Netflix's innovation in content marketing.

15 replies
I was reading this interesting article today on how Netflix is changing content marketing across the board. It's always good to see what changes the industry leaders are making and I thought I'd share as it has some interesting points.

Initially, Netflix was a DVD by mail company and quickly turned into the most well-known streaming website across the world. It was the first of its kind so even its initial concept was ground-breaking, the article quotes 81 million subscribers across 190 countries - so I definitely think that it's marketing techniques are worth looking at further!

So these are few tips that the article came up with and I think the concepts are so broad that many people could apply them to their own business.

I've summarised the points below but check the article out too as there's way more detail in there:

https://www.theguardian.com/media-ne...tent-marketing

Dare to be different:
From research, Chief Content Officer of Netflix discovered that most people don't get hooked on the pilot of a show, so instead of releasing one show at a time like other streaming sites, they decided to break the mould there and release the whole season in one go. Ultimately, this gave control to their consumer which is rarely seen in many industries.

Originality sells:
They're also creating their own content by producing popular shows which aren't available anywhere else proving that it's always good to have a product that nobody else can provide.

Data ISN'T everything:
While they use the best algorithm on the market for recommending shows to their users, they're aware that it isn't everything and constantly provide a stream of new and original content knowing that not all of their viewers will take up their 'suggestions' they're still ver much aligned with CONTENT IS KING.

Target the individual:
Netflix is a service aimed at the individual. Here's a great point - they created ten different trailers for one show and each one was aimed at a different user group (women/men/political groups etc). The preview they show is based on viewing history. Cool hey?!

Meaningful marketing:
Rather than just going for 'short-term buzz', Netflix aims to educate and relate to the world. They released an in-depth 1500-word article to align with their promotion of a particular show with the intention of educating their viewers with the message that the show was portraying.

Access on-the-go.
While it's a home streaming service which is traditionally accessed on the go, having quality, mobile access too means that they are constantly connected with their audience. I know I've added shows to my list before when I've been out and having conversations with friends.

I know there are a couple of strategies I can adopt into my own business with this advice. What about yu? They're certainly capturing the attention of most of the world, including India soon, is there anything you think could be adopted into your current strategy?

Would love to hear your feedback
#content #innovation #marketing #netflix
  • Profile picture of the author neshaword
    Now it makes sense. I'm a huge Netflix fan, but I have to admit, you caught me by surprise with this one. Didn't know this production house was so deep into IM waters. But then, on the other hand, I read a dozen articles discussing HBO's successful approach when it comes to social networks. All of these guys actually gave a serious thought about IM potentials for promoting thier video materials, which is great. Honestly, Frank Underwood from House of Cards isn't my kind of an ideal marketer, but at least he's fully aware of IM importance. On the other side, we have his wife Claire, who's a true marketer head to toe, lol. Thanks for sharing.
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    • Profile picture of the author wordsandthebees
      Originally Posted by neshaword View Post

      Now it makes sense. I'm a huge Netflix fan, but I have to admit, you caught me by surprise with this one. Didn't know this production house was so deep into IM waters. But then, on the other hand, I read a dozen articles discussing HBO's successful approach when it comes to social networks. All of these guys actually gave a serious thought about IM potentials for promoting thier video materials, which is great. Honestly, Frank Underwood from House of Cards isn't my kind of an ideal marketer, but at least he's fully aware of IM importance. On the other side, we have his wife Claire, who's a true marketer head to toe, lol. Thanks for sharing.
      It's really interesting, isn't it? I'm particularly interested in the meaningful marketing and love the idea of article writing to draw people into the bigger picture of your product. I'm giving that one some serious thought at the moment...
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      • Profile picture of the author neshaword
        Originally Posted by wordsandthebees View Post

        It's really interesting, isn't it? I'm particularly interested in the meaningful marketing and love the idea of article writing to draw people into the bigger picture of your product. I'm giving that one some serious thought at the moment...
        It such a relief that content still matters, and it matters a lot. So, these guys presenting new forms of TV content are doing something very useful for the world of written words. So, our hats off to them. Cheers!
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  • Profile picture of the author Oana Damian
    Why Netflix does not release the viewing figures for any of its content? Is this success or failure? In the long run, what will be the impact of Netflix on TV?
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    • Profile picture of the author princetotem
      Originally Posted by Oana Damian View Post

      Why Netflix does not release the viewing figures for any of its content? Is this success or failure? In the long run, what will be the impact of Netflix on TV?
      The impact it's having can already be seen. On-Demand channels, catch-up TV, online programmes, the ability to fast forward adverts and pause shows...everything is turning more toward giving consumers TV and movies in their own time. This has been the biggest shift.

      Netflix needs to start upping its game here in the UK though, the subscription is worth buying for a month to binge watch and then cancel again til the next release date.
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      • Profile picture of the author wordsandthebees
        Originally Posted by princetotem View Post

        The impact it's having can already be seen. On-Demand channels, catch-up TV, online programmes, the ability to fast forward adverts and pause shows...everything is turning more toward giving consumers TV and movies in their own time. This has been the biggest shift.

