Did you know that in 2016, content marketing became one of the most effective strategies for online advertising services and advertising networks? Content marketing has evolved over the years and has become a vital component in reaching and engaging target audiences. In order to understand the significance of content marketing examples in 2016, let’s take a look at its history and how it has become a game-changer in the advertising industry.

Content marketing is a strategic marketing approach that focuses on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a specific audience. Over the years, the landscape of content marketing has shifted from traditional methods such as print media and television commercials to digital platforms. This shift was mainly driven by the increasing usage of the internet and the rise of social media platforms.

One example of a successful content marketing campaign in 2016 was the collaboration between Airbnb and the Art Institute of Chicago. Airbnb created a contest where winners had the opportunity to spend a night at the iconic art museum. This campaign not only generated buzz and excitement among art enthusiasts but also showcased the unique experiences that Airbnb offers. By partnering with a reputable institution like the Art Institute, Airbnb was able to establish itself as a brand that values art and culture.

Another noteworthy example of content marketing in 2016 was Red Bull’s “Stratos” campaign. Red Bull sponsored Felix Baumgartner’s historic space jump, where he skydived from the stratosphere. The brand successfully captured the attention of millions of people worldwide by live-streaming the entire event on various online platforms. This campaign not only showcased Red Bull’s association with extreme sports but also demonstrated their commitment to pushing boundaries and inspiring others.

A compelling statistic that highlights the effectiveness of content marketing in 2016 is that companies that consistently published valuable content had a conversion rate that was six times higher than companies that didn’t. This statistic clearly emphasizes the importance of creating and distributing relevant content to engage and convert potential customers. It also showcases the potential return on investment that content marketing can provide for online advertising services and advertising networks.

The year 2016 was a game-changer for the advertising industry, with content marketing taking center stage. Brands like Airbnb and Red Bull successfully implemented creative and engaging content marketing campaigns that captured the attention of their target audiences. The shift towards digital platforms and the increasing usage of the internet played a significant role in the success of these campaigns. The key takeaway from these examples is the importance of creating valuable and relevant content that resonates with your target audience, as this can lead to higher conversion rates and brand loyalty. Content marketing has undoubtedly become an indispensable tool for online advertising services and advertising networks, providing endless opportunities for brands to connect and engage with their audience.

What are the top content marketing examples that dominated 2016 and how can they benefit your online advertising strategy?

Content marketing has become a crucial aspect of online advertising, allowing businesses to connect and engage with their target audience. In 2016, several content marketing examples stood out for their effectiveness in capturing attention, driving traffic, and boosting brand awareness. By exploring these successful campaigns, we can gain valuable insights into the strategies that worked and understand how they can benefit your online advertising efforts. In this article, we will dive into the best content marketing examples of 2016 and analyze their impact on audience engagement and brand growth. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind these remarkable campaigns and discover how they can transform your online advertising strategy for the better.

Best Content Marketing Examples 2016

Content marketing has become an essential strategy for businesses to attract and engage with their target audience. In 2016, many brands stood out with their innovative and effective content marketing campaigns. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best content marketing examples from that year.

1. Red Bull: “Stratos”

Red Bull is known for its exceptional content marketing, and their “Stratos” campaign in 2016 was no exception. They teamed up with skydiver Felix Baumgartner to break records by freefalling from the stratosphere. This exciting event was live-streamed on various platforms, capturing the attention of millions worldwide. Red Bull leveraged the event by creating engaging videos, articles, and social media content, showcasing the extreme sport and their brand.

2. Airbnb: “Live There”

Airbnb’s “Live There” campaign aimed to inspire travelers to experience destinations like a local. Through visual storytelling, they showcased unique and immersive travel experiences, promoting the idea of living in a place rather than just visiting it. Airbnb featured user-generated content on their website and social media channels, creating a sense of authenticity and community. The campaign successfully resonated with their target audience, driving engagement and brand loyalty.

3. Johnnie Walker: “The Gentleman’s Wager II”

Johnnie Walker, a renowned whisky brand, created a visually stunning short film titled “The Gentleman’s Wager II.” Starring actors Jude Law and Giancarlo Giannini, the film told a captivating story while subtly integrating the brand. Johnnie Walker leveraged their content by sharing behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and interactive elements, creating a multi-dimensional experience for consumers. This content marketing example showcased the brand’s sophistication and exclusivity, effectively attracting and engaging their target audience.

