What’s Ahead for Content Marketing in 2016?
Storyation co-founder and head of content Lauren Quaintance gets out her crystal ball to predict what will happen in content marketing in Australia in 2016.
It’s December which means it’s time for the inevitable predictions about the year ahead. Since we launched our content agency Storyation more than two years ago we’ve seen things move at lightning speed.
You only need to look at the historic search volumes for the term ‘content marketing’ on Google (see below) to understand how quickly this relatively new discipline has gone mainstream.
While Australia is undoubtedly still a couple of years behind the US, we’ve seen more and more CMOs – especially in travel, financial services and insurance – add content to their marketing arsenal. So what’s ahead in 2016? Let me polish my crystal ball…
The Ad Blocking Apocalypse Will Continue
While ad blocking is more common on desktops than mobile so far, one in 10 internet users in the UK and the US now use an ad blocker.
Given that rates in some countries have doubled in 12 months – and mobile ad blocking is on the rise – we can expect that the age of ad blocking is here to stay. If nothing else, this will force more marketers to focus on creating content that people actually want to read and share.
There Will Be more Video Storytelling (Not Just Video)
There’s no doubt that video is a phenomenon to be reckoned with. By 2017 video will account for 69 per cent of all consumer internet traffic, according to Cisco.
But too few brands think that video is pretty pictures set to music which is, frankly, little more than visual wallpaper. As the market becomes flooded with more and more content in 2016, the brands that will truly stand-out out will be the ones who know every video needs an idea behind it.
The best and brightest will borrow from documentary filmmakers to find stories that move us – that make us laugh, cry and think.
More Senior, More Strategic Content Roles
This is already happening overseas. We’re seeing the rise of executive-level positions, such as the official-sounding chief content officer, that have a seat at the leadership table.
Instead of assuming that content marketing is a just tactic to be handed to a junior digital content or social media manager (as is so often the case in Australia) large global organisations such as Coca-Cola have identified someone needs to drive the culture and own the strategy and budget.
Long Form Will Become the New Short Form
It used to be that content marketing was driven almost entirely by SEO as brands battled to beat Google’s algorithms and get to the top of the first page of search results.
Performance in search is still important but as new tools such as Google’s Knowledge Graph – essentially pop-out boxes that circumvent the need to click on websites for answers to simple questions – brands will be forced to start tackling more complex topics.
Add to that the fact long stories are more likely to be shared on social media and you have a compelling case for long form.
But There Will Still Be Room for Micro Stories
But while there is undoubtedly a thirst for more substantial, nourishing brand stories it is also true that we are more impatient than ever.
Look at the success of Humans of New York on Facebook (a mere 16.2 million followers) and you will understand the power of visual stories with extended captions that capture an authentic true story. Not everything needs to be a 500-word blog post or a 90 second video.
Whatever comes to pass, in 2016 the need for good content that people actually want to consume – and that is strategically-aligned to your brand’s purpose – will only be greater.
Latest News
History Has Arrived: It’s The Cairns Crocodiles Inaugural Shortlist
Pen the acceptance speech and ready your best thongs and muumuu, because the Cairns Crocodiles shortlist has arrived.
