You're writing great content. So why aren't people reading it?
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.
Related Articles
Beware of the flowers: why customers don't care about your business
Focus on telling interesting business stories that reflect your ideal customers’ lives back to them.
Read moreFinding your freelancing tribe: be uncompromising (and don’t be too nice!)
My advice to freelancers: never lose sight of what freelancing is all about!
Read moreRamp up your summer content to reap winter rewards
Keep your summer content fresh and updated to be remembered all year long.
Read moreAppreciate your freelancers, and be rewarded with their best work
How to become every freelancer's favourite client!
Read moreTalk confidently about something you love: set a speaking challenge!
How setting a speaking challenge forced me to talk confidently about the work I love.
Read moreWhy spelling and grammar don't matter
Don't let bad spelling put you off writing the next bestseller!
Read moreWhat's in a name? Captivate and connect with simple business stories
Finding the 'what's', 'whys' and 'hows' of your business will help people connect with you.
Read moreFive New Year's Resolutions for Freelancers
Are your social media posts crushing your business?
How to write interesting content for any business (even yours)
What are your customers really saying about you?
You're writing great content. So why aren't people reading it?
It takes time to craft compelling
Got a book or blog to write? Beat the block and get it done!
November means #NaNoWriMo - so whatever you're working on, it's time to get it done!
Read moreHow will I sound like me, when you're doing the writing?
Ironically, 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 moreDecoding the mystery of SEO
"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 moreWhy writing short copy takes a long time
Writing short copy is often much more frustrating than long tomes! Get started on something short and snappy with these tips.
Read moreWhy you definitely shouldn't write a book in a weekend!
Writing books is big business - or at least it can be, if you get it right. For starters, this means not rushing the process!
Read moreThe Ultimate Guide to... the Ultimate Guide!
A how-to guide for writing the ultimate downloadable guide for your business.
Read moreTry this simple formula to create a killer profile headline!
Headlines are always difficult to write, so here's an easy way to craft something original for your personal and professional profiles.
Read moreRead this before you publish you're next blog post!
Do you edit your work before you publish it?
Read moreHow to beat those pre-presentation jitters
Standing 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 moreCopywriting for beginners
Whether 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 moreOn creating a writer's life
This 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 moreDiscovering your unique writer's voice is easier than you think
You 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 moreNo job for life? How a tailored approach to job-hopping can win your next career move
Did 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 moreWhy it's sometimes OK to turn down freelance work
Going 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 moreThe truth about blogging for business
Are 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 moreHow to write your first CV
Writing 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 more“Telling it like it is” – giving effective feedback in writing
There'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 moreShare your expertise - write a business book!
All 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 moreRead this before you write your next recruitment ad!
Writing 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 moreThe bracing benefits of a car-free business life
What 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‘CV Greatest Hits’ Countdown – 10 ultimate CV tips to prepare you for the Great 2017 Job Hunt!
'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 moreGive yourself a special Christmas gift...a happy working life in 2017!
If 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 moreWriting to get what you want at work!
Have 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 moreHow to pinpoint useful e-information for your business…without going crazy in the crowd!
Are 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 moreUse your sense of style to build trust and win business!
Looking 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 moreGhost stories…how shadowy script can light up your life and work
BOO! 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 moreSTOP! Attention-grabbing writing – made easy
Everybody'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 morePersonal copywriting - attract a new boss AND a new relationship with the perfect profile!
Are 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 moreBlogging - not just for hipsters and sicksters*
Regular 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 more
Have you ever wondered how working with a writer could boost your business and career prospects, or even keep your personal life on track? I can help you in so many ways...take a look at a few really good reasons for you to work with me!
Read morePlan a memorable speech...in three easy steps!
Great 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 moreMaking meaningful business connections…in writing
Speaking 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
