DDM Content Solutions took the lead in the content marketing conversation when we partnered with Knotch to host Content Connect 2024. Unlike other events, this was a conference exclusively for senior content marketing leaders to discover new content strategies that combine creativity, storytelling and business results. There were many memorable moments and takeaways, but these are our top 10 (in no particular order):
Our time has come. Content marketing is no longer the new kid at the table. As Carla Hassan said, ”Content is everything.” And in order to set the bar high, Content Connect 2024 started with a shared appreciation and goal that great content drives consumer action and business results. From the moment that Matt Petersen and Anda Gansca walked out on stage, the conversation began about how to push content marketing forward.
Welcome to the content marketing prom. The leaders in our industry span finance, pharma, nonprofit, travel, tech and more. However, there hasn’t been a shared space where they can share their vision on how they are transforming content marketing. Enter Content Connect 2024. Jenn Eldin nailed it when she said she feels like the conference was the “content marketing prom.”
The importance of creative excellence and the best measurement platform. Successful content needs both immersive storytelling and actionable measurement. That’s why DDM Content Solutions and Knotch came together to launch The Yard for John Deere. This digital and print editorial brand combines expert lifestyle content designed for a male audience with a tailored content measurement program. And it’s all measured with Knotch’s leading measurement platform. This allowed the team to create a performance-based content marketing strategy that is already hitting key metrics.
Organization design. The approach to organizing enterprise content teams is still in flux. Because of the high-level stature of each attendee, the conversation also covered how content teams are organized for optimal success. The net-net seemed to be that there wasn’t a standard approach, and that’s OK as long as organizational innovation continues to press forward.
Rolling up our sleeves. The workshops showed that this group can both steer the conversation and be fluent in content marketing mechanics. Everyone got to roll up their sleeves and dive into one of three engaging topics: 1) content as the catalyst across the customer journey, 2) quantifying content’s impact via measurement frameworks or 3) the role AI can play in content marketing. (And let me tell you — there was not a lot of space to roll up those sleeves at each workshop, as it was shoulder-to-shoulder standing room only!)
The networking. Let’s admit it, this is the main reason why we go to conferences. The buzz during the breaks showed that our goals are shared regardless of industry, size and remit. True decision-makers who are shaping the content experience for their brands were looking for creative solutions and strong partners.
Finding the optimal balance between art and science. The research we conducted showed that there is no universal content format that works for everyone — but that preferences do not significantly vary across generations. The complexity of the information and the category being covered are just as crucial as the consumer’s age in determining the appropriate format.
The question of AI. No one can predict the future, but the content marketing industry is embracing all of AI’s potential as a key component in the months and years to come. The honest conversations that Knotch led in the two workshops “The Role AI Can Play In Content Marketing” and “The Future of MarTech” led by Brian Andresen to the same conclusion: that content marketers in charge of enterprise content have to continue to innovate with AI’s potential. This conversational thread started with versioning, workflow and optimizations, but it was clear that we are in the very early days and that guardrails are needed.
The challenge. Capturing measurement signals leads to great content strategies. Acknowledging what content is truly working for your outcomes takes a thick skin. No piece of content by itself can achieve goals — content marketing is the fuel of the customer journey. Don’t be precious about what you like. Listen to the data.
The audience. Content marketing is successful when it is audience-first. And just like content marketing itself, we wanted Content Connect 2024 to also be about our guests. The positive social chatter around #ContentConnect2024 after the event has been mindblowing and extremely rewarding. DDM Content Solutions will continue to be audience-first in everything we do. You have inspired us and challenged us to be even better. Thank you to everyone who attended!
True to the conference itself, this is just the beginning.
What stood out to you from Content Content 2024? Let us know on LinkedIn!
Author Bio
George Baer III is SVP of the DDM Content Solutions team, bringing a customer-centric mindset to the organization. Building on the great audience insights of Dotdash Meredith, Baer has fostered a “Brand as Publisher” framework for top brands like McDonald’s, Ford Motor Company, Massachusetts General Hospital, Bank of America, Scott’s and Ram Trucks — building strategic content programs to engage, inform and drive behavior at scale. At DDM Content Solutions, Baer sets the direction for new content-based platforms that allow companies and brands to play an important role in their customers’ lives.