Welcome to 2016, Alabama. As we go full steam ahead into the new year, it’s important to look back at some of the stories and events that shaped our state’s history in 2015. Whether you’re a news buff or not, chances are you followed one or more of these news stories:

• The U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationally, something that sparked both joyous celebration and outrage across our historically conservative state. History was made and same-sex couples all over Alabama were able to legally marry for the first time ever.
• The University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) cut their football program in December of 2014 due to perceived financial issues. UAB become the first Division I, Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) School to drop their football program in nearly two decades. The Alabama football community was shocked at the news. After a rally of media and community support (and an official investigation into the decision), the program was reinstated six months later. The UAB community called it “a miracle.”
• Our beloved Harper Lee of Monroeville, Ala., author of the American classic “To Kill a Mockingbird,” announced she would release her second novel, “Go Set a Watchman,” that had been lost for decades. The literary world was both elated and stunned. There was speculation that her publishing company coerced her into releasing this never before seen novel, however, 89-year-old Harper, true to her nature, issued a statement that she was, “alive and kicking and happy as hell with the reactions to ‘Watchman.’”

So, what do these stories have in common besides being newsworthy? They all tap into what is important to the people and communities of Alabama; adding value to their lives in some way.

And that my friends, is what good Content Marketing should look like in 2016. Don’t be confused, these were real stories covered by real journalists and in no sense were marketing ploys. However, when you hear the words content marketing, you need to know that it’s not just about writing content that talks about your product or services. It’s about creating content that is embraces good story telling.

Interested in learning more?  Mark your calendars for a complimentary webinar Thursday, Feb. 4 and learn about the state of content marketing. Register today.