We all secretly love those sarcastic lists which only Buzzfeed can create - they're the perfect companion for the commute home.
What you might not have realised is they're doing exactly what you should be doing with your content marketing.
Sceptical?
Buzzfeed has a global audience of more than 130M (source) - wow! Although, they aren't all giggly teenagers looking at the ruder content posted by the online social news and entertainment company.
- BuzzFeed gets “roughly half” of its monthly unique visitors through social media. (BuzzFeed) [2013]
- Visitors to BuzzFeed averaged 14 minutes per person using the site during March 2013. (Nielsen)
- Three out of every 10 visitors have earned a Bachelor’s degree, and 14 percent hold a Master’s degree. (Nielsen)
- The company boasts click-through rates for its advertising content are 1 to 2 percent, or 10 to 20 times the average banner click-through rate. (Buzzfeed)
Not only is their content witty, informative and well put-together, it gets the messages across like no other platform.
7 Steps to Adopting BuzzFeed for Your Content Creation
1. Use lists
Lists allow for easy skimming of text - meaning your audience can get through what you're saying and understand it as quick as they require. Very few professionals have the time to read reams of text - so just give them the main points. Make 5 Things to Do..., 5 Things Not To Do... and other themes for your lists to keep interest!
2. Show personality
Every company has a brand voice and you should translate this in all that you do. Every employee should understand what the company messaging and style is, so all of your team can put this into content, be it blogs, offline materials or email campaigns and social media statuses. If your industry is appropriate, don't be afraid to "jazz it up", rather than staying dull and formal...!
3. Distribute content creation
Why leave it to one person to be the main blogger, if there are others in your team? Spread the workload of your content creation, particularly if you don't have a dedicated marketing department. Of course, offer the work to those who prefer writing and are happy to have their name "out there" first... Every individual will have something different to offer, however...
YOu won't often see BuzzFeed posting articles from the same contributor - even if you don't have a large team, share the work and it will be a more enjoyable task for all. Start by coming up with your own lists of blog titles and comparing from this you can brainstorm more and allocate out fairly.
4. Add humour
Similar to showin personality, you should be able to laugh at yourself or be witty with your content. BuzzFeed's often borderline-sarcastic posts are great at staying on top form, but giving the reader a smile, or cuhckle. Use your Facebook page to showcase team activities, both when you're at work and when you're out socialising together.
5. Use graphics
Don't be afraid to use GIFs (like BuzzFeed do so well and Thrive has attempted to follow here), infographics and multimedia. Pinterest is filled with inforgraphics and no matter what the topic we challenge you not to create at least 1 blog post from the content on offer there alone.
GIFs add personality that your writing might not be able to. If you don't want to seem humourous, just one GIF can add the element you need to provoke a positive reaction from your reader.
6. Don't be a sheep!
Be your own person! Of course, check out competitors and take steps, direction and ideas from bloggers that you love. However, your company blog and content needs to follow your brand guidelines, messages and personality. Just because one thing works for one company / blogger, doesn't mean you can follow that example so easily...
Your audience is always number one - so would they engage with it, read it or relate to it? Yes or no...?
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