9 Types of Content and When to Use Them

Blog posts: the bread and butter of content marketing

Blog posts have been the go-to type of content for digital marketers for years, and for good reason. They are highly versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, from attracting new visitors to your website to establishing thought leadership in your industry. Blog posts can also be optimized for search engines, making them a powerful tool for improving your website's visibility and driving organic traffic.

When it comes to using blog posts, the key is to focus on providing value to your readers. This means creating content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to their interests. You can use blog posts to educate your audience on a particular topic, share your thoughts on industry trends, or provide tips and advice on how to solve common problems.

To make your blog posts even more effective, consider using visuals like images, charts, and graphs. This can help break up the text and make your content more digestible. You can also use formatting techniques like bullet points and subheadings to make your content easier to scan.

Top Blogging Tips for Digital Marketers (Beginners)

Infographics: visually appealing and informative

Infographics are a relatively new type of content that have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are a great way to present complex information in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format. Infographics can be used for a variety of purposes, from explaining a complicated process to showcasing statistics and data.

One of the key benefits of using infographics is that they are highly shareable. People love to share visually appealing content on social media, making infographics an effective tool for increasing brand visibility and driving traffic to your website. Infographics are also a great way to establish thought leadership in your industry by providing valuable insights and information.

To create an effective infographic, start by identifying the key information you want to convey. This could be statistical data, a step-by-step process, or a comparison of different products or services. Once you have your content, you can use a variety of tools to create your infographic, including Canva, Piktochart, and Venngage.

Videos: engaging and shareable content

Videos are quickly becoming one of the most popular types of content on the internet, and for good reason. They are engaging, shareable, and can be used for a variety of purposes, from promoting a new product or service to showcasing customer testimonials. Videos can also be optimized for search engines, making them a powerful tool for driving traffic to your website.

One of the key benefits of using videos is that they allow you to showcase your brand's personality and connect with your audience on a deeper level. You can use videos to tell your brand's story, share behind-the-scenes footage, or provide educational content on a particular topic. Videos are also a great way to build trust with your audience by providing valuable information and insights.

To create an effective video, start by identifying your goals and target audience. This will help you determine the type of video you should create and how to tailor your content to your audience's interests. You can use a variety of tools to create your video, including smartphones, webcams, and professional cameras. Once you have your footage, you can edit it using software like Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie, or Final Cut Pro.

Case studies: real-life examples of success

Case studies are a powerful type of content that can be used to showcase your brand's success and demonstrate your expertise in your industry. They typically involve telling the story of a customer who has achieved significant results by using your product or service. By sharing these success stories, you can build trust with potential customers and provide social proof that your brand delivers results.

One of the key benefits of using case studies is that they provide a real-life example of how your product or service can be used to solve a particular problem or achieve a specific goal. This can be particularly effective for B2B companies that sell complex products or services. Case studies can also be used to establish thought leadership by providing valuable insights and information on a particular topic.

To create an effective case study, start by identifying a customer who has achieved significant results using your product or service. You can then interview them to gather information on their experience, including what challenges they faced, how they overcame them, and what results they achieved. Once you have your information, you can use it to create a compelling story that showcases your brand's success.

E-books: in-depth resources for lead generation

E-books are a type of long-form content that provide in-depth information on a particular topic. They are typically used for lead generation, with brands offering them as free downloads in exchange for contact information. E-books can be used to establish thought leadership, provide valuable insights and information, and generate leads for your business.

One of the key benefits of using e-books is that they allow you to provide a comprehensive resource on a particular topic. This can be particularly effective for B2B companies that sell complex products or services. E-books can also be used to establish thought leadership by providing valuable insights and information on a particular topic.

To create an effective e-book, start by identifying a topic that is relevant to your audience and aligns with your brand's expertise. You can then research the topic and create an outline for your e-book. Once you have your content, you can use a variety of tools to create your e-book, including Canva, Adobe InDesign, and Microsoft Word.

