5 Top Tips for Writing Content
Writing high-quality content is a key ingredient in any marketing plan.
But with the amount of content you’re now expected to distribute, from email campaigns and social media captions to blog posts and lead magnets, it can take you a long time and you can hit many barriers along the way.
To make your life easier, we have put together our 5 top tips for writing content which can be used as a template for your future marketing.
But before you jump in, you first need to identify what your killer piece of content is.
We advise you to start with a blog post, as this can be repurposed in many ways. All your copy will come in useful… trust me!
The copy you write in a blog post is gold for repurposing and leveraging your message far and wide. You could easily create 10 social media captions, a video, a lead magnet and many infographics. Why wouldn’t you make it easier for yourself?
Let’s get started…
- Headline
Never underestimate the time and attention you should give to a headline. If it isn’t strong, the reader will simply click off the page and move onto something else.
Think of the classic newspapers — the front page must provide engaging headlines. It’s what makes the papers sell.
You need to hook your audience as soon as they read the title. Captivate them straight away and they’re likely to take action.
While you may spend hours writing that blog, you should put the equivalent effort into nailing your headline.
Headline ideas:
- Questions spark interest
- Keep it short and sweet
- Use numbers e.g. 8 Reasons…
- Create curiosity
- Use powerful verbs
- Use interesting adjectives
Here is a step by step guide to writing powerful headlines by the fabulous, Neil Patel.
- Opening Paragraph
Next up is your opening paragraph. People have shown that initial interest in your blog, but you need them to keep going. You have to hook them in and make the thought of reading on irresistible.
As a blogger, your task is to capture the attention and the restless eyes of your readers, so they stop scanning.
One of the most powerful words to use in the opening paragraph is “YOU” as it addresses the reader directly. And why not try using a question to get them thinking?
Then begin the story. Understand and connect with their feelings of frustration, worry and despair. If you have the answers they are looking for, there is no doubt they will continue to read and engage.
- Define subheadings
You have the headline and opening paragraph, now it’s time to plan out the main part of the copy.
Using subheadings allows you to “signpost” and easily highlight paragraphs of interest. It breaks up the text on the screen, making it more attractive at a glance.
On top of that, it makes it easier for you to write the main section of the copy because you have split it up into segments.
Ultimately it gives the post a strong structure which makes it easier for you and the reader.
- Use Google to check your facts and link to the sources
When writing a blog post, Google is your best friend. No doubt it has similar blog posts already available in the search algorithm. Use these to your advantage.
Whenever you produce educational information, double-check on Google to make sure you are correct and factual. Don’t be afraid to then add the links into your blog post.
Adding links and sources into your blog post gives you creditability and it also benefits your SEO.
When you reference your information, the reader will trust you and view your work as a credible source.
- Conclude your findings
The conclusion is a critical part of your blog post. Don’t publish your post without finishing it off with a conclusion.
This part of the blog post allows you to become a mentor to your audience. It allows you to give the reader a pep talk or remind them of the benefits of implementing your advice.
You are reminding the audience why they have read your blog post and what action they need to take next.
This is where you finish with a question. Ask the reader something which makes them want to contact you, research more about you on your website, or take an alternative action.
Captivate them. Seduce them. Enchant them.
Always remember…. Empower your readers and build their ego.
This is powerful content writing that will get you results.
Share our 5 top tips for writing content with your audience.
