With 2018 almost here, we should all be thinking about our content strategy to ensure a positive start to the new year.
Standing out as a brand relies on producing meaningful and memorable content.
Content comes in many forms and utilises many platforms, ranging from video, blogs, brochures, articles and social media posts to something as simple as the wording on your business card.
What your content says, and how it is presented, are vital for your business.
Here are our top three content tips for the New Year:
1. Reach out: look beyond organic
Organic reach is the total number of unique people shown your post through unpaid distribution methods.
In 2017, we were warned that organic reach on social media platforms was dwindling. Statistics revealed only 2-3 per cent of your followers actually see your post.
Analysts are now warning that organic reach -- particularly on Facebook -- could fall even further in 2018. So now is the time to start planning and investing a portion of your yearly budget into boosting social media posts.
Boost your posts both to be seen and to gain enough reach that will convert into leads, thus avoiding too much of your great content going to waste.
The stats back this up. According to GlobalWebindex’s study of 50,000 internet users aged 16-64, almost every internet user can now be reached via social media.
In the world of social media, reach equals audience, audience equals reaction, and reaction equals brand recognition.
The task at hand is getting your content in front your audience. Looking beyond organic reach is a good place to start.
2. Film stars: the value of video
If you haven’t already begun creating videos for your brand, then 2018 is the time to do so.
To keep up with demand by social users, it is imperative to produce video content that (a) your audience will watch and (b) that also encourages their engagement.
According to Hootsuite’s Social Media Trends 2018 report, 46 per cent of respondents to its annual survey say they’ve already implemented social videos. Another 26 per cent plan to implement in 2018. Hootsuite also reports that in 2017, social video advertising spending leapt 130 per cent year on year.
The good news is that you don’t need to break your budget to produce social video. There are many tools and templates available online that make this process cost-effective and time-efficient.
3. Ad add-ons: content with more
The ongoing rise of ad blocking is a warning for brands to complement their advertising to customers with genuine audience engagement.
The best way to do this is through genuine content. People want to be sure they are receiving more than just a product or particular service. In fact, they are demanding it, so it’s a good idea to think about ways of adding value for your customers.
Content marketing works brilliantly in this regard. The ability to create genuine branded editorial content across a range of channels is a huge benefit for businesses.