Want to create B2B content that actually gets read? Here are 7 blog topics that work:
- Industry Updates and Forecasts
- Real Company Stories
- Step-by-Step Guides
- Expert Opinions
- Product Overviews
- Industry Research Results
- Company Insights
Why these topics? They:
- Grab attention
- Solve real problems
- Show your expertise
Here's a quick comparison:
TOPIC | WHY IT WORKS |
---|---|
Industry Updates | Keeps readers informed |
Real Stories | Builds trust |
Step-by-Step Guides | Offers actionable advice |
Expert Opinions | Adds credibility |
Product Overviews | Helps decision-making |
Research Results | Provides valuable data |
Company Insights | Creates connections |
Ready to boost your B2B content? Pick a topic and start writing. Your audience is waiting.
Why Listicles Work for B2B Content
Listicles aren't just for BuzzFeed. They're a secret weapon for B2B content too. Here's why:
- They're skimmable: B2B folks are BUSY. Listicles let them grab key points fast.
- Clear structure: Readers know what they're getting into. "5 tips" means 5 tips, not a novel.
- Shareable: Easy to pass along to coworkers. "Check out #3!" is a common refrain.
- SEO loves them: Google tends to rank listicles well. More eyeballs on your content.
- Fits any topic: From product comparisons to industry trends, listicles are flexible.
Here's what the data says:
LISTICLE PERK | B2B IMPACT |
---|---|
Skimmability | 43% skim blog posts |
SEO Boost | Often rank higher |
Sharing | Spreads like wildfire |
Engagement | Gets people talking |
"Listicles drive traffic, boost ad revenue, and promote products naturally. They're a Swiss Army knife for content."
Victoria Vitarelli from VideoElephant
Tips for B2B listicle success:
- Use odd numbers (5, 7, 9)
- Pack each point with value
- Add share buttons
- Mix info with subtle promo
Listicles: Not just for cat videos anymore. They're a B2B content powerhouse.
1. Industry Updates and Forecasts
B2B audiences want fresh industry info. Updates and forecasts are content gold.
Here's why:
58% of B2B marketers say their content strategy is just "okay". They're not giving readers what they want.
Industry updates and forecasts fix this. They:
- Keep businesses informed on trends
- Help companies make smart choices
- Show your expertise
But don't just repeat the news. Add your take. Explain what it means for readers.
"One of the most remarkable things about this year's research is how _un_remarkable it is. Frustration and simple maintenance have become the status quo in B2B marketing."
Robert Rose, CMI Chief Strategy Advisor
Ouch. But it's also a chance. Your updates can be what B2B folks need.
Pro tip: Don't just report. Predict. What do these updates mean for the future?
UPDATE TYPE | WHY IT WORKS |
---|---|
Market Trends | Helps businesses stay ahead |
Tech Advancements | Shows what's possible |
Regulatory Changes | Keeps companies compliant |
Competitor Moves | Informs strategy |
28% of B2B marketers nail content. How? They know their audience well.
So, dig deep. What industry news matters to your readers? What forecasts will help them? That's your content sweet spot.
2. Real Company Stories
B2B readers love real-world examples. They want to see how others have tackled similar challenges. That's where real company stories come in handy.
Case studies are powerful in B2B content. They show results, not just talk about them. Here's why they work:
- Prove your product gets results
- Help readers see themselves in the story
- Build trust through social proof
Let's look at two standout examples:
Salesforce's "The Ecopreneurs"
This series features climate-action entrepreneurs using Salesforce products. It's their #1 viewed content on Salesforce+. Why? It blends storytelling with real impact.
ServiceNow's Workflow Quarterly
Instead of pushing products, ServiceNow created a digital publication about enterprise tech trends. This positions them as thought leaders and keeps readers coming back.
What makes these stories work?
ELEMENT | WHY IT MATTERS |
---|---|
Real people | Readers connect with human stories |
Specific results | Numbers show real impact |
Industry context | Shows how it applies to readers |
Clear problem-solving | Demonstrates product value |
When creating your own case studies:
1. Focus on the customer's journey
2. Use real numbers and results
3. Keep it relevant to your audience
4. Include quotes from the featured company
"People won't remember what you did, they'll remember how you made them feel."
Maya Angelou
This quote captures why stories work. They create lasting impressions that stick with readers long after the facts fade.
3. Step-by-Step Guides
Step-by-step guides are B2B content gold. They give readers clear, actionable info they can use NOW. Why do they work so well?
