Which Content Formats Work Best for Brands?
Explore content formats that elevate brand visibility and engagement, with insights straight from the field’s top experts. This article strips back the complexity to present clear strategies that work. Learn what truly resonates with audiences in today’s diverse media environment.
- Long-Form Informational Articles Drive Engagement
- Behind-The-Scenes Insights Build Trust
- Video Storytelling Evokes Trust And Empathy
- Case Studies Highlight Real SEO Wins
- Short LinkedIn Posts Foster Engagement
- Personal Storytelling Builds Connection
- Plain-Text Emails Spark Replies
- Interactive Case Studies Drive Engagement
- Email Campaigns Increase Conversion Rates
- Video Tours Speed Up Lease-Ups
- Customer Testimonials Build Trust
- Video Demonstrations Drive Engagement
- Visual Content Helps Readers Engage
- Daily Newsletters Drive Sales
- Behind-The-Scenes Videos Spark Engagement
- Interactive Tools Show ROI Impact
- Structured Guides Rank And Engage
- How-To Videos Showcase Features
- Case Studies Envision Success
- Interactive Demos Show AI ROI
- Patient Testimonials Generate Engagement
- Downloadable Content Kits Provide Value
- On-Demand Webinars Offer Expert Insights
- Documentary-Style Videos Inspire
- Tech Explainer Videos Demystify Concepts
Long-Form Informational Articles Drive Engagement
We use long-form informational articles as our most effective format. These range from 800 to 1,200 words and follow a structured breakdown of one specific physiological effect tied to red light exposure. Each article opens with a defined use case, followed by a plain-language breakdown of biological mechanisms, supported by diagrams and product integration. We control tone by removing vague phrasing and conditional verbs. No speculation. No anecdotal filler. The content reads like a manual written for intelligent lay readers.
One article covered how red light affects mitochondrial performance in muscle tissue under stress. We structured the text into three subsections, added labeled anatomical diagrams, and ended with a measured summary of usage parameters. It became our most-read on-site content piece for over six months and remains in our onboarding email cycle. The clarity of the writing and the precision of the formatting carried the result. Nothing performative. Just information, structured with intent.
Katarina Mirković Arsić
Content Marketing Manager, Recharge Health
Behind-The-Scenes Insights Build Trust
Our brand’s most consistent winning content format is behind-the-scenes, expert-driven insights—especially when they feature real voices from our agency. These types of pieces gain trust and engagement because they give voice to people actively doing the work. In a recent post, we shared quotes from our Director of Content, Brandon George, sharing our internal process for scaling content across multiple platforms. We matched his quote with a very short video of him moving through our editorial calendar and content repurposing system.
We’ve found that highlighting the people behind the strategy—especially when they’re able to speak directly to results and provide actionable takeaways—brings the content to life and keeps it from feeling too theoretical. Our audience doesn’t want only polished advice; they want to know how it works in practice. So providing details such as the templates we use or even the metrics we track adds value, while getting to know some of the familiar voices from our team brings consistency and relatability.
Aaron Whittaker
VP of Demand Generation & Marketing, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency
Video Storytelling Evokes Trust And Empathy
One content format that has consistently outperformed for our brand is video storytelling, particularly showcasing real-life stories of residents thriving in our senior living communities. For example, a video series featuring residents sharing their personal experiences increased engagement rates by 45% and led to a 30% rise in direct inquiries within two months. This format resonates because it evokes trust and empathy, showcasing the genuine, everyday life and community spirit that potential residents and their families seek.
Through authentic and relatable narratives, these videos highlight the unique value proposition of our senior communities—personalized care, vibrant community engagement, and a sense of belonging. These themes align perfectly with the aspirations of our target audience, making these stories powerful conversion tools.
By leveraging authentic resident stories, we’ve witnessed a stronger emotional connection with prospective clients, significantly enhancing our lead conversion rates. This approach not only humanizes our brand but also establishes us as a trusted advisor in the senior living space, further driving occupancy and sustaining growth.
Jerry Gerald Vinci
CEO, CCR Growth
Case Studies Highlight Real SEO Wins
Case studies showing real SEO wins have consistently performed exceptionally well for us at FATJOE, especially when we break down the exact steps we took. One of our best-performing pieces was about how we helped a local dentist grow organic traffic by 312% in 6 months – it resonated because we included actual screenshots of their analytics and specific tactics anyone could replicate. I always make sure to include the struggles and setbacks too, not just the wins, since that’s what makes it feel genuine and helpful to other SEO agencies.
