Are you looking for ways to improve your social media marketing? Want to create and share more engaging content with your online followers?

Condiment Marketing shares its social media tips in this infographic.

They break things down as follows:

• Owned vs Shared
• Linking vs Embedding
• Text vs Media
• Real-time vs Scheduled
• Broadcast vs Conversation
• Informational and entertaining vs Promotional

Check out the infographic for more information.

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. Whether you’re a business looking to connect with your audience or an individual looking to share your thoughts, social media platforms offer a powerful means of communication.

However, with millions of users and countless posts being shared every minute, it can be challenging to stand out and engage your audience effectively. This is where the type of content you create plays a crucial role.

To help you navigate the complex world of social media, this blog post will explore ten different types of social media content that can help you generate engagement online.

We’ll delve into the nuances of each type, including the distinctions between owned and shared content, linking versus embedding, text versus media, real-time versus scheduled posts, and the balance between broadcast and conversation.

Additionally, we’ll discuss the importance of creating content that is both informational and entertaining while avoiding the pitfall of excessive promotion.

 

Owned Content

Owned content refers to the posts and updates that you create and share directly on your own social media profiles or website. This content is entirely under your control, allowing you to tailor it to your audience’s preferences and your brand’s image.

Examples of owned content include blog posts, product announcements, and behind-the-scenes videos.

Benefits of Owned Content:

• Full control over the content’s message and tone.
• Opportunities for branding and storytelling.
• Direct interaction with your audience through comments and messages.

Examples of Owned Content:

• Blog Posts: Write articles that showcase your expertise, provide value to your audience, and align with your brand’s messaging.
• Product Announcements: Share new product launches, updates, or releases with engaging visuals and informative descriptions.
• Behind-the-Scenes Videos: Offer a glimpse into your workplace, manufacturing process, or creative process to humanize your brand.
• Customer Testimonials: Share reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers to build trust.

Tips for Creating and Sharing Owned Content:

• Be Consistent: Establish a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and informed.
• Use Visuals: Incorporate high-quality images, videos, and graphics to enhance the appeal of your content.
• Tell Stories: Share anecdotes, case studies, or personal stories that resonate with your audience.
• Leverage Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to increase the discoverability of your content.
• Engage with Comments: Respond promptly to comments and engage in meaningful conversations with your audience.

 

Shared Content

Shared content, on the other hand, involves sharing posts, articles, or media from other sources on your social media profiles. This type of content allows you to curate and share valuable information with your audience without necessarily creating it yourself.

Shared content can include industry news, relevant articles, or user-generated content.

Benefits of Shared Content:

• Demonstrates your industry expertise and interests.
• Engages your audience with diverse perspectives and insights.
• Fosters partnerships and collaborations with other content creators.

Examples of Shared Content:

• Industry News: Share breaking news and updates relevant to your niche or industry.
• Curated Content: Handpick articles, videos, or infographics from reputable sources that your audience will find valuable.
• User-Generated Content (UGC): Showcase content created by your customers or followers, such as product reviews or creative uses of your products.
• Inspirational Quotes: Share motivational quotes, memes, or inspiring stories to uplift your audience.

Tips for Creating and Sharing Shared Content:

• Curation Matters: Carefully select content that aligns with your brand’s values and interests.
• Credit Sources: Always give credit to the original creators when sharing their content.
• Add Context: Provide a brief introduction or commentary to explain why you’re sharing a particular piece of content.
• Engage Your Audience: Encourage discussions by asking questions or soliciting opinions on shared content.
• Vet Sources: Ensure that the sources you share from are credible and reliable.

 

Linking

Linking involves sharing a hyperlink to external content, such as a news article, blog post, or video. When your audience clicks on the link, they are redirected to the external website or platform where the content is hosted.

Social media platforms often generate a preview of the linked content to provide context to users.

Advantages of Linking:

• Provides access to a wide range of external content.
• Supports the content creators by driving traffic to their websites.
• Allows for sharing up-to-date information from reliable sources.

Examples of Linking Content:

• Article Sharing: Share links to blog posts, news articles, or research papers that provide valuable information to your audience.
• Video Sharing: Share YouTube or Vimeo links for in-depth video content.
• Event Promotion: Link to event pages or ticket sales for conferences, webinars, or workshops.

Tips for Linking Content:

• Write Compelling Descriptions: Craft engaging captions that entice users to click on the link.
• Shorten URLs: Use URL shorteners to create cleaner, more user-friendly links.
• Preview Generation: Familiarize yourself with how different social media platforms generate previews for links.

 

Embedding

Embedding content means integrating it directly into your social media post. This could be done by embedding videos from YouTube, tweets from Twitter, or Instagram posts into your Facebook feed.

Embedded content appears directly on your platform, and users can interact with it without leaving your social media profile.

Advantages of Embedding:

• Enhances the user experience by keeping them within your social media ecosystem.
• Increases engagement as users can like, comment, and share the embedded content.
• Provides a seamless way to showcase multimedia content.

