As a content marketer, I’ve often found myself caught in the age-old debate of video versus text content. Is one format inherently superior to the other? Or is there a way to leverage both to create a more comprehensive and impactful content strategy?
The short answer is: both formats have their place.
The Benefits of Video Content
- Visual Appeal. Video can be highly engaging, particularly for topics that benefit from visual demonstrations or storytelling.
- Emotional Connection. Videos can evoke emotions and create a stronger connection with your audience.
- Accessibility. Videos can be more accessible to people with disabilities, such as those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The Benefits of Text Content
- Detail and Depth. Text content can provide more detail and depth than video, making it ideal for complex topics or in-depth explanations.
- ‘Searchability’. Text content is easier to search and index by search engines, which can help improve your website’s visibility.
- Flexibility. Text content can be easily repurposed for different formats, such as social media posts or email newsletters.
A Balanced Approach
In my experience (and observation), the key to a successful content strategy is to use both video and text content strategically. For example, you could use a long-form blog post to provide a detailed overview of a topic, and then create a series of short-form videos to highlight key points or provide additional context.
Here are 5 practical tips for combining video and text content:
- Use video to supplement text content. For example, you could create a video tutorial to accompany a blog post on a how-to topic.
- Create a series of videos based on a blog post. This can help to break down complex topics into more digestible pieces.
- Use text to provide additional context for video content. For example, you could write a blog post to explain the concepts covered in a video.
- Repurpose video content into text formats, such as blog posts or social media captions.
- Use video to promote your text content. For example, you could create a video teaser to encourage people to read a blog post.
Related Blogs:
Ideas to Make Your Small Business Video Content Sticky
Video: Emerging Trend in Small Business Digital Marketing
I’ve found inspiration and valuable insights from a diverse range of influencers. These thought leaders, from motivational speakers like Tony Robbins to business experts like Gary Vaynerchuk, have significantly impacted my professional journey. Their content, delivered across various platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram, has provided me with practical strategies, fresh perspectives, and the motivation to keep pushing forward. Whether I’m seeking inspiration, learning new skills, or simply staying up-to-date on industry trends, these influencers have been invaluable resources.
Let’s compare lists over a cup of coffee 🙂
1. Gary Vaynerchuk
Why his content is multi-channel popular: Vaynerchuk’s energetic and direct style resonates with audiences across platforms. His content often involves real-time interactions, making it engaging and relatable. He’s adept at leveraging different platforms to share his insights, from short-form TikTok videos to long-form LinkedIn posts.
2. Amy Porterfield
Why her content is multi-channel popular: Porterfield’s expertise in digital marketing and online course creation makes her content valuable for entrepreneurs and content creators. Her approachable style and practical advice resonate with audiences across various platforms, from Instagram Reels to YouTube tutorials.
3. Lewis Howes
Why his content is multi-channel popular: Howes’ personal story of overcoming adversity and achieving success makes him relatable to many. His content often focuses on topics like mindset, relationships, and personal growth, which resonate with audiences across different platforms.
4. Grant Cardone
Why his content is multi-channel popular: Cardone’s high-energy and motivational style appeals to audiences seeking inspiration and practical advice. His content often focuses on sales, entrepreneurship, and personal development, making it relevant to a wide range of individuals.
5. Mel Robbins
Why her content is multi-channel popular: Robbins’ ability to deliver powerful, actionable advice in a concise and engaging manner makes her content popular across platforms. Her focus on overcoming fear and taking action resonates with audiences seeking motivation and inspiration.
6. Tim Ferriss
Why his content is multi-channel popular: Ferriss’ expertise in productivity, self-improvement, and entrepreneurship makes him a sought-after influencer. His interviews and insights often challenge conventional thinking and inspire audiences to optimize their lives.
7. Marie Forleo
Why her content is multi-channel popular: Forleo’s positive and empowering message resonates with audiences seeking personal and professional growth. Her content often focuses on topics like creativity, entrepreneurship, and living a fulfilling life.
8. Tony Robbins
Why his content is multi-channel popular: Robbins’ charismatic and energetic style, combined with his ability to inspire and motivate audiences, makes him a popular influencer across platforms. His content often focuses on personal development, leadership, and achieving peak performance.
9. Jim Rohn
Why his content is multi-channel popular: Rohn’s timeless wisdom and practical advice continue to resonate with audiences today. His content often focuses on topics like personal finance, success, and happiness, making it relevant to a wide range of individuals.
10. Brian Tracy
Why his content is multi-channel popular: Tracy’s expertise in sales, leadership, and personal development makes him a sought-after influencer. His content often focuses on practical strategies and actionable advice, making it valuable for individuals seeking to improve their skills and achieve their goals.