        Netflix needs to start upping its game here in the UK though, the subscription is worth buying for a month to binge watch and then cancel again til the next release date.
        Wow, is that right?
        In Aus, it's the best $10 a month I spend! I am already watching shows which were only released last month in the UK.

        As for the impact on normal TV, I completely agree that there has been a shift in the way we watch it.

        Very rarely do I put the TV on now to watch shows complete with ads and re-caps; instead, I watch on my iPad or Apple TV at a time that's convenient to me.

        I wonder what impact this has all had on TV advertising.
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    • Profile picture of the author onehalf
      Originally Posted by Oana Damian View Post

      Why Netflix does not release the viewing figures for any of its content? Is this success or failure? In the long run, what will be the impact of Netflix on TV?
      Netflix and other subscription services are training an entire generation to watch television without commercials, which is ironic given that the bulk of their offering consists of TV series whose very existence was made possible by the revenue from said commercials. What initially seemed a win-win proposition is now a dangerous trend for both parties: by weaning audiences from live viewing and teaching them to binge on their own schedule, all without commercials, Netflix is killing the goose that laid the golden egg.
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      • Profile picture of the author wordsandthebees
        Originally Posted by onehalf View Post

        Netflix and other subscription services are training an entire generation to watch television without commercials, which is ironic given that the bulk of their offering consists of TV series whose very existence was made possible by the revenue from said commercials. What initially seemed a win-win proposition is now a dangerous trend for both parties: by weaning audiences from live viewing and teaching them to binge on their own schedule, all without commercials, Netflix is killing the goose that laid the golden egg.
        Interesting point - I mentioned earlier in this thread that I'd like to see the impact that our changing viewing culture is having on the advertising industry as a whole.

        Obviously I'd expect it to be evolving along with it and there are many more opportunities for advertising revenue to be generated that didn't previously exist; however TV advertising is a multi-million dollar industry and that fact surely can't be ignored.
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        • Profile picture of the author TheMechanic
          Originally Posted by wordsandthebees View Post

          Interesting point - I mentioned earlier in this thread that I'd like to see the impact that our changing viewing culture is having on the advertising industry as a whole.

          Obviously I'd expect it to be evolving along with it and there are many more opportunities for advertising revenue to be generated that didn't previously exist; however TV advertising is a multi-million dollar industry and that fact surely can't be ignored.

          I think they're just trying to offer what the market is really asking for: TV without commercials. Their scope is to fulfill a demand of the current market.
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  • Profile picture of the author gingerninjas
    That is a very interesting article from the Guardian, thanks for sharing it.

    We are one of those households that seem to be slowly changing over to Netflix. Our Foxtel channel option is getting smaller and smaller, and we are getting hooked on Netflix, and it's convenience.

    I completely agree with you Netflix's strategy to stream a whole TV season in one go has been a huge benefit to us. Also being able to watch a show with no adds or recaps is awesome! I also find it much cheaper than Foxtel. The content and targeting is really interesting to me and the in demand factor really speaks volumes for what the target market is after.

    I love it when competition comes into the market and makes market leaders like Foxtel analyse themselves and better themselves to keep their consumers.

    It is a win-win!
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    • Profile picture of the author wordsandthebees
      Originally Posted by gingerninjas View Post

      I love it when competition comes into the market and makes market leaders like Foxtel analyse themselves and better themselves to keep their consumers.

      It is a win-win!
      I'm not sure I could say that this has led to Foxtel bettering themselves - rather increasing their prices to make up for the fallout

      *In my opinion*
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  • Profile picture of the author Markfooz
    Its not really "Netflix" its originally "House of Cards" that changed the content marketing game the others just followed HoC's model, suggest you guys read this;

    http://thehustle.co/netflix-house-of...tent-marketing
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  • Profile picture of the author SamNuku
    I like point 3 being that in the end of the day. All the stats are great to look at. But CONTENT IS STILL KING.

    And the smarter google gets, which nowadays is by the second, content becomes more & more relevant! Ain't no b.s'ing around it.

    This is why i'm so focused on producing quality content on the daily (via video) & weekly (blog posts) because I know 1 2 3 years down the line i'll be better off then anyone trying to take the shortcuts.

    Delayed gratification is where its at. Understanding adopting & implementing the compund effect for long term true growth & success.
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    • Profile picture of the author wordsandthebees
      Originally Posted by SamNuku View Post

      I like point 3 being that in the end of the day. All the stats are great to look at. But CONTENT IS STILL KING.

      And the smarter google gets, which nowadays is by the second, content becomes more & more relevant! Ain't no b.s'ing around it.

      This is why i'm so focused on producing quality content on the daily (via video) & weekly (blog posts) because I know 1 2 3 years down the line i'll be better off then anyone trying to take the shortcuts.

      Delayed gratification is where its at. Understanding adopting & implementing the compund effect for long term true growth & success.


      Absolutely, I couldn't agree more!
      There are no shortcuts unfortunately and you have to put the time and effort in to create long term value. Also, if you have a great product, as Netflix does, that helps!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Pat H
    I think a really important reason for their success is "Netflix is a service aimed at the individual." Releasing the whole season of a show was definitely genius! Didn't know about the trailers targeted to different groups. They've sure shown a willingness to try new things instead of remaining stagnant like network or even cable TV.
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