Examples of Embedding Content:

• YouTube Videos: Embed informative or entertaining videos directly into your blog posts or social media updates.
• Tweet Embeds: Include tweets from influencers, industry leaders, or customers to add credibility.
• Instagram Posts: Embed Instagram photos or posts to showcase user-generated content or visual updates.

Tips for Embedding:

• Check Compatibility: Ensure that the platform you’re embedding content from is compatible with your chosen social media platform.
• Mobile Optimization: Confirm that embedded content displays correctly on mobile devices.
• Engage with Embedded Content: Encourage your audience to like, comment, or share the embedded content.

 

Text-Based Content

Text-based content includes posts that primarily rely on written text. These can be status updates, blog posts, or even tweets that convey your message through words. Text-based content is excellent for conveying complex ideas, sharing stories, or providing detailed information.

Benefits of Text-Based Content:

• Ideal for in-depth explanations and storytelling.
• Provides an opportunity to showcase your writing skills.
• Often more accessible for search engines, improving discoverability.

Examples of Text Content:

• Long-Form Blog Posts: Create comprehensive articles that delve deep into a topic.
• Listicles: Share lists of tips, ideas, or recommendations in a scannable format.
• Educational Tutorials: Write how-to guides or tutorials that provide step-by-step instructions.
• Storytelling: Craft engaging narratives that captivate your audience and convey your message.

Tips for Creating Text-Based Content:

• Use Clear Headings: Organize your content with descriptive headings to make it easier to skim.
• Incorporate Keywords: Optimize your text for search engines by including relevant keywords.
• Edit and Proofread: Ensure your content is error-free and well-written for a professional appearance.
• Include Visual Breaks: Add images, infographics, or bullet points to break up long paragraphs.

 

Media-Based Content

Media-based content includes images, videos, infographics, and other visual elements. This type of content is highly engaging and can convey emotions, information, or entertainment quickly and effectively. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube thrive on media-based content.

Benefits of Media-Based Content:

• Grabs the audience’s attention more quickly than text alone.
• Appeals to visual and auditory learners.
• Promotes sharing and virality due to its visually appealing nature.

Examples of Media Content:

• Image Quotes: Overlay inspirational or informative text on eye-catching images.
• How-To Videos: Create video tutorials or demonstrations.
• Infographics: Share visually appealing graphics that summarize complex information.
• Memes and GIFs: Use humor and relatability to engage your audience.

Tips for Creating Media-Based Content:

• Focus on Quality: Ensure that your images and videos are high-resolution and visually appealing.
• Keep it Short and Sweet: In the era of short attention spans, concise media content often performs better.
• Maintain Brand Consistency: Use consistent colors, fonts, and styles in your visuals to reinforce brand identity.
• Include Captions: Add captions or subtitles to videos for accessibility and engagement.

 

Real-Time Content

Real-time content is created and shared instantly, without much planning or scheduling. It’s about capturing the moment and providing a glimpse into what’s happening right now. Examples include live streaming, live tweeting, or sharing immediate reactions to events.

Advantages of Real-Time Content:

• Offers authenticity and immediacy.
• Encourages audience participation and engagement in real-time.
• Ideal for breaking news, events, or behind-the-scenes content.

Examples of Real-Time Content:

• Live Streaming: Broadcast live events, Q&A sessions, or behind-the-scenes moments.
• Live Tweeting: Share real-time updates and insights during events or conferences.
• Live Interviews: Conduct live interviews with experts or influencers in your industry.

Tips for Creating Real-Time Content:

• Promote in Advance: Announce your live sessions ahead of time to build anticipation.
• Interact with Viewers: Respond to comments and questions in real-time to foster engagement.
• Stay Authentic: Embrace the spontaneity of real-time content and be yourself.

 

Scheduled Content

Scheduled content is pre-planned and carefully curated before posting. It follows a content calendar and is often part of a broader social media strategy. This type of content allows for consistency in posting and ensures that you have a well-thought-out plan.

Advantages of Scheduled Content:

• Allows for strategic planning and alignment with marketing objectives.
• Ensures a steady stream of content even during busy periods.
• Provides time for content creation and editing to maintain quality.

Examples of Scheduled Content:

• Content Calendars: Plan and schedule posts ahead of time using social media management tools.
• Themed Campaigns: Create content series or themed campaigns that align with your marketing strategy.
• Seasonal Promotions: Prepare content in advance for holidays, seasons, or special occasions.

Tips for Creating Scheduled Content:

• Batch Content Creation: Dedicate specific time slots for content creation to maintain consistency.
• Use Scheduling Tools: Explore social media scheduling tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or Sprout Social.
• Analyze and Adjust: Monitor the performance of scheduled content and adapt your strategy based on data.

 

Broadcast Content

Broadcast content is one-way communication where you share information or updates with your audience. It’s about getting your message out there and may include product launches, company news, or promotional content. While broadcast content can be valuable, it’s essential to balance it with more interactive content.

