way more listeners than your local radio celebrities! On a podcast, you can pretty much talk about anything you’d like. Remember that this form of content marketing takes a lot of planning. You will need to write scripts and, at the very least, get some basic AV equipment.
What are the benefits of podcasts?
Podcasts are continuing to increase in popularity. Right now, over 40% of Americans, or 115 million people, listen to podcasts daily. That is a huge audience for your business! Podcasts are great for business owners who have a lot to say about their field, love to talk, have a fun personality, and know a lot about their niche. Very specific podcasts often do the best, especially when not many others exist on the topic.
For example, a few of my clients joined forces to launch their own interior design and architecture podcast. Since design is a visual medium, many designers are intimidated by an audio podcast. Because these designers made a bold move, their podcast topped the charts in their niche within their first week!
Content Marketing Idea #4: eBooks
What is an eBook?
In the world of content marketing, eBooks are essentially longer blog posts. Don’t worry, though. They don’t have to be a full-length novel! Depending on your business, eBooks could provide a helpful guide, teach someone a niche skill, or help lead someone to a decision.
What are the benefits of eBooks?
The main benefit of eBooks is building trust with a potential client. If you are selling a course, for example, a free eBook could be a good preview for someone on the fence about investing in the class. eBooks are also a great way to build your newsletter list, as you can ask someone to sign up in exchange for the free information.
Content Marketing Idea #5: Email Marketing
What is email marketing?
Speaking of email lists, let’s talk about email marketing strategy. While email marketing can lean heavily on the sales side, it can also be informative and fun—making it a great content marketing idea. Keep your emails entertaining, and always make sure you have something to say. No one wants a spammy email that doesn’t help them!
What are the benefits of email marketing?
While email feels dated to some, it has double the conversion rate of social media, and over 60% of consumer purchases are influenced by email marketing. So, email is basically one of the most powerful forms of content marketing out there. Plus, you can use emails to keep your subscribers up to date on new blog posts, podcasts, and products. While social media is popular, most people are actually more likely to check their email.
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