Some brands just 'get you,' while others don't. It's not magic—it's Content Market Fit in action.
Product Market Fit is essential—it's about having people who would be immensely disappointed if your product didn’t exist. But in a world of commoditized products, Product Market Fit alone isn't enough. AI has lowered the barrier to entry for software, and globalization has made physical products almost indistinguishable. Content Market Fit is the other half of the equation—the yin to the yang. It's about creating something your audience connects with so deeply, they feel compelled to share it.
Let’s break down:
What is content market fit
Why content market fit matters
Discover the 8 tiny steps to achieve content market fit and 10x your growth
—Matthew Berman
Content Market Fit: What It Is
Content Market Fit is all about creating content that speaks directly to your audience’s needs, desires, and pain points. Here's how it breaks down:
Relevance: Make sure your content addresses the specific challenges and interests of your audience.
Emotional Resonance: Make your audience feel so understood they can’t help but share it.
Value: Provide genuine value—educate, entertain, or solve a problem.
Engagement: Content that fits well with its audience sparks discussions, builds community, and fosters loyalty.
Why Content Market Fit Matters
@shwinnabego Here’s an example of great social content, from Nitro Bar. Another great example for brands and small businesses to look to. #marketing #... See more
Engagement That Sticks: When your content hits on what your audience truly cares about, it draws them in. Engaged users aren't just passive—they share, comment, and bring others into the fold.
Higher Conversion Rates: Content that speaks directly to your audience’s needs and challenges is persuasive. It turns casual readers into leads, and leads into loyal customers.
Stand Out in a Crowded Market: In saturated spaces, having strong Content Market Fit sets your brand apart. It’s what makes your message memorable and your value unmistakable.
Boosted SEO: Relevant, well-aligned content doesn’t just resonate—it ranks. Better search engine performance means more visibility and organic growth.
Accelerated Growth: When your content clicks with your audience, it gets shared. Fast. Startups that nail Content Market Fit see quicker growth because their audience becomes their biggest promoters.
Loyalty for the Long Haul: Consistently delivering content that adds value turns customers into advocates. It’s how you build a base that sticks with you, through thick and thin.
8 Steps to Mastering Content Market Fit
Content Market Fit isn’t just about quality; it’s about making every interaction personal and every message resonate. Here are 8 essential steps to make it happen:
Know Your Audience: Identify your ideal customers—analyze their behaviors, segment them, and dig deep into their needs and desires. Use tools like customer surveys, social media insights, and community interactions to paint a clear picture of who they are. Knowing your audience allows you to craft content that hits home every time.
Do the Research: Go beyond demographics. Use surveys, interviews, and analytics to uncover the specific challenges, interests, and aspirations of your audience. Find out their biggest pain points and the questions they need answered. The more you understand what makes them tick, the better your content will resonate.
Create Engaging Content: Develop content that not only informs but also entertains or solves a problem. Create how-to guides that address their needs, case studies that inspire, or thought leadership that gives them new insights. Make it relevant and valuable to your audience—something they’ll want to bookmark, share, and keep coming back to.
Experiment with Formats: Test different content formats like blogs, videos, podcasts, and infographics. Track how your audience engages with each format—do they prefer bite-sized videos or in-depth blog posts? Use data to refine your approach and focus on the formats that drive the most engagement and value.
Use Feedback Loops: Engage directly with your audience to get feedback on what's working and what’s not. Use comments, polls, and direct messages to understand their thoughts. Apply this feedback to improve your content continuously. Remember, content that fits today might not fit tomorrow—feedback keeps you aligned.
Choose the Right Channels: Make sure your content lives where your audience spends their time. Whether it’s LinkedIn for professionals, TikTok for younger audiences, or email newsletters, be strategic. Each channel has its unique strengths—optimize your content to fit the platform, ensuring it gets seen by the right people.
Measure What Matters: Track key metrics like engagement rates, conversion rates, and audience growth. Use tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and CRM systems to understand if your content is hitting the mark. Adjust your strategy based on real data—focus on what drives genuine engagement and business outcomes.
Always Improve: Content Market Fit is never done. Keep evolving your strategy as your audience grows and shifts. Use industry trends, competitor insights, and new feedback to keep your content fresh. Stay agile—what worked last year might need a tweak today. Never stop testing, learning, and optimizing.
Real-World Wins: Content Market Fit In Action
I've been a guitar player for 30 years, and Fender has always been a part of my journey.
hey that’s me with “Gloria”, my fender tele
Growing up, my room was covered in posters of guitar heroes playing Fender Strats. Those heroes made me fall in love with Fender.
But then Fender seemed to disappear—they weren’t anywhere on social.
Last year, though, they came back with a bang. Their campaign, 'The Year of the Strat,' celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Stratocaster and struck a chord with players like me. Their TikTok ad, featuring legendary guitarists and a cover of Hendrix's 'Voodoo Child,' resonated with both seasoned players and newcomers.
That's Content Market Fit—Fender knew exactly how to connect with people who love the Strat.
@fender Celebrate 70 years of the Strat with a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”. Head to the 🔗 in bio to watch the full perf... See more
More examples of Content Market Fit in action:
Dove’s Real Beauty Campaign: Dove ditched unrealistic beauty standards, embraced authenticity, and resonated globally with a message about self-esteem. They found that sweet spot where content connects personally and meaningfully.
Duolingo on TikTok: With a sassy, meme-centric approach, Duolingo leveraged TikTok’s playful environment to create viral content that was engaging and relatable to their younger audience. This personalized, entertaining content strategy led to millions of followers.
Chipotle's Casual Vibe on TikTok: Chipotle used TikTok dance challenges and community engagement to grow its brand presence authentically. By embracing the format and culture of TikTok, they nailed their Content Market Fit.
Balancing Quality & Quantity: A Lesson from MrBeast
More content isn't always better. But creating more helps you find what clicks—you just need a strategy to cut through the noise. Look at MrBeast—he's the poster child for rapid iteration. He started with volume, listened to feedback, and tweaked until he found what worked.
Start with quantity to discover what clicks, then focus on quality once you’ve got the insights. The real win? Mastering the feedback loop—knowing when to pivot and when to double down.
Operational Steps to Nail Content Market Fit
Post Often, Learn Fast: Post frequently and track the reactions. Use stealth or non-branded accounts to experiment quickly.
Listen Deeply: Use social listening tools, surveys, and analytics to keep learning what resonates.
Leverage AI Smartly: Let AI handle the grunt work like drafting, distribution, and data analysis—but keep the creative and strategic control.
Build Community: Engage your audience, invite their participation, and give them behind-the-scenes peeks. Make them part of your journey.
Know your audience inside out. Speak to their needs with bold, authentic content that connects. Build a community that’s not just engaged but invested in your journey.
Better yet, contact my team, and we’ll make sure you find content market fit. Keep pushing boundaries—experiment, iterate, and evolve. In a crowded space, the magic lies in making your audience feel heard.
Now it's your move. How will you create content that people can’t wait to share?