Log on to social media, and you’ll be instantly bombarded with list articles, ‘how-to’ pieces and blog posts that promise you the answers to all of
So you scroll fervently through, making a mental note to come back to that article about snail polishing…oh, and that website selling those illuminated flipflops looks good…and you’ve always wanted to know three great reasons why you should NEVER use Facebook to review breakfast cereal.
With so much content to choose from, it’s more important than ever that yours stands out. People need a compelling reason to read your insightful blog, or your persuasive website copy, or that fantastic ebook you’ve spent hours getting just right.
So if your content isn’t quite cutting the mustard, here are a few tips to get people clicking.
Don’t be boring!
The quickest route to boring content is when you write only with yourself in mind, not your ideal audience.
People are busy and their time is precious, so you need to spell out exactly what’s in it for them. They don’t need to know how amazing you are, they just want to know what you’ll do for them – and if they’re lucky, how they’ll feel when you’ve done it.
Narrow your audience down
If you try to make your content appeal to everyone, it will be so bland that it’ll appeal to no-one.
Imagine just one ideal customer, and then imagine you’re speaking only to that person as you write your content. What sort of language do they communicate in? What details would pique their interest?
Don’t ramble on
Remember that most people click on blog posts or browse websites during their fleeting spare time. They won’t have long to read your content, so don’t make it too long. If browsers see that they can easily read your latest blog post with a quick coffee, they’ll be more likely to stay.
This is the reason why list articles are so popular. Readers know they’re going to get just three, five or nine (why is it never four, six or eight?) swift reasons to do something, not an epic novel’s worth.
So write clearly, don’t use complicated industry jargon, and separate your content into short, easy-to-read paragraphs.
Post regularly – and don’t forget to share!
Your content isn’t fresh out of ‘Field of Dreams’. Write it, but don’t forget to tell them about it.
Share your content on your social media pages, and encourage your followers to share in turn. If you can, link in with other people or businesses that complement what you do.
This will have even more impact if you post content regularly – before long, you can be seen as an expert in your chosen area, with people actively looking out for your next update!
Spell well
Bad spelling means
Use catchy titles
What’s the essence of your content? What will people be able to do better, or how are they likely to feel, once they’ve finished reading? What problems are you solving for people?
Use these aspects as the starting point for your titles. If you can be funny, do – but if you can’t, don’t try. Be clear instead.
Too busy to write your own content in the run-up to a busy Christmas? You’re just one short chat away from getting it all finished as if by magic! Simply get in touch.
I'm a friendly and professional writer, reviewer and editor who works with warmth, humour and flexibility.
Good listening is more than just letting people talk.
Read moreLet me take you back in time…
Read moreHow not to drown in other people's opinions.
Read moreHow to write like nobody's reading (in a good way!)
Read moreIn these unprecedented times, words count.
Read moreMaybe you haven’t done anything with that idea yet, because it’s just too vague.
Read moreExplaining what’s blatantly obvious to you, could turn out to be advertising gold.
Read moreDon't let spelling and grammar fears stop you from writing.
Read more"You can’t be on somebody’s side, if you don’t know what they think or how they feel".
Read more...they were learning how to express their true feelings in words, and the results were honest, uplifting, and totally magnetic.
Read moreNo matter how scary it seems, learning from difference will benefit you much, much more than the comfy mediocrity that similarity brings.
Read more"If you want to grab readers’ attention, you have to start with the heart."
Read moreMy journey from terrified mumbler to casual speaker, in easy-to-follow steps.
Read moreIf you have trouble motivating yourself to write that next blog post, whisper a little reminder: this could be a book one day.
Read moreThere’s something fascinating about a group of people being silly on stage, especially when they’ve probably all got mortgages and serious jobs.
Read moreBlogging basics to help you create a rip-roaring read.
Read moreRevamping your web copy will give your business the gift of reconnection.
Read moreThis is a blog post unlike any other.
Read moreReviews get read, because people assume they might be useful. Don't disappoint them!
Read moreHas your marketing strategy got room for some unexpected magic?
Read moreSome surprising insights about blogging...
Read moreDon't write for search engines, write for people.
Read moreIf you've always wanted to write a book, but were put off by the people who already have - help is at hand!
Read moreWhere's the value in empty business gurus?
Read moreBeing original is easy as pie.
Read moreHow to sell your amazing ideas to a brand-new audience.
Read moreHow regular blogging will boost your business - as if by magic!
Read more"The right person will help you come across as yourself, but in a prouder, more polished, 'look what I’ve achieved' kind of way"
Read moreWhen you give people a piece of yourself, you will naturally engage them.
Read more"If you like someone, you might be tempted to look for excuses to work with them, even if their particular skills aren’t what you need."
Read moreFocus on telling interesting business stories that reflect your ideal customers’ lives back to them.
Read moreMy advice to freelancers: never lose sight of what freelancing is all about!
Read moreKeep your summer content fresh and updated to be remembered all year long.
Read moreHow to become every freelancer's favourite client!
Read moreHow setting a speaking challenge forced me to talk confidently about the work I love.
Read moreDon't let bad spelling put you off writing the next bestseller!
Read moreFinding the 'what's', 'whys' and 'hows' of your business will help people connect with you.