11. Simon Sinek
Why his content is multi-channel popular: Sinek’s “Golden Circle” concept and motivational speeches have made him a popular influencer across platforms. His ability to inspire and motivate audiences to think differently about leadership and purpose makes his content highly engaging.
12. Jeff Weiner
Why his content is multi-channel popular: As a former CEO of LinkedIn, Weiner’s insights into the world of work and technology are highly valued. His content often focuses on topics like leadership, innovation, and the future of work.
13. Lolly Daskal
Why her content is multi-channel popular: Daskal’s expertise in leadership and organizational development makes her a sought-after influencer. Her content often focuses on topics like building high-performing teams, developing leadership skills, and creating a positive workplace culture.
14. Bill Gates
Why his content is multi-channel popular: As one of the world’s most influential figures, Gates’ insights on technology, philanthropy, and global issues are highly valued. His content often focuses on topics like climate change, education, and healthcare.
15. Jack Ma
Why his content is multi-channel popular: Ma’s entrepreneurial journey and success in building Alibaba Group make him a popular influencer in the business world. His content often focuses on topics like innovation, entrepreneurship, and global economic trends.
16. Richard Branson
Why his content is multi-channel popular: Branson’s entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take risks have made him a popular influencer. His content often focuses on topics like leadership, innovation, and personal development.
17. Sheryl Sandberg
Why her content is multi-channel popular: Sandberg’s experience as a high-powered executive and her advocacy for women in leadership make her a popular influencer. Her content often focuses on topics like gender equality, work-life balance, and leadership development.
18. Reid Hoffman
Why his content is multi-channel popular: As a co-founder of LinkedIn, Hoffman’s insights into the world of work and technology are highly valued. His content often focuses on topics like entrepreneurship, innovation, and building successful teams.
19. Dan Pink
Why his content is multi-channel popular: Pink’s research on motivation and the future of work has made him a popular influencer. His content often focuses on topics like creativity, autonomy, and purpose in the workplace.
20. Adam Grant
Why his content is multi-channel popular: Grant’s research on organizational psychology and workplace dynamics has made him a sought-after influencer. His content often focuses on topics like motivation, creativity, and building high-performing teams.
21. Susan Scott
Why her content is multi-channel popular: Scott’s expertise in effective communication and conflict resolution has made her a popular influencer. Her content often focuses on topics like building strong relationships, having difficult conversations, and creating a positive workplace culture.
22. Daniel Goleman
Why his content is multi-channel popular: Goleman’s research on emotional intelligence has made him a popular influencer. His content often focuses on topics like leadership, teamwork, and personal development.
23. Brené Brown
Why her content is multi-channel popular: Brown’s research on vulnerability, shame, and empathy has made her a popular influencer. Her content often focuses on topics like personal growth, relationships, and creating a more compassionate world.
24. Angela Duckworth
Why her content is multi-channel popular: Duckworth’s research on grit and perseverance has made her a popular influencer. Her content often focuses on topics like motivation, resilience, and achieving long-term goals.
25. Seth Godin
Why his content is multi-channel popular: Godin’s thought-provoking insights on marketing, business, and creativity have made him a popular influencer. His content often challenges conventional thinking and inspires audiences to think outside the box.
26. Dan Martell
Why his content is multi-channel popular: Dan Martell’s expertise in business growth, sales, and leadership has made him a sought-after influencer. His content, often delivered through podcasts, workshops, and online courses, provides actionable strategies and insights that empower entrepreneurs and business owners to achieve their goals.
All these influencers share three things in common when it comes to publishing content: Concise, Engaging, and Informative. They do not ramble or over-explain. They use clear visuals and strong calls-to-action (just perfect! I really think there is a science to video creation for different platforms)
As an active social media user, I’ve found these tips invaluable for discovering engaging educational content.
Sharing my laundry list here:
- Hashtag Hunting. I love using relevant hashtags like #education, #learning, #businesstips, and #personaldevelopment. It’s like casting a net to catch all the interesting stuff!
- Following the Experts. I follow influencers who share content that aligns with my interests. It’s a great way to stay updated and inspired.
- Checking Out Featured Content. Both Instagram and LinkedIn often highlight popular or trending posts. It’s a quick way to see what’s hot right now.
- Joining Groups. LinkedIn groups are a goldmine for educational discussions and resources. I’ve learned so much from the experts and fellow members.
I’ve discovered that video and text content aren’t mutually exclusive. The key is finding the right balance that resonates with you and your audience. However, mastering content production takes time, dedication, resources, and a lot of patience. And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the algorithms might change.
What are your thoughts? Have you had success combining both formats in your content strategy? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Happy international day of coffee!