13 Types of Content to Give Your Blog‘s Calendar a Boost

Having a steady content calendar is crucial for a successful blog. But simply churning out post after post can become mundane – for you as the writer, and for your faithful readers. That‘s why incorporating variety is key.

Adding diverse content types keeps things engaging. It also enables you to connect with readers in new ways, optimize different keywords, and expand your blog‘s capabilities.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore 13 content formats to integrate into your blogging calendar. Each will boost engagement and growth. I‘ll share why each one is effective and tips to implement it successfully.

1. List Posts

Lists are always reader favorites. They provide bite-sized nuggets of info that are easy to scan and digest.

For example, Rockstar Jill has an excellent post on 61 Easy Rock Painting Ideas for Beginners. The structured list format allows readers to quickly browse rock painting concepts.

Here are some tips to maximize list posts:

Use specific odd numbers like 7, 13, or 17. They grab attention better than round numbers.
Include a short snippet describing each item – don‘t just list them.
Share your personal experience with each tip or idea to add unique flair.
Use bullets, numbers, or images so scannability is high.

Lists naturally attract search traffic. A study by BuzzSumo found list-based articles receive over 2x the Facebook shares as non-list posts on average.

2. Interviews

Interviews allow you to provide insider knowledge directly from industry experts. They bring a human connection to your blog and offer readers a fresh perspective.

For instance, Food Blogger Pro frequently interviews successful food bloggers like Brenda from SugarLoveSpices. She shares excellent tips on photography, social media, and recipe development.

Here are some tips for compelling interviews:

Research who you wish to feature and reach out professionally. Avoid A-list celebs – target those 1-2 tiers above you with engaged audiences.
Prepare thoughtful questions that elicit in-depth responses about their career or niche advice.
Record via video chat or phone call, then transcribe and edit into an article.
Supplement with quotes and images of the interviewee to add visual flair.

Interviews generate excitement from loyal readers eager to learn from respected industry figures. They also help build relationships with influential people in your niche.

3. Original Research and Data

While many blogs simply rehash existing info, producing original research and data makes your content stand out.

For example, the Ecommerce Platforms blog is known for thorough research like their 2,300 word report on Shopify vs WooCommerce. They also publish annual reports based on their own data, like 2022‘s Top Dropshipping Products.

You don‘t need a huge budget to conduct original research:

Survey your email subscribers – analyze the data into charts.
Do competitive analysis on sites in your niche – compile and compare their metrics.
Test strategies yourself and share results, like your traffic growth experiments.
Interview a group of people and highlight key themes in their responses.

Original data establishes your expertise and lends authority. It also earns links, as others want to reference your unique insights.

4. Case Studies

Case studies demonstrate how a specific strategy worked for a real brand or business. They provide compelling storytelling and actionable takeaways.

For example, Shopify creates case studies like Ben & Jerry‘s Shopify Story. It reveals how Ben & Jerry‘s drove growth through unique initiatives like their Flavor Graveyard.

Effective case studies include:

A company introduction covering their business model, challenges, and goals.
Specific steps taken to implement a strategy, product, or service.
Quantifiable results like increases in revenue, traffic, or productivity.
Concise key learnings and takeaways.
Images, quotes, graphs, and videos to illustrate the story.

Case studies build authority by showcasing real results. They also generate trust and social proof when constructed properly.

5. Industry Roundups

Industry roundups aggregate commentary from multiple experts around a shared theme. They provide diverse perspectives readers won‘t find elsewhere.

For instance, Social Media Today asks experts:

What’s Your Top Tip for Standing Out on Instagram?
How Should Brands Advertise on Facebook and Instagram in 2023?

To create an engaging roundup:

Draft an intriguing question your niche would benefit from expert opinions on.
Recruit 10-20 relevant pros to share their responses.
Seamlessly blend all responses, citing each expert.
Include data points and your own commentary as the roundup “host.”
Summarize common themes and advice for quick takeaways.

The multitude of perspectives keeps readers hooked while positioning you as a thought leader.

6. Trend Analysis

Staying on top of the latest trends, innovations, and news in your industry is crucial for attracting an audience hungry for insider knowledge.

For instance, Social Media Today publishes in-depth trend analysis like:

Here are some tips for insightful trend coverage:

Identify emerging topics on news sites, niche forums, and industry conversations.
Gather data points illustrating growth and adoption of the trend.
Interview early adopters about how they‘re leveraging it strategically.
Provide advice on how readers can apply the trend in their business.
Incorporate images, charts, and videos to give key points life.

Trend analysis establishes your forward-thinking knowledge. It also provides readers with timely info to implement in their own business.

7. Product Reviews

In-depth product reviews attract readers evaluating potential tools and services relevant to your niche. Your real-world testing builds trust.

