2013: The Year Of The Content Marketer

Content marketing has become an increasingly hot topic in the digital marketing world with searcher interest hitting an all-time high in 2013, following a path that suggests continued growth into the new year.

As big brands and small businesses alike have realized the value of content marketing and rushed to develop and implement a strategy, marketers have felt the need to educate themselves on this rapidly growing field. How do I put together a content marketing plan? Which channels are best for content distribution? How do I craft the best headlines? How can I maximize social sharing of content?

Our content marketing columnists here at Marketing Land answered those questions and more, sharing insights and advice to help marketers navigate this relatively new space. These industry experts have worked hard throughout the year to produce consistently great content (naturally!), but the following pieces took top honors for 2013.

Top Content Marketing Columns of 2013

1. The Keys To Quality Content Are Information Density & Utility by Matt Jessell, published 5/28/13. Facebook shares: 35, Tweets: 194, Google +1s: 78, LinkedIn Shares: 64

2. 4 Ways To Create Successful Social Media Content by Arnie Kuenn, published 7/29/13. Facebook shares: 103, Tweets: 1022, Google +1s: 139, LinkedIn Shares: 139

3. Expand Into New Digital Markets With A Semantic Microsite Strategy by Simon Penson, published 6/3/13. Facebook shares: 28, Tweets: 157, Google +1s: 74, LinkedIn Shares: 31

4. How To Get Good Reviews & Testimonials That Drive Business by George Aspland, published 8/12/13. Facebook shares: 42, Tweets: 128, Google +1s: 71, LinkedIn Shares: 39

5. Content Curation Tools & Concepts by Arnie Kuenn, published 5/7/13. Facebook shares: 52, Tweets: 240, Google +1s: 129, LinkedIn Shares: 74

6. Beyond SEO: All Smart Online Marketing Is Optimized by Brian Clark, published 9/10/13. Facebook shares: 105, Tweets: 346, Google +1s: 115, LinkedIn Shares: 90

7. What Is The Future For Content Marketing? 9 Experts Weigh In by Arnie Kuenn, published 9/23/13. Facebook shares: 55, Tweets: 379, Google +1s: 66, LinkedIn Shares: 121

8. 3 Keys That Open The Door To Massive Social Sharing Of Your Content by Brian Clark, published 6/18/13. Facebook shares: 124, Tweets: 393, Google +1s: 110, LinkedIn Shares: 136

9. What Makes A Great Infographic? 8 Experts Weigh In by Arnie Kuenn, published 3/12/2013. Facebook shares: 0, Tweets: 387, Google +1s: 138, LinkedIn Shares: 73

10. 3 Simple Techniques For More Persuasive Content Marketing by Brian Clark, published 5/14/13. Facebook shares: 71, Tweets: 293, Google +1s: 86, LinkedIn Shares: 72

Be on the lookout for more great content marketing columns in 2014!