Ever felt like generating quality leads is like finding a needle in a haystack? You’re not alone — 61% of marketers share this frustration. 

Thankfully, the right types of content can turn the tide. In fact, 75% of companies believe it complements their lead generation efforts. This guide will explore 9 different types of content to captivate and convert your audience.  

9 Types of Content To Generate More Leads for Your Business

Think about the last time you stumbled upon a piece of content you couldn’t resist sharing with a friend. It might have been a helpful infographic, a funny video, or an informative article. That’s the magic of great content; it draws you in and leaves a lasting impression. 

Below, we discuss 9 types of content marketing strategies to turn your casual visitors into potential customers. 

1. Blogs

Blog posts have stood the test of time as one of the most effective content marketing tools. 

Firstly, they allow readers to gain valuable insights they might otherwise miss in shorter content forms. No wonder 77% of internet users like reading blogs regularly.  

Secondly, well-crafted blog posts are SEO gold. Put simply, you have the chance of ranking in SERPs and improving your online visibility. And finally, regularly publishing high-quality blog posts positions you as an authority in your industry. 

If you intend to go with this content type, keep these tips in mind:

• Tell a story. People love stories; your audience is no different. So, instead of blandly writing the information, consider weaving narratives to make your blogs engaging. You can share your personal stories or client success stories to connect on a human level. Besides, write as if you’re having a friendly chat with your reader. 

Take a page out of Tastefully Tash’s book. She’s a photographer, an artist, and a traveler. Tash shares several stories on her blog, from delicious recipes to travel experiences. There’s a reason why people enjoy reading her blogs: they’re relatable and easier to digest.

• Invite guest writers. Bring in experts to contribute to your blog. This adds variety to your existing content. Additionally, it attracts new readers through the guest writer’s audience, which is a plus. 
• Add research. Back up your claims with data and research. Naturally, this adds credibility to your posts and helps build trust.  
• Optimize your content. Make sure you use subheadings and bullet points to make your content skimmable. Besides, keep your paragraphs short. Most readers scan the content, so make it easy for them to find the precise information they’re seeking. 

Writing a quality blog post is just half the job done. Make sure you promote it through social media channels or email newsletters to maximize your reach. 

2. Infographics

Infographics are one of the most popular types of content, and for good reason. They combine visual appeal with informational punch. 

Besides, they simplify complex information into visually digestible chunks. This allows the viewers to engage with them quickly and effectively. 

If you seek to stand out with your infographics, consider these tips. 

• Start with a clear concept. Define a specific topic you want to convey. As a rule of thumb, focus on the central theme or idea to keep your infographic easy to follow. 
• Follow a sequence. Guide your viewers through a sequence of information that flows logically from one point to the next. This will keep them engaged from start to finish. 
• Keep it minimal. Avoid cluttering your infographic with unnecessary elements. Focus on essential information and visuals that support your message. You don’t have to overwhelm the viewer. Check out this simple infographic from Coca Cola, which provides all the essential company information at a glance. It’s sleek, straightforward, and exemplifies company’s transparency. 

• Choose the right colors. Select a color palette that aligns with your brand. Ideally, use contrasting colors to highlight key points and create a visual hierarchy within your infographic. 
• Make it interactive. You can always incorporate interactive elements to increase engagement and encourage users to spend more time exploring your content. Clickable sections and embedded videos are common examples. 

3. Memes and GIFs

Memes often capture universal experiences in a funny, bite-sized format, which is primarily why people find them relatable. They allow individuals worldwide to bond over shared jokes.

Besides, they are incredibly versatile. You can use them to comment on current events, poke fun at everyday life, or even convey complex ideas in a humorous way. No wonder they’re among the most popular types of social media content. 

Here’s an example of a meme from Hootsuite. 

The brand showed cleverness in its meme marketing strategy by leveraging the popularity of Barbie during that time.

GIFs, on the other hand, add a dynamic element to online communication. These short, looping animations convey emotions far more vividly than static images. Moreover, they’re quick to consume and often hilarious, making them perfect for enhancing social media posts, emails, and even website content. 

Consider these ideas to get started.

• Think about common experiences in your industry or among your customer base. Create memes that capture these scenarios. 
• Stay up-to-date with current events. Memes that reference trending topics can quickly gain traction. 
• Show the human side of your business by creating GIFs of funny or interesting behind-the-scenes moments. This can make your brand more relatable. 

Remember, while memes and GIFs can effectively boost engagement, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Maybe consider hiring a social media content manager for the purpose. They know the drill and can handle content creation pretty well. 

4. Video Content

Video content has taken the digital world by storm. 97% of marketers believe videos help their customers understand product features better. No wonder 69% of marketers intend to invest in this content type this year. 

Videos allow for rich, engaging content that can showcase products, demonstrate how-to's, and tell brand stories in a way that resonates deeply with audiences. Here’s how you can make the most out of this content type. 

• Keep them short. Short-form content, typically under two minutes, is perfect for capturing viewer attention. There’s a reason why Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have popularized this format. With short attention spans, users today prefer easily digestible content. Nike often uses short videos for product launches and motivational content.

