Content is king.  By now, you should know that it takes relevant content to engage with online users and search engines.  If you don't know that, then just know that it is and that you need to use it if you're building an online business.

If you don't use content marketing, then you won't get found organically.  And, if you can't get found online, then you're wasting your time.

Let's Plan Your Content Marketing

The only other way around writing relevant content for SEO purposes is to pay lots of money in advertising to search engines and social media sites.  Who wants to do that?  Uh, not me!  I'm not fan of advertising unless you need fast results, and even then you need to be careful with how you put together a campaign because you can lose a lot of money there too.

The Solution To Content Marketing

The solution to content marketing is to know the different types of content you can write.  We see it every day, but don't actually realize that we can apply this to your our own sites and situations.  You also need the proper tools and strategies for article marketing and writing content.

Below is a list of 37 different types of content you can use to improve your online presence and build your business.

37 Types of Content

Articles

Articles are written collections of words used to describe any topic, news, product or service. Web surfers want up-to-date, relevant content in very “short, succinct” sizes. An article can educate, inspire or excite the reader.

Blog Posts

Blog Posts (shortened version of Web Log Posts) offer a feeling, idea, topic or news story. These allow others to comment on an interesting subject.

Blog Commenting

Blog Commenting is a fun way to interact – discuss why you “like” or “dislike” a post. Share views, insight and feelings on a subject. People feel better when they are given a chance to add their “two cents” to any conversation.

Books

Books are the foundation of our system of knowledge documenting all of the wisdom passed down through the years. Some people cannot afford or do not feel comfortable with the Internet; they prefer books.

Brochures

With Brochures, a customer can take the reading material with him to learn more about the products and services you offer. This is a very affordable way to advertise your company or organization.

Case Studies

“Talk is cheap and results matter.” Case Studies show the tangible benefits of a certain course of action. Customers can compare their hopes to what was accomplished when others used a product or service.

Demos

Many consumers expect to be able to enjoy the “hands-on” experience of a demo. The sense of touching, maneuvering or virtually handling a product or service can help complete the sale.

eBooks

The eBooks are taking over as a fast way to read your favorite novel or short story. Electronic media is great for multitasking – listen while you drive or work.

Email

Due to free Email accounts, many people are using this format for communication. Just as cell phones replaced land lines, email might replace cell phones. Smart phones can share links, images and videos sent via emails. A company can compile a list of people who share a certain characteristic and click on “Send” to send Online Marketing material.

Free Trials

Free trials allow a consumer to experiment with a cheaper version of a product or service. The World Wide Web has increased the access to a wide range of free items. Free trials can get the conversation started and create a level of trust.

Images

Images can touch the soul in ways that words cannot. Pictures add texture to any other form of communication permitting a higher dimension of understanding. The Infographic is a new concentrated media format that has great potential for Internet Marketing.

Information Guides

Information Guides can establish you as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), who is a good source for information, advice and reviews. Search engines will give you a higher page rank for people looking for experts. You can establish your authority in a field.

Live Streamed Events

Now! Now! Now! Smartphones, TV's, Computes, Apple TV, ROKU, SmartStream, etc. have enabled customers to enjoy Live Streamed Events with a large group of people. This immediate gratification creates a common experience for viewers.

Manuals

“How To” or “DIY” Manuals are powerful ways to reach the independent-minded consumer who wants a couple of tips, a little more information or guidance to complete a task.

Microsites

Once a brand has been fully developed, it might want to protect its value by standing alone on its own Web site. New products and services could be developed on Microsites to test their viability. If the new brand fails, it is less likely to damage the established brand.

Newsletters

In a busy world, it is nice to receive timely Newsletters outlining the ongoing developments in areas of interest. This can create a “buzz” in prospective leaders who will encourage others to purchase exciting new products and services.

Online Courses

Why go to a “brick-and-mortar” school when you can take Online Courses? You can learn at your own speed while raising a family, retrain or upgrade your skills.

Podcasts

With Podcasts, you can create a media format that can be stored, moved or transferred easily. Diskettes, SIM cards and flash drives have enabled customers to hold large amounts of data in very small electronic devices. Customers can easily download great, exciting, new and innovative content from businesses.

