Blogging can bring big benefits to your business. Companies that blog have a 126% higher lead growth than those that don’t, according to Neal Schaffer, a Forbes Top 50 Social Media Power Influencer. Producing content also costs 62% less than traditional marketing formats but generates 3 times as many leads.

Whether you’re a solo business owner who wants to grow a blog or you want to make your company’s blog even better going into the new year, we’re sharing some trends to leverage in this issue of Promotional Consultant Today. Erica Santiago, a staff writer for HubSpot’s marketing blog, rounded up some insights from HubSpot’s marketing leaders on how to boost your blog’s traffic and conversions. Let’s dig in.

1. Create custom graphics. In 2023, look for marketing blogs to include more compelling visuals in the form of custom graphics. It’s no longer just about producing valuable written content but pairing the words with eye-catching visuals. Santiago says that if you’re not a graphic designer or you don’t have one on your team, you can always explore tools like Canva to create custom graphics.

2. Get interactive. Another trend to watch for marketing blogs is the use of interactive content. Santiago says interactive elements allow visitors to engage with your blog in a way that goes beyond just reading it. It gives a more fun and immersive experience that makes your content stand out. For example, you may include a quiz like, “What Promotional Product Would You Be?” or “What’s Your Brand’s Personality?” Quizzes are a great type of interactive content because they can serve multiple purposes, Santiago says. For example, you can use quizzes to grow your email list by adding a sign-up form. You can also use a quiz to educate users about a product or service you want them to purchase, boosting conversions.

3. Make it valuable. Don’t create content just to get something out there — make sure it serves a useful purpose. Share helpful information, thought-provoking statistics or a fresh perspective. Santiago says you can add legitimacy to your posts by quoting experts, sourcing data from reputable sources, citing peer-reviewed sources, using relevant examples or including images to illustrate your point.

4. Include original data. Continue to share data from reputable sources, but don’t be afraid to include original data. You may get this data from things like polls, surveys, performance analytics or focus groups. Sharing original statistics can also help you stand out from your competitors. You’re offering information that others aren’t.

5. Create original and niche content. This is another way to differentiate your company’s blog from all the other blogs covering similar topics. When crafting content, aim to capture attention by including original data and authoritative insight. Remember that you’re the expert in promotional products, so share what you know.

Crafting regular blog posts is one of the best ways to get in front of your audience and reach new prospects. Consider incorporating the trends above to make your company’s blog the best it can be.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Erica Santiago is a staff writer for HubSpot's marketing blog.