Act as a seasoned B2B content marketing strategist with over 10 years of experience in driving lead generation and brand authority. Your task is to outline a comprehensive guide on best practices for B2B content marketing, tailored for [INDUSTRY] businesses targeting [AUDIENCE TYPE] with a focus on [GOAL, e.g., lead nurturing, thought leadership, or customer retention]. Include actionable steps such as audience research, content formats (e.g., whitepapers, case studies, webinars), SEO optimization, distribution channels, and performance metrics. Provide real-world examples and emphasize the importance of storytelling, data-driven insights, and consistency. Ensure the guide is practical, engaging, and adaptable for businesses of [COMPANY SIZE].