7 Content Writing Trends to Look Out For in 2023

7 Content Writing Trends For 2023

1. Voice Search Optimization

As we proceed into the future, technology continues to evolve and influence how content is created and consumed. A prime illustration of such advancement is the rise in the use of voice search. Powerhouses like Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant have incorporated Voice Search into everyday life, making it essential for content creators to optimize their work to align with this development.

The utilization of voice-activated devices has disrupted conventional SEO strategies. With voice search, users are more likely to use natural language than the typical keywords in text searches. To stand out, your content needs to be optimized for both text and voice search, a trend that will continue to dictate digital marketing techniques come 2023.

What does this mean for content writers? It implies crafting longer, conversational-style pieces that deliver concise answers. Think of it as adopting a more ‘human-like’ approach to writing; after all, we’re dealing with voice searches that carry human sentiment and tonality.

Voice Search Optimization in Action:
A real estate agency, instead of just focusing on brief keyword heavy descriptions might include a sentence like “Are you looking for a 3 bedroom house with a swimming pool in San Francisco?” in their online listings, optimizing for potential voice searches.

Focus on long-tail keywords that echo normal speech patterns.
Create FAQ sections that cover possible direct inquiries related to your content.
Use schema markups to enable search engines to understand your page better.
Rewrite titles and headers into questions that are frequently asked in your industry.
Don’t forget local SEO because a large portion of voice searches is location-specific.
Create a mobile-friendly website because most searches occur on mobile devices.

2. AI and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are steadily reshaping the content marketing terrain. AI is increasingly used in content generation, improvement, personalization, and strategy formulation. Machine learning algorithms assist in recognizing trends, predicting customer behaviors and even detecting nuances in human language to create more accurate content.

With these tools, marketers can understand what each segment of their audience wants, making it easy to personalize content for different cohorts. Furthermore, with enhanced predictive capabilities, companies can predict future trends and tailor their material accordingly.

Going into 2023, professionals leveraging AI should prepare for even more dynamic technology that continues to evolve. Who knows? These tools might soon dictate how much human involvement will be required in content creation.

AI and Machine Learning in Action:
Grammarly, a popular online writing assistant, employs artificial intelligence and natural language processing to identify grammatical errors, provide synonym suggestions, and offer general writing enhancement tips to its users.

Make use of AI-powered tools like Contentyze or Jasper for content creation and curation.
Leverage ML for data analysis and deriving key insights about customer behavior.
Personalize your content according to user interactions with the help of AI applications.
Optimize SEO strategies utilizing AI-powered platforms like BrightEdge or MarketBrew.
Use AI-driven customer service tools like chatbots to engage with your audience.
Monitor content trends and metrics across platforms systematically with AI analytics software.

3. Ephemeral Content

Ephemeral content refers to short-lived, multimedia content—think Instagram Stories or Snapchat Snaps. This form of content appears for a brief period before disappearing forever. Given its fleeting nature, ephemeral content is a great tool to ignite urgency and FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) among viewers.

Its appeal primarily lies in its temporary character. Since the content won’t be available indefinitely, users are more likely to interact with it immediately. It’s also less polished and more authentic, which appeals to younger audiences who favor authenticity over perfection.

In 2023, ephemeral content will continue to dominate the social media landscape. Content creators need to tap into this trend and learn how to leverage it directly in their marketing strategies.

Ephemeral Content in Action:
A clothing brand could post an Instagram story promoting an exclusive sale. The story lasts for 24 hours, creating a sense of urgency among followers to take immediate action.

Tease upcoming products or events through time-limited posts.
Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your company to foster transparency and connect with your audience.
Promote flash sales or limited-time discount codes to drive quick actions.
Present mini tutorials which provide quick useful information about your product or service.
Encourage user-generated content by sharing customer testimonials or featuring followers in your Stories.
Use interactive features like polls or Q&A to engage with your audience directly.

4. Video Content

Video content is not a new trend, but its significance is increasing year after year. In today’s digital era, video content is one of the most engaging, versatile, and share-worthy forms of content. From short, snackable videos on platforms like TikTok or reels on Instagram, to long-form content on YouTube – video content is everywhere.

The rising popularity of video content signifies that people prefer watching videos when learning about a product or service. Videos can convey complex pieces of information in an easier-to-understand and visually appealing way. Furthermore, they’re easily accessible — from desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones — you name it, and more often than not, it supports video content.

As we move into 2023, the trend for creating video content will expand even further. Incorporate a video marketing strategy to grab attention and drive viewer engagement.

Video Content in Action:
A travel agency can create enticing videos of different destinations, highlighting local attractions, cuisine, and culture to attract potential travelers.

Create product demonstrations to visually explain your products’ usefulness.
Use live-streaming features on social media for product launches, Q&A sessions, interviews, etc.
Invest in short but powerful video ads for social media promotion.
Develop an educational or how-to video series to establish authority in your niche.
Invite influencers for collabs or takeovers on your business’ social channels.
A good old-fashioned testimonial video from happy customers never fails to inspire trust.

