Content Content Everywhere!

I read something wonderful today. “Content marketing is like a first date. If all you do is talk about yourself, there won’t be a second date.” (David Beebe, VP Global Creative and Content Marketing, Marriott Intl.) And how true is that. To imagine if a company’s blog only spoke about how great they are, and what wonderful people work in the company, and how amazing the products are, they aren’t really adding any value to the customer spending 5 or 10 minutes of his/her time reading that information.

Off late, I have been reading much. And writing much. And the more I read and write, the more I understand how important it is to write content that educates and is entertaining at the same time. There is just so much content out there. (And I’m doing exactly that right this minute. Writing… to share my thoughts with you.)

Having written a number of articles for a fashion blog recently, here is what I have learned:

1. People don’t want to read lengthy articles any more. Quick read listicles work better, unless you’re storytelling.
2. Photos or photo stories are more effective than articles.
3. Videos are even more effective.
4. Engage, engage, engage! Contests grab user attention faster than the speed of light.
5. Comments sections are a great way of finding the inspiration to your next article.

For every article I write now, I ask my self 2 questions.

1. Why am I writing an article on this topic?
2. Does it help me achieve the goal?

If it fits both criteria, I take a chance on it.

According to a research by Nielsen, recommendations from friends and family (translating into word-of-mouth marketing) holds the number 1 spot for advertising while user generated content (online reviews) is the 2nd most trusted. But companies are spending thousands of rupees (or dollars, for that matter) in creating content. So, with the sea of content available, and with the internet vesting its powers in everybody to write, what do you think the future of content marketing is?