4. GoPro: “The Fourth Phase”

GoPro, known for its action cameras, partnered with professional snowboarder Travis Rice to create the documentary “The Fourth Phase.” This visually captivating film showcased Rice’s snowboarding journey across remote locations, capturing thrilling moments through a first-person perspective. GoPro leveraged the documentary by sharing teaser clips, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive elements on their website and social media platforms. This content marketing example not only showcased the capabilities of GoPro cameras but also inspired adventure enthusiasts worldwide.

5. Adobe: “Make It Experience”

Adobe’s “Make It Experience” campaign aimed to inspire creativity among their target audience. They collaborated with various creative professionals to craft engaging and educational content. This included interviews, tutorials, and interactive experiences showcasing the power of Adobe’s creative software. Adobe leveraged their content by hosting live events, workshops, and online challenges, encouraging participation and fostering a sense of community. This content marketing example effectively positioned Adobe as a leader in the creative industry while providing value to their audience.

6. Coca-Cola: “Share a Coke”

Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign took personalization to a whole new level. They replaced the Coca-Cola logo on their bottles with popular names and encouraged people to find and share bottles with names of friends and loved ones. This campaign created a buzz on social media, with consumers actively searching for personalized bottles and sharing their experiences online. Coca-Cola effectively used user-generated content by encouraging people to share their stories and photos with the hashtag #ShareACoke. This content marketing example not only boosted sales but also strengthened the connection between the brand and their consumers.

7. Old Spice: “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”

Old Spice revolutionized their brand image with the “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” campaign. They created a series of humorous and memorable commercials featuring an attractive spokesperson, delivering absurd yet entertaining monologues. This content marketing example went viral, generating millions of views and widespread conversation on social media. Old Spice capitalized on the success by expanding the campaign to interactive social media experiences and even a live-streamed web series. This campaign successfully repositioned Old Spice as a modern, fun, and desirable brand.

8. Buzzfeed: Tasty

Buzzfeed’s Tasty videos took the internet by storm in 2016. These short, visually appealing recipe videos showcased quick and easy-to-follow cooking demonstrations. Tasty capitalized on the viral nature of food content and successfully built a massive online following. They expanded their content by launching a cookbook, a mobile app, and even partnered with brands for sponsored content. This content marketing example demonstrated the effectiveness of snackable video content in engaging and capturing the attention of online audiences.

9. Nike: “Unlimited You”

For the 2016 Rio Olympics, Nike launched their “Unlimited You” campaign, inspiring athletes and everyday individuals to push their limits. They released a series of empowering videos featuring Olympic athletes and amateur sports enthusiasts, showcasing their dedication and determination. Nike leveraged their content by encouraging people to share their personal stories and goals using the hashtag #JustDoIt. This content marketing example effectively tapped into the spirit of the Olympics, promoting Nike as a brand that empowers and supports personal growth.

10. National Geographic: “Mars”

National Geographic’s “Mars” campaign combined documentary-style television with online and social media content. They released a series that depicted the fictional future colonization of Mars, interwoven with interviews of experts and real-life missions. National Geographic leveraged their content by creating a dedicated website, interactive experiences, and even a virtual reality experience. This content marketing example engaged audiences through storytelling and educational content, positioning National Geographic as a trusted source of information and exploration.

These are just a few of the best content marketing examples from 2016. They demonstrate the power of creativity, storytelling, and engaging experiences in capturing and retaining audience attention. As businesses continue to evolve their content marketing strategies, it is crucial to learn from these successful examples and adapt them to suit the ever-changing digital landscape.

According to a report by Content Marketing Institute, 93% of B2B marketers are actively using content marketing as part of their overall strategy. This statistic highlights the significance of content marketing in today’s advertising landscape and emphasizes the need for businesses to invest in creating compelling and valuable content.

Key Takeaways from the Best Content Marketing Examples 2016

As an online advertising service or advertising network, it is crucial to keep up with the latest trends and strategies in content marketing. Examining the best content marketing examples from 2016 can provide valuable insights for your own campaigns. Here are the top takeaways from the best content marketing examples in 2016:

1. Storytelling is key

Successful content marketing campaigns in 2016 were centered around compelling stories. Brands that could tell a story, whether through videos, blog posts, or interactive content, captivated their audience and built deeper connections.

2. Authenticity drives engagement

Authenticity emerged as an essential element in content marketing campaigns. Consumers resonate with brands that are genuine, transparent, and showcase their unique personality. Building an authentic brand voice was crucial for successful content marketing in 2016.

3. Embrace user-generated content

Some of the most successful content marketing campaigns in 2016 leveraged user-generated content. Encouraging users to create and share content related to your brand not only boosts engagement but also strengthens brand loyalty by involving your audience in the storytelling process.