5. Mobile SEO

Mobile Search Engine Optimization (SEO) refers to the optimization of websites to ensure they perform well on mobile devices. Given the growth and prevalence of smartphone usage worldwide, it’s crucial for businesses to adopt a mobile-first approach.

Rapid advancements in technology, coupled with consumers increasingly using their smartphones for everything from social networking to shopping and beyond, suggest that the importance of mobile SEO will only grow come 2023.

So what does this mean for your content? Simply put, if your website and content aren’t mobile-friendly, you’re potentially missing out on reaching a significant portion of your audience. Ensure your content is mobile-optimized – responsive design, fast loading times, easy navigation, and acceptable ad placement are all parts of maintaining positive user experience on mobile devices.

Mobile SEO in Action:
An online store implements AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages), ensuring swift loading times on mobile devices. They design the site with easy navigation, making for a pleasant shopping experience.

Your site should be responsive, adapting to any screen size.
Ensure quick loading times and smooth functionality on mobile devices.
Use large font sizes for clearer readability on small screens.
Beware of pop-ups or intrusive interstitials which may harm the user experience.
Offer an intuitive menu and navigation system, suitable for one-handed operation.
Images and other multimedia must be optimized not to slow down page loading time.

6. Augmented Reality (AR) Content

Augmented reality is dominating the digital content landscape. Unlike virtual reality that completely immerses users in a simulated environment, AR overlays digital information on real-world elements, enhancing experiences in unprecedented ways.

While AR technology has been around for a while, its use in content marketing has only recently taken off. Today, it’s being embraced by various industries in ingenious ways — from businesses offering AR-based immersive shopping experiences to event planners integrating interactive AR features.

As AR becomes more integrated and tech advancements continue into 2023, content creators will need to explore new and exciting avenues of producing and presenting content.

Augmented Reality Content in Action:
IKEA’s AR app, IKEA Place, enables users to visualize how furniture would look in their space before purchasing.

Deliver gamified AR content to increase engagement and interaction.
Create virtual tours or product demos with AR.
Make the most of geo-location AR in local marketing campaigns.
Utilize AR-driven filters and lenses on social media platforms for promotional purposes.
Integrate AR within your app or website to offer a unique customer experience.
Stay up-to-date with evolving AR technology, and dynamically implement changes.

7. User-Generated Content (UGC)

User-Generated Content (UGC) is any type of content – from images, videos, text, reviews, all the way to podcasts – that have been posted by users on online platforms such as social media. In essence, it’s your customers promoting your brand out of their pleasure with your product/service.

Why does UGC matter? It’s a stamp of approval from your users, and it speaks louder than any self-promotion ever will. People trust people; thus, a recommendation from a real person is more likely to influence potential buyers compared to a professional ad.

Implementing UGC into your marketing strategy is an unignorable trend for 2023. It doesn’t just boost your brand’s credibility; it also helps foster a strong community feel around your business, solidifying customer loyalty.

User-Generated Content in Action:
GoPro encourages its users to share their most captivating GoPro-adventures under the hashtag #GoPro, some of which are shared on GoPro’s official account – rewardingly showcasing creative consumer-creation to millions.

Create brand-specific hashtags and encourage customers to post images or reviews using those tags.
Establish contests where followers participate by posting content relevant to your brand.
Feature user-generated posts on your website or social media accounts.
Incentivize customers to write reviews about your products/services.
Involve users in crowdsourcing efforts, like asking for new product ideas.
Empower your audience by offering them a platform to share their stories or experiences.

Summary Table:

Trend	Explained	Example
1. Voice Search Optimization	Adopting natural language in the content to adapt with voice-activated searches.	A property listing optimized for Voice Search.
2. AI and Machine Learning	Use advanced technology for personalization & strategy formulation.	Grammarly’s AI assisatnce in enhancing writing skills.
3. Ephemeral Content	Create short-lived, authentic content, that creates a sense of urgency & FOMO.	An Instagram story promoting a time-limited sale.
4. Video Content	The use of visually appealing & engaging video content across various platforms.	A travel agency promoting exotic destinations via video content.
5. Mobile SEO	Optimize website and content to be mobile-friendly.	An online store implementing AMP for faster mobile page loads.
6. Augmented Reality (AR) Content	Produce interactive AR based content to provide immersive experiences.	IKEA Place app allowing users to visualize furniture at their place.
7. User-Generated Content (UGC)	Leverage personalized content from customers to foster authenticity & trust.	GoPro sharing user-generated videos on official account.

As we move towards 2023, accommodating these trends in your content creation strategy will heighten the effectiveness of your digital marketing efforts. Understanding what’s happening today can help forecast what will work tomorrow. So embrace change and stay ahead in the game!