- Break down complex stuff
- Show value right away
- Make you look like an expert
Here's the real deal on why these guides rock:
BENEFIT | WHY IT MATTERS |
---|---|
Fix problems | Tackle issues B2B folks actually face |
Build trust | Show off your know-how |
SEO boost | "How to" searches are huge |
Lead magnet | People share info to get the good stuff |
How to Create Killer Step-by-Step Content
1. Pick a hot topic: Choose stuff your audience struggles with. Ask your sales team - they know what questions keep coming up.
2. Do your homework: Research like crazy. Don't guess. Cover everything to make your guide THE resource.
3. Go visual: Throw in images, GIFs, or videos for tricky parts. It helps people get it and keeps them hooked.
4. Keep it simple: Use plain language. Break down the complex stuff. Make it easy to follow.
5. Add the "why": Don't just list steps. Explain why they matter. It helps readers get the big picture.
Real-world win: Check out HubSpot's guide on "How to Write the Perfect 90-Day Plan". It covers what it is, why you need it, and how to make one. They even give you a free template. Boom - instant value.
"How-to guides let you share awesome info while meeting high expectations."
HubSpot
This works because it's the whole package - context, steps, and tools to get moving.
4. Expert Opinions
Expert opinions give B2B content a serious boost. They add credibility and offer fresh perspectives on industry issues.
Why are they so effective?
BENEFIT | EXPLANATION |
---|---|
Authority | Shows your industry connections |
Unique insights | Offers exclusive perspectives |
Trust | Adds third-party validation |
Here's how to use expert opinions in your B2B blog:
1. Choose wisely: Pick well-known industry leaders. Their name should turn heads.
2. Ask smart questions: Get specific. Dig into current trends, challenges, or predictions.
3. Let them speak freely: Give experts space for strong opinions. It's fine if they're controversial - that's what makes content pop.
4. Focus on action: Ask for tips readers can use now. Practical advice trumps theory.
Sprout Social does this well. Their data reports with expert insights help readers understand social media trends and make informed decisions.
"Make your customer the hero. Tell your customers' stories about how they solve problems using your product."
Waynette Tubbs, Senior Content Marketing Manager
This quote shows the power of expert opinions. They give readers a new way to see their challenges and solutions.
Tips for featuring experts:
- Use pull quotes for key insights
- Include brief expert bios
- Mix in relevant data points
- Build ongoing expert relationships
5. Product Overviews
Product overviews are a B2B content goldmine. Why? They help buyers compare options and make smart choices. Here's the deal:
BENEFIT | EXPLANATION |
---|---|
Easy comparisons | Spot differences at a glance |
Smart decisions | Detailed info = less buyer's remorse |
Time-saver | Quick grasp of multiple options |
Want to nail your product overviews? Here's how:
- Keep it real:Don't just brag. Show the good AND the not-so-good.
- Compare apples to apples:Pick features your audience cares about. Make it fair.
- Guide, don't push:Explain which option fits different needs. Let them decide.
- Cover the essentials:Top features, pricing, and why someone should care.
- Let customers speak:Real feedback builds trust. It's like word-of-mouth, but in writing.
"Creating comparison content as a business may look like comparing your company to a competitor, contrasting two potential solutions to a common problem faced by your buyer, or even a mix of the two."
IMPACT
Take Capterra, for example. They list pros AND cons for each business. It's like getting the full scoop before you buy.
6. Industry Research Results
B2B readers love hard data. It grabs attention and boosts your credibility. Here's why:
- It's valuable
- It shows expertise
- It gets people talking
Check out these stats:
STATISTIC | IMPACT |
---|---|
75% | New products miss revenue targets due to poor research |
90% | Top B2B content marketers focus on audience needs |
58% | B2B marketers say their content strategy is just "okay" |
So, how can you use research in your content?
1. Mine your company data
Look at what you already have. What can you share? Example: "B2B ecommerce sales grew 17% in 2023" (2024 B2B Market Report). This helps readers spot trends.
2. Run your own surveys
Create fresh data. The Content Marketing Institute does this yearly. They found 69% of B2B marketers are adding more video.
3. Make data digestible
Use charts and simple explanations. Don't just say "70% of B2B buyers prefer online buying." Explain what it means: "There's a clear shift towards digital purchasing."
4. Connect data to action
Don't just share numbers. Tell readers what to do. If only 36% of B2B buyers love their ecommerce experience, suggest ways to improve online stores.
Remember: Good research content isn't just about numbers. It's about helping your readers understand and act on those numbers.
