{"id":73053,"date":"2023-01-31T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marketinginsidergroup.com\/uncategorized\/19-demand-generating-content-formats-not-pdf\/"},"modified":"2025-09-02T09:16:02","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T13:16:02","slug":"19-demand-generating-content-formats-not-pdf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marketinginsidergroup.com\/demand-generation\/19-demand-generating-content-formats-not-pdf\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Demand Generating Content Formats That Aren\u2019t a PDF"},"content":{"rendered":"

PDFs have their place. They\u2019re easy to download, send, design, and skim. Over the years, they\u2019ve become the unofficial default for many marketers, but times are a changing.<\/p>\n

When it comes to building buzz, holding attention, and reaching new markets, PDFs can fall a little flat.
\nThe good news is, there are lots of other content formats<\/a> to play with and test out.<\/p>\n

We pulled together 19 examples of more out-of-the-box content types to spur your imagination as you make plans for future demand-gen activities.\u00a0There\u2019s something in here for every marketing department to consider.<\/p>\n

So without further ado… 19 marketing examples to get you thinking creatively about your demand-gen content.<\/p>\n

1. Multimedia Game<\/h2>\n

A multimedia game is a fun way to promote your content and interact with your audience. Chipotle decided to try its hand at a multimedia game with an animation based on the short film “A Love Story.” The fast-casual restaurant chain encourages users to play and earn free food \u2013 and there\u2019s also a cute CGI film to go along with the game.<\/p>\n

The end result of a buzz-worthy campaign like this is excited, entertained viewers who are consuming content while also enjoying themselves, a combination that can yield amazing results.<\/p>\n

2. Microsite<\/h2>\n

A microsite is a smaller, branded site outside of a companies’ main site that adds an extra element of promotion.<\/p>\n

An impressive example of a microsite was the creation of the holiday app “elf yourself”, a website that edits faces onto dancing elves. The site got tons of publicity and users had a ball applying the program to their family members and even coworkers. However, what you might not have realized is that this app is actually a microsite of Office Depot.<\/p>\n

\"Best
Source:Gfycat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. ROI Calculator<\/h2>\n

An ROI calculation is great way to show potential customers how you can help them with their goals in a data-oriented way. This tool offers a visualization that can benefit you<\/a> and benefit your potential client.<\/p>\n

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4. Shoppable Virtual Tour<\/h2>\n

A shoppable virtual tour is a simulation of an existing location where you can also make online purchases.<\/p>\n

Designer brand Gucci used this concept to launch “Gucci Live”, a video shopping experience in which customers can make appointments and explore new items.<\/p>\n

5. Interactive History Lesson<\/h2>\n

Interactive timelines give your audience a chance to explore and understand your company or brand at a deeper level. The features of the timeline will keep viewers engaged while they can learn more about who you are and what your company stands for.<\/p>\n

6. Video<\/h2>\n

While it may not sound any more exciting than a PDF, you can get a lot more creative with video than you might think.<\/p>\n

Check out this Netflix interactive video for some inspiration:
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