The Top 6 Content Marketing Trends of 2018

As a business owner, it's critical that you know about the latest content marketing trends. After all, specific tools, tactics, and distribution channels that worked for you two or three years ago may not be as useful in today's environment.

Are you curious to know what's ahead?

Here are six content marketing trends you should be on the lookout for this year.

1. Video Marketing

According to Cisco's Visual Networking Index, 80 percent of all Internet traffic will come from videos by 2019. If you haven't incorporated video marketing into your content marketing strategy yet, it's not too late. There are many different ways you can use video to increase traffic and generate leads. For example, you can shoot a video about a new product launch, create YouTube advertisements, or share video testimonials on your website.

2. Social Media Influencers

Many companies will continue to partner with popular social media influencers in 2018. This is a viable option if you would like to reach new target audiences very quickly. Remember to vet every social media influencer before you decide to work with them.

Beware of influencers with fake followers or unrealistically high engagement rates. You should also do extensive research on the appropriate going rate for paid advertisements on the social media platform you would like to use.

3. User-Generated Content

User-generated content, which is defined as any content created by unpaid contributors, is the modern equivalent of word-of-mouth testimonials. From pictures to blog posts, user-generated content is an authentic way to promote your brand. In fact, many consumers place more trust in the opinion of other users than in paid advertisements.

You can make your business appear more trustworthy to new users by including verified customer reviews and recommendations on your website and social media accounts.

4. Live Stream

Live streaming on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms is another big content marketing trend that can help you connect with followers.

If you decide to add live streaming to your marketing strategy, try to share valuable yet entertaining content. One advantage of live streaming is that you can receive real-time feedback from your company's followers. You can also use live stream sessions to answer questions, conduct polls and gather insightful information.

5. Mobile Optimization

If you aren't optimizing your content for mobile devices, you are behind the curve. Non-responsive websites experience a higher bounce rate than responsive websites. Upgrade your website and develop mobile-friendly content that people can easily access on their phones.

6. Voice Recognition

According to a recent Forbes article, more than 50 percent of searches will be voice-based by 2020.

As voice search continues to become more popular and people start to turn to voice-recognition products over their laptops and mobile phone, it's important that your company continues to discover new ways to stay ahead of the curve.

First, buy a Google Home or Amazon Alexa and start experimenting with their interfaces. Next, learn how to develop a "featured snippet" that will help your company appear in the search results for the appropriate queries. You can also research and submit the answers to the most frequently asked questions prospective customers may have about your products and services.