Content services are a collection of diverse services and various micro-services, embodied either in an integrated whole product package or as independent software applications that share many common APIs and repositories and are able to serve a variety of niche and customer objectives across an organisation. They enable content developers to create and deliver content, often via the web and through different content delivery formats such as RSS feeds, through Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), via Direct Marketing (DMP), or through an affiliate or publisher programs. The service also enables content companies to monitor, track and analyse website copywriting performance and sales, and in some cases also to provide reporting. This article looks at the broad area of content services and how they can be used to increase company sales and marketability.
Many of the leading research agencies are currently providing content services as part of their Customer Loyalty Programs. These companies have many years of experience providing tailored customer solutions and are able to tap into these customers via their established distribution channels, including Direct Mail, Print Marketing, TV, and Outdoor Advertising. For example, they are utilising their distribution channels to build strong relationship with their key customers and build brand loyalty by providing consistent content that is targeted to their core market.
Web Content Services provides rich internet technologies to a wide range of industries, depending on the requirement. There are content services platforms available for eCommerce, Affiliate Programs, Communications, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Digital Signage, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Learning Management Systems (LMS), Multimedia Project Management, Non-Profit Organizations, Non-English speaking Countries, Sales and Marketing, Software Development, Website Copywriting and Web Content Repositories. The most popular content services platforms are Microsoft Office Online, Open Source Content Services, WriteUp content services, WebFWD content services, Word Press content services, Zencart content services, and Adobe publishing system.
The content management capabilities include tools for content moderation and management, like content filters, content management control, approval processes, versioning, comments, fixes, and merge options. They can manage the workflow involving changes in the content, like content approval and comments. They also provide the infrastructure, such as workflows, for collaboration between the various stakeholders. Such workflows enable quick and easy collaboration among authors, editors, producers, and users involved in the production process.
The key advantages of using these services are the flexibility provided by the IT services, the speed and cost effectiveness provided by the software and the cost-effective manner in which the information is presented to the audience. Content services also help in strategic planning and organization activities, including planning and forecasting, and decision making. They help in aligning the work of different department and staff members and increase their productivity. To effectively manage content, the organizations need to have access to a variety of tools and applications developed specially for managing content through the various platforms and media.
This allows easy sharing and collaboration amongst all the parties involved. IT and software solutions providers play a major step in expanding the reach of the content services platforms and in reaching out to a wider audience. These services provide the ability to manage and handle a diverse range of data and information and at the same time, it helps to make sure that the information is available across organizations and business units quickly. They also help to make the information reach out to the appropriate audiences, in time, and at affordable and effective prices. Since these are a rapidly growing area of service sector, organizations can opt for flexible and cost-effective content services solutions across organizations, from individual staff to major enterprises.