Nearly 90% Of Consumers Want Transparency About AI Images, Finds Getty Images Report
Getty Images yesterday held a Webinar to announce the release of its “Building Trust in the Age of AI” report. The study aims to empower marketers and communications professionals by providing data-driven insights into the integration of AI-generated content within marketing and communications strategies. Supported by the company’s cutting-edge visual and creative intelligence platform, VisualGPS, […]
The National Breast Cancer Foundation Partners With VML To Boost Funds
Today the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and VML announce their partnership in Australia. Together they will create a future-focussed, connected marketing and customer experience strategy that will propel the not-for-profit’s ability to raise funds and continue to invest in world-class research towards their vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer. The team will develop […]
Perry ‘Pez’ Lazaris Named New National Hit Network Announcer
The Hit Network has announced Perry ‘Pez’ Lazaris will be taking over the Hit Network’s regional Afternoon shift from Monday, 6 May. Pez knows a thing or two about radio with a career spanning over 15 years, working in Townsville, Adelaide, Western Australia and most recently, Newcastle. Now, Pez will take over the national regional […]
Before Adland: Garry Dawson’s Journey From Teacher To Marketer
Many know Garry Dawson as the prolific marketing manager behind the Hopeful Monsters team, but the story many don’t know is how a chance encounter at a local cafe just three years ago changed the trajectory of his entire life. Having worked as a teacher for six years at this point, Dawson was preparing a […]
Scott Cam Urges Tradies To Prioritise Sun Protection
New research from SafetyCulture has shed some light on the number of Aussies working outside without proper sun protection. The survey of more than 1,000 Aussie outdoor workers, which included the likes of tradies, landscapers, and road workers, revealed that almost all (93 per cent) are concerned about the long-term effects of working in the sun. […]
PubMatic Study: Advertising On Retail Media Is 50% More Effective Than Social Media
PubMatic has released a new study examining the influence of digital media on shopper behaviour at the top and bottom of the funnel. The research found that retail websites are approximately 50 per cent more effective at driving a response from shoppers than social media. Commissioned by Inside Retail and conducted by PubMatic, 500 Australian […]
From MOWING to life GROWING: Jim Penman launches ‘Life Coaching’ services
Jim Penman, founder of the Jim’s Group, has officially launched Jim’s Life Coaching and intends to help millions of Australians live their best life. “Life coaching is a powerful and effective way to achieve success in business and personal life. It helps people to set their own goals, and then work out how to get there. It has […]
Budweiser Brazil Turns Songs That Name Drop The Iconic Brand Into Spotify Ads
Budweiser has created a new way of advertising on Spotify to ensure that ads don’t ruin the vibe of your favourite playlists. UninterruptAds: a pioneering initiative, converts songs that mention the brand’s name into targeted ads within the platform in Brazil. When the Brazilian team identified that their name is present in more than 500 tracks […]
Effie Worldwide Strengthens Board With 6 New Members
Effie Worldwide, has announced six new members to their Worldwide Board of Directors, alongside three new co-chairs of the Future Council; a powerful injection of fresh talent as the organization evolves across all its programs to expand its mission to champion marketing effectiveness. The Effie Board contributes to the non-profit’s mission to champion effectiveness through […]
Special Enlist A Penguin Named Nigel In Latest Energy Campaign For Contact
After introducing “Flatties” a couple of weeks ago, Contact and Special have now enlisted the help of rule-stickler penguin Nigel to motivate all Kiwis to reduce their energy consumption during peak hours. Contact is investing heavily in creating more renewable energy sources to lead the way in decarbonising New Zealand, but to make an even […]
Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth & George Miller Ignite Sydney For Epic Mad Max Launch
The global promotional tour for Universal’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, the much-anticipated return to the iconic dystopian world Academy Award-winning mastermind George Miller created 45 years ago, kicked off in epic fashion in Sydney yesterday. Anya Taylor-Joy returned to Australia, joining Chris Hemsworth, George Miller and producer Doug Mitchell at a fiery media call […]
IAS Launches First-To-Market Integration With Roblox To Provide 3D Immersive Measurement
Integral Ad Science, a global media measurement and optimization platform, today announced a market integration with Roblox, a global immersive platform for connection and communication. Available for advertising campaigns on Roblox later this year, IAS’s Viewability and Invalid Traffic (IVT) Measurement products will provide advertisers increased transparency into the quality of their Immersive Ads within […]
Fast And Furious: Top Gear Australia Launch Thrilled Motorheads, Car Entusiasts And Guests
B&T is still no closer to knowing who the new Stig is, except that she is a woman and a ridiculously fast.
