As the year winds down, everyone is thinking ahead to their 2023 content marketing strategies.
We find ourselves asking questions such as… Which content formats are worth focusing on? And which platforms deserve more time and effort?
One way to answer these questions is to pay attention to the trends and what the experts predict will be big in the year ahead. This way, you can stay ahead of the game.
To help you get started on planning for next year, we talked all about 2023 content marketing predictions in this month’s #ContentWritingChat.
#ContentWritingChat Recap: Content Marketing Predictions for 2023
Welcome to #ContentWritingChat! 😊
As we close out 2022, many of us are looking ahead and mapping out our strategies for the next year.
So, today we'll be discussing content marketing predictions for 2023.
— Express Writers | Your Content Writing Partner (@ExpWriters) December 6, 2022
Our community had some amazing advice and valuable thoughts to share with us, so let’s dive into the recap!
Q1: Although it may be tempting to stick to the same old strategy, it’s important to be mindful of experts’ predictions and current trends when it comes to content marketing. Why?
A1. Marketing is dynamic. The platforms, content types, topics and approaches change often. It is important to stay up to date on these changes in order to be effective! #contentwritingchat https://t.co/zYYNTynNax
— Andrew C. Belton, MBA (@AndrewCBelton) December 6, 2022
As Andrew mentioned, marketing is dynamic. Because the industry is always changing, you need to stay on top of the latest news, platforms, and trends so you can adapt your strategy accordingly in an effort to boost success.
a1
you should listen to "data" in order to review your strategy and also be attentive to actual trends.
don't get to excited with predictions, instead cultivate a culture of rethinking #contentwritingchat— joana rita sousa 🦄 💩💎 (@JoanaRSSousa) December 6, 2022
However, you don’t want to get too carried away with trends. While they’re important to be aware of (and even great to experiment with), Joana knows that you ultimately want to rely on actual data when crafting your content marketing strategy. Pay attention to what works for you and your audience.
A1. Because our environment is ever-changing. What worked last year doesn't necessarily work now. Some things do and some don't. Algorithms are constantly moving the carrot. So it's important to do your best to keep a pulse on what's solid. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/2HEqDxe6es pic.twitter.com/nmpijBmNTe
— Andrea TheoJohn (@AndreaTheoJohn) December 6, 2022
As Andrea pointed out, what worked last year might not necessarily work this year. By being aware of what’s happening in your industry, you’ll be able to stay on top of the trends and craft the most relevant strategy possible.
Q2: Let’s make some predictions! What do you think will be a must for a brand’s content marketing strategy in 2023? Will certain content formats will be the most valuable?
a2
"a must for a brand's content marketing strategy"?nothing new: listening to your community, be consistent, try new things and ask feedback, be sensible to context.
avoid going with the flow (only dead fish go with the flow. stay alive.)#contentwritingchat
— joana rita sousa 🦄 💩💎 (@JoanaRSSousa) December 6, 2022
Some things never go out of style! Joana feels some strategies will always be important to implement. Those include things like listening to your community, being consistent, and trying new things.
A2. In 2023 brands will strive to implement more experiential and engaging content. Brands will invest in short form video, podcasts, polls, user-generated content, interactive and live audio events will continue to gain popularity #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/wJDldkkqv7
— Andrew C. Belton, MBA (@AndrewCBelton) December 6, 2022
Andrew feels 2023 will be the year of short-form video, podcasts, polls, user-generated content, and interactive audio events. All are great options that are worth experimenting with to see what performs well for your brand.
Q3: Are there any platforms you think brands need to be on, or at least test out, in 2023?
A3. I still say dive into video. Many are scared of it – your competitors included. But the sooner you can get over those fears and cringe-worthy moments of video (which we ALL experience), the better. Every successful platform incorporates video. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/hzwspQZv7X
— Andrea TheoJohn (@AndreaTheoJohn) December 6, 2022
Andrea knows that video is where it’s at! Video is a fantastic way to build a strong connection with your target audience while also providing valuable content. You simply need to decide which platform you want to focus on. Short-form videos can be uploaded to TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Or you might opt to launch a YouTube channel to share long-form video content.
A3. LinkedIn is continuing to progress as an essential B2B platform with the following developments: interactive audio (and soon video) online events, built-in post scheduling platform and increased (forms of document) content publishing capabilities #Contentwritingchat https://t.co/AO15SUxNbi
— Andrew C. Belton, MBA (@AndrewCBelton) December 6, 2022
If you’re not already serious about LinkedIn, it’s time for that to change. Andrew feels it’s a worthwhile platform for B2Bs, especially due to some newer features that have been implemented.
a3
it depends, if you have someone on the team available you can test out reddit, mastodon, discord.
if you have a small team, I will try to focus on less platforms and more quality content.#contentwritingchat— joana rita sousa 🦄 💩💎 (@JoanaRSSousa) December 6, 2022
As Joana mentioned, it ultimately depends on whether you have someone on your team that can help with incorporating new platforms. After all, it’s better to do a few platforms really well than to juggle too many with lackluster effort.
