Content Marketing Trends to Watch in 2019

The new year has only just begun, but it’s time to get serious about your content marketing strategies and how to improve them for 2019. Content is the core of our digital and social media marketing, and with Google explicitly stating that good, quality content is the way to advance your online visibility, there’s no better time to connect with your audience than through the written word or video content.

Original and relevant content

Clickbait has finally died a long, overdue death. No longer do we have to be subjected to “And you’ll never guess what happened next!” type of content.

78% of consumers say personally relevant content increases their purchase intent (source), meaning original, relevant and transparent content that is curated with the customer in mind is a must for 2019. Marketers cannot simply copy viral headlines; rather they have to write real content to solve your customers’ problems.

Micro-influencers

We’re all familiar with influencers with a large social media following and popular blog. Being a social media influencer or brand ambassador can be a fruitful marketing method, but that doesn’t mean your business has to try and hire the Kardashians or Hadid sisters.

Micro-influencers are much like usual influencers, but rather than have, for instance, 250K followers will have 12,000. By stepping back and reaching out to lesser-known influencers, your marketing expenses will lessen, and you’ll have better engagement rates. The followers of a micro-influencer usually means that they are more engaged and trusting.

Work with micro-influencers and write co-created content with them. Ask them to post the content on their blog and link to the piece in their social media profiles.

Image source: medium.com

Expand to audio content

According to ofcom.org.uk, the number of podcast listeners has dramatically increased over the last five years, from 3.2m in 2013 to 5.9m in 2018. What is the reason for this podcast boom?

It is believed that people are using podcasts to complement their radio habits. With podcast apps and iTunes, as well as the rise in smartphone and tablet use, people are plugging in and listening to a variety of podcasts. The most popular podcasts include Serial, This American Life and S-Town.

The podcast boom means businesses can entice their customers and clients with discussions on what’s new in your industry, how-to’s or general discussions where you answer the most common questions.

Embrace live video

Although marketers have been somewhat sheepish with live video, live video is predicted to hit its stride in 2019. Test the waters by starting small: film behind the scenes coverage of an event you’re part of, or interview someone important within your industry. You can even conduct a product demonstration, an FAQ session or give a tour of the office – whatever will give you higher engagement rates. Shoppers love to feel connected with a brand.

Educational content

Educational content about specific products and services will create a better understanding as to why someone needs what your business is offering. By informing their customers, they can feel well-informed and in control of their better judgement.

Be consistent with your educational content; for instance, a gym can create short and informative videos on certain exercises that target specific areas of their body. By uploading content every other Monday, people will know when to tune in and what to include in their routine.

Content creation isn’t easy, especially if you do not have a content marketing strategy in place. You must be consistent, informative and engaging; anything less so, and you run the risk of producing sub-par copy that doesn’t reach your company goals. When it comes to creating educational and original content, our account managers, technical team and team of content writers will endeavour to craft content that’s fit for your business. Contact us for more information.