If you’re like most digital marketers, you’re always on the lookout for the latest trends and best practices. And when it comes to content marketing, there’s a lot of noise out there.
But here’s the thing: despite all the changes and challenges, content is still king. In fact, it’s more important than ever.
Why? Because in a world where consumers are bombarded with marketing messages, content is the best way to cut through the noise and connect with your audience.
And when it comes to creating great content, there are some tried-and-true principles that still apply. Here are 10 of them:
1. Write for your audience, not for Google
Google’s algorithms are always changing, so it’s impossible to game the system. Instead, focus on creating useful, relevant content that your audience will appreciate.
2. Keep it fresh
Stale content is a turn-off for both humans and search engines. Make sure your website and blog are regularly updated with fresh, original content.
3. Make it visual
People are visual creatures, so incorporating images, infographics, and videos into your content will help capture attention and improve engagement.
4. Keep it short and sweet
In our fast-paced, attention-deficient world, people don’t have the time or patience to read long-winded articles. Keep your content concise and to the point.
5. Make it scannable
Most people don’t read online content word for word. They scan it, looking for key points. So make sure your content is easy to scan by using short paragraphs, subheadings, and bullet points.
6. Write headlines that pack a punch
You have a split second to capture someone’s attention with your headline, so make it count. Write headlines that are clear, interesting, and make use of powerful words like “you,” “free,” and “now.”
7. Use social media wisely
Social media is a great way to share your content and connect with potential customers. But be strategic about it. Don’t just post random links to your website; share interesting, valuable content that will help you build relationships and establish your brand.
8. Pay attention to SEO
SEO is still important, but it’s not the be-all and end-all of content marketing. Yes, you need to use keywords and optimize your website for search engines. But more importantly, you need to create quality content that people will actually want to read.
9. Make it shareable
If you want your content to go viral, make it easy for people to share it. Include social media buttons on your website and in your email newsletters. And make sure your content is interesting, valuable, and relevant to your audience.
10. Measure your results
Finally, don’t forget to measure the success of your content marketing efforts. Track things like pageviews, social media shares, and email sign-ups. This will help you fine-tune your strategy and make sure you’re putting your time and energy into the right activities.
There are many types of content needed depending on what stages of the customer journeys we want to create content for.
Conclusion
Content is still king in digital marketing. But to succeed, you need to create quality content that’s interesting, relevant, and shareable. So keep these 10 principles in mind as you plan and create your content for the year ahead.