There are a good number of content types out there. But, what’s the best approach for your audience? Knowing what material to produce often comes down to the research you’ve performed on your target audience. While not all consumers are the same, fresh ideas can always help reach new and engaged prospects. In addition, diversifying your content approach lets you cover more bases.
Consider there ten new types of content for your marketing calendar this year:
1. Trend Forecast Reports
Every business leader constantly asks themselves and their company, “what’s coming next?” Create content that leverages your expert opinion to share what trends they can expect for their specific industry or ways they’ll need to adapt based on their own company’s needs. This type of content positions you as both a leader and a solution to intended audiences.
2. Instagram Reels
In a recent video, Adam Mosseri, CEO of Instagram, shared that the platform is no longer focusing on photo content alone. Instead, their work and algorithm will emphasize four key areas: creators, video, shopping and messaging. Consider how this will, and should, affect your content. For example, instead of posting only static images, create dynamic content for Reels.
3. Facts and Stats
In business and for consumers, data is king. If you can prove it with a number from a reputable source, you’re likely to capture more attention. Sourcing and funding your own unbiased research and publishing your findings is an excellent opportunity to build audience trust and validate your message.
Think about running a relevant survey and crafting the results into an intriguing report.
4. Podcast Series
Thanks to streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, podcasts are here to stay—and they’re the perfect way to capture your audience’s attention (and speak to their general interests). The process of planning, scripting, recording and marketing your podcast is an exciting way to share your ideas on a broad platform.
5. Useful Checklists or Guidebooks
Not all content is meant to entertain; it should also be helpful or relevant to our intended audience. For example, if a company sells hiking backpacks, they might create a “Guide to Packing for a National Park Excursion” booklet. Not only will this attract potential consumers, but it can effectively create a space to showcase your product or services as a seamless part of that content type.
6. TikTok Content
Based on current projections, experts believe that TikTok will have roughly 88.7 million users, across 150 countries, by the end of 2024. In short, if your audience is on that app, you should be too. Brands are still trying to crack the code for how to go “viral” using paid and organic content, but as a rule of thumb, focus your energy on capitalizing on current trends while pushing out consistent content.
Learn more about tracking social media trends.
7. E-Books
Not all content needs to be short and sweet.Sometimes, a deep dive is exactly what your audience needs to engage with your brand. This type of content can be gated on a website or social platform as a mechanism to capture contact information for future conversions.
8. How-To Videos
When someone isn’t sure how to assemble a new product or wants a review on something they’ve yet to buy, consumers often turn to video. Depending on your company’s offering, consider producing a video series that shares valuable tips and tricks that will help close deals or create repeat customers.
For example, check out our explainer video that outlines how our data dashboard helps our clients.
9. Microsites
Have a unique idea but aren’t sure where to put it on your website? Microsites are the perfect solution to independent campaigns or activations that require more than a landing page. Microsites can be linked from your main website but are better able to capture audiences with their independent site and SEO structure.
10. Gamified Content
The types of content you create don’t always have to be read or listened to; sometimes, they can be played. Gamified content is a great way to get your intended audience invested in your ideas with an extra element of delight or fun. Often, these projects require a team of both content developers and technical developers to build the experience.
It’s Time to Expand Your Content Types
Whether you’re looking to capture a new audience or you’re trying to improve engagement with your current followers, take time to reevaluate the types of content you produce. Are they relevant? Are they interesting? Do they satisfy a consumer need or interest?
If you’re interested in learning more, reach out to the team at 10x digital to start the conversation on how diversifying content can impact your overall marketing approach.