In 2017, we saw the popularity of content marketing dip, and a huge rise in instant messages and chat bots emerge. In fact, statistics show that 47 percent of consumers would buy items from a chat bot.
This leads to the very important question: is content marketing still an effective strategy?
The answer is “YES,” effective content marketing still exists, with some caveats. Let’s look at the types of content that are effective and how to do each of those right.
Types of Content Marketing That Work
Yes, content works, but you can’t just publish any piece of written content and expect it to attract floods of readers or convert into paying customers.
Here are some types of content that still work in 2018:
Video: Pre-recorded or live video works well. It gives you the ability deliver the same message as written content, but adds a personal element. It gives your followers the chance to get to know you a bit more and connect with your personality and brand in an authentic way.
Interactive content: Interactive content is content that asks readers to take some sort of action. Examples of great interactive content are:
- Quizzes
- Financial calculators
- Polls
These works well because people love to give their opinion and find out more about themselves.
Targeted written content: Written content works, but it must be targeted to your reader. Find out exactly what they want to learn from you simply by asking them.
Storytelling: Storytelling is still content, but it’s content that makes the reader feel something. It’s much more than just delivering information. Storytelling evokes feeling, memories, and connections in the reader. Storytelling should be used in your brand messaging, and the same stories and voice should be applied to your content, social posts and images.
More Tips For Effective Content Marketing
No matter what type of content you decide to use, these tips will help you get more exposure, more interest, and spark more conversions.
Be consistent. It pays to be consistent with your content marketing. Whether it’s written, video, interactive, or a mix of different types, sharing consistently will work to your benefit.
Focus on the right networks. Even if you create it, it doesn’t mean they will come. Content still needs to be shared, and picking the right networks will ensure your content gets seen by the right people. Focus on networks where your target market is most likely to be active.
Focus on value and connecting, not SEO. There’s something to be said about SEO and getting placed high on the Google search results, but content should always be valuable. The reader should always walk away having learned something new.
Get people to subscribe. Don’t let your content be the end of it. Use it to drive people to subscribe to your mailing list. Include upgrades in your written content or require an email address in order for readers to get their results for a quiz.
In today’s marketing world, instant messaging and customer service chat bots are gaining popularity. But that doesn’t mean content is out. Content is still just as effective at attracting and converting as it’s even been.
