Table of Contents
As a small business owner, you probably feel that you have to make content to attract customers. But with so many ideas swirling around, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. You might find yourself either not posting at all or sticking to the same type of content repeatedly.
However, I have this system that helps simplify things for you! Let’s explore the six content types that can transform leads from unknown prospects to loyal customers.
What are Content Types?
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s clarify what content types are and how they can simplify your content creation process.Â
Content types refer to the style and point of view of your content. By categorising your content into specific types—informative, inspiring, engaging, behind the scenes, your story, and sales—you can create a varied content plan very quickly.Â
You choose one topic to write about from each of the six content types perspectives, and boom, six posts are done. But for most topics, you can come up with more than one per topic, meaning you will end up with a lot more than six posts…
This approach makes content creation easier and ensures you address different aspects of your audience’s journey, from awareness to purchase. And combining it with bulk content creation it can help you work more efficiently.Â
The different types of content
Informative Content
Informative content is all about providing valuable information related to your topic. By answering common questions and discussing relevant topics, you demonstrate your knowledge and your way of thinking about these topics. It’s important to make sure you keep the content clear and free of jargon. You want to show the audience that you can make yourself understood to those who don’t know as much about the topic as you do.Â
Informative content is meant to offer helpful resources that guide your customers and solve their problems. Whether through how-to guides, industry tips, or deep dives, informative content delivers value, showcases your expertise, and fosters a strong, trust-based relationship with your audience, which in turn gives you the chance to turn them into customers. How-to guides help people take step-by-step action, while deep dives give the audience more information about a topic in your field. Industry tips help them make more informed decisions.Â
Incorporating informative content into your strategy can educate your audience and build trust.
Inspiring Content
Everyone loves a good story. A story is a recollection of a human experience that makes us feel alive. We are naturally drawn to them, especially those that inspire and uplift us.Â
Inspiring content is like a burst of creativity and motivation for your audience. It taps into their dreams and aspirations, making them more receptive to your message. By sharing stories, quotes, or case studies that align with your audience’s dreams and wishes, you can create a deeper, more meaningful connection with your followers.
Customer success stories showcase how your offers have helped customers achieve their goals, overcome obstacles, or simply make their lives better. Short, impactful quotes provide a quick boost of inspiration or encouragement. Stories on the news that fit with your topic are also powerful. These stories of resilience and determination, of people facing challenges head-on and emerging stronger, not only inspire but also make you human.Â
By incorporating inspiring content into your strategy, you can help create a positive vibe within your business and show your audience that they can achieve their dreams!
Engaging Content
Let’s start a conversation! Engaging content is designed to provoke reactions and encourage your audience to interact with your posts. This type of content is crucial for building a community around your business.Â
The fantastic thing about engaging content is that it not only gives your audience a chance to participate, share their thoughts and be part of your community. But you also learn more about your ideal audience by listening to what they are saying.Â
Polls and quizzes are fantastic for sparking interest and getting quick feedback from your audience. Questions for the audience can open up discussions and invite your followers to share their insights and experiences. User-generated content, like photos or stories shared by your customers, adds authenticity and shows that you value their contributions.
Engaging content goes beyond simple likes and shares; it invites your audience to be part of the conversation. So don’t forget to respond to the comments so you are part of the conversation too!
By incorporating engaging content into your strategy, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level and learn more about them.
Behind the Scenes Content
Behind-the-scenes content provides a peek into your business operations and the person who makes it all happen: YOU. This type of content shows the person that is the business, making your audience feel more connected to you.
Day-in-the-life posts give a real look at your daily routine and how you manage your business. In-progress posts show you working on a service for a client, creating a new offer or packing your products offering a deeper understanding of your work.Â
Sharing behind-the-scenes content makes your audience feel like an insider. This, in turn, helps them relate to and like you, leading to trust.Â
Your Story Content
Your story content is about your personal journey and experiences. This type of content helps build a personal connection with your audience. You can talk about how this became your business, what you love about it, why you know this, and much more. Being honest and vulnerable makes you more relatable and trustworthy, helping to create a bond with your audience.
Personal milestones, like achieving a significant goal or overcoming a challenge, show your dedication and progress. Lessons learned in your entrepreneurial journey offer valuable insights and experiences that help build a personal connection. Sharing the inspiration behind starting your business gives your audience a glimpse into your passions and motivations.
Not all of Your Story content needs to be related to your business in some way, but make sure most of it is.
Sales Content
Sales content is where you directly promote your offers, specials, deals, free resources, or calls. It should be clear and direct, promoting your products or services.Â
Limited-time offers create a sense of urgency and encourage quick decisions. Product launches highlight new additions and generate excitement. Offering free resources or consultations provides immediate value and builds trust.
What I see is that people either almost only post sales content or hardly ever. But it is all about balance. By using sales in your content types mix, you’ll be posting 1 in 6 posts directly about your offers. This is a healthy mix that ensures you are promoting your offers without overwhelming your audience. Highlight the value you offer and include a strong call to action, making it easy for your audience to take the next step.
Personal milestones, like achieving a significant goal or overcoming a challenge, show your dedication and progress. Lessons learned in your entrepreneurial journey offer valuable insights and experiences that help build a personal connection. Sharing the inspiration behind starting your business gives your audience a glimpse into your passions and motivations.
Not all of Your Story content needs to be related to your business in some way, but make sure most of it is.
Bringing It All Together
Mixing these 6 content types and creating a balance between them will give you a better chance of connecting with potential customers and creating a real bond with them.Â
By using the process of creating 6 pieces of content from just 1 topic or long-form piece of content, you can more easily create more pieces of content. By using bulk content creation, you can create all 6 types from just one big topic or piece of content, making it easier to stay consistent without burning out.
Imagine coming up with just one piece for each type. You already have days’ worth of content that guides your audience from not knowing you to loving what you do. The key is consistency and variety. Mixing up these content types will keep your audience engaged and build a stronger relationship with them.
Ready to Create Content That Connects?
You now understand the 6 content types, but knowing about them and actually creating them are two different things.
Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Discover your Content Strength (free 2-minute quiz)
Get your personalised content strength report and learn which type comes most naturally to you.
Step 2: Use your strength as your starting point
Once you know your natural content type, you can create the other 5 types more easily by leveraging what you’re already good at.
Step 3: Create your first 6 pieces of content
With the right system, you can create one piece of content from each type in just 2-3 hours. That’s a week’s worth of content done in one sitting.
