Recently, there have been a number of significant changes in the content marketing industry. The rise of TikTok, The Google Helpful Content Update in late 2022, and other developments set a new standard for success in 2023. If you are still using your old content strategy, you are likely falling behind
Visuals, videos, text, and other media are all included in this transformation. Let’s explore what these changes signify for each type of media going forward in 2023. Join us as we take an in-depth dive into the state of content marketing trends today.
Table of Contents
Written Content Trends in 2023
Optimized written content on your website gives you the best chance of driving more traffic to your business.
In 2023 it is vital for companies to keep up with current trends in material written for the web. SEO optimization, helpful content, long-form content, and voice search optimization are all key components of a successful digital marketing strategy. Let’s explore a few of the ways you can optimize your content.
SEO Optimization
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the foundation for any digital marketing strategy. Making your website and its content visible to potential customers is the main goal of SEO optimization efforts.
To maximize your visibility, it is necessary to create keyword-rich titles and descriptions for each page on your website. as well as include relevant keywords throughout the body of your text. Additionally, it is necessary to optimize images with captions and alt text so that they appear in image searches as well.
Long-Form Content
Longer pieces of content are more engaging than shorter ones because searchers want to walk away with their queries answered. If you produce short content that only answers part of the search query, then your site visitors will consult other sources to get information.
You need to provide comprehensive information on a particular subject to keep your audience’s focus. Avoid repetition or filler words that could detract from the message you’re trying to convey. This type of content has greater potential for organic reach since it tends to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).
One of the biggest changes in the last year was the Google Helpful Content Update that rolled out in September of 2022. This update put a magnifying glass on AI-created content and content that is produced to game the Google algorithm.
To present the best product possible to their consumers, Google needs to push the content that is the most helpful to their audience. Instances of keyword stuffing and unhelpful content getting top rankings became a major problem. That is until the Helpful Content Update came along. The update penalizes inauthentic, unclear, misleading, or keyword-stuffed content. So, to hit the best possible rankings in 2023, you need to make sure your content avoids these common pitfalls.
Voice Search Optimization
Voice search technology is becoming popular among consumers due to its convenience factor. People don’t need access to a keyboard or mouse when using their voices instead. That’s why optimizing written content for voice searches is essential. Make sure that natural language phrases such as “What type of…” and “How do I…” are included within the body copy alongside targeted keywords. When you use these tips, your queries will be picked up by virtual assistants like Siri or Cortana.
Overall, content trends for 2023 will focus on search engine visibility, longer-form content, and voice search. Next up, we’ll be talking about how graphics and graphic design affect for content’s SEO potential.
Graphic Design Trends in 2023
Adding simple, purposeful designs to your content helps to convey your brand
Graphic design is an essential element of content marketing for grabbing your audience’s attention and expressing your message. In 2023, we will see a continued trend in the use of minimalism and flat design, bold colors and contrasts, animation, and motion graphics.
Minimalism has become popular as it helps to keep designs, graphics, and logos simple yet effective. Flat design is a form of minimalistic graphic design that uses basic shapes, lines, colors, typography, and icons. This makes it easier for viewers to understand the overall message quickly. By using fewer elements on a page you can focus more on delivering key messages. This is as opposed to overwhelming users with too much information at once.
Utilizing color strategically is also essential for digital marketing campaigns in 2023. Employing bold hues will help the most important elements of your visual content stand out from the crowd. Muted tones may be used to invoke feelings of tranquility. Your color choices will ultimately depend on the nature of your campaign and your target audience.
Contrasts between different shades is important to draw attention to specific areas within a graphic. This contrast is accomplished by experimenting with light/dark combinations or warm/cool hues.
Animation and motion graphics are other ways to create engaging content that will “hook” your audience. Moving graphics help add an extra layer of interest that static images cannot achieve alone. You can also use animations to tell stories through moving images.
No matter what your design team is creating, adding movement makes everything feel more alive. Motion graphics also have the added capability to explain complex topics visually. That makes them an excellent addition you need something eye-catching and informative to enhance your content.
Trends for Images in 2023
Using your own assets or stock photos, you can ensure readers stay engaged on your site
When selecting high-quality images, it is essential to look for ones that have a clear resolution, vibrant colors, and interesting composition. Professional photographers can provide your business with unique shots that will capture the attention of viewers. These professional photos can also convey a certain emotion or message about your brand when executed correctly.
Stock photos are another great option if you’re looking for something more affordable yet visually appealing. Just make sure to choose one that isn’t too generic or overused by other brands to keep things fresh and original. Stock photos that feature people tend to be more engaging to audiences that those that feature objects or locations. When your audience sees content s that includes people, they will be more likely to spend time on your content.
Overlays & Captions
Adding text overlays or captions to your images is another way to engage viewers and add context to what they’re seeing on screen. Text overlays should be kept short but informative. The overlays should not distract from the main focus of the photo itself—think of catchy phrases rather than long paragraphs.
Captions are another essential element of optimizing your site. Captions offer a chance for you to expand upon what was already said in the text overlay. They also allow for added keyword placement. Plus, captions provide further insight into why this particular image was chosen.
Alt Text
You should also take full advantage of alt text when you are adding images to your content. Alt text is a tiny bit of text that describes the image as accurately as possible. First and foremost, having alt text on your images is a part of keeping your website ADA-compliant.
If people viewing your content are visually impaired, they will use a service to have your site read aloud to them. In this case, there is a lot of context and information lost if you fail to include alt text in your images. That’s why you need to include an alt text description on every one of the images you use in your content. Not to mention, alt text is also a great place to use your target keywords—only if they make sense, of course.
For effective visual storytelling, each image should contribute something meaningful. Look for imaginative angles, perspectives, and lighting effects. Use keywords throughout the captions and alt text to ensure your content resonates with viewers. Alt text should also effectively convey the images included on your site. Remember, image trends in 2023 will be focused on creating visually appealing, high-quality images to engage your audience.
