When content first became a focus for online businesses, the process was typically pretty simple. Putting together a couple of catchy paragraphs that incorporated popular keywords was a successful way to get websites listed on the first pages of search engine results. But nowadays, it takes a variety of different types of content to get a website noticed on the World Wide Web.
Static words just aren't enough to capture the attention of information seekers and problem solvers anymore. It's important to incorporate a variety of methods and techniques if you want your clients' content to stand out from the crowd. Here are a few effective options to consider, and how they'll get you the buzz that you're looking for:
Infographics
Most people are visually driven, making infographics an awesome accompaniment to written content. Infographics are more likely to be shared on social media networks than basic content without them, which leads to lots of organic links and therefore higher search engines page ranks. If you're creating content that is hard to curate photos for, or your content contains lots of statistics or figures, infographics are an excellent option. Infographics are also a great way to spice up bland or confusing information.
Virtual Podcasts
Podcasts are quickly becoming one of the most prevalent marketing mediums online now that folks can tune into their favorite content on demand, thanks to apps like Stitcher. These apps allow users to sync podcast episodes to their devices while they sleep and when they're on the go, which keeps them engaged and interested. Whether you're outlining the benefits of certain products that you're affiliated with or you are interviewing experts within your industry, giving a voice to the brands you promote is easy to do through podcasting.
Videos and Vlogs
One of the best ways to engage with your audience is through video content. Like infographics, videos provide a unique visual aspect to your content that is memorable and interactive. Video marketing is a powerful tool for gaining notice from those who don't want to take the time to read an article or sift through pages of how-to guides. You can build some trust among current and potential customers and establish authority through videos that focus on current events, keep up with industry trends, and show people how best to use the products and services up for offer.
Surface Scratchers
There's nothing wrong with publishing articles that simply scratch the surface of topics your audience is interested in, but this basic content should be accompanied with resources that make it easy for readers to delve deeper into the topic. Short, succinct articles that touch on a specific subject can be paired with a newsletter that promises more information, a how-to eBook offered at a special discount, or a link to products and services you offer that help to fill in the gaps of your content.
For example if your promoting banner printing services, you could publish an article about the type of content businesses should consider including on their signage and then direct them to signup for a newsletter that offers insight into effective fonts that can be used for their banner content.
In Depth Insights
Of course, no content marketing plan is complete without some in-depth insight to round things out. Your long form content should offer something that your competitors don't – unique insight backed up with obscure statistics and little known facts that is sure to impress even the most discerning of audience members. Your word heavy articles should provide actionable information that readers can use themselves in their every day lives.
Offering valuable information that other may charge for is an awesome way to create trust and reliability within your reader community. Readers shouldn't be able to understand the information provided to them by simply scanning the page. When creating in-depth pieces, it's important to make sure that it is well researched and can stand on it's own as an authoritative industry voice.
Your niche can probably benefit from all of these content options as long as the content is relevant and trending. Even the most mundane of industries can inspire content that is interesting and engaging. Promoting window screens? Show people how to grow seasonal flowers on the window sill, and remind them how important new screens are for keeping bees and other pests out of the house.