4. Video continues to dominate

In 2016, video content remained a powerful tool for content marketers. Brands that embraced video saw higher engagement rates and conversion rates. Incorporating video into your content marketing strategy should be a top priority.

5. Visual content is crucial

Beyond video, the use of high-quality visual content, such as images, infographics, and interactive graphics, proved to be highly effective in capturing and retaining audience attention. Use visually appealing content to enhance your brand’s storytelling and communicate complex information.

6. Personalization drives results

Customizing content based on individual preferences and demographics is a surefire way to boost engagement and conversion rates. Personalized content that caters to the specific needs and interests of your audience will help your brand stand out and foster deeper connections.

7. Influencer collaborations are valuable

Collaborating with influencers can significantly amplify your content marketing efforts. Finding influencers who align with your brand’s values and target audience can expand your reach, enhance your credibility, and drive more traffic to your campaigns.

8. Interactive content resonates

Interactive content, such as quizzes, polls, and interactive infographics, enticed users to actively engage with brands. This type of content not only increases time spent on your website but also encourages social sharing, expanding your reach organically.

9. Emotion evokes response

Content that evokes strong emotional responses, whether it be joy, surprise, or empathy, resonates deeply with audiences. Emotional storytelling connects with consumers on a personal level and elicits a response, driving them to take action or share the content.

10. Distribution strategy matters

Creating exceptional content is only half the battle. The success of content marketing campaigns in 2016 was also attributed to strategic distribution plans. Identify key channels where your target audience is most active and tailor your distribution strategy to optimize reach and engagement.

11. User experience is paramount

Delivering a seamless, user-friendly experience across devices and platforms was essential in 2016. Ensuring your content is easily accessible and optimized for mobile and different screen sizes is crucial for retaining and engaging your audience.

12. Data-driven insights are key

Collecting and analyzing data relating to your content marketing efforts allows you to gain valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t. Utilize analytics tools to track performance metrics, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to continuously improve your campaigns.

13. Emotional storytelling conquers social media

Content marketing examples from 2016 showcased the power of emotional storytelling in conquering social media platforms. Brands that master the art of creating emotive content can enjoy significant organic reach and engagement on social media channels.

14. SEO optimization is essential

Ensuring your content is optimized for search engines is crucial for driving organic traffic. Successful content marketing examples from 2016 showed the effectiveness of incorporating SEO best practices into content creation, including keyword research, metadata optimization, and link building.

15. Consistency and quality count

Consistency in delivering high-quality content is a key takeaway from the best content marketing examples in 2016. Building a loyal audience requires continuous efforts to provide valuable, relevant, and consistent content that aligns with your brand’s values and mission.

By implementing these key takeaways from the best content marketing examples in 2016, your online advertising service or advertising network can stay ahead of the competition, engage your target audience, and drive meaningful results in your content marketing campaigns.

FAQs

1. What is content marketing?

Content marketing is a strategic approach to creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a defined audience. It aims to ultimately drive profitable customer action.

2. Why is content marketing important for online advertising?

Content marketing helps build brand awareness, engage users, and establish authority in the industry. By creating valuable content, advertisers can attract potential customers and nurture relationships, ultimately leading to higher conversion rates.

3. How can content marketing improve my online advertising strategy?

Content marketing allows you to provide insightful and valuable information to your target audience. By creating engaging content, you can build trust, credibility, and brand loyalty among potential customers, increasing the effectiveness of your online advertising campaigns.

4. What are some successful content marketing examples in 2016?

In 2016, some successful content marketing examples include Red Bull’s “Stratos” campaign, where they sponsored Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking skydive, and Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign, where they personalized their bottles with popular names. Both campaigns generated immense buzz and engagement.

5. How can I measure the effectiveness of my content marketing efforts?

You can measure the effectiveness of your content marketing efforts by analyzing various metrics such as website traffic, engagement (likes, comments, shares), conversion rates, and sales. Tools like Google Analytics and social media analytics can help track these metrics.

6. What are some content formats that work well for content marketing?

Content formats that work well for content marketing include blog articles, videos, infographics, case studies, e-books, podcasts, and interactive quizzes. The key is to choose formats that resonate with your target audience and deliver value in an engaging way.

7. How often should I create and publish content for content marketing?

The frequency of content creation and publishing depends on your resources and goals. However, it’s generally recommended to maintain a consistent schedule. It’s better to create and publish high-quality content less frequently than to produce mediocre content in high volume.

8. How can I promote my content to reach a wider audience?

To promote your content and reach a wider audience, you can leverage social media platforms, email marketing, influencer collaborations, guest blogging, search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, and paid advertising. It’s important to choose the channels that align with your target audience’s preferences.