Joe Davies
CEO, FATJOE
Short LinkedIn Posts Foster Engagement
We’ve seen the best results from short, experience-based LinkedIn posts. These outperform blogs, videos, and even newsletters we’ve tested.
One post that stood out was about how we managed a last-minute project delay without losing client trust. It was short—just a few lines, no visuals, no pitch. We simply shared what happened, what we learned, and how we handled it. That post brought more engagement than anything else that month.
It turns out, people connect more with what’s real than what’s polished. These kinds of posts work because they’re quick to read, easy to relate to, and feel like a conversation, not content marketing.
Now we regularly take small lessons from internal discussions and turn them into simple posts. No overthinking. Just honest moments shared in a way that others can take something from. It’s low-effort but high-trust, and that’s been the game-changer for us.
Vikrant Bhalodia
Head of Marketing & People Ops, WeblineIndia
Personal Storytelling Builds Connection
One content format that has consistently outperformed others for my brand is deeply personal storytelling. While polished images and crafted captions have their place, I’ve found that my audience craves something more — real stories, raw moments, and genuine vulnerability. In a world where perfect feeds dominate, it’s the honest, human experiences that resonate the most. People want to support the human behind the brand and are moved by the empathy they feel.
A specific example is when I shared my journey of facing recurrent ovarian cancer as a mom of young children. I opened up about the uncertainty, the fear of not being there for them, and the overwhelming strength it took to fight the disease. That post sparked an outpouring of support. Many put themselves in my shoes or saw someone close to them facing similar adversities.
In another post, I touched on my ongoing struggle with impostor syndrome — a creeping feeling that, despite years of experience and a thriving business, I still sometimes question whether I’m ‘enough.’ I shared how I stepped out of my comfort zone to stand in front of a large audience and share my insights on entrepreneurship. My audience appreciated seeing not just my success but the struggles behind it. I believe these posts resonated because they reminded people that behind every brand is a human being with a journey — and sometimes that journey is messy.
Personal content outperforms because it builds connection. It breaks down the walls of perfection and allows people to relate on a deeper level. When my audience feels seen and understood, it transforms them from passive followers into an engaged community — and that’s where real brand loyalty begins.
Renata Lutz
Entrepreneur/Photographer, The Portrait Mama
Plain-Text Emails Spark Replies
Plain-text emails from a real person have consistently performed exceptionally well for us. No fancy design, no stock photos–just a short, sharp message that sounds like it came from a colleague, not a brand. One standout was a simple email that said: “Hey, quick question–are you still looking for marketing help?” That one line sparked more replies than some of our full-blown newsletters. Why did it work? Because it felt human. In a sea of polished, overproduced content, a little authenticity stands out dramatically.
Justin Belmont
Founder & CEO, Prose
Interactive Case Studies Drive Engagement
One content format that has consistently outperformed others for our company is interactive case studies. While traditional blog posts and whitepapers perform well, we’ve found that case studies designed as interactive experiences where users can explore different data points, success metrics, and customer journeys drive significantly higher engagement and conversions.
For example, we created an interactive case study showcasing how a client in the SaaS industry increased their lead conversion rate by 40% using our marketing automation tools. Instead of a static PDF or webpage, we built a dynamic experience with scroll-triggered animations, clickable data insights, and video testimonials embedded within the content. This format allowed users to engage with the story at their own pace, dive deeper into relevant sections, and visually grasp the impact of our solutions.
This approach transformed passive content consumption into an immersive experience, leading to a 3x increase in page time, a 25% boost in lead capture rates, and more social shares than traditional case studies. It highlighted the effectiveness of interactive storytelling in B2B marketing, showing that engagement-driven formats can yield significant business results.
Naima Ch
Marketing Head and SEO Specialist, Morse Code Translator
Email Campaigns Increase Conversion Rates
One content format that has consistently outperformed for my brand, Market Boxx, is our comprehensive email marketing campaigns, specifically when combined with strong data analytics. For example, we designed a series of targeted email campaigns for a client in the e-commerce sector that resulted in a 45% increase in conversion rates within three months. This success was due to personalized content that resonated with their customer base and precise segmentation based on user behavior.
