Definition of Gated Content
Gated content refers to online materials, such as articles, videos, or guides, that require users to provide contact information before granting them access. The primary purpose of gated content is lead generation, as it helps businesses collect user information for future marketing and sales initiatives. By placing valuable content behind a “gate,” companies encourage users to engage and share their details, creating a valuable exchange for both parties.
Phonetic
The phonetic pronunciation of the keyword “Gated Content” would be: geɪtɪd ˈkɒntənt
Key Takeaways
- Gated content is an effective strategy for generating leads by offering valuable information in exchange for the user’s contact information.
- It helps to qualify users and better understand their goals and needs, which in turn improves targeting and personalization of marketing campaigns.
- While gated content can help build an email list and drive conversions, it’s important to ensure that the provided content delivers value to the user and doesn’t negatively impact the overall user experience.
Importance of Gated Content
Gated content is important in digital marketing because it serves as a valuable strategy to generate leads, gather data about potential customers, and attract a highly engaged audience.
By requiring users to provide their contact information or fulfill other actions before accessing exclusive, high-quality content, marketers can better understand their customers’ interests and needs, segment them, and tailor their marketing efforts accordingly.
Moreover, this approach lets businesses nurture these relationships, guiding consumers through the sales funnel and ultimately converting them into paying customers.
As gated content often offers in-depth, value-added resources, it also positions the brand as a reliable source of knowledge and contributes to building trust and authority in their respective industry.
Explanation
Gated content serves a strategic purpose in digital marketing by acting as a tool for businesses to generate qualified leads and nurture relationships with potential customers. Essentially, it is high-quality online content that requires individuals to exchange their personal information, such as their name, email address, or contact details, in order to gain access to the material.
This type of content usually provides significant value to the target audience, and may include resources like ebooks, whitepapers, webinars, or exclusive articles. By gating content, businesses can more effectively identify potential customers who are genuinely interested in their offerings, while delivering meaningful value to users who are willing to trade their information for access.
Furthermore, gated content allows companies to tailor their promotional and marketing efforts towards individuals who have already demonstrated a level of interest in their products or services. By analyzing the information submitted by users, businesses can better understand their audience demographics and preferences, helping them craft relevant and targeted marketing campaigns.
The information collected can be utilized to build a strong email list for generating personalized follow-up conversations and providing future content that aligns with the interests and needs of prospects. This ongoing engagement with potential customers is vital for nurturing lasting relationships and ultimately improving conversion rates throughout the sales funnel.
Examples of Gated Content
Gated content refers to materials, such as articles, videos, or guides, that are only accessible to users who have provided their contact information, typically via a sign-up form. Here are three real-world examples of gated content in digital marketing:
Ebooks and Whitepapers: Many companies create in-depth ebooks or whitepapers to provide valuable information and insights on a specific industry topic. These documents are often available only after a user provides their email address or completes a registration form. For instance, HubSpot offers a range of ebooks and guides on inbound marketing, available only after users share their details.
Webinars and Online Courses: Webinars and online courses can be an effective way to share specialized knowledge and increase brand awareness. Users are asked to register for the event or course, providing their contact details in exchange for access to the live event, recording, or course materials. For example, marketing automation software company Marketo hosts webinars on various marketing topics, which users can join by registering through a web form.
Exclusive Articles and Research Reports: Content platforms or industry publications sometimes offer exclusive, high-quality content that is accessible only to registered users or subscribers. To access this content, users must provide their contact information or purchase a subscription. For instance, the Harvard Business Review features a mix of free and gated content – where selected articles or research reports require users to sign in or subscribe to read the full text.
Gated Content FAQ
What is gated content?
Gated content refers to any type of valuable online material that requires users to provide their information, such as email or name, in order to view or access it. This could include white papers, eBooks, videos, articles, or webinars.
What is the purpose of gating content?
Gating content serves the purpose of generating leads for a business. By requiring users to provide their information, businesses can collect valuable data and contact information, allowing them to build their database and engage with these potential customers more effectively.
How should I decide which content to gate?
The decision to gate content should depend on the value of the content being provided and the goals of your marketing strategy. Content that is highly valuable and in-depth should be gated, while less valuable or basic content should be left ungated to help drive traffic and create a first touch point with potential customers.
How can I create effective gated content?
To create effective gated content, ensure that its topic is highly relevant to your target audience and provides genuine value. The content must be of high quality, informative, and well-structured. Researching your audience’s needs and preferences can also help in crafting content that resonates with them.
What are the potential drawbacks of gated content?
Gated content, if not used strategically, can sometimes act as a barrier for users who may be hesitant to provide their information. This may lead to reduced website traffic and lower engagement with your content. Overusing gated content can also create a sense of frustration among users, which may negatively impact the perception of your brand.
Related Digital Marketing Terms
- Lead Generation
- Content Upgrades
- Email Subscription
- Landing Page
- Call-to-Action
Sources for More Information
- HubSpot: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/gated-content
- Content Marketing Institute: https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/2020/10/case-gated-content/
- Marketing Insider Group: https://marketinginsidergroup.com/marketing-strategy/why-gated-content-is-still-a-winning-content-play/
- Search Engine Journal: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/use-gated-content-grow-email-list/335785/
