How To Exploit Future-Facing Content Marketing Trends

Content Marketing Trends

As the world becomes more digitally connected, businesses must find new and innovative ways to engage their audiences with content marketing.

However, content marketing is an ever-evolving field, and staying up to date with the latest trends is crucial for success.

In this blog post, we will explore the top content marketing trends to watch going forward. From personalization to influencer marketing and AI-powered content creation and analysis, we’ll take a closer look at the strategies that are likely to shape the future of content marketing. 

By staying ahead of the curve and embracing these trends, businesses can create more effective content marketing strategies that resonate with their target audience, improve brand awareness, and drive conversions.

So, let’s dive in and explore the top content marketing trends to watch and smartly exploit going forward.

This post is part of a cluster related to “Content Marketing: The Practical Guide For Brand Owners.”

Contents ...

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Where is content marketing headed? How can you stay apace?

Content marketing is heading towards a more personalized, authentic, and interactive approach. With increasing online content, businesses must create content that stands out and resonates with their target audience.

Personalization is one of the key trends driving content marketing, as businesses use data and insights to create more tailored and relevant content. By understanding their customers’ interests, preferences, and behavior, companies can create content that meets their needs and provides a more personalized experience.

Another trend driving content marketing is authenticity. Consumers today are more discerning than ever, and they want to connect with brands that share their values and are transparent and genuine.

Brands that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility are likely to attract a loyal following, especially among younger consumers who are more environmentally conscious. Businesses can build trust and credibility with their audience by creating authentic content that reflects their values and tells their story.

Finally, interactive content is becoming increasingly popular in content marketing. Consumers want to engage and participate in the content they consume, and interactive content such as quizzes, polls, and surveys provide that opportunity.

Interactive content improves engagement and provides valuable data that businesses can use to improve their marketing strategies.

Five ways you can stay apace with content marketing trends include these:

  • Keep up with industry news and trends: It’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in content marketing. Subscribe to industry publications and blogs, attend conferences and webinars, and follow influencers and thought leaders on social media to stay informed.
  • Experiment with new formats: Don’t be afraid to try new content formats and platforms. Whether it’s live video, podcasts, or interactive content, experimenting with new formats can help you stay ahead of the curve and engage your audience in new ways.
  • Measure and analyze your results: To stay apace with content marketing trends, measuring and analyzing your results regularly is important. By tracking key metrics such as engagement, click-through rates, and conversions, you can gain insights into what’s working and what’s not and adjust your strategies accordingly.
  • Stay agile and adaptable: The world of content marketing is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay agile and flexible in response to changing trends and consumer behavior. By remaining open to new ideas and approaches and being willing to experiment and take risks, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and create more effective content marketing campaigns.
  • Engage with your audience: Engaging with your audience is critical to staying ahead in content marketing. Encourage your audience to share their thoughts and feedback on your content and promptly respond to comments and messages. This can help you better understand your audience’s needs and preferences and create content that resonates with them. 

If you love quotes from people who matter, here are a few about the future of content marketing:

Neil Patel

"In the future, content will continue to become more personalized and interactive, and we'll see a shift towards more immersive and experiential content formats. Brands that can create engaging and interactive content that connects with their audience on a deeper level will be the ones that stand out in the crowded digital landscape."

Ann Handley

"The future of content marketing will be all about creating authentic, emotionally resonant content that tells a story and connects with the audience on a personal level. Brands that can tap into the emotional needs and desires of their audience will be the ones that succeed in building loyal and engaged communities."

The 8 key future-facing trends to watch keenly and exploit

From my research, these are the 8 most important trends to watch in content marketing. I’ve started experimenting with many of these directions for my brand and clients’ brands. 
8 Key Future-Facing Content Trends
(Please use this infographic with credits intact.) 

1. Authenticity of content is likely to become a critical factor

What is authenticity of content and why is it important?

Authenticity in content refers to the genuineness and transparency of the content being produced by a brand. It means creating content that accurately reflects the values and mission of the brand while also providing real value to the audience.

Authentic content is vital because it helps build trust and credibility with the audience, leading to stronger relationships and increased engagement.

In a world where consumers are bombarded with marketing messages, authenticity sets brands apart by demonstrating a commitment to honesty, transparency, and delivering real value to the audience.

Brands that prioritize authenticity are likely to attract loyal followers who share their values and are more likely to engage with their content and make purchases.