Our approach involved rigorous audience analysis and split testing, allowing us to tailor messages that engaged our audience effectively. We continually monitored key metrics, such as open and click-through rates, and adjusted strategies to optimize performance. This method demonstrated that even traditional platforms like email can drive significant engagement and revenue when executed with precision and data-driven insights.
Others can replicate this by understanding their audience deeply and leveraging data to customize messages. Regularly track performance metrics to guide adjustments and ensure the content remains relevant and engaging for your subscribers. This strategic combination of personalization and analytics can lead to higher engagement and better results.
Stephen Dominic Giuttari
Founder & CEO, Market Boxx
Video Tours Speed Up Lease-Ups
Video tours have consistently outperformed other content formats for our brand, particularly with FLATS properties. One successful example is when we launched the FLATS video tours for lease-ups and stabilized properties. By creating in-house unit-level video tours and linking them to our website using Engrain sitemaps, we achieved a 25% faster lease-up process and reduced unit exposure by 50%, without additional costs. This success resonated with our audiences because it provided an immersive, convenient way to explore properties, aligning perfectly with digital-savvy consumers’ expectations.
Additionally, integrating illustrated floor plans and 3D tours alongside our video tours significantly influenced customer behavior, leading to a 7% increase in tour-to-lease conversions. Our audience appreciated the ability to visualize and explore the spaces remotely, which improved their decision-making process and trust in our brand. This data-driven approach proved that rich media content fosters engagement and leads to higher conversion rates.
Gunnar Blakeway-Walen
Marketing Manager, The Miller Apartments By Flats
Customer Testimonials Build Trust
One content format that has consistently outperformed others for Flibco.com is video content, especially customer testimonials shared on social media.
For example, a video featuring a customer’s seamless experience using our Door2Gate service resonated particularly well. It showcased the ease, comfort, and affordability of our services while visually capturing the pleasant journey experience.
This content performed exceedingly well because it was authentic and relatable. Seeing real people enjoy our services builds trust and credibility with potential customers.
Additionally, video content tends to garner higher engagement rates on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, as it is engaging and digestible for audiences with limited attention spans.
Businesses looking to replicate this success should focus on capturing authentic customer experiences, emphasizing emotional and tangible benefits, and leveraging the power of video marketing to create lasting connections.
Matteo Cirio
Head of Marketing, Flibco
Video Demonstrations Drive Engagement
I’ve found that authentic video demonstrations of our feminine care products, paired with real customer stories, consistently drive the most engagement for KUSHAE. Last month, our 2-minute video showing how our pH balancing wash helped Sarah, a marathon runner, deal with post-workout discomfort reached 5x our usual engagement rates, mainly because it addressed a common but rarely discussed issue. I think it resonated because we kept it real and educational rather than salesy, with a healthcare professional explaining the science while Sarah shared her genuine experience.
Kimba Williams
CEO & Co-Founder, KUSHAE
Visual Content Helps Readers Engage
“Help readers visualize their own experience”
We found that our audience is more likely to engage with content that is easy to scan and does not overwhelm them with dense text. In one recent discussion on how to choose the right cooktop for small spaces, we balanced short, benefit-driven copy with no fewer than three high-resolution product images and comparison charts to help beginners understand their options. That article had an average time on page 38% longer than our regular articles, and it received a significantly higher rate of newsletter sign-ups.
The reason it worked wasn’t just the visual appeal – it was the balance of simplicity and depth. We simplified large buying decisions into manageable pieces, provided examples of real-life installations, and embedded FAQs sourced from historical customer conversations. If your content can help readers visualize their own experience – without being too difficult to read – they’re much more likely to stay engaged, take action, or come back for more.
Sofia Wang
Sr. Marketing Specialist, Luxury Appliances Division, EMPAVA
Daily Newsletters Drive Sales
The best content format for me is short, insight-driven daily newsletters.
I’ve written over 3,000 newsletters in the past 10 years, and they’re the #1 driver of sales and engagement in my business.
Here are 2 examples – Link to examples
The reasons why they work for me are:
1. I enjoy creating and putting time into crafting them. I think people feel when you put care into something.
2. The emails that work the best are those that share my vision and my philosophy. This works because it makes people think, “This guy thinks like me. I feel understood. We’re heading in the same direction.”