Benefits of Broadcast Content:

• Allows for controlled messaging and announcements.
• Provides a platform to showcase your brand’s strengths and achievements.
• Informs the audience about important updates and events.

Examples of Broadcast Content:

• Product Launch Announcements: Share details about new products or services.
• Company Milestones: Celebrate achievements and share updates about your organization.
• Promotional Campaigns: Announce sales, discounts, or special offers.

Tips for Creating Broadcast Content:

• Maintain Clarity: Ensure your message is clear and concise to avoid confusion.
• Include Visuals: Visual elements like images or videos can enhance the impact of broadcast content.
• Highlight Benefits: Focus on how your products or services benefit the audience.

 

Conversation Content

Conversation content encourages two-way communication between you and your audience. This type of content often involves asking questions, conducting polls, or responding to comments and messages. It fosters engagement, builds relationships, and shows that you value your audience’s input.

Benefits of Conversation Content:

• Increases audience engagement and loyalty.
• Encourages feedback and customer interaction.
• Humanizes your brand and makes it more relatable.

Examples of Conversation Content:

• Question Posts: Pose thought-provoking questions to spark discussions.
• Polls and Surveys: Engage your audience by seeking their opinions and feedback.
• Response and Engagement: Reply to comments, answer questions, and actively participate in conversations with your followers.

Tips for Creating Conversation Content:

• Actively Listen: Pay attention to your audience’s responses and adapt your content accordingly.
• Encourage Participation: Use clear calls to action (CTAs) to prompt responses from your audience.
• Show Appreciation: Thank followers for their input and engage with constructive feedback.

 

Informational Content

Informational content is designed to educate and inform your audience. It provides value by sharing knowledge, tips, and insights related to your industry or niche. Examples include how-to guides, tutorials, and informative blog posts.

Advantages of Informational Content:

• Positions you as an authority in your field.
• Attracts and retains an audience interested in learning.
• Drives organic traffic through search engine optimization.

Examples of Informational Content:

• Educational Webinars: Host webinars on industry topics to share knowledge.
• How-To Guides: Create comprehensive guides that help users solve specific problems.
• Infographics: Summarize complex data or concepts in visually appealing graphics.

Tips for Creating Informational Content:

• Research Thoroughly: Ensure the accuracy and credibility of the information you provide.
• Visualize Data: Use visuals like charts and graphs to make complex information more accessible.
• Offer Value: Focus on solving problems or answering questions that your audience cares about.

 

Entertaining Content

Entertaining content is all about delighting your audience and providing a break from their daily routine. It can be funny, heartwarming, or simply enjoyable. Memes, humorous videos, and storytelling fall into this category.

Advantages of Entertaining Content:

• Increases brand visibility and shareability.
• Boosts user engagement and brand affinity.
• Connects with a broader audience, including those not initially interested in your niche.

Examples of Entertaining Content:

• Humorous Videos: Share funny videos, skits, or animations that resonate with your audience.
• User-Generated Challenges: Create and promote challenges that encourage user participation.
• Interactive Quizzes: Develop quizzes or games related to your niche or industry.

Tips for Creating Entertaining Content:

• Know Your Audience: Understand what types of entertainment appeal to your specific audience.
• Keep it Light: Maintain a positive and lighthearted tone in your entertaining content.
• Encourage Sharing: Create content that users will want to share with their friends and followers.

 

Promotional Content

Promotional content is explicitly aimed at selling your products or services. While it’s essential to promote your offerings, it should be done in moderation. Excessive promotion can turn off your audience. Examples include product advertisements, discounts, and sales announcements.

Advantages of Promotional Content:

• Drives sales and revenue for your business.
• Informs your audience about your latest products or deals.
• Can be used strategically to boost conversions during specific campaigns.

Examples of Promotional Content:

• Product Demos: Showcase your products or services in action through videos or live demos.
• Limited-Time Offers: Create a sense of urgency by promoting time-sensitive discounts or deals.
• Customer Testimonials: Share success stories and reviews from satisfied customers.

Tips for Creating Promotional Content:

• Highlight Benefits: Focus on how your products or services solve problems or fulfill needs.
• Create Urgency: Use persuasive language to encourage immediate action.
• Leverage Visuals: Showcase your products or services in a visually appealing way.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating engaging social media content requires a thoughtful approach that considers various factors, including whether to focus on owned or shared content, whether to link or embed, the balance between text and media, the timing of real-time versus scheduled posts, and the mix of broadcast and conversation.

Additionally, content should strike a balance between being informational and entertaining while judiciously incorporating promotional material.

Remember that successful social media content hinges on understanding your audience’s preferences and needs, staying authentic, and continuously adapting your strategy to the ever-evolving landscape of social media platforms.

By mastering these ten types of content and finding the right balance for your brand or profile, you can foster deeper connections with your audience and achieve higher levels of engagement online.