Choosing the right content for your business can be tricky with so many options to consider. From blogs to videos, infographics to social media posts, it’s hard to know what will make your brand stand out. But getting it right is important.

When your content is well-planned, it can really pay off. Businesses that nail their content strategy see more pages indexed by search engines and attract more links back to their site.

In this article, we’ll break down 14 different types of content marketing that can help your business shine. Let’s get started!

What is Content Marketing?

Content marketing is when a business creates and shares useful information to attract and engage people. It is an inbound marketing strategy. Instead of just trying to sell something with ads, content marketing helps build trust by giving people helpful or interesting content. This way, people see the business as a valuable resource and are more likely to come back.

14 Types of Content Marketing Methods to Elevate Your Brand

There are over 100 types of content marketing methods out there. It can be overwhelming to choose which ones to use. So, we’ll focus on the 14 most effective types. These are the ones that really engage and convert audiences.

1. Blog Posts

Blog posts are the heart of many successful content strategies. They are articles, guides, or updates published on your website, offering valuable information to your audience.

• Why They Work: Blog posts are powerful for several reasons. They attract visitors through search engines, position you as an expert in your field, and nurture leads by providing helpful content. In fact, businesses with blogs receive significantly more website traffic than those without.
• Variety is Key: Blog posts come in all shapes and sizes! You can create how-to guides, listicles, industry news roundups, personal stories, and more. Take the HubSpot Marketing Blog, for example. They cover a wide range of inbound marketing topics, attracting a large audience and establishing themselves as thought leaders.

Pro Tip: Make your blog posts scannable! Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and images to make them easy to read.

2. Videos: Show, Don’t Just Tell

Videos are content marketing powerhouses. They grab attention, simplify complex ideas, and forge emotional connections more effectively than text alone. No wonder 91% of businesses use video in their marketing!

• Engagement Boost: Videos are highly engaging, especially on platforms like YouTube, where over 500 hours of video are uploaded every minute.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Product demos bring your offerings to life, while brand story videos make your company relatable and build trust.
• Viral Potential: Remember the Dollar Shave Club launch video? It went viral with its humor and clear message, proving the power of video to attract customers.

By incorporating videos into your content mix, you can create a more engaging and memorable experience for your audience.

3. Infographics

Remember those times you struggled to stay awake during a data-heavy presentation? Yeah, me too. But what if I told you there’s a way to make information fun, engaging, and even pretty? Enter: Infographics!

Why Infographics Rock:

• They’re Visual Storytelling Superstars: Think of infographics as the cool kids in school—everyone wants to be around them! Our brains just love visuals. They process images way faster than text, which means infographics help your audience grasp information quickly and remember it longer.
• Complexity? Not a Problem: Let’s face it, some topics can be a bit, well, dry. Infographics swoop in to save the day by breaking down complex ideas into bite-sized pieces using charts, graphs, icons, and other visual treats.
• Sharing is Caring (and Good for Business!): Infographics are basically designed to go viral. Their eye-catching visuals make people want to share them on social media, websites, and beyond. Free marketing? Yes, please!

Infographic Inspiration to Steal:

• Statistical Showstoppers: Imagine showing your audience the mind-blowing amount of pizza consumed every year (spoiler alert: it’s a lot!) with a fun and colorful infographic. Or, picture a chart comparing the caffeine levels in different drinks—guaranteed to wake up your audience!
• Timeline Triumphs: Take your readers on a visual journey through time! You could showcase the evolution of your company from a garage startup to industry leader or highlight the key moments in a historical event.
• Flowchart Fun: Ever tried to explain a complicated process to someone, and their eyes just glazed over? Flowcharts to the rescue! Use them to guide your audience through things like starting a blog, choosing the perfect vacation destination, or even making the perfect cup of coffee.

Viral Eye Candy:

“The World’s Most Spoken Languages” by South China Morning Post: Ever wondered which languages are spoken by the most people on Earth? This colorful infographic answers that question and many more, taking readers on a fascinating visual tour of global languages.

Source:multimedia.scmp.com

4. Ebooks & White Papers

Ebooks and white papers are great tools for sharing detailed information. They help educate your audience on specific topics. These long-form pieces also show your expertise and build trust with your readers. Plus, they are excellent for gathering leads. Often, people need to provide their contact details to download them, which helps you grow your email list.

Examples:

• Ebooks: These are like digital books that dive deep into a subject. For example, “The Ultimate Guide to SEO” can teach readers everything they need to know about optimizing their website for search engines.
• White Papers: These documents focus on solving specific problems. For instance, a white paper on “The Impact of AI on Marketing” might explore how artificial intelligence is changing the marketing world.

