Is Long-Form Content a Good Long Term Strategy? (MUST We All start Podcasts and YouTube Channels?) 

 

“Consider making long-form content,” she said…

 

I SCOFFED and actually rolled my eyes. It was two years ago. I’d just started my business, and my business mentor told me that in order to scale to new heights, I should consider creating long-form content. 

 

Um, Ma’am, I barely have enough time as it is with the different platforms and offers I create, running my business, and being a mom of 3 young kids.

 

And you’re saying I need to start a podcast now??

 

If you feel the same way I did back then about the idea of making long-form content (eyes widening and stomach clenching), I feel you. 

 

But, of course, I saw the value and eventually caved. 

 

And as I’ve done so, I’ve realized that it isn’t as hard as you might think, and the payoff is actually pretty huge (one point business mentor).

 

Why Top Brands & Creators Use Long-Form Content

 

Many top brands, businesses, and creators invest in long content because of its power to work longer and harder for their brand by reaching a wider audience and creating a lasting impact. 

 

You don’t have to be a top creator to get these benefits. Long-form content just might be what you’ve been looking for to widen your audience while not needing to churn out short-form content day in and day out. 

 

If it feels like I’m trying to convince you to consider adding long-form content to your strategy… 

 

It’s because I absolutely am. (Is it necessary? No. Must you do this right away? Also no. But I’d keep this idea in your back pocket and consider implementing it when you have some breathing room).

 

Short-form content (reels, TikToks…) can be easier to create, but its limited lifespan means you’re constantly creating more and more of it to keep your account fresh. And you know how much time and energy that can eat up.

 

The bottom line here is creating a strategy that increases effectiveness and frees up your time (in the long run) for focusing on creating and living the life you dream of. Remember, this whole social media thing is supposed to serve YOU and YOUR DREAMS, not the other way around.

 

Wait, What Exactly is Long-Form Content??

 

A few examples of long-form content are YouTube videos, blogs, podcasts, masterclasses, or ebooks (if you are an author with a published book, you’ve already got a jump start on this one).

 

These longer, more in-depth pieces of content can go a long way in establishing your brand and giving valuable information to your target audience. They let you dig deep into the topics that matter to your brand and increase brand loyalty by allowing your audience to interact with your brand on a deeper level for a longer period of time. 

 

Just think of your favorite authors, bloggers, YouTubers, or podcasters. Odds are you feel some sort of connection to them and their brand after reading, watching, or listening to their content. 

 

That same power of connection is yours for the taking. Plus, this content has a long lifespan that can keep reaching people months and even years after they are posted. 

 

This is actually the biggest reason I decided to start a blog, and then later on a YouTube channel. (I’ve also always secretly wanted to start a podcast but have been afraid of how time consuming it might be, so I’ve held off, but we shall see…)

 

You’re Telling Me Google SEO Prioritizes Long-Form Content?

 

Yes, I am telling you that Google SEO prioritizes long-form content over short-form in search results.  That alone makes this type of content one of the best ways to increase your overall searchability. Increased visibility means making it easier for your target audience to find you (and I assure you, they are searching).

 

Now, I know adding longer content into your marketing strategy means more work upfront and might even sound a little (a lot?) overwhelming. But it’s never my goal to overwhelm you, so hear me out.

 

Long-Form is a Long Term Strategy

 

Don’t feel like it’s something you need to jump on as soon as you finish reading this blog. There are also plenty of ways to get featured in long-form content without having to make it yourself. (we love a good collab!)

 

Getting featured on podcasts, guest writing blogs, and collaborating with booktubers are all ways to reap the benefits of long-form content without doing the bulk of the work. Making yourself available for features like this also allows you to get exposure to a wider audience. 

 

Ready to Start Building Your Long-Form Strategy?

 

If you are already planning out your long-form strategy, I’m not done yet because I’ve saved my favorite part for last. (This one gets me excited!)

 

Just one piece of long-form content can be turned into weeks of short-form content because of all the ways you can break it up into reels, posts, stories, and more. 

 

So, every time you create a long-form piece of content, you are really doing double duty by creating a pool of content to pull from later.

 

Reusing and recycling. (Great practices for handling disposable items… also time and stress saving strategies for social media)

 

Have I convinced you of the merits of long-form content yet? 

 

TLDR: 

 

Long-form content has a long life span, improves SEO searchability, and increases brand loyalty by giving your audience a deeper look into your brand. And the best part is that it can be recycled into tons of short-form content to keep your social media content fresh.

 

Looking for ways to breathe new life into your content strategy? You’re invited to join me and hundreds of other bookish creators in the Bookstagram 101 membership.