Tressa Sloane

Brafton’s Weekly Content Marketing Roundup features the latest news and trends in the world of content marketing. This week, we’ve got tips on how to make your content stand out, the latest stats on video marketing, just what the heck all the Starbuck unicorn fuss is about, and a whole lot more.

CTAs that get you more conversionsCreate clickable CTAs

Without guiding your prospects toward the next step in the journey, you leave them hanging, and you certainly won’t convert them. That’s why your calls to action are just as important as the content you produce. In this article, I dive into what makes an effective CTA and offer guidance on how you can create CTAs that entice your readers to click. Check out all of the tips here.

The facts of (content marketing) life

You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who thinks content marketing is not a good strategy these days. But just in case you do run into one of those Debbie Downers, here’s a list from Business 2 Community of the latest stats on the benefits of content marketing. These data points include how many companies are using content marketing, and which kinds of content prospects want to see. Get all the insight.

People fell in love with the nostalgic appeal of the fruity drink.Mythical marketing

Chances are you’ve seen pictures of that pink and purple concoction from Starbucks floating around social media – and maybe you’ve even tried one yourself. There’s no question that the coffeehouse giant won the social game this past week with its Unicorn Frappucino. Brafton Social Media Strategist Walt Clark explores the craze behind the drink and why it’s appealing to customers. Get your sugar rush here.

It all starts with a plan

Many marketers may be eager to begin working on their content strategy and produce pieces right away. But HubSpot argued this isn’t the best approach. First, brands need to document their strategy, which includes outlining why they are using content marketing as well as defining the strategy’s overall goals, in order to really see success long-term. Read the rest of the blueprint.

You must create content for all levels of the sales funnel to maximize marketing ROI.All in good time

As the saying goes, “Patience is a virtue.” When it comes to ROI, some marketers can get impatient waiting for it to roll in. But the important thing to keep in mind, as Brafton’s Eric Wendt explained, is that seeing ROI takes time. This infographic provides insight into when marketers can expect to see returns depending on the content type, the distribution channel and whether a strategy is organic or paid. Take a time out to read the rest!

Make your content shine

If you want to make an impact on your prospects, you’ve got to make your content stand out. There’s a lot of noise out there, so making your voice heard is crucial. These tips from Writtent give you guidance on how to craft content that speaks directly to readers, engages them successfully and encourages them to trust your brand. Make your written word more striking.

Visual marketing is essential for modern content strategies.It’s all in the eyes

Our busy lifestyles, coupled with the rise in portable technology, has led to a decrease in the average human attention span. This is why it’s vital for marketers to capture that fleeting focus among prospects, and they can accomplish that with visuals. Eric Wendt covered why visual elements are so imperative for content marketing strategies in today’s world. Get the lowdown.

Video is vital

If you know anything about content marketing, then you know just how important video is as part of a successful strategy. These recent stats put together in a handy dandy infographic by Vidyard show how businesses are increasingly incorporating videos into their efforts and how they are measuring their effectiveness. Check out the rest of the data!

That’s all we’ve got for you this week. Be sure to come back next Friday for the latest roundup of trends and updates in content marketing.