We blinked. This year is almost over and 2023 is on the horizon, ready to bring the next hottest content trends. Here are my four content marketing predictions for the New Year.
#1. Storytelling is Key
The art of storytelling has been part of marketing strategies since the beginning of business. Stories provide lots of value to your audience, such as entertainment, purpose, and context. While storytelling is a tried-and-true strategy, I predict it will be increasingly more important as we head into 2023.
In today and tomorrow’s bustling digital world, people often automatically scroll past advertisements and traditional marketing content. However, a good story will entice them to pause and listen. It’s one of the top ways to capture your audience’s attention and maintain it for a longer period of time.
Focus on telling the heart of your story, emphasizing any low points, big wins, and important revelations. Don’t be afraid to get creative with how you tell it. Think outside the box (or outside the written word) and create video content and graphics to accompany your story.
As your business grows, consider telling the stories of your clients and customers in the form of case studies or testimonials.
#2. Short and Sweet Reigns Supreme
Great content creation extends far beyond the ability to write lots of solid marketing copy. Nowadays, the true test of skill in this craft is the ability to write concisely.
People are scrolling.
People don’t have time.
People don’t usually stop to read.
That’s why I predict short and simple text will continue as the gold standard in content marketing in 2023.
Use short and sweet phrases.
Break up text into small paragraphs or lists.
Keep it simple.
Then once your audience is hooked, introduce your longer-form, more descriptive content.
#3. Purpose-Driven Marketing is Increasingly Important
As 2023 approaches, we’re entering into a world of more conscious, knowledge-seeking consumers who often take the time to do their research before purchasing.
Competition within virtually every product and service category is growing at an intense pace, so it’s no longer simply enough to talk about your product.
People want to know your “why.”
What’s the big picture behind your business?
How are your products or services solving an important problem?
How are you hoping to make the world a better place through your business?
A purpose-driven content strategy sets you apart while also highlighting all of the great work you’re doing with your business.
#4. Social Media is Evolving… But Not Too Drastically
It’s no secret that social media is by far the fastest changing landscape in the digital world. From year to year, new strategies and best practices emerge quickly. I predict that in 2023, we’ll continue to see evolution, but overall, the changes won’t be too dramatic.
Heading into 2023, I think we’ll continue to see this year’s trends become more prevalent:
- Generally, short videos like TikTok videos and reels are outperforming most traditional social media posts.
- Focus on aesthetics and branding. People gravitate toward content that pleases the eye.
- Keep text short, simple, and easy to read. (Just like we noted in prediction #2.)
Watch the horizon for new and emerging platforms, but don’t plan for major players like Facebook and Instagram to go anywhere any time soon.
Keep doing what you’re doing, while maintaining a pulse on what types of content create the highest reach and engagement in the current moment.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, and successful 2023 filled with eye-catching content and engaging digital conversations.
Linda Walkowich 