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Many in the digital marketing industry believe that content marketing is the most efficient strategy available. It finds widespread use in organizations of all sizes, and it should come as no surprise, given the importance of increasing your digital presence. But what is content design?
Content design, in a nutshell, is how you present the information on your website or other platforms. It needs to be done in a way that is user-friendly, concise, and quick to load.
However, developing an effective content design plan requires understanding content marketing.
That’s why we’ve consulted experts in digital marketing, and compiled a list of seven tips for successful content design.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
Satisfy all of your Content Marketing needs here at Twine…
Expert Tips & Tricks for Successful Content Design
A well-designed piece of content is essential for your business in more ways than one. Your brand’s credibility and user engagement are at stake if you skimp on content design.
On top of that, the design of your content can significantly influence your commercial success. If you bare in mind that blog marketing generates 13 times as many leads as paid advertising, (as well as three times as many sales opportunities), it’s pretty obvious that content design matters a lot.
So, now that we can all agree that well-designed content is essential, let’s get into the specifics of how to achieve it.
While there are many helpful guides for content marketers, the vast majority focus on tactics like promotion and audience development, rather than the material itself and the experience it provides…
#1 Focus on Quality, Rather than Quantity
Despite what these SEO masters might have taught you, making a lot of low-quality content won’t help anyone. In fact, doing so is counterproductive to improving your SEO rankings, as it can damage your reputation and lower your authority.
Prioritizing quality helps build a name for your company, and shows you care about your business and the people who buy into it.
Of course, producing work of a higher caliber takes more time and money. As you get experience and learn what information is most beneficial to your leads, you’ll be able to crank out the content fast and efficiently.
#2 Analyze Your Content by Using Metrics
If you want to know how successful your material is, you need to measure it. You can’t know if your content design is successful in accomplishing your marketing goals – i.e. increasing website traffic or social media shares – until you monitor the reactions of your target audience.
Perhaps you’re already using some metrics, but this is simply scratching the surface. In order to see how leads are discovering your website and how well your material performs, it’s crucial you look at your content and website metrics holistically.
#3 Try out Different Content Types
The best content design strategies zero in on the specifics. What connects with your target demographic?
Finding out what kind of media your audience finds most engaging can be accomplished by experimenting with different content types and forms. Besides publishing blogs, let’s take a look at four other types of content you can try:
- Emails/Newsletters. As emails and newsletters are only sent to your subscribers, you’re given a unique opportunity to communicate directly with prospective and existing clients.
- Animations/Videos. You can share the videos and animations you create on your website, blog, social media profiles, and even your YouTube channel.
- Presentations/Infographics. Many people wonder why they use infographics in content. The main reason is that you’ll get a well-designed presentation of data which is a powerful tool for conveying complex ideas and concepts. So if you want to be seen as an authority in your field, utilize presentations to make your case.
- E-books. E-books can be provided as a unique, ad-free content download. As a result, you can provide your leads with more in-depth information while collecting their contact details.
#4 Use Data to Back Up Your Arguments
You can use authoritative content resources like studies and whitepapers to lend credibility to your assertions by providing hard evidence.
The ability to present numerical data alongside a narrative’s emotional underpinnings is where statistics really shine.
Your leads will have different preferences for learning about your business, so it’s crucial to use a mix of both complex data and human interest stories to capture as many of them as possible.
#5 Take Advantage of Storytelling
Brands can use storytelling as one of their most powerful marketing strategies.
Essentially, storytelling is relationship-building between a brand and its customers. Putting a face to your company and its products or services will help you gain your audience’s trust and make your proposed solutions more attractive.
Using storytelling effectively also requires learning what your target demographic cares about, what they find fascinating, and how you can help them alleviate any problems or frustrations they may be experiencing.
There are many experienced freelancers who can help you in this department, FYI…
#6 Analyze Your Competition
You are probably already keeping an eye on your industry to get content ideas and topic inspiration.
However, taking a closer look at your direct competitors never hurts. This will offer you a sense of your competition’s content design approach – you can then use this knowledge to shape and further improve your own content design.
Remember, your competitors will probably be doing the same thing. So, be original!
#7 Keep Your Content Design Style Consistent
Maintaining visual coherence should be one of your top priorities.
Despite its lack of flash, consistency is one of the most crucial design elements in UI and UX. This is because it makes the material more accessible and pleasurable to the end user.
Having a consistent design across your marketing materials can help your company look more professional. Then, stick to your design guidelines, layouts, and templates.
This doesn’t mean you can’t alter your mind, but if you do, at least make it deliberate and not just because you forgot to follow the house style.
Final thoughts
Some businesses try to skimp on content design resources, despite their proven effectiveness. Don’t be like them!
The success of your marketing campaign hinges on the quality of the material you provide on your website and elsewhere.
Using our tips for successful content design, you can build a content campaign that will bring in more customers and give your company greater recognition.
Ready to hire? Our marketplace of over 410,000 diverse freelancers has the skills and expertise needed to skyrocket your business. From marketers to designers, copywriters to SEO experts – browse the talented bunch here!
Vicky
