If content marketing is so huge, why don’t we see more business with blogs? Actually, there are many other, often better, ways of producing valuable content. In fact, resource centers, knowledge hubs, and interactive guides are becoming more popular as they offer greater value to your customers and provide stronger SEO potential.
The Value of Long-Form Content
Irrespective of the terms used (a blog, a resource hub or a knowledge base) the significance of long-form content as part of your SEO strategy and the overall brand authority should be noted. Google rewards sites that offer detailed and helpful content. As a result of producing in-depth content, your business establishes itself as an expert, authoritative, and trustworthy entity (also known as EEAT in SEO terms), which leads to improved rankings in search results.
Here’s the thing, your long-form content doesn’t have to be a blog post. What matters most is that the content you’re sharing is well researched and answers your audience's questions, whether that's done by an expert guide, a comprehensive FAQ, or a case study.
Content Formats That Work
As mentioned, blogs aren’t the only way for your brand to share long-form content. If you feel a blog is too formal or takes up too much time to write, try focusing on other channels that suit your brand and audience. For example, a resource hub can help you consolidate all your long-form content into one easily accessible place, providing far more value than a traditional blog. It’s like a one-stop shop where users can search for guides and case studies or even tools to get some assistance.
Here are a few other engaging alternatives to traditional blogs:
- Case studies
- Guides and tutorials
- Interactive content
- FAQs
These are formats, which are not only good for SEO, also tend to be more engaging for your audience.
SEO Benefits of Regularly Updated Content
But regardless of what format you opt for, a big part of your work will always be in maintaining your content for it to be relevant in Google’s eyes. For any search engine, using up to date content is a signal that the site is well-maintained and has fresh ideas, which translates into better rankings. Also, every time you post new content, you should aim for long-tail keywords—those specific, less competitive phrases that potential customers are searching for.
And here’s a bonus: Long-form content doesn’t just attract new visitors; it also keeps them engaged for longer, increasing the chances of conversions. Whether it’s a blog, guide, or case study, having fresh, detailed content can significantly boost your visibility and engagement.
Case Study: From Blog to Resource Center
Let’s take the case of Intercom, a customer communication service that went from blog to resource center. What Intercom now calls its resource center, Intercom Academy, is what their traditional blogs used to be. This shift enabled them to concentrate on creating extensive guides, case studies and tutorials, rather than short general posts. As a result of this change, they experienced better user engagement, a higher search engine position, and qualified leads, as users were able to easily access evergreen content. This transition improved SEO performance while assisting Intercom to reach out, educate and engage their audience efficiently.
At the end of the day, long-form content remains a vital part of any business’s marketing strategy. But a traditional blog isn’t the only way to deliver it. From resource hubs to FAQs and interactive guides, there are plenty of content formats that can drive traffic, improve your SEO, and engage your audience more effectively.
Not sure if a blog is right for your business? Schedule a free consultation today, and we’ll help you craft the perfect content strategy that aligns with your goals!
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