When it comes to the latest content creation strategies, there is little room for digital “window dressings”. At least, this is the view that has been adopted by Maximilian Obersteller. Known for his background in journalism, and a regular contributor to the online gaming community, Mr. Obersteller has already garnered a significant amount of attention from his peers.
He also has rather strong opinions on the role that transparency has begun to play in relation to digital advertising. Why has sourced material become so important, and what unique advantages can this approach provide?
Backing Up Flash with Fact
Maximilian Obersteller has become famous for using analogies to distill complicated concepts into subject matter that mainstream audiences can understand. He chooses to employ this same approach when discussing the importance of citations.
“Imagine a headline that reads ‘Lose 10 Pounds in 5 Days Guaranteed'”, he begins. “While a handful of readers may already become hooked, the fact of the matter is that educated consumers will want to see proof of such a claim. Extraordinary promises require equally extraordinary evidence.”
To some, this might appear to be the direct antithesis of the modern approach to viral marketing. In other words, create a superfluous headline, and expect the hits to roll in. The issue here is that society is no longer entranced by such an approach. One example can be seen in the rise and fall of so-called marketing “gurus” who claimed to know the best-kept secrets of advertising; only to subsequently rehash what others had already said.
Sourced content provides an anchor that will provide promises with a solid foundation. Furthermore, we need to remember that consumers are now likely to perform independent research. Taking things for face value is no longer a foregone conclusion.
No Stranger to Research
Maximilian Obersteller admits that he is somewhat biased on the subject. He is the author of several scholarly articles, and his work has been cited by others. So, he appreciates that some might not necessarily share his views.
“I know that the notion of sourcing content isn’t always agreeable to mainstream marketing specialists,” he observes. “The process takes time, and this can be challenging when grappling with a short-term deadline.”
Still, he reasserts that citations have become increasingly relevant in a digital society (at least partially) defined by a growing lack of credibility.
“There is perhaps no better example of this statement than the recent rise in the number of so-called “fake news” articles. When we then throw AI-generated content into the mix, the problem becomes clear. How can consumers separate fact from fiction? This is when the power of citations comes into play. As the expression goes, the proof is in the pudding.”
An SEO-Friendly Approach
Maximilian Obersteller chooses to employ another analogy to reinforce these points, and it is one which the majority of readers can relate to.
“What does it take to garner an appreciable number of followers on sites such as Instagram? Although viral material goes a long way, quality outbound links are another key to the puzzle.”
He is certainly not wrong here. Search engines such as Google now place a great deal of emphasis on link building. This is crucial when discussing the role of search engine optimisation (SEO). The latest batch of algorithms will analyse the number of outbound links, the reputation of the sources, and how they are embedded within the content. These are then used to determine search engine result page (SERP) rankings. Authoritative pages will enjoy a greater amount of exposure; ensuring more inbound hits.
“However,” Maximilian Obersteller interjects. “We’re not just talking about throwing a hyperlink in whenever one seems necessary. The material contained within these sources is even more crucial. Forget about quantity. Focus on quality.”
Maximilian Obersteller: A Man on a Mission
Whether referring to his dedicated YouTube channel, his growing social media presence, or his contributions to the world of online gaming, Maximilian Obersteller has become a powerful name across the digital journalism community. However, he is also no slouch when it comes to discussing the ever-evolving art of content creation.
“In this day and age, knowledge is power. Curating sourced material is the best way to provide clarity to the reader, to develop an authoritative brand identity, and to remain well ahead of the competition.”
