So, you’ve heard the term “content marketing” thrown around like confetti at a New Year’s Eve party. It’s everywhere—in blogs, podcasts, and buzzword-laden marketing meetings. But what is content in marketing, really? Well, let’s unpack it, shall we?
It’s More Than Just Words
First things first—content is not just about writing. Shocking, right? From videos to infographics, e-books to podcasts, content marketing encompasses a variety of formats. Each serves a unique purpose and speaks to a different part of your audience.
The Core Elements
At its core, content marketing involves creating valuable, relevant material aimed at a specific audience. Now, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. For instance, while working with gym software companies, the content strategy revolved around engaging articles that educated gym owners on best practices. It wasn’t just about promoting the software, but adding value to the reader’s life.
The Goals
The overarching goal? Drive profitable customer action. You want your audience to read your content and think, “Wow, I need this product/service in my life!”
The Power of Storytelling
Here’s where it gets fun. Good content tells a story, and not just any story—a story your audience wants to be a part of. It invites them in, lets them wander around, and helps them envision a better life with your product or service.
What Types of Content Fit Into a Marketing Strategy?
Great, now that we know what content in marketing is all about, let’s look at the kinds of content you can create and how they can fit into your marketing strategy.
Blog Posts: The Backbone of What is Content in Marketing
Yep, you guessed it—blog posts are a staple. They’re versatile and can cover a wide array of topics. More importantly, they’re a fantastic way to drive organic traffic to your website. And here’s a tip: When crafting blog posts for a Trivia Entertainment company, I found that interactivity, like quizzes or polls within the article, increased user engagement.
Videos: A Dynamic Take on What is Content in Marketing
People love videos. Whether it’s a tutorial, a behind-the-scenes look, or a product review, videos can convey complex information in an easily digestible format. And let’s not forget about live streaming—it adds a sense of immediacy and engagement that other formats just can’t match.
Infographics: Bite-Sized Information
When you have complex data or concepts and you want to make it easy to understand, infographics are your best friend. They’re shared 3x more than any other type of content on social media!
Podcasts: The Spoken Word
People are busy, and podcasts offer a way to consume content while on-the-go. Hosting guest experts, sharing tips, or exploring industry trends can make your podcast a go-to resource for your audience.
Social Media Posts: Small but Mighty
Never underestimate the power of a well-crafted tweet or Instagram post. These tiny pieces of content can pack a punch, driving brand awareness and customer engagement in bite-sized increments.
Email Newsletters: Keep ‘Em Coming Back
When done right, email newsletters are an incredibly effective way to keep your audience engaged. From weekly digests to product announcements, a well-crafted email can lead to tangible results, like boosting sales and website visits.
Measuring the Effectiveness of What is Content in Marketing
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. You’ve got your content up and running—so how do you know if it’s a hit or a miss? No, you don’t need a crystal ball. What you do need are solid metrics. These aren’t just numbers; they’re the heartbeat of your campaign.
Know Your KPIs, Seriously!
First up, KPIs. In content marketing, KPIs are super important. They’re not just alphabet soup; they’re the benchmarks for your success. We’re talking about stuff like page views, dwell time—the works. For a Trivia Entertainment company I worked with, we found that user engagement shot up when we started tracking the right KPIs. So yeah, they matter—a lot.
The Almighty Google Analytics
Who needs a fortune teller when you’ve got Google Analytics? This tool is your new best friend. And speaking of friends, I helped a financial advisor buddy of mine get his Google Analytics up to speed. The result? He got a crystal-clear view of what’s working and what’s not. Trust me, this tool’s worth its weight in gold.
Just Ask Your Peeps
And hey, if you’re still in doubt, why not go straight to the horse’s mouth? User surveys, reviews, you name it. Sometimes, the best insights come straight from your audience. Real talk.
The ROI Factor
Last but not least, ROI. Yep, it’s a buzzword, but it’s also the be-all and end-all. If you’re not getting a bang for your buck, then what’s the point? Tracking the ROI of your Content Marketing is crucial. I’ve worked on multiple projects across industries where ROI was the kingpin. No two ways about it.
Take Control of What is Content in Marketing—Start Now!
Look, you’ve read this far, which means you’re serious about your content game. And you should be—it’s a make-or-break deal. Don’t just be a spectator; get in on the action. Ready to level up your marketing? Well, we’ve got just the tools and insights to help you do exactly that.
Start implementing these strategies today! Reach out to us for a consultation, and let’s help you dominate your content marketing.
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