Redpoint Content: Becky Lawlor on original research done right
Sep 2, 2024
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Becky Lawlor is the Founder and Chief Research & Content Officer at Redpoint, specializing in B2B content and original research. She dives into the vital role of original research in shaping thought leadership and influencing buyer decisions. The conversation highlights the rise of data-driven content and the challenges of balancing gated versus open access to research. Becky also discusses the impact of AI on content creation, emphasizing the importance of human oversight while leveraging technology to enhance research efficiency.
B2B buyers trust original research from brands more than third-party studies, enhancing brand credibility and relevance in their content strategy.
Conducting original research requires brands to focus on unique topics and high-quality survey design to generate valuable insights.
Deep dives
The Demand for Original Research
B2B buyers prioritize original research in their content consumption preferences, valuing it as the most trustworthy form of content that influences their purchasing decisions. A survey of 250 influential buyers revealed that 91% believe original research reports enhance brand awareness, while 93% have increased trust in brands that invest in such content. This highlights a significant gap in how content marketers approach content creation, often leaning towards more accessible formats like 'how-to' articles, which buyers ranked much lower in terms of effectiveness. The findings suggest a clear opportunity for brands to develop original research as a cornerstone of their content strategy to meet buyer preferences.
Leveraging Data-Driven Content
The current landscape shows a strong trend toward data-driven content, with buyers expressing a preference for brands that provide valuable insights derived from research and analytics. Original research not only boosts a brand's credibility but also serves as an effective tool for various marketing strategies including public relations and lead generation. By utilizing unique datasets or conducting surveys, brands can create content that stands out in a saturated market, capturing attention and fostering engagement. The excitement surrounding original research allows brands to diversify their content strategy, leveraging the insights for webinars, sales enablement, and PR opportunities.
Trust in Brand-Conducted Research
Survey results indicated that B2B buyers generally trust research conducted by brands more than that done by third-party providers, with about a third of respondents favoring brand-led studies. This trust stems from buyers' perceptions that brands have a vested interest in maintaining their reputations, which leads to more credible and relevant research. Many respondents felt that brands were better equipped to understand their industry's nuances compared to third-party entities that might carry biases. This insight reinforces the idea that brands should consider owning their research efforts, potentially opening up pathways for more authentic connections with their audience.
Effective Execution of Original Research
To successfully conduct original research, brands must begin by identifying interesting and unique topics that resonate with their target audience, ensuring it distinguishes itself from existing reports. Writing high-quality surveys is critical, as the questions must not only generate useful data but also support compelling narratives when analyzed. Engaging experts to assist in survey design and execution can enhance the quality of data collected, capturing deeper insights that assist in crafting valuable content. Finally, brands should evaluate whether to gate their research based on specific goals, as the findings suggest a willingness among buyers to share their data for access to original content, creating opportunities for lead generation.
Link to the 2024-2025 Blueprint for High-Impact Content: https://redpointcontent.com/free-report-download/
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In this episode of Content Briefly, we’ve interviewed Becky Lawlor, Founder, and Chief Research & Content Officer at Redpoint, and discussed her B2B buyers guide, her findings, and more.
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Duckbill. Use code SUPERPATH for 50% off for the first two months.
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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
03:09 Who is Becky Lawlor?
04:05 The role of original research in thought leadership content.
05:40 The rise of data-driven content.
07:55 Becky's B2B Buyer Guide report.
10:48 Challenges and benefits of original research.
13:23 In-house vs third-party reports.
17:18 The execution challenges of original research.
20:30 Gated vs. open access to original research.
24:13 Research sources: product and third-party data.
27:24 AI in content creation and original research.
31:08 Learn more about Becky and Redpoint and get in touch.