Text-based Content

However, brands are starting to use visual-based marketing strategies. This is because people's attention spans are shrinking, which results in them feeling overloaded with too much information. To deal with this situation, businesses are using visual information, such as images, videos, infographics, and more, to capture and retain their audiences’ attention. 

People are becoming less interested in long-written content, although it offers deeper information than visual content. It allows companies to explain things clearly and in detail. However, this is not the end of this method because it is still needed on some occasions.  

What is text-based content?

It refers to any content that is primarily made from written words rather than videos and images. For example, articles, magazines, product descriptions, emails, and more. Along with the advancement of the internet and social media, businesses are rarely using this to promote their brand. Today, people want to see information that is easy to understand and interesting to look at.

Even though users don’t really “read” anymore, this approach is still useful in many ways. You cannot put detailed information using a visual-based method. Therefore, if they want to look for a thorough insight, they have to read text-based content. This method still offers many benefits for the audience, such as:

• Cost-effective: Much easier and cheaper to produce than video and images.
• Boost SEO: Search engine works better with text-based content rather than visuals.
• Builds authority: With quality writing, brands can put themselves as an expert in a specific field.
• Can be repurposed: Anyone can take the materials and change them into other types, such as videos, infographics, and others.

Common types of text-based content

You might not realise it at first, but there are still plenty of businesses that are using this strategy to reach their audience. They publish it to boost brand memorability. This method is more persuasive because it allows direct communication with them through questions and communicates important messages in a short space of time. 

Text-based content has many variations, depending on the context and the platform you are using. Therefore, you need to use the proper type; otherwise, the public will not engage in it. The common types you can find nowadays are:

Articles and blog posts

This one is an example of what an article looks like. It is filled with long-form written information. Other forms can be news, tutorials, reviews, opinion pieces, or informational materials. The purpose of this text-based content is to inform, educate, or entertain people. Most importantly, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) loves written text. It will help your website to rank and show up in the search engine.

Social media text posts

Not all social media sites focus on images or videos. Some of them still rely on text-based content. Depending on the platform, you can use long or short text for engagement. One of the most common examples is captions on social media posts. People also usually use it to complement visual-based methods. The purpose of this type is to grab attention quickly.

Emails and newsletters

Many brands are still using this campaign to keep in touch with their customers. They send direct messages to a list of subscribers. The information they give includes offers, updates, news, or educational tips. Thus, it will drive traffic, increase sales, and share value.

Product description

When you are looking at some products in online stores, often there is a description part. It is also counted as text-based content. This text provides an explanation of the product and reasons why you should buy it. This persuades the reader to make a purchase. Other than that, it is also important to improve its visibility in search engines.

Ebooks and whitepapers

With the rise of digital platforms, many things are changing, including books and proposals. People are starting to use digital forms, such as ebooks and whitepapers. Businesses produce this type of text-based content to showcase expertise. It can also be utilised for B2B marketing to generate leads.

Instructional/How-to guides

You might not have realised it, but this is a part of marketing strategy. When you are buying a product, there are instances when you need a guide on how to use it. It could be step-by-step written tutorials or manuals. You can find it in printed form, web-based, or even part of apps. Its main purpose is to teach customers how to complete a task or use the product.