Where next for content marketing?

With thousands of pieces of content being shared online each day, it’s clear that content marketing has become a mainstream strategy for both B2B and B2C. Most companies are utilising content marketing strategies to some degree but, like everything, there is always room for improvement.

Content marketing is built on the pillars of great listening, powerful communication, and skilled teaching. While the platforms on which we deliver content marketing are likely to change, these principles will always remain the same.

So, what can businesses do to stay ahead of the game when it comes to up and coming content marketing trends?

Personalisation

Personalisation is highly important for the future of content marketing. Without personalisation we are just spraying content around, hoping it’ll stick to someone. The future of content marketing relies on focusing the message on the individual. Personalisation is all about delivering relevant content to the individuals who needs it at the right time, when they want or need it. This content should also be in a language they prefer and optimised for the device of their choosing – not the one we imagine them using.

Big content

While every company has a story to tell, it’s vital for the future of content marketing for companies to tell better stories. Compelling content attracts customers; if your content is good, people with put their trust in you. Focus less on producing a lot of content and focus more on producing content of a higher quality.

The bar of what constitutes “good content” is likely to fall as the competition surrounding content marketing rises. Marketers need to be ahead of this curve by investing in “big content” and not getting too sidetracked by producing higher quantities of less valuable content.

Building real content is easier than you think. Of course, with many things, it involves time and effort. The biggest investment is time; “big content” cannot be created overnight. This doesn’t mean, however, that the concept has to be lengthy; it should be about “big” concepts.

It will get expensive

Like most industries, time is money, and good content takes time. Companies should invest in copywriting services – hiring experienced writers will mean that your content will be of a much higher standard. It will also be an intelligent move to invest in internet marketing companies that will be able to promote content on search engines and social networking sites.

“Big content” may prove a step too far for some, with some companies unable to invest adequately. For those dedicating suitable time and resources, however, achieving a competitive advantage will be worth the investment.

Google Authorship

Google Authorship is set to play a big role in content marketing. With Google Authorship, you can help improve rank while branding yourself as a respected writer in your field. If you’ve written something that you’re proud of, let everyone see the face behind it. By linking your online work to your Google+ profile, Google Authorship verifies you as the author. This will enable your Google+ image to appear beside search results where you’re the author, adding gravitas to the content you produce.