How can your business or brand be more 'authentic'... watch!

Smith Brothers Media CEO James Smith explains how content marketing has changed, and now it’s more important than ever that brands come across as genuine and authentic to their followers.

10 ways authenticity of content is likely to rule the future

Here are 10 directions authenticity of content will likely take in the future:

  • Transparency: Brands will continue to be more transparent in their content creation process, including the use of technology and the data they collect.
  • Social responsibility: Brands will prioritize social responsibility in their content creation, aligning with the values of their audience and demonstrating a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
  • Humanization: Brands will continue to humanize their content, showcasing the people behind the brand and creating a more personal connection with the audience.
  • Multi-format: Authentic content will be presented in various formats, including video, audio, and interactive, providing the audience with a more immersive experience.
  • Emotional connections: Authentic content will create emotional connections with the audience, using storytelling and relatable experiences to build stronger relationships.
  • Real-time: Brands will increasingly create real-time content that responds to current events and trends, demonstrating agility and relevance in a fast-paced digital landscape.
  • Data-driven insights: Brands will use data-driven insights to create authentic content tailored to their audience’s specific needs and preferences, providing more value and relevance.
  • Conversational content: Authentic content will take on a more conversational tone, reflecting how people communicate online and creating a more personal connection with the audience.
  • Accessibility: Authentic content will become more accessible to people with disabilities, using technologies such as closed captioning, audio descriptions, and screen readers to ensure everyone can engage with the content.
  • Ethical use of data: Brands will prioritize the ethical use of data in their content creation process, respecting the privacy and security of their audience and using data in ways that align with their values.

2. Personalization will help in creating tailored experiences

What is personalization of content and why is it important?

Personalization of content refers to tailoring content to individual customers’ specific needs and preferences. This can involve using data and insights to create relevant and valuable content for each customer based on their past behavior, interests, and demographics.

Personalization is important because it helps brands create a more meaningful and relevant experience for their audience, which can lead to increased engagement and loyalty.

By providing personalized content, brands can demonstrate a genuine understanding of their audience’s needs and preferences, which can build trust and foster stronger relationships.

Additionally, customized content is more likely to be shared and recommended, increasing brand awareness and reach. 

Six minutes to learn content personalization... watch!

In this video by Kentico,  you can learn how to avoid showing the same content to each of your visitors. Tailor your content according to each visitor’s specific context, behavior, and demographics, providing them with the most relevant content to their interests and needs. 

10 ways interactive content is likely to rule the future

Here are 10 directions personalization of content will likely take in the future:

  • Customized content: Brands will create customized content tailored to individual customers’ specific needs and preferences.
  • Dynamic content: Brands will use dynamic content that changes in real-time based on the behavior and interests of the customer.
  • Predictive analytics: Brands will use predictive analytics to anticipate customer needs and create personalized content that meets those needs.
  • Behavioral targeting: Brands will use behavioral targeting to create content relevant to the customer’s past behavior and interests.
  • Location-based targeting: Brands will use location-based targeting to create content relevant to the customer’s location.
  • Personalized search results: Brands will use personalized search results tailored to the customer’s past behavior and interests.
  • Personalized product recommendations: Brands will use personalized product recommendations based on the customer’s past behavior and interests.
  • Virtual assistants: Brands will use virtual assistants to provide personalized recommendations and support based on the customer’s behavior and interests.
  • Predictive content recommendations: Brands will use predictive algorithms to recommend content likely to interest customers based on their past behavior and interests.
  • Omnichannel personalization: Brands will provide a seamless and personalized experience across all channels, including email, social media, website, and mobile app.

3. Interactive content will be used for audience engagement

What is interactive content and why is it important?

Interactive content encourages active engagement and participation from the audience rather than simply delivering information.

This can include quizzes, polls, games, interactive infographics, and other types of content that require the audience to engage actively with the material.

Interactive content is essential because it provides a more engaging and memorable experience for the audience, leading to increased engagement and loyalty.

Additionally, interactive content can provide valuable insights into the audience’s interests and preferences, which can be used to create more effective and targeted content in the future.

12 types of interactive content to get you inspired ... watch!

Rock Content has this great video where 12 types of interactive content are explained – Games, Quizzes, Assessments, Ebooks, Videos, Landing pages, Solution finders, White papers, Infographics, Resource libraries, Calculators, and Lookbooks. Enough to get your creativity stirred?

