Content Marketing

History of Content Marketing: An Infographic

History of Content Marketing

History informs and shapes our approach to the present and the future. This is no different for major world events than for disciplines such as content marketing.

For example, why do we feel so safe buying Michelin tires? As far back as 1900, the company released free travel guides to grow demand for cars in France. The Michelin Guide evolved to publish the restaurant star system that foodies obsess over to this day, giving the brand an association with quality that can only be achieved by such a strong commitment to offering helpful information to customers and prospects…. a.k.a. CONTENT!

For the uninitiated, the below infographic offers a helpful overview of where content marketing began, and how far we’ve come. We hope this offers a jumping off point to dive deeper into learning the history of content marketing. Great content marketing doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel (or tire), it just needs to have a very clear focus on adding real value to customer’s lives.

content marketing history

Will Fleiss

Will Fleiss

Will is the founder of Shared Audiences, a social media advertising company. Previously, Will served as Outbrain’s Global Head of Content Marketing. He has also led growth and marketing at health and education startups TrialJectory, Bakpax, and Knewton. Earlier in his career he received training at renowned agencies Ogilvy and BKV. Will lives in Connecticut with his wife, two girls, and their dog. He loves podcasts and his favorite movie is Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.

Jennifer Bassett

Jennifer Bassett

Jennifer is Outbrain's former Managing Editor. She has 10+ years of experience in the content strategy and editorial space. She began her career as a book editor and has consulted for top agencies, non-profits, and media companies including Memorial Sloan Kettering, Havas Worldwide New York, and Interbrand. When she's not talking content, she's playing music with her bands The Missing Footage and The Living Kills. You can read more of her writing at jennifer-bassett.com.