Read moreIt takes time to craft compelling
November means #NaNoWriMo - so whatever you're working on, it's time to get it done!
Read moreIronically, it's when you're writing about yourself that you will sound least like you. Hiring a writer to do it for you can bring a whole host of benefits.
Read more"SEO" is an often confusing term for those not well-versed in website maintenance. In reality, it's not quite as confusing as you might think!
Read moreWriting short copy is often much more frustrating than long tomes! Get started on something short and snappy with these tips.
Read moreWriting books is big business - or at least it can be, if you get it right. For starters, this means not rushing the process!
Read moreA how-to guide for writing the ultimate downloadable guide for your business.
Read moreHeadlines are always difficult to write, so here's an easy way to craft something original for your personal and professional profiles.
Read moreDo you edit your work before you publish it?
Read moreStanding up and presenting to a group of people is something that strikes fear into the hearts of even the most confident people - so if you're an introvert like me, it can really be the stuff of nightmares! Here's how I tackle my nerves head-on, with some careful preparation and relatable content.
Read moreWhether you want to hire a copywriter, or just want to give it a go yourself, it can be hard to know where to begin. My experience on the copywriting trail has helped me discover a few handy insights.
Read moreThis week I'm responding to the questions people have asked since my Careershifters' Success Story was published recently - all about creating a writer's life.
Read moreYou don't have to be a professional writer to discover a unique writing voice that speaks to its readers. Finding your own voice is often easier than you might think, and it all starts when you write from the heart.
Read moreDid you know that so-called 'job-hopping' can be an asset to your career search? Whether you prefer stability or excitement in your career, planning your next move is all about packaging your skills and making the right kind of approach.
Read moreGoing freelance doesn't mean you have to accept every piece of work that comes your way. Being discerning with your time and effort will help you reap the rewards of being your own boss...and you'll get to work with some great people too!
Read moreAre you reading this over coffee, or maybe as you wait for a late train? Blogging for business is a handy way to keep in regular contact with your followers and show them the human side of your company, but it can be difficult to keep it going once you've started. It's worth it, though - so here are a few tips to keep your blog posts consistent and entertaining.
Read moreWriting a CV is tough enough when you've got years of experience under your belt, but when you're just leaving education it often feels like you haven't got anything to shout about. Here's how to write a first CV that will stand out from all those bland lists of education dates and shop jobs!
Read moreThere's a new trend sweeping Silicon Valley - giving honest and direct feedback to your colleagues. Before you go rushing in, focus your message by writing it down first...your colleagues and your career will thank you for it!
Read moreAll those celebrated business gurus had to start somewhere...and the most successful ones know how to tell their stories in a relatable way that inspires others to act on their dreams and ideas. By writing a business book, you can do just that yourself!
Read moreWriting a recruitment ad is often a rushed activity, with the words used ones you've read many times before ("dynamic" anyone?) Here's how the Banks children managed to recruit their ideal candidate - Mary Poppins! - by using clear and creative words that stood out.
Read moreWhat better way to kick off a new year by getting out into the fresh air? Here's how I manage a busy working life as a non-driver - and it's not as hard as you might think!
Read more'Greatest Hits' countdowns are rife at this time of year - so now, here's one featuring the best CV advice. This list will give you the ultimate steer if you're looking to get your CV on track for the new year job hunt. Wishing you a very happy 2017!
Read moreIf you're stuck in a job you don't particularly like, mindlessly searching job boards for something else, it can be hard to dredge up any enthusiasm to make a change. But that little bit of rest time between Christmas and a brand new year beginning is perfect for considering exactly what you want, and how to take the very first step towards making 2017 your happy work year!
Read moreHave you ever thought that making a few tweaks to your working life would help make living it much easier? Harness the power of well-chosen words to state your case and win better work-life balance in the process.
Read moreAre you often left with the feeling that you don't quite know enough about all the online tools you can use to promote your business? How about website analytics...shouldn't you be checking them every five minutes just like the experts say? Relax - here's how to take advantage of all the advice available online, by defining exactly what YOU want to know.
Read moreLooking for ways to sound consistent and authentic in your written communications? Here are a few tried, tested and original ways to do just that.
Read moreBOO! Like a ripe pumpkin Hallowe'en has rolled around yet again, so what better time to extol the benefits of ghostwriting, definitely not just the province of bargain-bin bound celebrities.
Read moreEverybody's busy these days - far too busy to read all the words that come their way. Get the right people to read YOURS by honing in on your ideal audience and creating compelling copy that will get them hooked.
Read moreAre your online profiles a bit lacklustre? Don't waste a perfect opportunity to speak directly to the boss or partner of your dreams - use the power of personal copywriting to describe what makes you, you - and get ready to reap the rewards!
Read moreRegular blog posts - especially if you run a business - can drastically increase your following, as well as helping you beat the competition by describing how you do things your way. Read on for a few more great reasons why you should join the blogging revolution!
Read moreGreat speeches vary in tone and content, but they all consider the same elements - who they're for, what they're about and why they're being heard. Here's how to plan yours effectively, so you can conquer any nerves and make your speech memorable for all the right reasons!
Read moreSpeaking up in networking groups used to bring me out in a cold sweat. So I sought out the people I really wanted to talk to and introduced myself in the way I'm best at - in writing.
Read more