For example, Wirecutter is known for their thoroughly researched reviews like:

To create helpful reviews, make sure to:

Sign up for a free trial and extensively test the product to form an educated opinion.
Analyze its core features, ease of use, performance, customer support, and pricing.
Capture your own screenshots and videos to provide visual demonstrations.
Share pros, cons, best alternatives, and final verdict.
Disclose if it‘s an affiliate product and your review process.

Well-constructed reviews demonstrate your expertise around popular tools while helping readers make informed decisions. They can also generate affiliate commissions.

8. How-to Guides

Tactical how-to guides attract readers looking for step-by-step instructions to accomplish specific goals related to your niche.

For example, Shopify creates guides like How to Build Your Email List. Neil Patel also relies heavily on guides like 6 Easy Steps to Start a Blog Today.

For effective how-to guides, make sure to:

Include specific steps anyone can follow, even total beginners.
Use bulleted or numbered lists for easy skimming.
Incorporate images, screenshots, and videos to illustrate key steps.
Address FAQs around difficulties readers may encounter.
Recap the process at the end for quick reference.

Well-executed guides boost your authority around topics readers actively search for. They also provide practical value.

9. Opinion Pieces

Sharing your perspective on developments in your industry helps build a personal bond with readers. Don’t be afraid to dive into thoughts on emerging issues, controversies, trends, and news events.

For example, Darren Rowse frequently writes commentary on Problogger like:

Here are some tips for compelling commentary:

Choose timely topics resonating right now in your niche.
Provide context and background info for unfamiliar readers.
Share your honest take, whether you agree, disagree, or fall somewhere in between.
Link to credible sources to validate any key facts stated.
Ask thoughtful questions to spark engaging discussion.

Commentary demonstrates your ability to share insight beyond functional advice. It also builds community when you encourage discussion.

10. Response Posts

Response posts give your reaction to trending content like viral articles, videos, tools, or events related to your niche. This allows you to offer additional analysis while inserting yourself into zeitgeist conversations.

For example, Ahrefs frequently responds to the latest SEO items like:

Tips for compelling response posts:

Monitor your industry for widely-shared content you have strong thoughts on.
Summarize the original piece and why it went viral.
Provide your informed perspective, agreeing or disagreeing with aspects.
Include strategic insights on how it impacts your niche.
Craft an eye-catching title like "My Take on [Original]."

Response posts allow you to remix trending stories and lend your own expertise. They also demonstrate your strong industry awareness.

11. Curated Content

Curating excellent content from around the web provides valuable discovery for readers while positioning you as an expert filter.

For example, HubSpot frequently curates the most shared content on topics like:

Tips for stellar curation:

Thoroughly research the most useful content related to your niche.
Summarize and contextualize each piece through your unique lens.
Blend links, quotes, and images for enhanced scannability.
Prominently credit the original creators and link back.
Provide your own commentary and key takeaways on central themes.

Curated content supplies readers with pre-vetted discoveries while highlighting your industry awareness. Just make sure you include original analysis.

12. Guest Contributions

Getting published on sites related to your niche expands your reach and can garner backlinks. Identify relevant platforms open to contributor posts and pitch your expertise.

For example, QuickSprout frequently publishes posts from marketing experts like:

Tips for securing fruitful guest contributor spots:

Target reputable, high-authority sites closely aligned with your niche.
Pitch a highly specific, value-driven topic tailored to their audience.
Closely follow their submission guidelines and meet deadlines.
Heavily promote your posts to your own audience.

Guest posts expand your reach to new audiences through leveraging others‘ platforms. But concentrate on quality over quantity.

13. Videos / Podcasts / Webinars

Multimedia like videos, podcasts, and webinars provide appealing variety while showcasing your brand in new formats. They resonate with different learning styles and can boost engagement.

For example:

Backlinko‘s popular YouTube channel with videos on link building tactics.
The Big Block Realty Marketing Podcast with 100+ episodes.
Copyblogger‘s educational webinars on content marketing strategies.

Tips for impactful multimedia:

Choose formats suiting your strengths and audience preferences.
Promote new episodes/videos across your blog and social channels.
Repurpose key insights into blog posts for SEO.
Post on a consistent schedule – daily, weekly, or monthly.

Multimedia spotlights your expertise through fresh mediums while expanding your content offerings.

The Takeaway: Why Variety Matters

Adding diverse content types expands your capabilities while delivering ongoing value to readers. For instance, interviews and case studies provide insider industry knowledge. Lists and guides deliver specific tips to apply. Commentary and trend analysis offer timely food for thought. And curated content and multimedia give your unique flair.

Varying up your editorial calendar keeps things fresh and engaging. It helps you attract new audiences while keeping existing readers coming back.

Aim to blend written and multimedia formats using the 13 types we‘ve just covered. Track which perform best based on engagement, links, and conversions. Then double down on those formats.

Having a diverse content calendar is key for building your readership and accelerating growth in 2023 and beyond. With this expanded toolkit, you can keep pumping out content that hits the mark.

So try mixing up your calendar with these content varieties for a valuable boost. Your readers – and your blog – will thank you!