Matt Giaro
Content Creator (Blogger), Matt Giaro
Behind-The-Scenes Videos Spark Engagement
Video content has consistently outperformed other formats for us. A standout example is a short behind-the-scenes clip of our team brainstorming a new project–casual and unscripted, just real people throwing out ideas. It sparked tons of engagement because it felt genuine and relatable, not overly polished or pushy. I think it resonated with our audience because people enjoy seeing the human side of a brand beyond just the end result. They connected with the raw, creative energy and felt included in the journey. That connection made it work so well.
Justin Whitewood
Marketing Coordinator, Achievable
Interactive Tools Show ROI Impact
Interactive, data-driven content has consistently delivered exceptional results for our brand. Specifically, we produced an interactive tool that allowed users to calculate the potential ROI of implementing specific content marketing strategies. This piece wasn’t just a static report; it was a dynamic, personalized experience.
Users could input their specific business metrics, such as website traffic, conversion rates, and average customer value, and the tool would generate a customized projection of potential ROI. What’s more, the tool also provided actionable insights and recommendations tailored to the user’s specific data, making it a valuable resource rather than a mere calculator.
This resonated with our audience because it addressed a key pain point: the need to justify content marketing investments with tangible data. It empowered them to make informed decisions and demonstrate the value of our services to their stakeholders. The interactive format also encouraged user engagement and sharing, significantly amplifying the piece’s reach.
Michael Lazar
CEO, Content Author
Structured Guides Rank And Engage
Comprehensive, structured guides have consistently outperformed other content formats for my brand. Instead of just writing blog posts, we create pillar content–deep, authoritative resources that act as a hub for related subtopics. This format not only ranks well in search but keeps users engaged longer.
One standout piece was a topical authority guide that broke down how to structure content for SEO dominance. It performed exceptionally well because it wasn’t just theoretical–it provided actionable steps, real examples, and visual topical maps to help readers implement strategies immediately. Engagement metrics skyrocketed, and it became one of our most linked-to pages.
People crave depth and clarity, especially in technical fields. The key is balancing expertise with usability–making complex topics accessible while delivering genuine value.
Yoyao Hsueh
Founder and CEO, Floyi
How-To Videos Showcase Features
Our how-to video tutorials, which showcase real examples of using Lusha’s sales intelligence features, have consistently been our top performers. This is especially true when we break down complex prospecting techniques into bite-sized tips.
One video, demonstrating how to find decision-makers using our Chrome extension, received over 50,000 views and numerous shares. Its success can be attributed to solving a real pain point in under 3 minutes, providing viewers with actionable steps they could immediately implement.
Yarden Morgan
Director of Growth, Lusha
Case Studies Envision Success
Case studies that let them envision what success could look like for their own companies
At ThriveLocal, we have found that our highest performing content format has been case studies with measurable results. They provide our audience with real, tangible things — real businesses, real numbers, and real results that they can relate to. People are not only seeking inspiration, they want to look at a clear map of the journey from where they are today to where they want to be in the future.
For instance, we published a case study about a local fitness studio that increased its monthly membership by 47% after optimizing its Google Business profile and deploying a super-simple email retention technique we suggested. In addition to solid engagement across our newsletter and social channels, the post led to a 35% increase in demo requests over the next two weeks.
What really makes some of these stories resonate is their relatability and transparency. We specify exactly what was done, how long it took, and what exact tools or platforms were used–no vague strategies or fluff. Our readers, the majority of whom are small business owners and operators, are looking for actionable insights, and these case studies enable them to envision what success could look like for their own companies. We find that if we’re more specific and more practical, it helps us build trust, and that trust translates into greater conversion and stronger relationships.
Matt Bowman
Founder, Thrive Local
Interactive Demos Show AI ROI
I’ve found that interactive demo content showing real AI implementations and their ROI impact tends to get the most engagement from our B2B audience at PlayAbly.AI. Just last month, our step-by-step walkthrough of how an e-commerce client increased sales by 32% using our gamification features got triple our usual conversion rate because it made the complex technology feel tangible and achievable.
