Decoding the 10x Content Conundrum: Unleashing its Power to Boost Your Online Strategy
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding 10x Content
- The Evolution of 10x Content
- Why 10x Content is Effective
- Crafting 10x Content
- Key Features of 10x Content
- Inspiring Examples of 10x Content
- Conclusion
Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of content marketing, we come across various theories and tactics. Among them, the concept of ‘10x Content’ holds a pivotal position. Now, you might think that this term is just another buzzword thrown around in content strategy meetings, but let me assure you, its relevance and efficacy are profound and tangible.
Understanding 10x Content
So, let’s dive into the crux of it: 10x Content refers to content that surpasses the best available content on the same topic by tenfold. The primary value of creating such content lies in its high probability of ranking well on Google for a specific keyword. This is due to its superior quality compared to other published content. Consequently, it tends to garner more social shares and links, ultimately boosting your brand’s digital visibility.
The Evolution of 10x Content
The term ‘10x Content’ was coined by Rand Fishkin, the founder of Moz. It evolved from a slightly different approach introduced in 2013 called the ‘Skyscraper Technique.’ This technique, which I proposed on the Backlinko blog, was a content marketing strategy specifically aimed at building links and securing the coveted #1 spot in search engine rankings. The Skyscraper Technique involved identifying an article that was performing well in search engines and creating an improved version to pitch to those who linked to the previous article.
However, 10x Content diverges from the Skyscraper Technique in two vital aspects: it isn’t confined to a written article—it could be anything from a YouTube video, social media post, infographic, podcast—any form of content you publish; and it does not necessarily rely on email outreach for link building.
Why 10x Content is Effective
Now that we understand the essence of 10x Content, let’s explore why it is exceptionally effective in today’s fiercely competitive content marketing landscape.
In this era of information overload, where an astonishing 500 hours of content is uploaded to YouTube every minute, according to TubeFilter, it’s safe to say that there is already ample content covering almost any topic or SEO keyword you can think of. Outdoing this existing plethora of fair-to-good content that enjoys the ‘first-mover advantage’ requires not just marginally better content, but something substantially superior—something ten times better—to dethrone the reigning king.
Crafting 10x Content
So, how can you craft 10x Content that stands out from the crowd? Here are some best practices to follow:
Identifying High-Performing Content
The first step is to determine what you aim to rank for and assess the existing content landscape around that subject. Without understanding what top-performing content looks like, crafting something ten times better becomes an uphill battle.
Improving Upon the Best
Strive for significantly better content, not just marginally superior. The greater the effort you put into enhancing your content, the more challenging it becomes for your competitors to outdo you. Make your content more thorough, up-to-date, and easier to consume. These are some ways to ensure your content is ten times better than the competition.
Optimizing for RankBrain
While SEO isn’t the only reason for creating 10x Content, considering that better Google ranking is a significant benefit, it’s wise to dedicate some time to optimizing your content for SEO. RankBrain, a Google algorithm, emphasizes user experience and measures how people interact with your website. Ensuring your 10x Content maintains high engagement is crucial.
Key Features of 10x Content
According to Rand Fishkin, all 10x Content should have the following key features:
- Well-designed
- High-quality
- Significantly different in scope or detail than the existing content it competes against
- Elicits an emotional response
- Useful—solving a problem or answering a question comprehensively
- Unique
Inspiring Examples of 10x Content
To help you visualize what 10x Content looks like, here are a few inspiring examples:
- “How Apple’s Apps Topped Rivals in the App Store It Controls” by The New York Times
- “The Story of Us” series by Wait But Why
- FiveThirtyEight’s statistical analysis on various subjects
- Nardwuar’s unique approach to interviewing famous rappers
- My study of 12 million outreach emails
Conclusion
In conclusion, 10x Content is not just about creating good content—it’s about crafting stellar, exceptional content that stands out in a sea of mediocrity. Whether you’re new to content marketing or a seasoned pro, utilizing this strategy can redefine what “high-quality content” means for your business and significantly elevate your brand presence online.
So, embrace the power of 10x Content and unleash its potential to boost your online strategy. By creating content that is ten times better than the competition, you can rise above the noise and make a lasting impact in the digital world. Remember, it’s not just about creating content; it’s about creating content that truly stands out and captivates your audience.
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