The true purpose of content marketing is to give people a sample of what you offer.
If they like what they read, watch or consume then they are likely to trust you more and consider buying from you.
Sounds simple. But it’s not easy.
Creating content for your business that is engaging and works for you takes a lot of consideration and effort.
For a lot of people, they don’t even know where to get started.
For me, as a content writer, I started with learning the basics: writing blogs, recording video and audio, and creating images.
These are the main methods that you can use, and they break down into seven different types of content marketing.
1) Blog Posts
Yes, I know, does the world really need more blogs? Back in the early 2000s, blogs were hot property. Today, they’re a dime a dozen.
However, as long as humans are interested in learning and solving their problems, the written word will still be valuable. And that goes double for search engines.
Ultimately, blog posts are the primary way of content marketing. The written word is searchable by Google, and easier to find for voice and AI assistants.
Blogs are the main method for increasing traffic to a website. When it comes to gaining knowledge, people have always defaulted to good old fashioned text. Reading has always been a reliable source of consuming information and it always will be.
As a beginner, free resources are paramount. Opening up a blog is completely free and you can always pay to upgrade customizability as you go.
The best blog platforms are WordPress, Blogger, and Squarespace. You can even use Medium as a place to repurpose your content or to share it via a different platform.
There are pros and cons for each one so be sure to pick the one that fits your needs.
But the key to doing great content marketing always starts with the writing. Any content that is written can be found and can be reworked into other mediums as well.
2) Videos
In this age of screens, videos have made a huge impact on how people learn and hear about great services.
Video content is easily digestible and efficient. For audiences that otherwise wouldn’t have time to read an entire blog post, or want to just listen while doing something else, videos are an excellent way to share your content.
Video today is easy to produce, edit and upload. On top of this, a lot of the platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn will give priority to media that is in video format.
3) Infographics
Infographics are a personal favorite of mine. If you are feeling that whatever you are sharing might be too complicated, then infographics help to disassemble any complex concept. They are also highly discoverable through Google Images and sites like Pinterest and Dribble.
A polished infographic will lend authority and professionalism on a subject matter. It will give an audience much more trust in the brand and future content.
4) Social Media Sharing
Tweets. Facebook notifications. Instagram photos. Snapchat stories. LinkedIn messages. These are all doors waiting to be opened for starting entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners.
Using social media to market a brand is a quick and easy way to gain interest. If you do it consistently, over time it builds engagement, trust, and authority.
Think of social media as building virtual communities for your brand. They can create strong bonds between your brand and the audience.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll find partners and collaborators to help boost your brand and company following.
5) Case Studies
Case studies are similar to customer testimonials but more in-depth. Case studies are proof of concepts that require a fair amount of detail and planning.
Case studies start with a hypothesis or goal, the methodology, and the result.
Showing your process lends credibility to your company’s success and authority. This may sound like a lot of effort to create, but if the service your company provides is working then why not show it?
Remember that prospective customers need proof before buying. A well-presented case study does the job for you.
6) Podcasts
Podcasts are the future of mobile content. No matter what you’re doing, a podcast can join you. A traffic jam? Listen to on the way. Working out in the gym? Learn while you burn.
Podcasts can help reach audiences who multitask and don’t have time to read or watch a video.
Podcasts are also great for beginners because they can become a learning experience for both yourself and the consumers. Humans enjoy discussion and knowledge, and podcasting can become a natural way of introducing your brand into the conversation.
7) Interactive Content
Why does BuzzFeed have so many quizzes? I mean, I can only be so many Harry Potter characters before I develop an acute split-personality disorder.
As you might have guessed, interactive content, like BuzzFeed’s quizzes, engages an audience. And interaction with a brand’s content helps build a personal attachment to a brand.
Ultimately, interactive content gives beginners creative freedom to make their content more unique. From quizzes to games, it gives you a chance to surprise and delight your audiences. All you need it a good imagination.
Use the Content Tools that are Best for You
When starting content marketing, It is hard to know if you should use one, or all of the tools at once!
Relax, and start slow.
Before making a blog with video podcasts and blasting posts on every social media channel, make sure the message fits the medium.
Remember what is most important about creating great content:
People need questions answered and are naturally curious about a subject. This curiosity leads to actively seeking a service.
Every time you answer somebody’s questions it a small opportunity to grow trust and authority and over the long term to grow your brand.