Whitepapers: research-based content for thought leadership

Whitepapers are a type of long-form content that provide in-depth information on a particular topic. They are typically used for thought leadership, with brands offering them as free downloads to establish expertise and authority in their industry. Whitepapers are research-based and provide valuable insights and information on a particular topic.

One of the key benefits of using whitepapers is that they allow you to establish thought leadership and demonstrate your expertise in your industry. They can also be used to provide valuable insights and information to your audience, which can help build trust and credibility with potential customers.

To create an effective whitepaper, start by identifying a topic that is relevant to your audience and aligns with your brand's expertise. You can then research the topic and gather data and statistics to support your claims. Once you have your content, you can use a variety of tools to create your whitepaper, including Canva, Adobe InDesign, and Microsoft Word.

Podcasts: audio content for on-the-go listening

Podcasts are a type of audio content that have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are a great way to provide educational content, interview industry experts, and share your brand's story. Podcasts are typically listened to on-the-go, making them a great choice for busy professionals who want to consume content while commuting or exercising.

One of the key benefits of using podcasts is that they allow you to connect with your audience on a personal level. You can use podcasts to share your brand's story, provide educational content, and interview industry experts. Podcasts are also a great way to build trust with your audience by providing valuable information and insights.

To create an effective podcast, start by identifying your target audience and the topics you want to cover. You can then choose a format for your podcast, such as an interview show or a solo monologue. Once you have your content, you can record and edit your podcast using software like Audacity or GarageBand.

Webinars: interactive content for engagement

Webinars are a type of interactive content that allow you to engage with your audience in real-time. They are typically used for lead generation, with brands offering them as free events in exchange for contact information. Webinars can be used to provide educational content, showcase your brand's expertise, and promote new products or services.

One of the key benefits of using webinars is that they allow you to engage with your audience in real-time and answer their questions on the spot. This can be particularly effective for B2B companies that sell complex products or services. Webinars can also be used to establish thought leadership by providing valuable insights and information on a particular topic.

To create an effective webinar, start by identifying a topic that is relevant to your audience and aligns with your brand's expertise. You can then create a presentation or slide deck to accompany your webinar. Once you have your content, you can use a variety of tools to host your webinar, including Zoom, GoToWebinar, and Cisco WebEx.

Social media posts: quick and easy content for brand awareness

Social media posts are a type of quick and easy content that are great for building brand awareness and engaging with your audience. They can be used to share news and updates, promote new products or services, and provide valuable insights and information. Social media posts are typically short and to the point, making them a great choice for busy professionals who want to consume content quickly.

One of the key benefits of using social media posts is that they allow you to engage with your audience in real-time and build brand awareness. You can use social media posts to share news and updates, promote new products or services, and provide valuable insights and information. Social media posts can also be used to establish thought leadership by sharing industry news and trends.

To create an effective social media post, start by identifying your target audience and the topics you want to cover. You can then create short and concise messages that align with your brand's voice and tone. Once you have your content, you can schedule your posts using social media management tools like Hootsuite or Buffer.

When to use each type of content

Now that we've explored different types of content and their benefits, let's take a look at when to use each one. Blog posts are great for attracting new visitors to your website and establishing thought leadership. Infographics are ideal for presenting complex information in a visually appealing format. Videos are perfect for showcasing your brand's personality and building trust with your audience. Case studies are great for demonstrating your expertise and providing social proof that your brand delivers results. E-books and whitepapers are effective for lead generation and establishing thought leadership. Podcasts are ideal for providing educational content and building trust with your audience. Webinars are great for engaging with your audience in real-time and answering their questions. Social media posts are perfect for building brand awareness and engaging with your audience.

When deciding which type of content to use, it's important to consider your goals and target audience. You should also think about the format that will best convey your message and provide value to your audience. By tailoring your content strategy to your audience and marketing goals, you can create a powerful content marketing campaign that drives results.