I understand the "Y reasons why Z" formula works, but I'll give more respect to a writer who can express their ideas without it.<p>Most of the time it's a way of papering over the fact that the article isn't really saying that much. This article is no exception.<p>"Retention: A static website with quickly aging content is not particularly interesting for prospects or existing customers. In contrast, a site that provides new, engaging material on a regular basis is a real draw. If prospects visit your site regularly, they’re more likely to become customers. Furthermore, you’re more likely to retain existing customers if they find ongoing value by engaging with your company."<p>Talk about mailing that shit in. There's no substance there. No data. Nothing insightful. If you asked an intelligent person comfortable with the web to rattle of ideas about why content marketing might be useful, you'd get a list much like the one presented here.<p>Give me something new, surprising, and insightful please. Nobody will remember this article two months from now. Hell, I won't remember it tomorrow.<p><i>Edit</i>: I'll add, I really do get why people write these articles. They work. They're easy to digest. They get tweeted, shared, voted up on sites like HN, and ranked well in search engines. It's a valid tactic, I just don't think it makes for writing that grips me by the balls, as it were.