Do you find it impossible to write content that people want to read? Maybe you're not a writer—but maybe, just maybe, YOU ARE.
There are a lot of options when it comes to content creation. First, you have to decide if you're writing the content yourself or hiring a writer. Then, you have to determine what kind of content you want to create—blog posts? Website copy? Emails?
Once you make those choices, there's another critical question: How do you want your copy to sound? What kind of voice do you want your brand to have?
You see… Great brands know that "voice" isn't something that comes in handy when it comes time for your content calendar. Voice is a lens through which every decision about your business gets filtered.
The best brands in the world know this, and they've created a precise tone for their writing that's unique and important to their brand. You've heard the term "brand voice," but what does it mean?
So, if you're struggling to write content that people will engage with, here are four tips that can help you get on the right track:
1) Write like a human.
Writing in the third person may have sounded like a great plan when your teacher taught it to you back in middle school, but it's time to grow up and start talking directly to your readers.
Using first-person pronouns (like I or we) makes your content easier to relate to and understand. Bonus points if you throw in some contractions for good measure!
2) Be descriptive.
Don't just tell me what happens. Tell me what happens and how it feels. What do your readers see? Hear? Taste? Smell?
If they can't feel the experience of reading your content, they won't feel anything at all. And if your readers don't feel anything, then why should they keep reading?
Could you describe what you want them to feel? This technique will keep them engaged.
3) Keep it short and sweet.
Instead of trying to cram everything into one long post, break up your content into smaller chunks. You could write one long piece in a series of blog posts or articles, or even create an ebook or white paper.
This will make your content more readable, but it'll also give you more opportunities to engage with your audience!
4) Use simple sentences
Break it down, break it down now. Who said writing had to be complicated?
Many people think that the longer the words and sentences you use, the more impressive and professional your writing is. But that doesn't work for everyone—and it doesn't work for most people.
Simplify your sentences if you want your content to be readable and engaging. Split long sentences into shorter sentences; don't try to pack in too much information at once.
Summary
The best thing you can do is read content that inspires you and keep building on your natural writing style.
Almost anyone can write a readable, engaging blog post with the proper practice and help. And not only will you be helping visitors get the most out of your information, but you'll also be adding value to the online community.
Of course, everyone wants to blog more often. But sometimes, despite our best intentions, we fail to achieve that goal. However, these four tips can level the playing field and help you forge a better writing routine to post more often with ease.
They're simple suggestions, but they should help enhance the readability of your content—which in turn will keep people coming back for more. Remember, your goal as a content writer is to help the reader. To do that, you need to keep them interested and engaged.
Compelling content is easy to understand and follows a logical structure. It's also written in a conversational tone because no one talks like they're in a textbook.
What's your take on content writing? What are some of your favorite tips to make content more straightforward and fun to read? Let me know in the comments!
Comments