9. Should I focus more on quality or quantity when it comes to content marketing?

While both quality and quantity are important, quality should always take precedence. Creating valuable and well-crafted content that meets your audience’s needs will yield better results in terms of engagement, brand reputation, and conversions.

10. How can I align my content marketing with my overall marketing strategy?

To align your content marketing with your overall marketing strategy, start by defining your target audience and their needs. Then, create content that addresses those needs while staying consistent with your brand’s voice and messaging. Ensure that your content supports your business goals and complements your other marketing initiatives.

11. Is it necessary to have a content marketing team or can I handle it myself?

While it’s possible to handle content marketing on your own, having a dedicated team can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your efforts. A team can bring diverse skills, expertise, and fresh ideas to consistently produce high-quality content, manage distribution, and measure results.

12. Can content marketing help with lead generation?

Yes, content marketing plays a vital role in lead generation. By creating valuable content, you can attract potential customers and encourage them to provide their contact information in exchange for more valuable resources like e-books, webinars, or exclusive access to content.

13. What are some common content marketing mistakes to avoid?

Some common content marketing mistakes to avoid include lack of research on target audience preferences, lack of consistency in publishing, excessive self-promotion, neglecting SEO optimization, not tracking and analyzing performance metrics, and not repurposing content to reach a wider audience.

14. How can I create content that stands out from the competition?

To create stand-out content, focus on providing unique perspectives, valuable insights, and solutions to your audience’s pain points. Conduct thorough research to find gaps in the existing content landscape and tailor your content to address those gaps in a way that sets you apart from the competition.

15. How can I keep my content marketing efforts relevant and up-to-date?

To keep your content marketing efforts relevant and up-to-date, stay informed about industry trends, monitor social media conversations, seek feedback from your audience, and regularly update and repurpose existing content. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to staying ahead in the dynamic world of content marketing.

Conclusion: Best Content Marketing Examples 2016

In conclusion, the year 2016 witnessed some remarkable content marketing campaigns that set the bar high for online advertising services and advertising networks. These examples not only showcased creativity and innovation but also demonstrated the power of storytelling and customer engagement in driving brand success. From viral videos to interactive campaigns, brands leveraged various mediums and strategies to create compelling content that resonated with their target audience.

One of the key insights from the best content marketing examples of 2016 is the importance of authenticity. Brands such as Airbnb and Coca-Cola successfully created content that connected with their audience on a deeper level by tapping into emotions and addressing societal issues. Through their “Belong Anywhere” campaign, Airbnb not only promoted their platform but also highlighted the values of inclusion and acceptance. Similarly, Coca-Cola’s “Taste the Feeling” campaign focused on the universal experience of enjoying a Coke, capturing moments of happiness and togetherness. These campaigns showcase the power of authentic storytelling and how it can generate positive sentiment towards a brand.

Another key takeaway from the best content marketing examples of 2016 is the use of cutting-edge technology to enhance customer engagement. Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and interactive experiences were utilized to create immersive and memorable content. The North Face’s “The North Face: Climbing Not Just a Story” campaign utilized VR to transport viewers to Yosemite National Park, giving them a firsthand experience of rock climbing. This innovative approach not only generated excitement but also allowed customers to engage with the brand in a unique way. Similarly, Volvo’s “Volvo Reality” campaign used Google Cardboard VR headset to provide customers with a virtual test drive experience. These campaigns demonstrate how technology can be leveraged to create interactive content that captures attention and enhances brand experiences.

However, it is important to note that successful content marketing goes beyond creativity and technology. Educational content that provides value to the audience was another dominant trend in 2016. Brands like HubSpot and American Express excelled in creating content that aimed to educate and help their target audience. HubSpot’s blog and educational resources provided marketers with valuable insights and tips to improve their strategies. American Express Open Forum established itself as a thought leader by offering business owners a wealth of informative content. These examples highlight the significance of providing valuable information that addresses the needs of the target audience, fostering trust and credibility with the brand.

In conclusion, the best content marketing examples of 2016 showcased the power of authentic storytelling, innovative technology, and educational content. It is evident that successful content marketing campaigns are those that connect with the audience on a deeper level, leveraging emotions and addressing societal issues. Additionally, the use of immersive experiences and interactive technology can greatly enhance customer engagement. Finally, providing valuable educational content that addresses the needs of the target audience is crucial in establishing brand trust and thought leadership. By incorporating these key insights into their strategies, online advertising services and advertising networks can create impactful and successful content marketing campaigns in 2022 and beyond.