Regularly updating your content marketing strategy isn’t just recommended, it’s necessary. The world of content marketing can be challenging, confusing, and frustrating. There are always emerging platforms to attract new customers, new trends in user behavior, and opportunities to be the first to use cutting-edge technology. The best content marketers aren't the ones who can churn out the same pieces over and over, but instead are the ones who can adapt their approach fluidly and flawlessly to the changing times. With 2016 comes new Google algorithm updates, shifts in social media, and much more. Here’s what you can do to stay ahead of the game this year:
An interesting piece of advice Google gave to us in the recently-released content standards was the need for expert writers. This is especially important in the healthcare, legal, and financial industries where the user’s wellbeing is at risk. While it’s not a big change, it is more important than ever. More and more businesses are getting into the content marketing arena and you need to stand out, both to users and to Google’s evaluators. Your content will have to be better, plain and simple.
Incorporate More Videos
Videos have taken massive leaps forward in the past few years as higher speed Internet became the norm and mobile screens become larger. Facebook and Twitter made waves in 2015 by introducing auto-playing videos in user newsfeeds, and Google is now following suit by introducing video ads in its search results. The video trend isn't actually a trend, it’s just how things will be from now on. To take advantage of it, start incorporating more videos into your content marketing strategy. They don't have to be hollywood-le
Write Real-Time Content Pieces
With platforms like Twitter Moments at your disposal, newsjacking has never been easier. Newsjacking is a marketing strategy where you inject your own ideas, and therefore brand name, into a breaking news story to reach people directly and generate name recognition. Essentially, it is capitalizing on the popularity of a news story to amplify your sales and marketing success. By regularly checking what topics are about to start trending and get out in front of it, you’ll already be established by the time the momentum really picks up.
The earlier you incorporate these considerations into your content marketing strategy, the further ahead of the competition you'll be when they catch on. The online competition is only going to get fiercer, so being the first to adapt in your industry to marketing and technology trends is crucial. Keep watch for more updates as they roll out, and we’ll keep you informed as well. If you aren’t sure what’s working and what isn’t in your content marketing strategy, start from the beginning. Download our free eBook The Beginner’s Guide to Inbound Marketing today.