Strategy
The 9 Best Content Marketing Podcasts and Blogs to Binge
When I was in 6th grade, my best friend’s dad made amazing birdhouses—nay, bird mansions. Think Richie Rich’s house (a.k.a. The Biltmore, for those of you too young to remember Richie, but cool enough to have seen a few Asheville, N.C., travel reels). But instead of a castle, these were wooden bird chateaus. They had balconies, rows of open window perches, and beautifully crafted shingled roofs. He made these masterpieces for fun and simply gave them away. Though this story far predates Etsy, everyone told him he should sell his creations. But he always had the same answer: That would take all the fun out of it.
Okay, I get his point—that using what you enjoy to make money turns it into work, thus making it unfun—but I don’t accept that it has to be that way. Personally, I want the best of both worlds: To make a living doing something I enjoy—and to continue enjoying it. For the most part, I’ve found it’s possible. For me, the way to keep things fresh and interesting has been staying curious and continuing to learn.
And here’s some great news! Other content marketers and writers are out there doing what they do best: creating and sharing content about their craft that inspires, entertains, and teaches. Here’s a list of the content marketing podcasts and blogs so you can learn from them, too.
Content marketing blogs offering advice and tips
Check out these content marketing blogs to hone your skills, keep up with current trends, and find strong examples of creative content. You’ll also get to enjoy some entertaining writers along the way.
CMI (Content Marketing Institute)
Get practical writing advice from posts like 5 Real-Life Ledes That Kinda Work and insights on trending topics like Should Your Brand Shout Its AI Plan to the World? Many of CMI’s posts share real-world examples with clear explanations of the rights, wrongs, and how-to-do-it-betters. If you’re ever feeling stuck, it’s easy to search their blog for inspiration.
Early in my career, I read Inbound Marketing by Brian Halligan and Dharmesh Shah, the founders of Hubspot. I learned a lot back then and continue to peruse their blog for content tips, updates on content marketing trends, and insight into emerging technologies. Hubspot’s blog has expanded into several categories, and the content is always actionable (which I love). Check it out for all things digital marketing.
The Moz Blog primarily focuses on digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO)—crucial skills for writers who craft web content and for content marketers who plan strategy and brainstorm topics. When I mentor budding content writers, I always send them to Moz to level up their value by learning the basics of on-page SEO. Use the blog’s category search functionality to quickly learn about specific topics important to you.
I mean, you’re already here. Need I say more? Okay, okay, I will. This blog is put out by Contently, a leader in content marketing. Contently helps brands across industries and spanning the globe create stellar content in all formats by connecting them to a vast network of experienced freelancers. Of all the content marketing blogs out there, The Content Strategist is one that is chock full of useful how-to posts—a great read for both in-house content marketers and freelance creators.
(Psst! For freelancers looking to get super specific freelancing tips and news about gigs with Contently clients, check out The Freelance Creative.)
Content marketing podcasts for audible inspiration
For those of you who prefer to partake in audible content, especially while driving, folding laundry, or relaxing in a nice, warm bubble bath, here are some of the best content marketing podcasts to tune into.
The Content Strategy Podcast — Average run time: 30–40 minutes
Host Kristina Halvorson has first-hand experience in the world of content strategy. She invites both established experts and newbies to guest host her podcast alongside her. Together, they cover practical advice, including case studies and real-world stories, to illustrate how those ideas work in practice. As the title suggests, Halvorson focuses on the strategy behind content rather than the craft of creating it. Think UX, operations, data analytics, how content affects customer experience (CX), content career progressions, and more.
The HeyCreator Show — Average run time: 40-45 minutes
Formerly The CopyBlogger Podcast, this show has recently undergone some big changes (and not for the first time over its 13-year history). During the past five-plus years, Tim Stoddart, owner of CopyBlogger, hosted the weekly podcast, interviewing a new expert each episode. In March 2024, he handed it over to Matt Ragland and Tim Forkin. They renamed it HeyCreator and explained their new direction in this handover episode. The two now focus specifically on content creators—their work, strategy, and businesses.
Everyone Hates Marketers — Average run time: 50 minutes
The title may not be especially encouraging, but that’s kinda the whole point behind this podcast: How to not be the type of marketer everyone “hates.” Host and marketing maestro Louis Grenier invites expert guests to share marketing insights and actionable tactics. Along with practical tips, you’ll get ideas that help you see marketing and work topics in a new light. And I know this may come as a shock, but be prepared for some occasional language.
This Old Marketing — Average run time: 60 minutes
You’ll find This Old Marketing on nearly every list of great marketing podcasts, and there’s a reason for that. Joe Pulizzi, founder of Content Marketing Institute (CMI) and Content Marketing World, and co-host Robert Rose, fractional marketing leader and CMI’s current chief strategy advisor, started this weekly podcast in 2013. They’re old hats, and their amusing banter shows it. Together, they cover news and trends related to content marketing, media, and digital content. Want their take on what might happen now that Washington has demanded TikTok either sell or get banned in the U.S.—including how this might affect creators and whether marketers in general should pay attention? Have a listen (and get ready to hear how powerful Taylor Swift is too).
The Freelance Friday Podcast — Average run time: 25 minutes
Billed as a “weekly freelance coworking hour,” this video podcast is for freelancers who own and run their own businesses (or want to). Host Latasha James discusses the ins and outs of running a content marketing business. Solopreneurs who do it all can especially benefit. She even invites fellow and aspiring freelancers to join as guests, asking questions or sharing their stories.
There’s nothing like a good dose of practical advice and industry news while listening to the crackle of bubble bath foam and smelling that sleepy lavender scent. So grab those earbuds and listen in to these content marketing podcasts! Now, if only there were a podcast about how to build and sell birdhouses while maintaining a love of the craft. Hit me up if you find one.
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Image byFawad Saleem
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