9 Types of Content You Can Use for Content Marketing

Content marketing is the way to go if you want to build trust, boost SEO, and convert leads. There are many types of content to choose from, but sticking to just one format won't cut it.

You need to mix it up to maximize your results and reach a broader audience. Here are 10 types of content you can use to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more:

1. Blog Posts

You must already know what blog posts are. They can be short (or sometimes long) articles you publish on your website. Generally, they are crafted to answer questions your audience has, share helpful tips, or talk about topics related to your business.

The great thing about blog posts is that they help you show up on Google when people search for something. For example, if someone searches "how to choose the right software," and you have a blog post with that exact topic, you've just earned a visit from a potential customer.

2. Animated Explainer Videos

Animated explainer videos are short video content, usually one to two minutes long. They explain your product, service, or idea through animation, graphics, and other visual aids. They're not just animation but can also bring a storyline to make your message more relatable and engaging.

Explainer videos are used to break down complex ideas into fun, simple visuals so people can understand them quickly. They are versatile content that can be placed on your homepage, landing pages, and emails, or repurposed into social media content.

3. Case Studies

A case study is like a success story. It tells how you helped a real client or customer solve a problem, improve something, or achieve results. Instead of saying, "We're great," you show proof with numbers, percentages, quotes, and outcomes.

These stories can build trust effectively. People want to know that you can actually deliver, and a good case study does exactly that. When someone sees you've already helped others like them, it becomes much easier for them to say, "Okay, I want that too."

A case study can be turned into a blog post or video content. You can also share meaningful results in the form of infographics, so you can share them on social media.

4. Infographics

Infographics are great content for social media and emails. Many marketers use them to turn stats, comparisons, or step-by-step guides into clean, eye-catching visuals. They're perfect if you want to share something quickly without overwhelming people with too much text.

Infographics are especially popular on platforms like Pinterest, LinkedIn, and even inside blog posts. When done right, they make people stop scrolling, take a look, and maybe even share the image. That means more eyes on your brand without doing extra work.

5. Ebooks & Guides

Ebooks and guides might sound a bit of a chore to do. You must go deeper into a topic to create them and, of course, you need expertise to do so. But are they the same as blog posts?

They're longer than a blog post and packed with valuable insights, tips, or how-tos. You often see them offered as a free download in exchange for your name and email because they're great for collecting leads.

They also help you build authority. When you write a helpful ebook, you're not just giving away information. You demonstrate that you are an expert who knows your field inside and out. That kind of trust is hard to buy but easy to earn if your content hits the mark.

6. Podcasts

Nowadays, podcasts are like on-demand radio shows. You (or your team) can talk about industry topics, share personal experiences, interview experts, or break down trends through audio. People can listen while commuting, working out, or doing chores.

Your voice adds personality and builds trust over time. If you're consistent, podcasts can help position you as a go-to voice in your niche. However, this content isn't easy to make, so it's optional whether or not you want to make one.

7. Webinars

Webinars are online events, usually live. This is your space to teach something, show a demo, or have a discussion on a specific topic. People sign up, join the session, and can interact with you through Q&A.

They're a great way to build relationships and credibility in real-time. And because they're usually free to join, they're perfect for attracting warm leads who are already interested in what you have to say.

8. Email Newsletters

Email newsletters are updates you send straight to people's inboxes. They can include helpful tips, your latest content, special offers, or news about your product or service.

It's one of the most direct ways to talk to your audience because you don't need social media algorithms in the way. And if done right (no spammy sales stuff every time), newsletters can become something your audience looks forward to reading!

9. User-Generated Content

User-generated content is also known as social proof. It is any content your customers or community create, like reviews, testimonials, social media posts, or videos about your product or service.

This type of content is powerful because it's authentic. When people see others enjoying your product, it feels real, not like a sales pitch. UGC helps build trust fast, and you can even repurpose it for your own marketing (with permission, of course).

Takeaway

At the end of the day, there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to content marketing. Some people prefer to read, others like to watch or listen, and that's exactly why mixing up your content types matters.

Blog posts are great for building your SEO, explainer videos can boost engagement, podcasts and webinars connect on a personal level, and user-generated content builds trust. You don't need to do everything at once, but trying a few different formats can go a long way.

So, start with what feels doable and see what your audience responds to. Once you know which content resonates best, you can keep the momentum going!

Author Bio

Andre Oentoro is the founder of Breadnbeyond, an award-winning animation video company. He helps businesses increase conversion rates, close more sales, and get positive ROI from explainer videos (in that order).