Q4: How can you determine if pursuing a specific content marketing trend will be a worthwhile venture? Are there certain questions you should ask yourself before diving in?
A4: When it comes to content formats you implement as part of your strategy, ask yourself if it's something that would resonate with your audience. The same goes for choosing the right platforms to use. Is your audience there? #ContentWritingChat
— Rachel | Mindset Coach + NLP Practitioner (@rachmoffett) December 6, 2022
You always want to consider what appeals to your target audience. Is there a particular content format that really seems to resonate with them based on past engagement? Are there certain platforms they spend more time on? Answering these questions will help you make smart decisions to shape your content marketing strategy.
A4. Consider how your target audience prefers to consume content as well as what has been the most effective forms either in the past or for you industry in general. Then consider you goals and resources to be able to adapt the content appropriately. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/Xjm5VPG2Sj
— Andrew C. Belton, MBA (@AndrewCBelton) December 6, 2022
Andrew pointed out that you also want to consider your goals. That’s a crucial element because you want to develop a strategy that will help you get from where you are now to where you want to be.
Q5: Based on previous success, which elements of your 2022 content marketing strategy will you be carrying over into the next year?
A5. Video, video, video. Can't say that enough. And blogs for searchability. But video is still first in our world. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/nL8kv7D5EU pic.twitter.com/WIpt6n3c9b
— Andrea TheoJohn (@AndreaTheoJohn) December 6, 2022
Video is a big one for Andrea. She also feels it’s still worthwhile to invest time and energy into blogging, as it’s great for driving organic search traffic.
A5. Sharing relevant and credible industry news, expert insights, participating in #TwitterChats, creating polls and engaging graphics will continue to be a part of my content marketing strategy in 2023. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/J46ZdZSR2T
— Andrew C. Belton, MBA (@AndrewCBelton) December 6, 2022
For Andrew, he intends to continue focusing on sharing industry news, polls, and graphics. He also wants to make sure he’s participating in relevant Twitter chats, which can also be a great way to learn and make new connections.
Q6: Of course, what works for one brand might not necessarily work for yours. How can you determine if your new content marketing strategy is paying off?
A6: First, set goals… What are you hoping to achieve? Then, you're able to track the right metrics. Are you growing your community, getting more engagement, or generating sales? #ContentWritingChat
— Rachel | Mindset Coach + NLP Practitioner (@rachmoffett) December 6, 2022
Set goals first. This way, you’ll know which metrics to track to determine whether or not your content marketing strategy is working.
A6. Reviewing the engagement rate, clicks, feedback, leads, conversions and web page performance are a few ways to collect feedback and begin to identify trends. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/CdA53RoagN
— Andrew C. Belton, MBA (@AndrewCBelton) December 6, 2022
Some metrics you’ll want to track include engagement rate, clicks, feedback, leads, and conversions.
Q7: Where can someone go if they want to stay updated with the latest in content marketing? Do you have any favorite resources you turn to?
A7. Some of my fav places are @SMExaminer and #SMMW23 (Social Media Marketing World Conference), @LamarTyler's Traffic, Sales & Profit Program, @PatFlynn, @AmyPorterfield for email, @AMA_Marketing, my girl @StaceyonSocial, @robertoblake for YouTube… #contentwritingchat https://t.co/fNIYAtWXmK pic.twitter.com/5Ys4JhJy9i
— Andrea TheoJohn (@AndreaTheoJohn) December 6, 2022
Andrea shared some great resources to dive into, such as Social Media Examiner.
A7. @HubSpot, @hootsuite, @socialmedia2day and @B2Community are a few great content marketing news sites. I also share digital marketing news frequently through my company @Symmetricalmm #ContentWritingChat #Marketing #TwitterChat #Balancesmm https://t.co/hYYa4tsUVz
— Andrew C. Belton, MBA (@AndrewCBelton) December 6, 2022
Andrew recommends checking out HubSpot, Hootsuite, and others for more information.
A7: @CMIContent is always a great resource for shaping your content marketing strategy. #ContentWritingChat
— Rachel | Mindset Coach + NLP Practitioner (@rachmoffett) December 6, 2022
Content Marketing Institute is a great resource as well!
Did you know? #ContentWritingChat happens on Twitter on the first Tuesday of every month at 10 AM Central. Follow @ExpWriters and mark your calendars so you can join us for the next one!