John Cheng
CEO, PlayAbly.AI
Patient Testimonials Generate Engagement
I’ve found that our YouTube patient testimonials consistently generate the highest engagement and conversion rates for our plastic surgery clients. Just last month, a video featuring a mother’s emotional journey through her mommy makeover reached over 50,000 views and brought in 15 qualified consultation requests, mainly because it felt genuine and addressed common concerns authentically. I believe the success comes from letting real patients tell their stories in their own words, showing both the challenges and triumphs, rather than producing overly polished marketing pieces.
Josiah Lipsmeyer
Founder, Plasthetix Plastic Surgery Marketing
Downloadable Content Kits Provide Value
One content format that consistently outperforms for Ronkot Design is our series of downloadable content kits, such as worksheets and templates. For instance, our “Social Media Strategy Kit” was downloaded over 1,500 times in the first month alone. This surge was driven by our focus on providing actionable insights customized to diverse business needs, which resonated deeply with resource-hungry marketers.
I attribute this success to our hands-on experience in content marketing, gained from my decade-long role managing branding operations in the hotel development industry. The global perspective I’ve acquired from extensive travels allows me to infuse culturally relevant insights into our content, making it universally appealing.
Our data-driven approach at Ronkot Design ensures these content kits are not just valuable—they’re essential tools for businesses looking to improve their brand presence and grow their audience engagement. Offering tangible value in such an accessible format fosters trust and positions us as an authority in the digital marketing landscape.
Ronak Kothari
Owner, Ronkot Design, LLC
On-Demand Webinars Offer Expert Insights
One content format that has consistently outperformed others for us is on-demand webinars, particularly those that combine actionable strategies with expert insights. A standout example is our “Learn How to Master Google’s AI Overviews & Prompt Engineering” workshop.
This 4-hour, self-paced, on-demand AI and SEO workshop was designed to help attendees master AI-powered SEO strategies and prompt engineering techniques. Led by international AI and SEO expert Chris Raulf, the session delves into how to streamline the SEO process using large language models (LLMs) like Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. It also showcases how to deploy our proprietary Micro-SEO Strategies to achieve fast, measurable results.
Why It Resonated:
1. Highly Relevant Topic – With AI playing a growing role in search engine optimization, this workshop addresses a pressing need for professionals to stay ahead of the curve in AI-driven SEO.
2. Hands-On Learning – Attendees appreciated the practical, actionable insights that they could implement immediately, such as using LLMs to enhance optimization efforts.
3. Exclusive Tools – We offered 30-day complimentary access to SE Ranking, a powerful SEO tool, ensuring that participants could put their newfound knowledge into practice right away.
4. Flexibility & Convenience – As an on-demand workshop, participants could learn at their own pace, fitting the session into their busy schedules, which made it more accessible and appealing to a broad audience.
This on-demand format not only provided immediate value but also helped us establish Chris Raulf’s expertise in the rapidly evolving AI and SEO landscape, making it a key driver of engagement and leads.
Chris Raulf
International AI and SEO Expert | Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, Boulder SEO Marketing
Documentary-Style Videos Inspire
Video content has consistently risen above other formats in engaging and retaining our audience’s interest. For instance, a short documentary-style video we produced last year, detailing the journey of a local artisan from obscurity to success, significantly outperformed our other content in both shares and engagement metrics. This piece struck a chord primarily because it not only showcased an inspiring story but also authentically represented our brand’s commitment to community and creativity.
The success can also be attributed to the video’s emotional appeal and high-quality production, which enhanced the storytelling aspect. Utilizing such narratives allowed viewers to establish a deeper connection with the subject and, by extension, with our brand. This approach to storytelling is something we consistently aim to replicate to keep our audience engaged, inspired, and involved with our content. This exemplifies how powerful storytelling, when done right, can significantly elevate a brand’s presence and appeal in the digital landscape.
Alex Cornici
Writer, Insuranks
Tech Explainer Videos Demystify Concepts
Our behind-the-scenes tech explainer videos showcasing our fiber internet installation process have surprisingly become our biggest hit on social media. I recall posting a simple 2-minute video of our technician explaining common WiFi issues while fixing them in a customer’s home – it got shared over 300 times and generated dozens of service inquiries. I believe people connect with this format because it demystifies technical concepts and shows the human side of our service, making internet solutions feel more accessible.
Andrew Dunn
Vice President of Marketing, Zentro Internet