Admittedly, I was cranky with sick kids and snow days when I started this post (OK, rant), but even though spring and health are upon us my feelings haven’t changed:
Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
This, of course, can apply to many things, but this year I have read too many blog posts that tell brands that they should jump into video, audio, and infographics. They regale readers with stats that say, “Everyone is doing it, so you should too,” or “Comprehension jumps when you use video.”
Can these be effective formats? Absolutely. Yet, in all CMI’s 2015 research, at least 40% of brands using at least one of these formats say it’s not effective.
Just because many content marketers are doing something doesn’t mean you should.
All content types have their merits – and you can always find data that shows the growth in a channel and brands that are having success. But does this make it the right channel for you?
If you are thinking of trying a new format or getting pressure to “create an infographic” because your competition is, please take a step back and make sure it’s the right format for you. This post includes:
Stats on how many people are using these tactics – and how effective they consider them to be
Examples of when you should not use these formats
Examples of when these formats work well
Tips for getting more out of each of these formats
Video: Not another talking head
Why your video may be failing
Every time we ask our CMI community if they like video, the majority respond that they prefer to read. It’s faster and it does not require as much of their attention (i.e., with video you need to listen and watch).
I say that I’m not a fan of video, but truth be told, I like to watch videos of things that interest me. I have a queue of shows and movies on Netflix, and I sometimes turn to YouTube when I need to understand how to do something (say, how to complete a kid’s craft or fix something around the house). Videos have a place in my life.
But, there are many instances where video is not the best format. For example, does your “talking-head” video offer viewers something they could not get from reading a Q&A article with the person.
Ask yourself: Is there anything that would be lost if the viewer did not have the visual and sound? Would audio or text only serve the same purpose?
When video really works
Recently, Robert Rose shared this video during our Executive Forum, and I was this close to crying (and I just watched it again and was crying):
I was so moved by this – and I consider it to be such a great example of content marketing and cause-based marketing — that I suggested to CCO Editor Clare McDermott that we run a story in the magazine about this. While she too loved the story, she did not think it would work well in print because it would be too difficult to capture the emotion in text in a way that did not feel contrived.
She’s right – and it was an “aha” moment for me on when video really does work. No other medium would do this story as much justice. There is often no better way to capture the emotion and passion of an experience than in video.
Jay Acunzo shared this video from Liberty Mutual that illuminates another example of when a story truly works best in a video format.
McDonald’s used video to “Share the Love” – while the campaign might have worked without a video, visualizing the experience brought it to life for viewers who in turn were more likely to share the video and the message.
Video is also a great medium to use to walk someone through a process. In this episode of Claim Your Fame, Jenny Doan shares how the power of how-to videos helped build her quilt empire.
Audio: What’s the story?
Why your audio may be failing
When people talk about podcasts, I often hear them mention that it’s a great medium because people can consume content while working out, walking the dog, or commuting. Yes, people can multitask when listening to podcasts, but that should not be your primary reason for using this medium.
There are many cases where audio may not be the right fit. For instance, I just read this review of an audio book, which offers a good reminder for anyone creating audio:
“The material is interesting and well presented, but frequently too abstract when you have to compensate for frequent minor distractions. It would be best listened to with the accompanying PDF in front of you and the rewind button easily at hand to review what the author has written when he presents examples.”
Ask yourself: Can someone get as much out of a PDF or key point summary as they can by listening to the piece?
When audio really works
I’m a big fan of This American Life. The stories are often intriguing and entertaining – and l often look at the world in a different way as a result. While this is not an example from a brand, this message on the transcripts in the This American Life archives serves as a good reminder of when audio is the better format:
“Note: This American Life is produced for the ear and designed to be heard, not read. We strongly encourage you to listen to the audio, which includes emotion and emphasis that’s not on the page. Transcripts are generated using a combination of speech recognition software and human transcribers, and may contain errors. Please check the corresponding audio before quoting in print.”
Can you say that about your podcast? If so, audio is likely the right medium for your message.
Clif Bar’s podcast is an example of form matching function. What do a lot of athletes have in common? They listen to something while they run, walk and exercise. Clif Bar’s podcast is a mix of tips on running, nutrition facts, and interviews.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: Podcasting: Storytelling for the 21st Century – Pros, Cons, Examples and Best Practices
Infographics: Do they really help?
Why your infographics may be failing
Infographics absolutely have their place, but I’m tired of bad infographics. Much of what I see feels like something that was created to “check off the infographic box.” In fact, I fell into that rut this winter.
I tried to create an infographic from an article I loved. However, when I tried transforming this idea into a visual, it fell flat. I found myself having conversations around what the graphic meant and what it was showing. Of course, if I had to explain what the graphic was showing, it was not working.
We ended up not using the graphic simply because it didn’t help tell a story more succinctly or simplify a complex idea. The infographic was not the right fit for that piece.
Ask yourself: Is this visual helping to simplify a process? Does the infographic simplify something in a way that text could not explain? If not, the visual isn’t working. Regroup or use a different format.
When infographics really work
The best infographics tell a story that you can’t tell as well in any other format (good infographics are not stats that are simply listed in one looonng graphic). I like this infographic from Restaurant Choice that quickly tells travelers the dos and don’ts of dining internationally. It’s straightforward, and the different entrees for each country are a great visual. You can also read the original post where the infographic was published, and you’ll see how much more enjoyable it is to see the graphic instead of reading the post.
Dining Etiquette Around The World – An infographic by the team at Restaurant Choice
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: What Keeps Brilliant Visual Content From Being Shared
Takeaway
I’m all for experimenting with different mediums, and failure is OK (in fact, it’s needed if you want to succeed). We’re all trying to figure out the best mix of content for our business and audience. So, experiment away! However, next time you contemplate a new video, podcast, or infographic, ask yourself:
Does this channel provide a better way for my audience to understand this topic or experience something that text alone can’t offer?
If you can’t answer yes, rethink whether it is the best format for your content. Don’t be afraid to say no.
One item that should be on your content marketing checklist and will never disappoint – attend Content Marketing World 2015. Use discount code CMI100 to save $100 on registration by the end of the month.
Cover image by Viktor Hanacek, picjumbo, via pixabay.com
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