Recently at a coffee shop (of course), I overheard a conversation from some very business-y people about content strategy and digital marketing. Naturally it was all about what makes people click, what gets them to start reading, and what keeps them reading. Being in a pretty creative industry myself, one where I live and breathe and digital content, it was interesting (and a little cringe-y) to think about ALL the industries that benefit from read-worthy content–AKA–anyone who has a digital presence! It brought to mind this topic that we’ve had been meaning to lay out in a simple list for a long time (I think this post has been in our queue for a year…) so here goes!
Write only what you’d want to read
It seems easy but sometimes once you flush an idea out, you find that what’s on the page isn’t as relevant or intriguing as you first thought–this happens all the time with us and is totally OK. It may just require a little reworking (ask a friend for an opinion if needed) or it may not work at all, but either way, something new and better will come to mind.
Structure your inspiration and research
Since it’s easy to spend too much time in blog world gathering inspiration and doing research, I suggest setting a timer when it’s brainstorm time and reading up on your niche/theme. That way, you make sure you’re on the pulse of your industry (and it’s absolutely necessary to stay on top of that!), but you don’t go so far that you fall into the infamous comparison game or accidentally get a little too influenced by another blogger (see blogging etiquette tips here).
Find and embrace your community
No matter your blog’s niche, there’s bound to be a community surrounding it. Find that and use it to bounce ideas around, learn advice from those you really connect with (why take advice from anyone else?), and stay continually inspired rather than overwhelmed. This is a nice way to come up with content that feels authentic and in-demand.
Listen to reader feedback
We’ve mentioned this before and I definitely think it’s worth repeating! Even if your blog doesn’t get a ton of comments, the ones that do come in are from readers who are truly interested in what you provide. Combine that with authentic social media comments and messages you receive, and you have a lot of clues for what people want to read! Something as simple as a post that got a lot of hits or pins can also act as feedback. For example, our best hashtags to use on Instagram post still receives great feedback, so we’ve made sure to share more Instagram-related posts.
Get the timing right
Often when we think of a new post idea it’s because–whether we know it or not–whatever’s going on in our industry needs a question answered or problem solved. Soon enough, other experts will realize there’s this information gap as well, and get right down to filling it. This is super important for us here at The Blog Market, because digital content changes in the blink of an eye. We have to constantly make sure we’re offering advice that’s actually relevant, and getting it right in that window is necessary. You can even present a topic too early, also making it not relevant enough to be read-worthy. (See this TED Talk for more on timing in business.)
What’s your strategy for creating read-worthy content? Share with us below!
Shafi Khan says
Excellent Article Angela,
It is necessary to write and publish contents that people want to read.
Anyone can write random articles inspires by others but when your brainstorm and find unique ideas then they have more chances of getting popular.
Sophie says
Such good tips! I’ll be sure to start using them
skeletonparty.blogspot.co.uk
Carrie says
Writing only what you’d read is HUGE. I used to write about what I thought I should write about, but it turned out I never had any inspiration or motivation to write about those things. I then decided that only the posts that I would click on myself would be on my blog. It has seriously made the biggest difference for me and I think for my readers too. Your readers can tell if you’re into something or not!
Carrie | http://carrieelise.com/
Natalie says
Such useful, and thoughtful tips, thank you (truly read-worthy content)
– Natalie
http://www.workovereasy.com