10 ways interactive content is likely to rule the future

Here are 10 directions interactive content will likely take in the future:

  • Personalized quizzes: Brands will create personalized quizzes tailored to the audience’s interests and preferences.
  • Interactive videos: Brands will use interactive videos that allow the audience to engage with the content in real-time.
  • Virtual and augmented reality: Brands will use virtual and augmented reality to create immersive and interactive experiences for the audience.
  • Interactive infographics: Brands will create interactive infographics that allow the audience to explore the data and information more engagingly.
  • Interactive games: Brands will create interactive games that encourage the audience to engage with the brand more playfully and enjoyably.
  • Interactive webinars: Brands will use interactive webinars that allow the audience to participate in real-time polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions.
  • Interactive e-books: Brands will create interactive e-books that allow the audience to engage dynamically and interactively with the content.
  • Interactive product demos: Brands will use interactive product demos that allow the audience to explore the features and benefits of a product more interactively and engagingly.
  • Interactive maps: Brands will use interactive maps that allow the audience to explore locations and data more engagingly and interactively.
  • Interactive podcasts: Brands will use interactive podcasts that allow the audience to engage dynamically and interactively with the content.

4. Videos will continue as the most popular content format

What is video content and why is it important?

Video content is a form of content that uses moving images and sound to deliver information or entertainment to an audience.

This can include video ads, tutorials, explainer videos, product demos, and other types of content that are delivered in a video format.

Video content is essential because it is a highly engaging and shareable medium that can capture an audience’s attention in a way that other forms of content cannot.

Additionally, video content can showcase products or services more visually and dynamically, making it easier for customers to understand and appreciate their value.

Want to make a video and want to know where to start ... watch!

Coming up with video content ideas for online video marketing can be tough! In fact, excellent video marketing starts with great video content ideas. In this video, Paolo of Growth Tribe explains how he creates content ideas and gives his video marketing tips.

10 ways video content is likely to rule the future

Here are 10 directions video content will likely take in the future:

  • Live video: Brands will use live video to provide real-time updates and engage with their audience more immediately and personally.
  • Interactive video: Brands will create interactive videos that allow the audience to engage with the content more dynamically and engagingly.
  • Personalized video: Brands will create personalized videos that address the audience by name and include content that is tailored to their interests and preferences.
  • Video series: Brands will create video series that tell a story or provide a more in-depth look at a particular topic or product.
  • Vertical video: Brands will use vertical video to create optimized content for mobile devices and social media platforms.
  • 360-degree video: Brands will use 360-degree video to create immersive and interactive experiences that allow the audience to explore a location or product in more detail.
  • User-generated video: Brands will use user-generated video content to create more authentic and relatable content that resonates with their audience.
  • Virtual reality video: Brands will use virtual reality video to create immersive and interactive experiences that allow the audience to explore a location or product in more detail.
  • Branded content: Brands will use branded content to create entertaining and engaging videos that subtly and creatively showcase their products or services.
  • Social media video: Brands will create videos optimized for the specific platform and audience, creating more engaging and shareable content.

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5. Influencer marketing will find use as a force multiplier

What is influencer marketing and why is it important?

Influencer marketing is a type of marketing that involves collaborating with influential people in a particular industry or niche to promote a brand or product. This can include social media influencers, bloggers, vloggers, and other content creators with a large and engaged following.

Influencer marketing is important because it allows brands to reach a highly targeted and engaged audience through the trusted voice of an influencer.

By leveraging the influencer’s credibility and authority, brands can build trust and credibility with their audience, increasing brand awareness, engagement, and loyalty.

Additionally, influencer marketing can be more cost-effective than traditional forms of advertising, and it can provide valuable insights into the preferences and behavior of the target audience.

Top 3 ways to use influencer marketing ... watch!

There’s a reason why influencer marketing is so hot right now. It has the power to help you grow your business exponentially, all without spending too much money. In this video, Hubspot explains what influencer marketing is, how it works, and how to use it to grow your business.

