The History of Content Marketing

Exploring the Evolution of Content Marketing Through the Ages

Introduction: Unveiling the Historical Landscape of Content Marketing

In the dynamic world of marketing, content marketing has emerged as a vital subset that involves the creation and dissemination of both written and visual content. This intriguing strategy operates discreetly, captivating audiences by piquing their interest in products and services without overtly promoting a brand. Although content marketing is closely associated with the digital sphere, encompassing websites, blogs, emails, and social media platforms, its roots stretch far back in history, predating the advent of these contemporary channels. This exploration delves into the fascinating journey of content marketing through different eras, shining a light on pivotal moments in its evolution.

1700s: Pioneering the Path with Benjamin Franklin

While the origins of content marketing were traditionally traced to the late 1800s, a revelation by Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose from The Content Marketing Institute has unearthed a more profound history. Benjamin Franklin, an iconic figure of his time, set the stage for content marketing as early as the 1700s. In 1732, he introduced the first edition of Poor Richard’s Almanack, seemingly unrelated to content marketing at first glance. Yet, Franklin crafted this publication to promote his printing business, showcasing his entrepreneurial acumen. Despite being a manual endeavor, the Almanack experienced remarkable success, selling up to 10,000 copies annually at its zenith. Rich with diverse content, the Almanack featured weather forecasts, household tips, puzzles, astronomy insights, and poems – elements that continue to grace modern magazines and online platforms.

1800s: Unveiling the Power of Print for Promotions

The 19th century witnessed the ascendancy of print as a potent medium for promotional endeavors. In 1801, Paris’s Librairie Galignani bookstore embarked on a journey to amplify its business, fostering growth through Galignani’s Messenger – a daily English newspaper. This publication seamlessly intertwined literary works with insights into popular books, seamlessly aligning with the bookstore’s objectives. The 1800s witnessed a profusion of similar ventures, including the American Bee Journal in 1861, The Locomotive in 1867, and the bulletin by the Edison Electric Lighting Company in 1882, all tailored to captivate audiences while disseminating valuable information. Charles Scribner’s Sons publishing house and Johnson & Johnson also made indelible marks during this era, with Scribner’s Magazine and the Modern Methods of Antiseptic Wound Treatment publication respectively, solidifying the trend of content-rich promotional strategies.

1900s: The Rise of Branding through Content

The turn of the century heralded the era of branding, establishing its prominence in the marketing landscape. The Michelin Tire Company embarked on a unique journey in 1900 with the Michelin Guide – a 400-page book offering vehicle maintenance tips while encouraging exploration of uncharted territories. This innovative approach demonstrated Michelin’s foresight, catering to a market that had yet to fully embrace personal transportation. Jell-O adopted a similar approach in 1904, distributing cookbooks filled with recipes that strategically incorporated their products. This venture reaped remarkable success, boosting sales significantly within two years.

1920s to 1930s: Pioneering Radio Content Marketing

In the 1920s and 1930s, content marketing transcended print boundaries with the advent of radio. Sears-Roebuck Company introduced its radio station, WLS, in 1924, weaving entertainment with informative content. Procter & Gamble’s sponsorship of Oxydol’s Own Ma Perkins in 1933 marked the birth of the term “soap opera,” effectively blending content and advertisement. A historic broadcast by CBS radio in 1938, an adaptation of War of the Worlds, showcased the power of media to generate mass hysteria, cementing the brand’s notoriety.

1960s to 1970s: Fusion of Multi-Channel Marketing

The 1960s witnessed the fusion of advertising and content marketing, a transformation exemplified by magazines as a medium. Weight Watchers Magazine, targeting women, exemplified this trend in 1968, blending lifestyle articles with impactful ads. Exxon’s iconic slogan, “put a tiger in your tank,” exemplified consistent messaging across channels, shaping the foundation for contemporary cross-channel campaigns.

1980s: Embracing Diverse Audiences

The 1980s heralded a shift toward catering to diverse audiences, as brands recognized the influence of younger consumers. LEGO’s Brick Kicks magazine in 1987 epitomized this approach, leveraging children’s enthusiasm to encourage parental engagement. This trend persisted through the 1990s and 2000s, as brands like Nickelodeon, Disney, and American Girl utilized publications to captivate younger demographics.

1990s: Formalizing the Term “Content Marketing”

Despite its prevalence, content marketing lacked an official name until the 1990s. John F. Oppendahl’s coining of the term “content marketing” in 1996 brought clarity to the landscape. The late 1990s witnessed the rise of professionals like Jerrell Jimerson, who held the title “director of online and content marketing.” Jeff Cannon’s inclusion of the term in his book underscored its significance, shaping content marketing’s trajectory in the digital age.

2000s: Transitioning from Print to Digital Dominance

The late 1990s marked the rise of the internet, catalyzing content marketing’s evolution into a mainstream practice. The 2000s witnessed the transition from print to screen, resulting in diverse strategies to engage audiences across websites, blogs, emails, and social media. Blendtec’s “Will It Blend?” show on YouTube in 2006 epitomized this shift, pioneering video content marketing with unconventional experiments.

2010s: Crafting Digital Content Experiences

The 2010s witnessed content marketing’s maturation, transforming into a holistic approach focused on crafting immersive experiences. Kraft Foods’ pivot to content development in 2012 led to a quadrupling of ROI. Intel’s Intel IQ digital magazine in the same year introduced algorithmic curation. Red Bull’s establishment of Red Bull Media House and Marriott International’s creative content marketing studio showcased the power of experiential content.

2020s and Beyond: Navigating the Pandemic and Future Trends

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted companies to recalibrate marketing strategies. This era underscored the importance of diverse content, including tutorials, videos, and podcasts. As the future unfolds, trends like increased audio and video consumption, mobile optimization, hyper-personalization, voice and visual search, interactive content, and data-driven insights will reshape content marketing’s landscape.

Conclusion: Content Marketing’s Ongoing Evolution

Content marketing, once a subtle strategy, has evolved into a cornerstone of modern business. As brands adopt the role of media publishing companies, crafting captivating content experiences is paramount. The journey through history underscores content marketing’s transformative power, driving brand awareness and cultivating enduring connections with audiences. As trends continue to shape the content landscape, the unwavering focus on innovation and audience engagement remains the key to staying ahead in the content marketing realm.