digital strategy

I’ll be blunt—if your content strategy still looks like it did in 2019, you’re probably wasting time. Or worse… creating noise that no one’s listening to.

Content marketing has evolved—fast. Between AI flooding the web, social algorithms changing like the weather, and people being more burned out than ever, the old playbook just doesn’t cut it anymore.

So what’s actually working in 2025? And what should you ditch without guilt?

I’ve been testing, tweaking, and watching patterns closely—and here’s a breakdown of what’s worth your energy (and what’s not).

Dead: Long-Winded, Evergreen Posts With No Personality

There was a time when pumping out 2,000+ word posts stuffed with keywords was all you needed to climb Google. But that time is over.

People are smarter. Google’s smarter. And let’s be honest—attention spans are shorter.

What’s changed:

• Voice search is pushing for fast, clear answers
• AI-generated blogs have flooded the SERPs
• Readers want insight, not just information

That doesn’t mean long-form content is useless. But now, it has to be valuable, visual, and human.

Real talk: If you’re writing a “10 tips for productivity” post that sounds like ChatGPT wrote it, you’ve already lost.

What to do instead:

• Layer in personal experiences or mini case studies
• Break it up with visuals, subheads, pull quotes
• Lead with something fresh—not what’s been said a hundred times

Still Working: Visually Rich, Personalized Content

This isn’t news—but it’s never been more true: design matters.

When people scroll past 300 pieces of content before breakfast, you need something that pops—and feels made just for them.

What’s working in 2025:

• Instagram carousels that teach something fast
• TikToks that explain a concept in 15 seconds
• Personalized email flows based on actual behavior (not gut instinct)

If your content feels like it was crafted with care for a real person, it lands harder.

“Generic is forgettable. Specific is sticky.”

Try this:

• Use tools like Figma, Canva, or Notion templates to make your content feel custom
• Add your face or voice to the mix—yes, even if you’re introverted
• Create niche-specific visuals: a budgeting flowchart, a copywriting breakdown, a strategy board

Dead: Cold Emails, Pop-Ups, and Banner Ads

Some tactics had a good run—but it’s time to let them go.

Think about it:

• When was the last time you clicked a banner ad on purpose?
• How do you feel when a pop-up blocks your screen before you’ve even scrolled?

People are privacy-savvy now. Between ad blockers, GDPR, and algorithm changes, traditional tactics are hitting walls.

Better path forward:

• Build community through value-first content
• Use referral marketing, collaborations, or “friend gets friend” campaigns
• Let email signups happen through genuine interest—not coercion

Still Working: Real Storytelling + Relatable Content

If there’s one thing AI will never replace, it’s your story.

People are desperate for connection in a world where so much content feels automated. What resonates now? Truth. Vulnerability. Humor.

Think:

• “Here’s how I bombed my first client pitch—and what I learned”
• “Behind the scenes of my most chaotic product launch”
• “Why I almost quit content marketing (but didn’t)”

You don’t need to spill your life story, but don’t be afraid to show the human behind the brand.

Bonus tip:
Drop perfection. Let your posts feel like a conversation, not a press release.

Dead: Static, One-Way Content

Publishing and walking away? Not anymore.

Your readers want interaction. Engagement. A sense of being part of something.

The most successful brands in 2025 are creating content that sparks action.

Ideas to test:

• Add a quick poll at the end of your post
• Turn your blog into an interactive quiz
• Use Instagram Stories to co-create your next content topic
• Build a comment section that feels like a mini community

You’re not just “publishing”—you’re starting conversations.

Still Working: Data-Driven Everything

Good content is only half the game. The rest? Knowing who you’re talking to and why they care.

With tools like SparkToro, Hotjar, and GA4, there’s no excuse not to understand your audience’s pain points, habits, and behavior.

“Assumptions are expensive. Data tells the truth.”

Here’s how to use it:

• Find the top 3 pages your visitors love—then build more around that
• Check scroll depth: are people reading or bouncing?
• Split test subject lines, intros, or CTAs (hint: test tone, not just words)

Quick Story: When I Cut My Content In Half—And Doubled My Results

In early 2024, I was burning out. I was publishing three blogs a week, batching Reels, sending newsletters… and watching my engagement drop.

So I tried something that felt counterintuitive: I paused. I cut my output in half. I spent more time refining fewer pieces.

Instead of “filling the calendar,” I asked:

What would I want to read?

The result?

• Blog traffic went up 3x
• My bounce rate dropped below 40%
• Email replies started flooding in again

Sometimes, slowing down is the growth strategy.

FAQs (From My Inbox & Community)

Do I still need to “do SEO” in 2025?
Absolutely. But it’s not about keywords anymore—it’s about being helpful, original, and easy to consume.

Should I still be on every platform?
No. Be amazing on one or two. Nobody wins the “most places at once” game anymore.

How often should I post?
Consistently—but only if you can keep quality high. Once a week is great. Once a month, done well, can outperform weekly fluff.

Final Thought: Content Isn’t Dead—It’s Evolving

Content marketing in 2025 isn’t harder—it’s just different. It’s more honest. More visual. More thoughtful.

If you’re willing to adapt and lead with value, you’ll stand out. Not because you hacked the algorithm—but because you earned attention by caring.

So next time you sit down to write or hit record, ask yourself:

Would I follow me?

And let that guide you.

Your Turn

Which content tactic are you officially retiring this year?
Leave a comment or DM me—I’d love to hear it.