Now that we are in the New Year, many brands are naturally focused on business topics, such as operations, budgeting, and business development. While these are certainly important areas, it is also vital to ensure that you do not overlook developing a comprehensive marketing strategy. According to the Content Marketing Institute, 70 percent of marketers are now producing more content than they were last year. Consequently, content marketing has become much more competitive, and the demand for quality content is increasing. In light of such increased competition, it has now become more important than ever for brands to ensure they are ahead of the curve when it comes to the trends that will shape content marketing over the course of the next several months.
Establishing Credibility
It has long been recognized that regularly publishing quality content is crucial to establishing your brand as an industry and thought leader. In turn, this can also lead to increased trust from your target audience. This year, the focus on establishing credibility will be even more important. According to Marketing Profs, 74 percent of web surfers have a tendency to trust non-salesy content. The study conducted by Marketing Profs also found that businesses can easily lose that trust by mentioning a product in a post that is otherwise valuable, objective, and compelling. What can you do to ensure that you establish credibility and keep it? Begin by thinking more like a journalist than a marketer. Back that up by checking and double-checking your facts. Marketing Profs further found that 46 percent of online readers will not trust content if it cannot be corroborated. Furthermore, 57 percent of users will trust content more if named sources are included. Finally, make your content transparent by making it shareable.
Use of Infographics
Are you using infographics as part of your content marketing strategy? Infographics provides an effective method for attracting prospective customers as well as capturing leads. Furthermore, infographics are inherently shareable, particularly when posted to sites such as Facebook and Pinterest, providing even more opportunities for exposure. Infographics also tend to appeal more strongly to visual learners. The Financial Brand reports that 40 percent of consumers respond better when information is present visually than with just text. If you are not already taking advantage of infographics, make them part of your content marketing plan for 2015. Infographics can be used in a variety of ways, including product selection guides, how-to guides, and entertainment. Not sure how to design an infographic? You do not need a degree in graphics to get started, just a helpful tool, such as Gliffy, which is particularly good for creating infographics when you do not have a lot of experience.
Increased Focus on Multimedia in Content Marketing
Over the next several months, brands will likely see an increased focus on the use of videos and podcasts as part of their content marketing plans. Consumers enjoy watching videos online. Now that it is easier than ever for even small businesses to produce videos, there is no reason not to include it as part of your content marketing plan. Business2Community reports that 73 percent of marketers will use video as part of their content marketing plans. Furthermore, 7 percent of marketers plan to increase their marketing on YouTube.
There will also be an increased focus on podcasts. Business2Community further found that 23 percent of marketers also plan to increase podcasting. Considering that podcasts tend to appeal to individuals who prefer to listen rather than to read, and that it is easier to share podcast links on social media, it makes sense why so many brands are increasingly making podcasting a part of their content marketing plans. The best way to implement a podcast into your content marketing plan is to regularly release them, and to ensure that they contain valuable and helpful information. While podcasts do require a commitment, when handled correctly, they offer an excellent avenue for building lasting relationships.
As content marketing becomes increasingly important, marketers in all industries will need to make sure they stay ahead of the trends in order to remain competitive.
The post Content Marketing Tips You Cannot Miss for 2015 appeared first on Launch & Hustle.