• Focus on quality. High production quality can make a significant difference. Ensure good lighting, clear audio, and professional editing to create a polished video. 
• Collaborate with influencers. Partnering with influencers can amplify your reach. Influencers have established audiences that trust their recommendations, which can drive traffic to your website. 

5. eBooks

If you’re looking for types of content that let you dig deeper into topics relevant to your industry, eBooks can be your best bet. Besides, offering a free eBook in exchange for content information is a tried-and-true method of generating leads. 

People are quick to share their email addresses if they perceive the eBook as valuable. This helps you build a list of potential customers who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. 

Moreover, a well-designed, informative eBook sets you apart from your competitors. It shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile to provide value to your audience. 

Keep these things in mind, however. 

• Consider targeting beginners in your niche with a step-by-step guide that breaks down complex topics into digestible content. 
• Showcase real-life examples of how your product or service helped your customers achieve their goals. You can always include testimonials to back your claims. 
• Stay abreast of the latest industry trends. Writing an eBook on current trends shows your business knows how to stay ahead of the curve. 
• You can also break down a large topic into a series of smaller eBooks. This makes the information more manageable. Besides, the readers keep coming back for more, which is a plus. 

6. Podcasts

Podcasts have recently become a staple in the media consumption habits of millions. They’re fun and create a sense of intimacy between the host and the listener. 

In fact, listeners feel like they’re part of the private conversation, which can be incredibly comforting. You can draw inspiration from Shopify Masters. It features interviews with successful industry experts who share their insights. 

Here are some tips to help you get started. 

• While it might be tempting to cover a broad topic, focusing on a specific niche can help you attract a dedicated audience. It’s always better to have fewer people who love your content than hundreds of people who just sort of like it. 
• Invest in good-quality microphones. Clear, professional-sounding audio can significantly enhance the listener experience and set your podcast apart from amateur productions.  
• Always release your episodes on a consistent schedule. Whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, consistency helps build anticipation and loyalty among your listeners. 
• Do not forget to provide detailed show notes and transcripts for each episode. This will not only aid accessibility but also improve your podcast’s SEO. 

7. Opinion Pieces

Opinion pieces offer a unique way to engage with your community. They let you capture your audience's diverse viewpoints and better understand their sentiments. You can:

• Conduct polls and surveys on social media platforms or newsletters to gather feedback on specific topics. 
• Encourage them to submit written opinions and personal experiences related to a topic of interest.
• Host live Q&A sessions where they can ask questions, voice their opinions, or engage directly with you (or a guest speaker). 

Also, consider featuring selected audience and their opinions in spotlight articles or video interviews. This recognition will motivate others to participate and share their viewpoints. The result? An engaged audience that is likely to convert. 

Besides, these opinions can guide your business decisions. Acting on the feedback shows that you prioritize the opinions of your community. 

8. Social Media Posts 

With over 5 billion users globally, social media offers a powerful way to connect with your audience, spark conversations, and generate leads. Here’s why else it’s great. 

• Whether you’re selling artisanal coffee beans in Tamworth or digital marketing services worldwide, social media breaks down geographical barriers. It lets you reach people across the globe, 24/7 - no passport required. 
• Ever noticed how brands on social media feel more like friends than faceless entities? That’s because social media lets you chat, comment, and share different types of content in real time. 

Here’s how you can make your social media content shine. 

• Focus on visuals. People scroll fast, so catch their eye with stunning visuals. High-resolution photos, short videos, and eye-catching graphics should be your go-to content type. 
• Mix things up. Variety keeps it fresh. Consider testing different types of content - educational tips one day, a customer spotlight the next, and maybe a fun contest on the weekend. 
• Listen, but also respond. Social media is a dialogue, not a megaphone. So, make sure you respond to comments, mentions, and messages promptly. Show your audience you’re listening and appreciate their input. See how Wendy’s wit and quick responses always win people over. 

Besides testing different types of social media content, consider posting when your audience is most active. This is when they’re more likely to engage. 

Check out the best post timings for Facebook and Instagram here. If LinkedIn is your go-to platform for lead generation, consider reading this guide. 

9. Emails

89% of marketers use email marketing as their primary lead-generation method. Emails are like reliable friends who always show up when you need them. To entice your audience, you can share several types of content, including updates, promotions, and heartfelt stories. 

Besides, several email marketing tools today let you tailor messages to specific segments. This means sending the right content to the right people at the right time. 

Here are a few tips to boost your lead generation efforts. 

• Your subject line is your email’s first impression. Make it irresistible - think clear, catchy, and relevant. Grab attention without being spammy. 
• Time is precious, so make every word count. Provide value - whether it’s useful tips, exclusive offers, or entertaining stories. 
• What do you want your reader to do? Whether you want them to click a link or sign up for an event, make your CTA clear and compelling. Consider using action-oriented language that prompts immediate response. 

Conclusion

Each piece you create for your audience is a way to connect with their hearts and minds. 

Whether you intend to offer immersive experiences of live video sessions or thought leadership through comprehensive guides, you can establish your brand as a trusted authority. 

Remember, behind every click and conversion is a person seeking value. So, make sure you inform, inspire, and resonate deeply with your audience. 

We shared different types of content to help you build a community of engaged followers who will champion your brand for years to come. 

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