Presentations

Presentations give customers valuable information that can open up new doors to more knowledge. Internet Marketing can turn a novice into an expert in a short amount of time with professional Presentations.

Press Releases

Press Releases tell people about a new product, service or company. Using the “Who, What, Where, When and Why” template, these informational documents attract attention with “something new” and “ground-breaking.” This can foster word-of-mouth advertising.

Product Data Sheets

Product Data Sheets (PDS) are similar to the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) used in the chemical industry. The PDS can include specifications, dimensions, features and functions. It gives the consumer a quick snapshot of the merchandise.

Radio

Radio is one of the best media formats for those who are busy doing something else. Mowing the lawn, driving a truck or painting a house are activities uninterrupted by music or talk radio. This is a great unobtrusive format. Many customers will mention a product or service they heard about on the radio, but won't consciously remember when they heard the commercial. The listening audience also has its own distinct personality.

Reference Guides

If you have some brief concerns that can be answered with a couple of pages, then quick Reference Guides are helpful. Longer than a glossary of terms, these Reference Guides must adhere to the Web models of being “short-and-to-the-point.” Web surfers want information delivered in a matter of minutes to maintain their interest.

Resource Libraries

Just like a house with a storage shed, all Web Pages have files for images, icons and raw text to be used on the site. These elements can be hidden in this back office area to prevent clutter on the main pages. Resource Libraries reduces file storage sizes by reusing items.

RSS/XML Feeds

The Rich Site Summary (RSS) is used to replicate commonly updated material online: blogs, news and video. These are assembled into a Web feed with a metadata (short reference synopsis). One of the greatest challenges online is to take “very large data files” and store them in convenient sizes. The Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a family of coding languages that is a more flexible way to write Web Pages.

Social Media Discussions (i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)

Facebook (FB) has given many people a reason to go online. People can “like” or “dislike” friends, images or comments. Some schools are even using FB to train students. LinkedIn is more of a business network. Social Media Discussions are a popular way to network. More Web pages have a little Social Media icon on them for easy access.

Surveys

Surveys and questionnaires are great ways to elicit information. This helps customers think about their needs. Most successful entrepreneurs are very busy with day-to-day operations and cannot keep up with the latest developments in Internet Marketing technology. The survey also gives the consultant a starting point for determining what services should be offered.

Television

Television (TV) can reach the most people with the most powerful messages very quickly. It delivers the “most bang for the buck.”

Videocasts

Videocasts are podcasts using videos as content. Multimedia experiences deliver the richest value to customers who can then share them with friends and family.

Web Pages

Your Web Pages are about who you are, what you think, what you value and what you sell. This is the modern way to live your dream. Make sure you learn the industry standards for colors, structure and content to create an appealing “Graphical User Interface” (GUI).

Web TV

Using a set top box, Web TV was envisioned as a combination of the computer and television.

Videos

Videos can communicate a message very quickly. This format can entertain while it educates, informs and advertises. Videos are very valuable.

Webinars

More communication methods are moving online, including the video conference. The Webinar is a World Wide Web seminar providing access to remote areas. It is a great way to bring a lot of people together.

Webcasts

Webcasts use streaming media technology to audiences online. These can be delivered “Live” or “On-Demand.”

White Papers

With origins in political campaigns, White Papers offer a synopsis of important viewpoints. These are authoritative documents outlining an organization's position, philosophy or outlook on a single subject.

Widgits

Widgets are little commands, applications or programs adding functionality to a Web site.

Workbooks

A Workbook is similar to the lesson plan used by students. People can practice using workbooks to perfect their knowledge.

What Now?

So there it is.  Now you have seen 37 different types of content you can use to start building your online business. So what now, right? Pick a type and start writing article content.

Don't Have Time To Write? Hire Me!

I am for hire.  As you might know, I have a full-service writing team and we offer our services on Fiverr and other freelance sites.  I would more than happy to help you write content for your blog and social media posts.  Let me do the creative thinking for you and save you tons of time.

I Will Write SEO Optimized Articles And Blog Post Content