Example of Successful Use:

A great example is Adobe’s white paper on “Digital Trends.” This comprehensive report provides insights into the latest digital marketing trends, backed by data and expert analysis. It has become a valuable resource for marketers looking to stay ahead of the curve and has helped Adobe establish authority in the field.

Why Include Ebooks & White Papers:

Including ebooks and white papers in your strategy helps establish your brand as a thought leader. They provide in-depth content that can attract and educate potential customers. This makes people more likely to trust and choose your brand. Plus, they’re great for collecting high-quality leads and guiding them through the buying process.

5. Social Media Posts

Social media posts are those quick updates you share on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn. They’re your digital front porch, where you can connect with people instantly, build your brand’s reputation, and guide folks to your website.

Why it matters:

• Real-time connections with your audience
• Wider reach for your message
• Boosts your brand’s visibility
• Opens the door for customer interaction

What to do:

• Encourage interaction with polls, quizzes, contests, and live Q&As.
• Share what your customers create.
• Use eye-catching visuals.
• Pay attention to what people are saying.
• Consider paid advertising to expand your reach.
• Keep your posts consistent and on-brand.
• Track what’s working and adjust your strategy.

Wendy’s is a great example of how to capture your audience on social media using a humorous approach. Stay tuned and check out our in-depth case study on Wendy’s.

Social media is your chance to build relationships, create buzz, and drive results. Let’s make it happen.

6. Case Studies

Case studies are like show-and-tell for your business. They’re where you prove your stuff actually works. You’re not just bragging; you’re showing how you helped real people solve real problems.

Why they matter:

• Builds trust: Seeing is believing.
• Shows results: Numbers don’t lie.
• Converts prospects: Real stories persuade better than claims.

Case studies help potential customers see the value of your product or service through real-life examples. They provide proof that your solutions are effective. 

7. Webinars & Live Streams

Webinars and live streams let you interact with your audience in real-time. They are great for sharing in-depth information and answering questions directly. This helps build a strong sense of community and trust.

Examples:

• Educational Webinars: Teach your audience about industry trends or how-to guides. For example, a marketing agency might host a webinar on “Effective SEO Strategies for 2024.”
• Live Product Demonstrations: Show your product in action. Explain its features and benefits live. This helps people see the value of your product.
• Q&A Sessions: Answer your audience’s questions in real time. This shows you are approachable and ready to help.

Example of Successful Use: Shopify uses webinars to help their users learn about e-commerce. They cover topics like “How to Set Up Your Online Store” and “Tips for Boosting Sales.” These webinars are popular and help build a loyal community.

Why Include Webinars & Live Streams: Webinars and live streams let you connect deeply with your audience. They provide a platform to share knowledge and show your expertise. Including them in your content strategy can boost your brand’s credibility, engage your audience, and drive more conversions.

8. Podcasts

Podcasts are a great way to engage niche audiences. They are easy to consume, allowing people to listen while driving, exercising, or doing chores. This convenience helps you reach a busy audience that might not have time to read or watch videos.

Examples:

• Interviews: Talk to industry experts or influencers. For example, a marketing podcast might feature interviews with top marketers sharing their best tips and strategies.
• Industry Discussions: Cover trends and news in your field. This keeps your audience informed and positions your brand as a thought leader. For instance, a tech podcast might discuss the latest advancements in AI and their impact on various industries.

Example of Successful Use: The “How I Built This” podcast by NPR is a great example. It features interviews with entrepreneurs and innovators, sharing their stories of success and failure. The podcast is popular because it offers valuable insights and inspiration to its listeners.

Why Include Podcasts: Podcasts help you connect with your audience in a personal and engaging way. They are perfect for sharing detailed information and stories. Including podcasts in your content strategy can help you reach a wider audience, build strong relationships, and establish your brand as an authority in your industry.

9. Newsletters & Email Campaigns

Newsletters and email campaigns keep your audience informed. They offer a direct way to share updates, promotions, and helpful content. This builds strong relationships with your subscribers.

Examples:

• Newsletters: Send regular updates about your business. Share industry news or helpful tips. For example, a monthly newsletter might include articles, upcoming events, and product updates.
• Email Campaigns: Target specific groups with tailored messages. For instance, a retailer could send special promotions to frequent shoppers or welcome emails to new subscribers.

Example of Successful Use:

Airbnb is a great example. They send personalized travel recommendations based on users’ past searches and bookings. This keeps subscribers engaged and more likely to book again. Another example is The New York Times’ newsletters. They provide a mix of top stories, opinion pieces, and curated content. This keeps readers informed and coming back for more.

