Content Distribution Channels Explained
So you’ve created a brilliant piece of content. It’s insightful, engaging, and provides real value to your audience. But what’s the point if no one ever sees it? Creating great content is only half the battle; you also need to have a plan for distributing it. Content distribution is the process of promoting your content to your target audience through various channels. This guide will explain the different types of content distribution channels and how you can use them to get your content in front of the right people.
1. Owned Media
Owned media refers to the channels that you have complete control over. These are the channels that you own and operate yourself. They are a great way to distribute your content to your existing audience and build a direct relationship with them. Owned media channels include:
- Your website and blog.
- Your email newsletter.
- Your social media profiles.
2. Earned Media
Earned media is the coverage that you get from third-party sources that you haven’t paid for. It’s essentially word-of-mouth marketing, and it’s one of the most powerful forms of content distribution. Earned media can be difficult to get, but it’s well worth the effort. Earned media channels include:
- Press coverage.
- Guest posts on other websites.
- Social media shares and mentions.
- Product reviews.
3. Paid Media
Paid media is any form of content distribution that you pay for. It’s a great way to reach a wider audience and get your content in front of people who may not have discovered it otherwise. Paid media channels include:
- Social media advertising.
- Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.
- Influencer marketing.
- Sponsored content.
How to Choose the Right Content Distribution Channels
The right content distribution channels for you will depend on your goals, your audience, and your budget. A good approach is to use a mix of owned, earned, and paid media to create a comprehensive content distribution strategy. Here are some tips for choosing the right channels:
- Know your audience: Where do they hang out online? What social media platforms do they use? What blogs do they read?
- Consider your content format: Some channels are better suited to certain content formats than others. For example, video content performs well on YouTube and social media, while long-form content is better suited to your blog or email newsletter.
- Start small and experiment: You don’t have to be on every channel at once. Start with a few channels that you think will be most effective, and then experiment with others over time.
Our Overall Thoughts
Content distribution is a crucial part of any successful content marketing strategy. By taking a strategic approach to how you promote your content, you can significantly increase your reach, drive more traffic to your website, and achieve your marketing goals. Remember that the goal of content distribution is not just to get your content in front of as many people as possible; it’s to get it in front of the right people.
Ready to create a content distribution strategy that gets results?
Our team of content marketing experts at Validus Media can help you get your content to the right audience.
Contact us today for a free content distribution consultation!