Video Trends in 2023
Though video content can be difficult to produce, it has the biggest viral potential in 2023
In 2023, marketers need to stay on top of trends in order to create videos that are optimized for different platforms. To make an impact, brands should craft short-form videos with high-quality visuals and engaging storytelling elements. Using keywords, phrases, idioms, and colloquialisms will also capture viewers’ attention. Let’s dive deeper into some of the specific platforms that are trending.
TikTok
Everyone has been following the continued explosive growth of TikTok. Since 2020, TikTok has become the main, culture-shifting application for the general public. Because of TikTok, short-form video content has become the most sought-after form of content with the most viral potential. While not every brand will mesh well with TikTok, we definitely encourage all brands to try their hand at attention-grabbing short-form videos.
Live Streaming
Recently, live streaming has grown in popularity as an effective way for brands to interact with their audiences. In 2023, live streaming will be even more prevalent as people seek authentic connections with trustworthy brands. Brands should take advantage of this opportunity by using interactive features like polls or Q&A sessions. These features increase engagement with viewers and build personal relationships with them over time.
This is another excellent opportunity to take advantage of TikTok. TikTok Live is one of the main live streaming platforms currently available in addition to Twitch and Instagram Live. These live interactions help humanize your brand. Plus, it gives your team the opportunity to answer any questions that your audience may have.
Interactive Features to Increase Engagement with Viewers
Interactive features such as polls or Q&A sessions can be used during live streams in order to increase engagement. When you use Q&A sessions viewers have a chance to give feedback directly through your stream. This is opposed to having them comment afterward via social media posts or separate comment sections. Direct interaction helps foster stronger relationships between brands and their customers.
Augmented Reality (AR) tech has also been making impressive advances recently in terms of video production. With AR you can craft interactive experiences like never before. When you combine virtual objects within a real-world environment, your storytelling capabilities are nearly endless.
For example, let’s say you are producing a social media ad featuring products from your furniture store. You could use AR technology to help users imagine what the furniture would look like inside their homes. This kind of immersive experience leads potential customers to make purchase decisions faster.
Video, live streaming, and AR trends in 2023 are pushing the boundaries of digital marketing. To keep up, savvy digital marketers must stay informed on the most recent tactics that will help them achieve their goals.
How Content Marketing Has Changed: Key Takeaways
In the next year, your content plan should change significantly
Since 2022, content marketing has seen a shift in focus from quantity to quality. Businesses are recognizing the significance of crafting a great user experience. Because of this, they are dedicating more effort to producing content for their desired demographic. This means that marketers must be strategic when it comes to developing effective campaigns that will convert leads.
The latest trends in content marketing for 2023 are largely in response to the 2022 Google Helpful Content Update and the meteoric rise of TikTok.
When it comes to the Google Helpful Content Update, the types of content that once drove traffic to your website are likely no longer working. If the content is messy, incomplete, or lacks the necessary elements for proper SEO optimization then it will no longer achieve your desired metrics. Additionally, with the rise of AI-produced content, there is a need to keep a finger on the pulse of the human heartbeat for written content. That is to say, Google can tell if your content is being written by a robot.
And now we move on to TikTok. TikTok has completely taken over social medial. In fact, other applications like Instagram, Snapchat, and Spotify have taken steps to make their platform resemble the User Interface (UI) of TikTok. It has also led to the proliferation of fast-moving, short-form video content.
When this type of content is produced, it is valuable to content marketers because it can now be placed on a number of platforms. If you produce viral TikTok content you are not only limited to that application. Your content can be repurposed across Instagram Reels, Youtube Shorts, and more.
Personalization also plays an important role in modern content marketing strategies. Consumers today expect brands to understand their needs and preferences. This includes providing personalized messages through email campaigns or other targeted advertisements. Companies are also meeting consumers where they are with banners featuring products related to past purchases.
FAQs about Content Marketing Trends
Creating content is a complicated process, that’s why we’ve provided some additional insights to help you get started
If you’re still feeling confused when approaching content marketing, take a look at our FAQs to get a better understanding of how to get started!
What Are Content Marketing Articles?
Content marketing articles are pieces of written content that provide valuable information to a target audience. These marketing articles can be educational, entertaining, or informative in nature. Content marketing articles are designed to attract potential customers who are at the top of the sales funnel. The consumers are simply looking for some industry information at this stage. Content marketing pieces are employed by companies to draw in casual searchers and turn them into purchasers.
What Are the Key Trends in Content Marketing?
- Automation is becoming increasingly important in content creation. AI allows for faster production times and increased efficiency.
- Blog content is required to feel human and completely address search intent.
- Long-form written content tends to be the most helpful and ranks better than shorter blogs.
- Live streaming is an excellent way to humanize your brand.
- Always use high-quality images optimized with captions and alt text.
- AI-driven analytics tools provide insights into customer behavior and preferences. This helps marketers tailor their content more effectively.
- Short-form video content is currently the most sharable type of content.
- Personalization is a critical component of successful campaigns. Using data points such as demographics or purchase history to create personalized experiences boosts engagement rates.
- Mobile is still essential. Content should be tailored for people who access the internet mainly via their mobile devices.
As we look ahead to 2023, content marketing trends are sure to continue evolving. In response, businesses should optimize their content using graphic design, images, and videos accordingly. Staying up-to-date with these ever-changing trends in the industry of digital marketing will help successful organizations stay competitive. With these changes in mind, your business can achieve success within this dynamic landscape.
Grow your business with the help of RedShift’s expertise on the latest content marketing trends. Our team will provide you with a tailored strategy to maximize traffic and lead conversions. Contact us today to get started!