TV Ratings (02/05/2024): Seven’s The 1% Club Wins The Night
The 1% club did not live up to its name when it comes to TV ratings last night.
TRA Welcomes Raft Of New Hires; Bolstering Expertise Across Markets
Insights and research agency TRA announces slew of new hires. Still no news on the return of marble wash denim, however.
CX Lavender Hires Boston Consulting Group’s Kim Verbrugghe as Chief Strategy Officer
CX Lavender announces new strategy hire and channels 'acoustic folk act at local RSL' for the publicity pic.
Opinion: Community standards, will they be the death of us?
This columnist is talking community standards. Sadly not those people who put dogs in trolleys in supermarkets.
Tegel gets heads bobbing with new free-range chicken platform
Sure, there's a lot of moral considerations when buying a chook. Yet, not as baffling as buying eggs or canned tuna.
Study: 66% of Aussie men believe masculinity is under attack
Two-thirds of Aussie blokes say masculinity's under attack. That said, sales of Solo lemon drink appear robust.
‘Equal Writes’: Canyon reveals new campaign and refreshed brand for women and non-binary writers
As this brand redesign again proves, nothing beats black on white. Well, white on black in this instance.
Icon Agency bolsters consumer and integrated offer with major hires
Icon Agency unveils new recruits. As press photo confirms office moustache competition now a lay-down misère.
Clemenger launches agricultural graduate program
Has Farmer Wants A Wife triggered an interest in dagging & hay balers? This grads program may resonate.
Levi’s Appoint UM As Global Media Agency For $217m Account
Levi's are the jeans for rockstars, models & the cool kids. Although that's not stopped dads from ruining their image.
QMS Nabs Sean Rigby From oOh!media
Things set to get spicy at the next Outdoor Media Association dinner and dance as a rival gets poached.
Bumble Reveals New Brand Identity To Usher In New Era Of Dating
It's ironic that all the dating apps market themselves as having no weirdos, freaks or mummy's boys like their rivals.
Stay In The House From Up! Airbnb Introduces Icons
Airbnb is now letting people stay in "iconic" places that sadly doesn't include the house from Silence Of The Lambs.
Changing The Conversation: The Role Of Media In Ending Violence Against Women
Governments are finally waking up to the DV crisis. Here, B&T chats with Jasmin Bedir on the role media can play.
“If You Want To Listen To Something Else, Go For It”: Fifi Box On Blocking Out The Noise & Focussing On What Works
No one is at the coal face of Melbourne radio like Fifi Box. Here, she chats with B&T without coughing up a lung.
Spotlight On Sponsors: Ferrari Signs Landmark New Title Sponsor
B&T continuing our series on sports sponsorships. And, yet again, there's little good news for the ten pin bowlers.
Choose A Path Less Trodden This Cannes In Cairns
Not since Wonka opened the factory has there been such a hot ticket in town. Here's how to make the most of Cairns.
Cannes In Cairns MC Keeva Stratton Shares Her Top Session Picks
Quip boss calls out her highlights of the Cannes agenda. We're assuming B&T staff b-boy demonstration was an oversight.
Here Are The Agencies That Made AFR’s Best Places To Work List And What The Industry Can Learn From Them
Did your office not make the list? Make sure your boss shouts at least two schooners at office drinks come Friday.
Get Ready, B&T’s Best Of The Best Is Back With The Top Holding Company Executive Leaders – Creative!
Want to know who the Grandest of the Grand Poobahs in the industry are? Look no further than this exhaustive list.
How A Glittering Campaign Helped The Australian Museum Sell 400,000 Tickets
B&T thoroughly enjoyed the Ramses exhibition at The Australian Museum, despite thinking we were going to the Archibald.
TV Ratings (30/04/2024): A “Shoey” Straight From A Fish’s Mouth Launches The Cheap Seats Into 2024
Last night's TV saw horny farmers beat Lego nerds, who beat fame-obsessed home cooks, who beat a chap with a large fish.