The Ultimate Guide to Content Distribution

Content Types for Distribution

There are several types of content that can be effectively distributed for content marketing purposes, including:

• Blog Posts Written articles or posts that provide in-depth information or analysis on a specific topic, typically published on a company blog.

• Infographics Visual representations of data or information that are designed to make complex information more accessible and engaging.

• Videos Short or long-form videos that can be used to explain a product, share company culture, or demonstrate how to use a product or service.

• Ebooks In-depth guides or white papers that provide valuable information on a specific topic and can be used to build email lists or generate leads.

• Webinars Live or recorded online presentations that can be used to educate and engage audiences on a specific topic.

• Podcasts Audio recordings that can be used to provide information or analysis on a specific topic, typically released on a regular schedule.

• Social Media Updates Short text or image-based updates that can be used to promote and distribute other types of content, such as blog posts or videos.

• Newsletters Regular email updates that provide subscribers with information, updates, and promotions related to your brand.

By utilizing a mix of these different content types, you can reach and engage with your target audience in a variety of ways, and effectively distribute your content across multiple channels.

Paid Content Distribution

Paid content distribution refers to the practice of using advertising or paid promotion to get your content in front of a wider audience. This can include tactics such as

• Social Media Advertising Running targeted ads on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn to promote your content and reach a wider audience.

• Search Engine Advertising Using paid search ads to show up at the top of search results for relevant keywords, driving more traffic to your content.

• Display Advertising Running banner ads on websites and other online platforms to reach your target audience and promote your content.

• Influencer Marketing Partnering with influencers in your industry to promote your content and reach a new audience.

• Content Discovery Platforms Using platforms like Outbrain or Taboola to promote your content and reach a wider audience through native advertising.

By utilizing paid content distribution tactics, you can reach a wider and more diverse audience, and increase the visibility and engagement of your content. However, it's important to keep in mind that paid distribution may not be necessary for every piece of content or for every brand, and it's important to determine the best approach based on your goals and budget.

Content Distribution Channels

Content distribution channels are the platforms or methods through which you can promote and share your content with your target audience. Here are some of the most common channels used for content distribution

• Social Media Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram are popular channels for sharing and promoting content.

• Email Email marketing is a powerful tool for promoting your content and reaching your subscribers.

• Owned Websites and Blogs Your own websites and blogs are key channels for promoting your content and driving traffic to your site.

• Third-Party Websites Third-party websites, such as industry blogs or media sites, can be effective for reaching a wider audience and increasing the visibility of your content.

• Influencer Outreach Partnering with influencers in your industry to promote your content and reach a new audience.

• Content Discovery Platforms Platforms like Outbrain or Taboola allow you to promote your content and reach a wider audience through native advertising.

• Online Communities Participating in online communities related to your industry or niche can help you reach a new audience and promote your content.

• Paid Advertising Utilizing paid advertising options, such as social media ads or search engine advertising, can help you reach a wider audience and increase the visibility of your content.

Each of these channels has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the right distribution channels for your content will depend on your goals, target audience, and budget.

How to Build a Content Distribution Strategy

A successful content distribution strategy requires a well-defined plan for promoting your content and reaching your target audience. Here are the steps to building a content distribution strategy

• Identify Your Target Audience Start by identifying who your target audience is, where they spend their time online, and what type of content they are interested in.

• Define Your Goals Determine what you hope to achieve through your content distribution efforts, whether it's increased website traffic, lead generation, brand awareness, or something else.

• Choose the Right Channels Based on your target audience and goals, choose the distribution channels that will be most effective for reaching and engaging your audience.

• Create a Calendar Plan a content distribution calendar that includes the channels you will use, the type of content you will share, and the frequency of your distribution efforts.

• Optimize Your Content Make sure your content is optimized for each distribution channel you will use, including the title, description, and images.

• Measure and Analyze Regularly measure and analyze your content distribution efforts to determine what's working and what's not. Use this data to make adjustments to your strategy as needed.

• Adjust and Refine Continuously adjust and refine your content distribution strategy based on what's working and what's not, and be open to trying new channels and tactics as needed.

Content Distribution Tools

There are a variety of tools that can help you distribute your content more effectively. Some of the most popular content distribution tools include

• Hootsuite A social media management platform that allows you to schedule and publish content on multiple social media platforms from a single dashboard.

• Buffer A social media management tool that helps you schedule, publish, and manage content on multiple social media platforms.

• CoSchedule A content marketing and social media management tool that helps you manage your content distribution and promotion efforts.

• MeetEdgar A social media management tool that allows you to schedule and publish content, and automatically recycle and reuse your older content.

• Sprout Social A social media management and analytics platform that helps you manage your social media accounts, schedule and publish content, and measure the success of your efforts.

• BuzzSumo A content marketing tool that helps you find and analyze the most shared content in your industry, and track the performance of your own content.

• HubSpot A comprehensive inbound marketing platform that includes a range of tools for content creation, distribution, and analytics.

• Mailchimp An email marketing platform that allows you to create and send newsletters, automated email campaigns, and other email communications to your audience.