In 2013 more than ever, content will be king. According to Doug Kessler, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Velocity Partners,
it’s “tipping this year because it works. Content is the engine of
search, social, outbound and Web marketing.” So with that in mind, what
are you doing to jump on the content train?
To help you decide which content marketing methods are right for you,
here’s a list of 15 types that work. Which will you use this year to
build your business?
1. Blog Posts
It should come as no surprise to see blog posts on this
list—blogs are often the first thing that comes to mind when people
think content marketing—but that’s only because blogs are such a natural
way to promote your message. By setting up a blog, you create a
resource for your customers and a place that reinforces your brand.
2. Guest Blog Posts
Just as important as writing posts on your own blog is contributing elsewhere online—in fact, according to Guest Posting Tips,
“Guest-posting is the single most important strategy for growing your
blog readership and platform.” When you write articles on other
websites, you get your content in front of new audiences and expand your
presence.
3. How-To Guides
Whether in a video, a blog post, a series of photos, or a
website page, how-to guides draw readers in and give you a chance to
demonstrate your subject expertise. Use them to show your audience how
to complete a project, learn a new skill, or put into practice some
specific tips.
4. Images
A whopping 93 percent of communication is nonverbal, says psychologist Albert Mehrabian,
which means almost all of what you tell your audience happens outside
the words you say. With powerful pictures, illustrations, and graphics,
you have an opportunity to make a real impact on your fans—amplifying
your message, explaining an idea, and gaining user attention.
5. Infographics
A particularly powerful type of image is the infographic—the fastest growing form of content marketing for B2B brands.
A well-designed infographic organizes and communicates technical or
detailed information in a visually attractive, easy-to-process way.
What’s more, infographics perform well on social sharing sites like
Pinterest, where images are key.
6. Video
What better way to differentiate yourself from the competition than with video? Videos are an ideal platform
for interviews, demonstrations, how-to guides, and any content with
which you want to communicate a clearer sense of your personality and
style.
7. Illustrations
Just as infographics present information in a more readily
understandable way, so too illustrations add an extra dimension to your
content. Whether it’s an ironic comic strip, a pretty watercolor, or a
hand-drawn recipe, illustrations are great for catching reader attention
and adding visual punch.
8. Testimonials
Endorsements from satisfied customers act as major social
proof for your company’s value. Whether you post testimonials on your
website, across social media, or strictly on review sites, the power of
these comments is undeniable.
9. Case Studies
Show the value of your product or service through tangible
facts—case studies are the perfect way to demonstrate what you offer.
Show your clients how you’ve helped others as an example of how you can
help them.
10. Memes
When retailer Forever 21 runs a “21 Days of Style”
campaign that instructs followers to “Show us what kind of turquoise is
hiding in your stash!” the brand is demonstrating a great way to run a
meme. Each day, the store gives followers a way to engage with the brand
by posting related content and tagging it with the #21DaysofStyle
hashtag. In so doing, the store not only promotes its brand but also
strengthens connections with fans. Consider following in these footsteps
by creating a similar campaign to engage your audience.
11. Email Newsletters
The opt-in email newsletter is a fantastic avenue for
getting your message out to loyal followers—the key is providing highly
relevant content that they actually want to read. This means it’s time
to forget recycled blog content and opt instead for unique content that
meets a need for your audience: inspiration, humor, information, etc.
Ask yourself how you can make your newsletter a must-read.
12. Ebooks
For your customers who are hungry for more about your brand
and your story, eBooks offer many advantages. Package your best writing
into an ebook to sell or give away, and you can share more in-depth
info on your company’s unique personality, story, etc.
13. Podcasts
Thanks to the prevalence of smartphones, laptops, and MP3
players, people today listen to podcasts in the car, while riding the
morning train, running errands, or doing the dishes. What this means for
you is multiplied opportunities to expand your message. You might
podcast to conduct interviews, tell stories, or provide or more personal
look at your business operations.
14. Twitter Chat
In the world of social media, Twitter is becoming
increasingly influential. As a content marketer, use the network to
engage with influencers in your industry. Schedule Twitter chats to
discuss topics, find out what interests your audience, ask questions,
and generate dialogue about your subject matter.
15. Newsjacking
Take advantage of public interest in a hot news story by finding a way to connect it with your brand—and write about it.
Comments
Post a Comment