Want to get noticed?   content is king

There is a saying “Content is king,” and that’s especially true in the marketing world.

If you want to do an excellent job presenting your products or services to prospective customers, it all starts with the content you’re presenting.

The content you post on your company website or blog can make or break your marketing efforts. It might sound a little unnerving, but it’s true.

The good news is there are plenty of ways you can ensure you provide exceptional content all the time, every time. Here are a few strategies you can start implementing today for kick-butt content that comes out on top:

Aim for Originality as Much as Possible

When it comes to website/blog visitors and your search rankings, a little originality can go a long way. Not only is copying ideas from others a bad idea, but you can actually get punished for it.

Mahalo provides a prime example of this. The company’s site was updated on a daily basis with fresh content, but the content used was not original.

This didn’t escape the all-knowing eyes of Google, who in turn punished Mahalo for their lack of originality. As a result, Mahalo had to switch up their game plan.

So what does this mean for you? Your ideas need to be YOURS!

Reusing the same content and post material over and over again is certainly not considered original – in fact, it can get downright boring.

Collecting articles from around the internet and asking for permission to repost isn’t a good idea, and neither is outsourcing the writing to content writers who work at pathetic wages to write filler material.

If you want great content, you should be willing to pay the price for great content.  It might mean investing more time or more money into content creation, but like most investments, it’s one that will pay off in the end.

Create Headlines That Hook Your Audience

According to CopyBlogger,your headlines will be read by 80% of internet surfers. Of that group, only 20% of them will continue to read the rest of your post.

If your headline is effective, it should generate interest and draw readers in to read more.  To get more people reading, you need to use words that entice and allure.

  • Example A: “The Shocking Ways You Could Be Putting Your Health at Risk” – This headline will probably grab widespread attention and make users want to know more.
  • Example B: “How to Throw the Perfect Dinner Party” – This is also an effective headline because it’s concise, focuses on a positive theme, and lets readers know they will learn something useful if they keep reading.

Keep Content Action-Based

Truly top-notch, high quality content will tell your readers how they can use the information you’re providing.

On your blog, consider posting how-to guides that show customers how to use the products you sell, or how-to articles that answer questions that your target audience may have.

If you’re trying to teach your audience a certain skill or strategy, include actionable tips they can put into practice right away.

Provide Answers Efficiently

We live in the age known for “information snacking,” a term used to describe the way people search for the information they need by clicking on a site, scanning it quickly, and moving on if they don’t find what they’re looking for after a few seconds.

If you want to be able to compete in this type of fast-paced world, you’ve got to give people the answers they need efficiently.

How do you do this?

  • Break your content up into smaller, more digestible chunks
  • Use appropriate sub-headings so readers can quickly see what will be discussed in each section
  • Consider using bulleted lists for items you’re presenting in a series

Report and Source Your Information Accurately

Your blog is, in a way, the face of your company.  For instance, if you run a zinc plating company and you want to present your company in a positive light, you need to be sure the information you’re presenting is entirely true and factual.

Remember: Inaccurate, faulty information will make people skeptical of your company. They’ll question your authority, and most likely, they’ll think twice before buying from you again.

When you link to another site within your content, you need to make sure it’s a reliable source. Is it a source that can be trusted?  In order to gain the trust of your readers, it has to be.

Provided that the sources you’re linking to are good ones, linking to several sources is a great way to verify your claims and assure readers that what you’re telling them is accurate.

Create Content That Makes People Think

When you have an audience that’s engaged, you’ve got their full attention. But before you can make people interested in what you have to say, you have to present them with stimulating material.

There are several different ways you can engage your readers, such as:

  • Getting Them to Ask Questions

You want to always leave readers wondering and asking questions.

It logically follows that when someone has a question, they’re going to keep listening (or in this case reading) to get the answer to their question.

  • Telling Stories

Whether you’ve got an audience of five year old or eighty-five year old, people love stories.

There’s something innately hardwired in us that makes us love hearing stories about characters, their problems, and ultimately, how they overcome or deal with those problems.

Hook your audience in your introduction with a really good story that’s relevant to your post, and you’ll have them hanging on your every word.

  • Answering the “So What?” Question

When I was teaching, I always told my students that their introduction should answer the question “So what?” It should express to readers the significance of what you’re going to say and why it’s worth their while to listen.

Coming up with stellar content for your website or blog might seem like a daunting task at first, but it’s really not once you get started.  Try using the tips listed above today, and you might even have a little fun while you’re at it!

Michelle is a blogger and freelancer. She’s written about almost every topic under the sun, and loves constantly learning about new subjects and industries while she’s writing. In her spare time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs. Follow her on Twitter and Google+.

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