7. Company Insights
B2B readers LOVE peeking behind the curtain. Why? Company insights:
- Build trust (you're open and honest)
- Create connections (readers see people, not just logos)
- Offer learning opportunities (from your wins and oops moments)
Let's dive into some real-world examples:
"At Google, anyone can ask the CEO a question. This openness has led to new ideas and happier workers. Their employee satisfaction scores? 37% higher than the industry average."
"Netflix lets workers make big choices on their own. The payoff? In 2022, they added 7.66 million new subscribers, beating their forecast by 2.41 million."
"Patagonia puts the planet first. In 2022, they gave away the WHOLE company to fight climate change. The result? A 30% boost in sales right after the announcement."
How can you use company insights in your B2B blog?
- Share your processes
- Highlight your team
- Be honest about challenges
- Show your impact
Here's the key: good company insights aren't just bragging. They're about sharing useful info that helps your readers.
COMPANY | INSIGHT SHARED | RESULT |
---|---|---|
Open communication | 37% higher employee satisfaction | |
Netflix | Employee decision-making | 7.66 million new subscribers in 2022 |
Patagonia | Purpose-driven culture | 30% sales boost after climate action |
Tips for Writing B2B Listicles
Want to create B2B listicles that actually get read? Here's how:
Nail Your Headline
Your headline can make or break your article. BuzzSumo found that B2B list articles with 5 items perform best. So instead of "10 Ways to Improve Your Supply Chain", try "5 Proven Strategies to Optimize Your Supply Chain in 2024."
Make It Skimmable
B2B readers are BUSY. Help them out:
- Use clear subheadings
- Keep paragraphs short (2-3 sentences max)
- Add bullet points for key takeaways
Use Data (But Make It Interesting)
Don't just throw numbers around. Use data to tell a story:
"Articles with more than 4 lists get 3.6X the page views of those without."
Buzzsumo
Real Examples > Vague Advice
Show how it works in the real world:
Notion AI's Product Hunt launch? 11,000 upvotes in 24 hours. Result? Daily sign-ups jumped from 5,000 to 20,000 for a week.
Link Out (When It Makes Sense)
You can't cover everything. Link to in-depth resources when needed.
End Strong
Wrap up with key takeaways and a clear next step for your reader.
Remember: B2B listicles aren't about clickbait. They're about giving your readers real value in a format they can actually use.
DO | DON'T |
---|---|
Use odd numbers in headlines | Make unrealistic claims |
Focus on specific, actionable advice | Try to cover too many topics |
Include original research or data | Use generic examples |
Write from personal experience | Forget to edit and proofread |
Wrap-up
B2B content doesn't have to put people to sleep. Here are 7 blog topics that can make your content pop:
- Industry Updates and Forecasts
- Real Company Stories
- Step-by-Step Guides
- Expert Opinions
- Product Overviews
- Industry Research Results
- Company Insights
But here's the thing: don't get stuck in a rut. Mix it up!
Monday (the work management platform) got 25K TikTok followers by making fun content about remote work. Who says B2B can't be a blast?
And check out Mindbody One. They built a community where business managers chat. It's not just content - it's a conversation.
B2B content isn't just blogs. Try these:
CONTENT TYPE | WHY IT WORKS |
---|---|
Short videos | Quick info for busy pros |
Podcasts | For multitasking listeners |
AI-assisted content | Fresh takes, faster creation |
Hyper-targeted pieces | Speaks to niche audiences |
Your goal? Make content that answers questions and shows your worth.
"The launch blew us away and kicked our growth into high gear."
Akshay Kothari, CPO at Notion
Ready to shake things up? Pick a topic, try something new, and get creating. Your audience is waiting.
FAQs
What makes B2B content effective?
B2B content works when it's clear and useful. It should answer questions and solve problems. Good B2B content:
- Focuses on reader needs
- Uses solid research
- Is easy to understand and act on
What are the types of content for B2B?
B2B content comes in many forms:
CONTENT TYPE | PURPOSE |
---|---|
Blog posts | Share insights |
Case studies | Show results |
White papers | Deep dive topics |
Videos | Explain complex ideas |
Infographics | Present data visually |
Podcasts | Discuss trends |
What are the content marketing trends for B2B 2024?
B2B content is changing fast in 2024:
- AI-powered creation: Speeds up writing
- Hyper-personalization: Tailors to specific readers
- Bite-sized content: Short pieces for busy pros
- LinkedIn focus: Where B2B audiences are
How to build a B2B content strategy?
Here's how to create a B2B content strategy:
1. Set clear goals
2. Know your audience well
3. Check out competitors
4. Make content for each buyer stage
5. Plan content sharing
6. Track results and adjust