Why Include Newsletters & Email Campaigns:

Newsletters and email campaigns help you stay in touch with your audience. They allow you to share valuable content and promotions directly. Including these in your content strategy helps build loyalty and drive conversions.

10. User-Generated Content & Testimonials

User-generated content (UGC) and testimonials build trust. They show real people using your products. This type of content creates a strong community around your brand.

Examples:

• User-Generated Content: Ask customers to share photos, videos, and stories using your products. GoPro often features videos shot by users, showing what their cameras can do.
• Testimonials: Share positive feedback from happy customers. This can be written reviews, video testimonials, or social media posts. Amazon shows customer reviews on product pages to help new buyers.

Example of Successful Use:

Starbucks has a campaign called #RedCupContest. They ask customers to share photos of their holiday cups. This engages their audience and gives Starbucks lots of free, authentic content. Slack also highlights customer testimonials on its website, showing how businesses use Slack to improve communication.

Why Include User-Generated Content & Testimonials:

UGC and testimonials add credibility. They show that real people love your products. Including this content in your strategy builds trust and community. It also provides fresh, authentic content with little effort from your side.

11. Memes

Memes are fun and highly shareable. They can quickly engage your audience and create a sense of community. Memes are also great for showing your brand’s personality and staying relevant with current trends.

Examples:

• Humor and Relatability: Create memes that relate to your audience’s daily experiences. For example, a coffee shop might share a meme about the struggles of waking up without coffee.
• Product Promotion: Use memes to highlight your products in a funny and engaging way. For instance, an office supply company could create a meme about the importance of having a good chair at work.

Example of Successful Use:

Old Spice has successfully used memes in its marketing campaigns. Their humorous and quirky memes resonate with a younger audience, making their brand memorable and shareable.

Another example is Wendy’s, which often uses memes on Twitter to engage with their followers and create a fun brand image.

Why Include Memes:

Memes can boost your brand’s visibility and engagement. They are easy to create and can go viral quickly. Including memes in your content strategy helps you connect with your audience in a lighthearted and relatable way.

12. Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing uses the trust and reach of popular people. It quickly boosts your brand’s visibility. Influencers have loyal followers who trust their opinions. This makes their endorsements powerful.

Examples:

• Product Reviews: Work with influencers to review your products. For example, a beauty brand might send new makeup to popular makeup artists. They review and share it with their followers.
• Sponsored Posts: Pay influencers to create content with your products. For instance, a fitness brand could have a fitness influencer post about using their workout gear.

Example of Successful Use:

Daniel Wellington, a watch company, grew quickly through influencer marketing. They send watches to influencers worldwide and ask them to post photos wearing them. This strategy has helped them reach millions of potential customers. Gymshark also partners with fitness influencers. They showcase Gymshark’s athletic wear, leading to more brand awareness and sales.

Why Include Influencer Marketing:

Influencer marketing can expand your reach and build trust fast. Influencers already have their audience’s attention. Their endorsements can lead to higher engagement and sales. Adding influencer marketing to your strategy helps you reach new audiences and build credibility through trusted voices.

13. Microcontent

Microcontent is short and easy to digest. It grabs attention quickly and is perfect for social media. This type of content can boost engagement and drive traffic to your main content.

Examples:

• Short Videos: Create quick, engaging videos for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. These videos can highlight product features, share tips, or entertain your audience.
• Quotes: Share memorable quotes related to your industry. For example, a motivational speaker might post daily quotes to inspire followers.
• Tips and Tricks: Provide quick tips related to your product or service. A skincare brand could share daily skincare tips to help their audience.

Example of Successful Use:

Many brands use TikTok to create engaging microcontent. For instance, Chipotle shares fun and creative videos that highlight their food and connect with a younger audience. These short clips boost engagement and drive traffic to their main content. Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are also popular for sharing quick, impactful videos. Brands like Red Bull use these platforms to post exciting, action-packed clips that capture attention and encourage sharing.

Why Include Microcontent:

Microcontent is quick to create and easy to share. It grabs attention and engages your audience in seconds. Including microcontent in your strategy helps you stay active on social media and keep your audience engaged with minimal effort.

14. Visual Stories

Visual stories are engaging and memorable. They mix images, videos, and text to tell a compelling story. This format grabs attention and conveys messages quickly.

Examples:

• Instagram Stories: Share behind-the-scenes content, product launches, or daily updates. A fashion brand might show new collections or styling tips.
• Snapchat Stories: Create fun and interactive stories that show your brand’s personality. A travel company could share beautiful destinations and travel tips.
• Facebook Stories: Post quick updates, polls, or user-generated content. A restaurant might share daily specials or customer reviews.
• Web Stories: These are full-screen stories for the web that combine videos, images, and text. A news site could use web stories to share breaking news in an interactive format.