10 ways influencer marketing is likely to rule the future

Here are 10 directions influencer marketing will likely take in the future:

  • Nano and micro-influencers: Brands will increasingly work with nano and micro-influencers who have smaller but more engaged audiences.
  • Authenticity: Authenticity will become even more important in influencer marketing, with brands prioritizing genuine influencers aligned with their values.
  • Long-term partnerships: Brands will form long-term partnerships with influencers, building stronger relationships and creating consistent content.
  • Employee influencers: Brands will leverage the influence of their employees to create authentic and engaging content.
  • Live streaming: Influencers will use live streaming to create real-time content and engage with their audience more immediately and personally.
  • Virtual influencers: Brands will use virtual influencers to create unique and innovative content that resonates with their audience.
  • Influencer-owned media: Influencers will create their own media properties, such as blogs, podcasts, or YouTube channels, allowing brands to reach their audience through more targeted and trusted channels.
  • Co-creation: Brands and influencers will co-create content together, leveraging the influencer’s expertise and creativity.
  • Influencer events: Brands will host influencer events, providing opportunities for influencers to create content and engage with the brand in person.
  • Performance-based influencer marketing: Brands will use performance-based models to compensate influencers, such as paying them based on the engagement or conversions their content generates.

6. Prioritizing sustainability content will win hearts and minds

What is sustainability content and why is it important?

Sustainability content is any form of content that promotes sustainable practices, products, or solutions or raises awareness of environmental or social issues.

This can include blogs, podcasts, videos, social media posts, or other types of content that provide information and insights on sustainability.

Sustainability content is important because it helps raise awareness, promotes action on environmental and social issues, and encourages individuals and organizations to adopt more sustainable practices.

Additionally, sustainability content can provide valuable information and resources for individuals and businesses seeking to reduce their environmental impact and promote social responsibility.

What works best for sustainable content ... watch!

As the Ellen MacArthur Foundation shows with this video about the “circular economy,” sustainability content works best when it is educational – and a brand is seen to be sponsoring the message in the global interest. And the end product needn’t be boring or preachy either. Watch this!

10 ways sustainability content is likely to rule the future

Here are 10 directions sustainability content will likely take in the future:

  • Sustainability reporting: More companies will publish sustainability reports detailing their environmental and social impact and efforts to promote sustainability.
  • Sustainability education: Sustainability education will become more widespread as schools and universities incorporate sustainability topics into curricula.
  • Sustainable lifestyle content: More blogs, podcasts, and social media influencers will create content that promotes sustainable living, from reducing waste to ethical fashion choices.
  • Sustainable tourism content: Travel blogs and influencers will create more content that promotes sustainable tourism practices and destinations.
  • Sustainability documentaries: More documentaries will highlight environmental and social issues and promote sustainable solutions.
  • Sustainability-focused news coverage: News outlets will increase their coverage of environmental and social issues, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and social justice.
  • Sustainability marketing: Brands will create more sustainability-focused marketing campaigns highlighting their efforts to reduce environmental impact and promote social responsibility.
  • Sustainability-focused events: Sustainability-focused events, such as environmental conferences and sustainability-themed festivals, will become more popular.
  • Sustainability-focused podcasts: More podcasts that cover sustainability topics, from climate science to sustainable agriculture, will be produced.
  • Sustainability-focused social media: Social media platforms will continue to be a popular source of sustainability content, with influencers and organizations using social media to promote sustainability and social responsibility.

7. User-generated content will boost brand communities

What is user-generated content and why is it important?

User-generated content (UGC) refers to any form of content that is created by individuals or users rather than by the brand or organization itself. This can include reviews, social media posts, photos, videos, or other types of content that consumers share.

UGC is important because it allows brands to create more authentic and engaging content that resonates with their audience.

By leveraging the content created by their customers, brands can build trust and credibility with their audience and create a more meaningful connection with their customers.

Additionally, UGC can provide valuable insights into the target audience’s preferences and behavior, helping brands better understand and serve their customers.

How to use UGC content and how not to do it ... watch!

This is a genuinely fantastic video from Social Media Examiner. You’ll discover what UGC is, how to encourage people to create UGC for you, and tips to avoid making mistakes that could harm your brand when you include UGC.

