With the number of blog posts and articles circulating the Internet, content writers cannot rely on low supply and high demand to drive their web traffic. In this cut-throat, digital world, it’s either get noticed or get out. Sounds pretty brutal, but if your content doesn’t meet today’s standards, it simply won’t make it to the top. But it’s not all doom and gloom! Take a look at the pointers below for a guide on how to create compelling content – this is the stuff that will help transform your blogs and keep people engaged from start to finish.
It all starts with the headline. There’s a reason why journalists agonise over the perfect pun, and why readers will choose to click on one link over another. Headlines should sum up the content without giving too much away; the first thing readers want to know is the who, why, where, what, and how. If your headline reveals one of these elements, you’ve done your job!
Using your own voice is key to creating great content. Readers don’t come online to practice their literacy skills, so cut out the jargon and write the way you would talk in a conversation (minus some of the slang, of course!). It’s incredibly important to remember who you’re writing for. Different audiences will require a different tone of voice; take the time to consider who will be reading your content and then think carefully about how they might best digest the information you are providing them.
The explosion of sharing online means that writers have to work harder than ever to make their content relevant. If readers feel there’s something they can relate to, they’ll be much more likely to share it with friends and get the word out there, which will mean increased traffic to your website! To ensure your content is relatable, keep an eye out for up-to-date trends and ‘now’ references. Sometimes, jumping on the bandwagon can be a good thing! Just be sure to put your own spin on things instead of regurgitating what everybody else has already said.
They say laughter is the best medicine, and it’s definitely the cure for dull content, too. People are far more likely to keep reading a blog or article if it is light-hearted and humorous. With that in mind, try adding in a little word play or throw in some witty references here and there. The purpose of content writing is engagement, and humour is a great way to draw readers in and keep them there.
Remember, great content works by starting a conversation. Choose a topic that’s relevant or perhaps up for debate. Readers will be inclined to stick around if there’s more to be said in the comments section. Prompt questions, seek answers and always look to open up a dialogue for different opinions. Additionally, embedded links, images and videos will give people more to respond to and make your content more interesting, too.
Let’s get this straight: you’re not writing a novella and this isn’t a creative writing test! So you can forget the rambling descriptions and elaborate metaphors, and simply stay focussed on the task ahead. Most of the time, readers are looking for short, digestible and engaging content to read when they’re out and about, so keep this in mind when you’re writing. Break up the blog with a few high-quality pictures, use clear, distinctive paragraphs and don’t ramble for the sake of getting the word count up – longer doesn’t necessarily mean better.
No matter how keen you are to implement the best SEO strategies, good writing should always take precedence. Keywords can certainly be incorporated but this should be done in a natural way so that your sentences still flow. Believe me, it’s obvious when they’ve been forced in, and it will put readers off instantly! You can try adding punctuation and connectives as a way of seamlessly integrating your keywords without sacrificing the overall flow of the content.
Regardless of the subject you’re writing about, you need to be the authority. Before you start any piece of writing, make sure you have done some thorough research and figured out what other people have to say about the matter at hand. Not only will this give you confidence and ensure you don’t make any obvious mistakes, you’ll be able to provide people with accurate, reliable information.
And last but not least, have fun with it! As a general rule, if it’s enjoyable to write, it’s probably going to be enjoyable to read. What’s more, people appreciate original content so get creative and put in the time! We hope this has been a helpful guide on how to create compelling content. But remember: change doesn’t happen overnight! These are a few essential starting points to help you on your way. The more you practice, the more you’ll discover.
What are your insider tips? We’d love to hear your thoughts and advice so get in touch with us and let’s get the inspiration flowing!
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