Example of Successful Use:

National Geographic uses Instagram Stories to share stunning visuals and engaging tales from around the world. Their stories include amazing photos, short videos, and interesting facts that captivate their audience. Airbnb also uses visual stories to showcase unique travel experiences and properties. These stories inspire viewers and drive engagement. On the web, Google Web Stories allow publishers like CNN and Forbes to create visually rich stories that engage readers in a new way.

Why Include Visual Stories:

Visual stories quickly capture your audience’s attention. They are easy to create and share, making them perfect for social media and the web. Adding visual stories to your content strategy helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level and keeps them engaged with your brand.

Implementing Your Content Strategy: Tailoring Content to the Customer Journey

We’ve covered 14 of the most popular types of Content Marketing Methods – everything from blog posts and videos to ebooks and social media updates. Now, let’s talk about how to actually put these different pieces into a strategy that works for you.

Think Like Your Customer: The Content Journey

To really make your content shine, you need to think like your customer. Imagine their journey – from the moment they first realize they have a problem or need, all the way to making a decision and becoming a loyal fan. This journey usually has three main stages(for more details read this article-seo funnel):

1. “Hey, I Have a Problem!” – The Awareness Stage (Top of the Funnel – TOFU)

Think of this as the “discovery” phase. Your potential customers are just starting to realize they have a problem or need. Maybe their kitchen sink is clogged, or they’re struggling to get more followers on Instagram. Your goal here is to grab their attention and show them you understand their pain points.

• What to Create: Think helpful blog posts like “5 Easy Ways to Unclog Your Sink” or “The Beginner’s Guide to Instagram Marketing.” Infographics are great for this stage too, as they can quickly explain complex topics in a visually appealing way. And don’t forget social media – share engaging content that will catch their eye and make them want to learn more.

2. “Hmm, Let’s Explore Options” – The Consideration Stage (Middle of the Funnel – MOFU)

Now, your potential customers are actively looking for solutions. They’re comparing different products and services, trying to figure out what’s best for them. This is your chance to show them why you’re the perfect fit.

• What to Create: Dive deeper with ebooks and white papers that offer valuable insights and demonstrate your expertise. Webinars and live streams are also great for connecting with potential customers in real-time and answering their questions. And don’t forget the power of case studies – real-world examples of how you’ve helped others can be incredibly persuasive.

3. “Okay, Let’s Do This!” – The Decision Stage (Bottom of the Funnel – BOFU)

This is the moment of truth. Your potential customers are ready to make a decision, and you need to give them that final nudge.

• What to Create: Testimonials and user-generated content can be incredibly powerful here, as they show real people raving about your product or service. Product demos can also be very effective, as they allow potential customers to see your product in action. And if you’ve partnered with any influencers, now’s the time to leverage their credibility and reach.

Creating a Winning Mix: Your Content Strategy

You’ll want to use a variety of content types to keep your audience engaged and cater to their different needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you.

Remember, Great Content Attracts Backlinks (and Customers!)

High-quality, valuable content not only attracts more customers, but it also earns valuable backlinks. When other websites link to your content, it boosts your credibility and helps you reach a wider audience.

Ready, Set, Create!

Now that you understand the customer journey and how different types of content fit into each stage, you’re ready to start crafting your own content strategy. Focus on providing value at every step of the way, and you’ll see amazing results. Happy content creation!

Case Studies: How Top Brands Use Different Types Of Content To Win

We’ve explored various types of content marketing methods and how to use them. Now, let’s learn from the best. This section looks at the winning strategies of three content marketing champions: Wendy’s, GoPro, and Red Bull.

• Wendy’s: Master of social media, using witty posts to create viral marketing.
• GoPro: Building a loyal community through user-generated content.
• Red Bull: Captivating audiences with high-energy videos and extreme sports narratives.

By studying their approaches and results, we’ll uncover lessons you can apply to your own content marketing. Get ready to be inspired!

Case Study 1: Wendy’s Social Media Strategy

Wendy’s is a fast-food chain known for its playful and irreverent brand personality, targeting a younger audience through its witty and engaging social media presence.

Strategy:

1. Humor and Sarcasm: Wendy’s uses humor and sarcasm in tweets to engage followers. For example, their humorous roast sessions and witty responses to other brands.
2. Trending Topics: They leverage trending topics and memes to stay relevant and capture attention. This includes participating in popular internet challenges and responding to current events.
3. Real-Time Engagement: Wendy’s responds quickly and cleverly to customer interactions, often turning these exchanges into viral content.

