When it comes to inbound marketing, there are many different types of content to leverage—the tricky question is, which content marketing examples should you use? All these choices can make things pretty stressful. What should you use? When should you use it? How long should it be? What should result from a visitor viewing it? To get rid of this confusion, we’ve created a quick guide sharing content marketing examples.
Blog Posts
A blog post is an article that contains the writer’s own opinions and observations, written in a conversational tone. When used in inbound marketing, the conversation is backed up by informative and relevant research, but still written in that conversational tone.
Inbound Methodology Stage: Attract
Best Used For: Driving the right kind of traffic that is valuable to your business by catering to the viewers you want with relevant content
Expected Outcome: Converting strangers to visitors
Length: HubSpot suggests 600-800 words
Picture from Wikimedia Commons
eBooks
An eBook is an online book that goes in-depth on a certain topic. eBooks are usually free for consumers to download; they are also linked with a CTA at the bottom of blog posts.
Inbound Methodology Stage: Convert
Best Used For: Getting the visitor to take that next step to be more involved with the company
Expected Outcome: Converting traffic into leads
Length: No set minimum or maximum but should be at least a few pages
Picture from Pixabay
Social Media Posts
Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook are great ways to connect with consumers on a personal level. These platforms allow you to publish original content and interact with consumers by asking and answering questions.
Inbound Methodology Stage: Attract
Best Used For: Connecting with consumers in their everyday lives by posting relevant and interesting content
Expected Outcome: Converting strangers to visitors
Length: Depends on the platform; optimize the length of your social media post
Picture from Pixabay
Landing Pages
A landing page is a web page that gives the viewer some type of offer in exchange for a little bit of information. The offer could be an eBook, free trial, coupon, etc. In return, they can provide you with a name and email address. You can then take this information and use it during the “close” stage.
Inbound Methodology Stage: Convert
Best Used For: Gathering consumer information while getting them to make that next step after being initially exposed
Expected Outcome: Converting traffic into leads
Length: One page; keep important information above the fold
Picture from Flickr
Calls-to-Action (CTA)
A call-to-action is an engaging button usually placed on your website and at the bottom of blogs. The CTA gives the viewer clear instruction on what he or she will get once they click on it.
Inbound Methodology Stage: Convert
Best Used For: Allowing you to track how well your landing page and offer is doing with consumers as well as communicating what you want the consumer to do
Expected Outcome: Converting traffic into leads
Length: Only a few words and must include an action verb, i.e. download or start
Picture from Pixabay
Marketing Emails
Marketing emails are a great way to nurture leads. Send leads personal emails with relevant and useful content in order to build trust. You can also send customers marketing emails that share relevant content in order to keep them satisfied.
Inbound Methodology Stage: Close
Best Used For: Giving the lead that extra nudge to become a customer
Expected Outcome: Converting leads into customers
Length: Max of 750 words
Picture from Wikimedia Commons
Surveys
A survey is a list of questions given to consumers as a way to follow up with them. This allows you to find out what they thought about a product or experience.
Inbound Methodology Stage: Delight
Best Used For: Finding out the customers’ opinions and using their feedback to figure out what’s working and what’s not
Expected Outcome: Converting customers into promoters
Length: Around 10 questions; no more than 5 minutes to take
Picture from Flickr
Each of these seven content marketing examples can be useful in different scenarios. Take a look at your buyer personas, determine which stage of the buyer’s journey your customers are in, and share content that will help get them to the next stage. Remember: content is king. Make sure you’re sharing the right stuff.
Topics: marketing