12 Tips to Take Your Content to the Next Level
Do you feel like you are left behind in the content game while everyone runs past you every time you scroll through social media? Believe us when we say you are not alone.
It is not only about writing informative content. Today content creation is a layered process. It starts with ideation and ends with thorough revision and editing. But you probably know all of these. You must have seen several articles sharing tips on how to write good content. Well, this one is different. How? We will share 12 tips on how to take your content to the next level.
Tip 1: Use visuals:
No pictures with texts are not only for kids. They are also for adults with short attention spans, aka everyone consuming content on digital media. Using visuals in your content, be it a blog or a LinkedIn post, keep people engaged with your brand for longer periods. But remember, the visual must match the original content. Audiences with relevant images are likely to get 94% more views than those with irrelevant visuals.
Tip 2: Write a good hook:
Every article or piece of content has an introduction. But today, a flat introduction can seldom grab and hold the readers’ attention. So what is a hook? It is an opening statement or a first line that grabs the reader’s attention and compels them to read further.
For example:
Let’s look at these three hooks:
- Here’s your chance to boost your revenue 5x this financial year!
- Did you know you can solve 10 CRM problems using this SAP ERP software?
- You had no idea these common kitchen ingredients could give you the healthiest and shinest hair.
But ensure you do not write an excellent hook accompanied by a mediocre article. You may lose credibility if the reader does not find value after reading the first few lines.
Tip 3: Repurpose content:
Every organisation has some content that generated excellent results in the past. Don’t keep them in an archive. Instead, extend its shelf life and let it work for you. The major advantage of repurposing content is that your content calendar is never empty, and if you ever run out of ideas, you can take a break. One of the easiest methods is to turn an article into LinkedIn content, an Instagram post, and a Tweet.
For example:
AdEspresso by Hubspot’s blog, ‘The Ultimate Guide to Social Proof Marketing,’ published in January 2016, was a massive hit amongst the readers. They knew their content had potential, so they transformed it into a PowerPoint presentation on SlideShare and turned it into an e-book. That’s some smart content repurposing move!
Tip 4: Focus on formatting:
Lousy formatting is a strict no-no. If the article is hard to read because of its formatting, then great content cannot save you. Here is what you can do:
- Make bulleted lists.
- Use proper H1, H2, and H3 heading for subheads.
- Try adding backlinks or giving appropriate references.
- Use an appropriate line and word spacing.
- Try using serif fonts that are easy to read.
- Break the article into smaller paragraphs as it increases readability.
Tip 5: Spend time writing a clickable title:
No, we are not talking about clickbait titles with fake news. Imagine your article is a house. Would you want to enter through a shabby, damp, dimly lit door? Or would you prefer stepping through a fancy sliding door with ample lighting? We are sure you have chosen the second option. Your article’s title is like a welcoming door that invites the readers to click and read it. This tip can be applied to LinkedIn posts and website headers too.
For example:
Let’s take a look at marketing genius Neil Patel’s article titled ‘Yes, ChatGPT-4 Still Requires a Heavy Human Touch‘. The title intrigues you to learn more about ChatGPT-4 and how it can be humanised. Hence, try spending more time writing the title.
Tip 6: Write. Edit. Proofread. Repeat.:
One pro tip to take your content to the next level is to edit and proofread your articles after writing them. After writing the first draft, take a break and re-visit the piece after a while. You will likely approach the article with a fresh perspective. Proofreading will also eliminate spelling mistakes, formatting and punctuation errors that can make the content look lousy and unprofessional.
Tip 7: Mention specific points on how you can help your audience:
You must have seen organisations write articles highlighting how they can help their audiences. But one common mistake everyone makes is stating generic points. For instance, if you are an ERP vendor, do not simply jot down the benefits of implementing a specific software. Instead, try including examples and case studies on particular capabilities of the software and how it has helped your clients’ organisations in the past.
Tip 8: Offer a fresh perspective:
Tip 9 is applicable to all niches. Your industry has plenty of generic content, all of which is essential. But there is always room for experimenting with a new angle on a reader-favorite topic.
For example:
While everyone is busy singing praises for AI, Neil Patel, in his blog titled ‘Top 7 Disadvantages of Using AI in Digital Marketing’, offers a new perspective to the readers. There are chances you will not only read the full blog but also share it with your marketing team. A fresh perspective increases your authority and credibility in your space, and your audience views you as a thought leader.
Tip 9: Add examples: Real life or suggestive:
Sometimes when the reader glances through the content, they do not have the time (or patience) to read every word. Make it easier for them to extract value from the article by adding examples. These can be real-life examples, like in tips 5 and 8 of this article. You can also use suggestive ones, as we have for tip 2. Instances also aid the reader in understanding new and practical concepts.
Tip 10: Identify a problem. Give a solution.
Besides writing promotional articles, where you mention how you can help your audience, also try to write general informative content for the mass. In this case, choose a specific problem and give a solution that will actually help the reader.
For example:
Check out this article by MedicalNewsToday. It specifically talks about damaged hair and offers various solutions that the readers can try at home.
This type of content shows you actually care about the reader more than pushing your services and products.
Tip 11: Use numbers, data and statistics:
Every piece of writing has a purpose, and so does business-related content. Some may be targeted at creating awareness, and others focus on generating sales. Numbers, data and statistics help fulfil that goal. It lends the article more credibility, engages the reader and offers them a measured insight. It is also a more scientific approach to presenting ideas and facts.
For example:
This article, ‘Customer Experience Analytics: What They Are & Solutions to Help Measure Them‘ by Hubspot, opens with statistics that immediately hook the reader. Similarly, in the article titled ‘What Is Content Intelligence?‘ statistics and data are embedded within the article, where ever necessary.
Tip 12: Storify the content:
Storytelling is a new sweetheart of modern marketing and deserves all the attention. However, it is the oldest way of communicating a message. Do you remember the stories from Aeshope’s fables with talking monkeys, tigers and hares? Each story ended with a moral-that was the message. All the characters were brought in a frame to deliver the moral in an easy-to-digest format. Today, marketers and content writers are applying the same technique for their content. But remember, it is easier said than done!
For example:
Dove does brilliant storytelling in its ad campaigns (video and print media). Hence, it manages to stand out to its audience. The viewers can easily relate to the brand’s message and is more likely to purchase its product.
Bonus tip: Don't feel overwhelmed. Let experts take care.
We know following these tips and guidelines word-by-word is not an easy job, especially when you have to focus on other tasks. Moreover, SEO and algorithm shenanigans are waiting to affect your visibility and reach. Here’s where we can step in. At Dimensions Content Writing Services, we have a pool of versatile, experienced content writers, copywriters and content creators with vertical knowledge in specific niches. Want to know more about how we can help you? Contact us today!
