“Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee,” wrote Anne Morrow Lindbergh. “And just as hard to sleep after.”
By that standard, interactive content is a double shot of espresso—impactful and invigorating, with a story that packs a punch.
For a java connoisseur, the experience of drinking coffee is immersive and engaging. For a media consumer, the experience of content interaction creates the difference between a Dixie cup of decaf and a memorable mug of joe.
Interactive Content: Rise, Engage, and Shine
The number of experiences a consumer can have in one day—from first bleary-eyed smartphone glance to final nighttime inbox sweep—can be overwhelming. We are inundated with opportunities for engagement, which means that in the context of our day, passive content will simply pass us by.
Interactive content gives marketers the capability to develop and nourish a conversation with the user that goes beyond watercooler weather chat. Because just as we are more likely to enjoy an interesting and captivating conversation with a friend, we are more likely to enjoy a similar dialogue with a brand. To stay competitive in the digital age not only means analyzing user behavior, but transforming that data into active discussion.
In a 2018 study sponsored by ion interactive, Demand Metric found that 96% of surveyed marketers believe that content interactivity impacts buyers’ decisions. Solely passive content isn’t cutting it anymore, and it’s safe to say that in the content world, the extraordinary experience is the marker of success.
When the user is presented with an eye-catching display of information or takes a quiz based on the product or service they are interacting with, they are consuming and digesting content more thoughtfully. The user’s experience results in better data, which results in improved customer relationships and lasting brand impact.
Implementing interactive content brings the user up close and personal with your brand. Gone are the unappetizing volumes of technical jargon; gone are the cumbersome blocks of uninspired text. Through interaction, analytics come alive as your user connects with your services in a more meaningful way.
Interacting with Under-Caffeinated Content
Telling stories is one thing. Giving them a platform to thrive is something else entirely, and a vital aspect of captivating your audience. That captivation begins with getting to know your consumer, and learning how interaction can enhance their awareness and understanding of your brand.
While “under-caffeinated” or static content may not literally be putting your user to sleep, it lacks the power to move the conversation forward into a more active and productive space. A combination of clear strategy and appealing content can reinvigorate your brand with possibility as prospective consumers gravitate toward the more dynamic experiences you have to offer.
If you’re considering interactive content for your business, ask yourself the following three questions:
Question 1: What kinds of experiences do I want the user to associate with our brand?
You’re likely thinking “positive,” or “memorable,” or “outstanding.” These kinds of experiences are powered by great communication, which starts with great content.
Question 2: What kind of information do I want to present?
- If you’d like to showcase complex data in an appealing and easily digestible format, an infographic may be just the ticket.
- If you’re looking for something more in-depth, an eBook or white paper could provide a more effective presentation for users more familiar with the brand.
- Quizzes or assessments capture attention and offer instant results to the user.
Interactive content consists of a menu of options that can adapt to different needs.
Question 3: With that being said, what does my audience need?
Audiences everywhere are craving interaction. In an experience-driven culture, audiences want to be a part of the bigger picture. Demand Metric data showed that compared to passive content, interactive content is more likely to be effective at educating buyers and differentiating from competitors, and more likely to be shared frequently.
Waking Up and Moving Ahead
Good communication is essential. Great communication is an experience that we can build (after we’ve had our morning coffee, of course). And it all starts with interaction—the continued conversation that fuels our days.
Ready to get re-energized? Request a demo of our interactive content platform.