10 ways user-generated content is likely to rule the future

Here are 10 directions user-generated content will likely take in the future:

  • User-generated content hubs: Brands will create user-generated content hubs showcasing the best user-generated content on their website or social media channels.
  • User-generated content curation: Brands will curate user-generated content, selecting the best content to showcase and share with their audience.
  • User-generated content analytics: Brands will use analytics tools to track and analyze user-generated content, gaining insights into the preferences and behavior of their target audience.
  • User-generated content moderation: Brands will use moderation tools to ensure that user-generated content meets specific standards and guidelines.
  • User-generated content licensing: Brands will license user-generated content for their marketing campaigns, compensating users for their contributions.
  • User-generated content gamification: Brands will use gamification techniques to encourage users to create and share content, providing rewards or recognition for their contributions.
  • User-generated content personalization: Brands will use user-generated content to create personalized experiences for their audience, tailoring content to their interests and preferences.
  • User-generated campaigns: Brands will create user-generated campaigns, encouraging users to create and share content that showcases their experiences with the brand or product.
  • Co-creation: Brands and users will co-create content together, with brands inviting users to submit content or participate in content creation contests.
  • Social media stories: Social media stories, which allow users to share short, ephemeral content, will continue to be a popular source of user-generated content.

8. Artificial intelligence will impact all content marketing

What is artificial intelligence content and why is it important?

Artificial intelligence (AI) content refers to content that is generated or curated by AI algorithms. This can include chatbots, virtual assistants, and other AI-powered tools that create or recommend content based on user behavior and preferences.

AI content is important because it allows brands to create more personalized and targeted content that resonates with their audience.

By using AI to analyze data on user behavior, preferences, and interactions, brands can create content tailored to their audience’s needs and interests, improving engagement and driving results.

Additionally, AI content can provide valuable insights and recommendations for content creators, helping them to optimize their content for maximum impact.

How ChatGPT is turning your world upside-down... watch!

Cyberclick’s awesome video thoroughly explains ChatGPT, which has taken over our lives and become the hottest topic of “expert discussions.” What can it do for content marketers – now and in the future? Watch!

10 ways artificial intelligence content is likely to rule the future

Here are 10 directions artificial intelligence content will likely take in the future:

  • Recommendation engines: AI algorithms will provide better content recommendations based on user behavior and interactions.
  • Content creation: AI algorithms will assist in content creation, helping to generate text, images, and video content that is optimized for engagement and conversion.
  • Content curation: AI algorithms will assist in content curation, helping to identify and recommend the most relevant and high-quality content for users.
  • Content optimization: AI algorithms will assist in content optimization, helping to improve search engine rankings, readability, and engagement metrics.
  • Predictive analytics: AI algorithms will provide more accurate and actionable insights into user behavior, preferences, and trends, helping brands to create more compelling content strategies.
  • Natural language processing: AI-powered natural language processing will improve the accuracy and relevance of search results, making it easier for users to find the content they need.
  • Image and video recognition: AI algorithms will recognize and analyze images and videos, helping brands create more engaging visual content.
  • Content translation: AI-powered translation tools will help to overcome language barriers, making it easier for brands to create content for a global audience.
  • Content distribution: AI algorithms will help to optimize content distribution, identifying the most effective channels and strategies for reaching target audiences.
  • Content security: AI-powered security tools will help to identify and prevent content piracy, plagiarism, and other forms of intellectual property theft.

Pro tips to take away in summary ...

1. In an increasingly interconnected digital world, businesses must explore new and inventive ways to connect with their audience through content marketing. Given the continuously changing landscape of content marketing, keeping abreast of the latest trends is crucial to remain competitive and successful.

2. This blog post has delved into the leading content marketing trends to keep an eye on in the future. We have examined the tactics set to influence the future of content marketing, such as personalization, influencer marketing, and AI-driven content creation and analysis.

3. By adopting these trends and being proactive, businesses can develop content marketing strategies that are more successful in connecting with their intended audience, boosting brand recognition, and ultimately increasing conversions.

BONUS: How to get help with your branding and content marketing

Branding and content marketing are tough because they require a deep understanding of the target audience, a commitment to delivering high-quality content consistently, and ongoing optimization to remain effective. This is where an expert hand can be invaluable.

With cutting-edge knowledge of the latest industry trends and best practices, an expert can help provide the guidance and support needed to achieve the desired results.

Rather than slog at it yourself and spend time and money on trial-and-error, make it simple … let me help you.
 
Let’s have a free, no-obligations Zoom chat. We can locate the potential to power up your branding and content marketing. Let me know your goals and budgets, and I will offer you some readily implementable suggestions. 
 
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"I am committed to elevating my clients' branding and content marketing to a dominant position because I believe that a strong and distinctive brand identity, coupled with high-quality content, can be a game-changer for businesses. I've done it over and over for 40+ years and 125+ clients."

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