Results:

• Increase in Followers: Wendy’s social media following has seen significant growth due to their engaging content.
• Engagement Rate: Their engagement rates are notably higher compared to industry averages, showcasing the effectiveness of their strategy.
• Website Traffic: Social media activities have driven increased traffic to their website, contributing to higher brand visibility.

Takeaways:

1. Embrace Your Brand Personality: Be bold and authentic to create a unique voice.
2. Stay Relevant and Timely: Engage with trending topics to capture your audience’s attention.

Prioritize Customer Interaction: Respond promptly and authentically to build strong relationships.

Yeah just woke up from a nap you?

— Wendy’s (@Wendys) August 4, 2024

By analyzing Wendy’s approach, brands can learn how to effectively use humor, engage with trending topics, and interact in real-time to build a strong social media presence.

Case Study 2: GoPro’s User-Generated Content (UGC)

GoPro targets action sports and adventure lovers, using their products to create stunning visual content.

Strategy:

1. Contests and Challenges: GoPro hosts events like the Million Dollar Challenge. This motivates users to make and share videos.
2. Influencer Partnerships: They work with influencers to show off their products.
3. GoPro Awards Program: This program rewards the best user-generated content with cash prizes.

Results:

• UGC Submissions: Over 42,000 videos for the Million Dollar Challenge.
• Social Media Mentions: A big jump in brand mentions and hashtags.
• Brand Awareness Growth: Studies show UGC boosts brand awareness.

Takeaways:

1. Empower Customers: Encourage them to create and share content.
2. Incentivize Participation: Offer rewards for top-notch UGC.

Build a Community: Provide a platform for users to connect and share their experiences.

By studying GoPro’s approach, brands can see the value of user-generated content in building a community and boosting engagement and brand visibility.

Case Study 3: Red Bull’s Video Marketing Strategy

Red Bull is famous for its video marketing, especially on YouTube. Their product is an energy drink, and their tagline is “Red Bull gives you wings.” They focus on extreme sports and adventure to captivate their audience.

Strategy:

1. High-Quality Videos: Red Bull creates stunning videos of extreme sports.
2. Storytelling: Each video tells an engaging story.
3. Consistent Content: They regularly upload new videos.
4. Collaborations: Red Bull partners with top athletes and influencers.

Results:

• Subscriber Growth: Red Bull’s YouTube channel has millions of subscribers.
• High Engagement: Their videos get many likes, comments, and shares.
• Increased Brand Awareness: Their video marketing boosts brand visibility.

Personal Insights: Red Bull uses video marketing to embody their brand’s adventurous spirit. They don’t just sell an energy drink; they sell an exhilarating lifestyle. Their videos often feature extreme sports, capturing breathtaking moments that resonate with their audience. This approach not only entertains but also strengthens their brand identity.

Takeaways:

1. Produce High-Quality Content: Invest in professional production.
2. Tell a Story: Engage viewers with compelling narratives.
3. Be Consistent: Upload new content regularly.

Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with popular figures to reach more people.

By studying Red Bull’s approach, brands can learn to use video marketing to captivate their audience, boost engagement, and increase brand awareness.

Lessons Learned from Case Studies

Successful brands use a mix of content types to keep engagement high and reach different audiences. Wendy’s uses humor on social media, GoPro leverages user-generated content, and Red Bull excels with videos. Here’s what we can learn:

• Tell a Story: Wendy’s witty tweets, GoPro’s user adventures, and Red Bull’s thrilling sports narratives show the power of storytelling.
• Build Emotional Connections: Content should reflect your brand’s values. Involve your audience emotionally to build trust and loyalty.
• Engage Consistently: Regular, high-quality content maintains engagement. Be consistent with your posting schedule.
• Leverage Influencers and UGC: Authentic content from influencers and users builds credibility.
• Adapt and Stay Relevant: Be flexible and responsive to trends. Adapt your strategy to stay relevant.

Using various types of content marketing is essential. Different formats resonate with different segments of your audience. By telling a story, building emotional connections, and staying consistent, you create content that truly engages and drives results.

Conclusion

We’ve explored various types of content marketing and seen how top brands like Wendy’s, GoPro, and Red Bull use them to succeed. These brands highlight the power of storytelling, emotional connections, and consistency. They also show the importance of using different content types to engage various audience segments.

Good content naturally attracts links and shares. However, in today’s competitive world, you often need an extra boost. Our link-building and local citation services can help increase your visibility and authority. Ready to elevate your brand? Contact us today!

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