How to Write Effective Content and Make it Happen!

When it comes down to it, the concept of effective content writing is simple: to create clear and compelling content that helps persuade your consumer to make some type of decision. But while the concept is simple, sometimes execution can be complicated, as it requires careful construction and thought.

Plus, in today’s saturated marketplace you want to write copy that drives search engine results and establishes your brand as a clear leader in your industry. The good news? Anyone — yes, even you — can write great copy.

Learn how to Create and Execute Effective Content

Grab Readers’ Attention

Ultimately, you want people to read what you’ve written, so the best way to do that is to create a catchy headline and use a hook in your first couple of sentences that grabs the attention of your reader. Often a last-minute thought, headlines are actually the meat of your piece. If your headline isn’t engaging enough, no one will be enticed to read it in the first place.

Here are 4 tips for creating a catchy headline:

Use numbers or listicles (5 ways, 6 tips, etc.)
Ask a question (what, how, why, etc.)
Use powerful adjectives (essential, unique, free, invaluable, etc.)
Help not tell — solve someone’s problem!

Most importantly, don’t forget about your keywords. If you want to maximize your Search Engine Optimization (SEO), utilizing keywords is one of the best ways to do so. Think as though your content is solving a problem, and so your headline should reflect what you’d type into Google search if you were looking for the answer. Headlines like “Best Ways to Find X” or “How to Maximize X” can be really helpful in not only grabbing your reader’s attention, but also for improving your SEO.

Do Your Research

While it’s great to use your personal opinion and experiences as inspiration when writing copy, it shouldn’t be your only source of information. No matter the topic you’re writing about, do your research because it can help with two things: so you can have an idea of similar content that is out there, and two so that you can use the content to help support and shape your piece.

Stay away from plagiarizing of course, but it’s important to know and understand what else is out there. You want to create content that is helpful and unique, not something that has been rewritten hundreds of times.

Doing your research is also important when you’re creating copy that is meant to provide some type of expertise or recommendation. People love advice, but it’s critical to back it up with solid evidence to support your claims.

Write in Your Voice

This one is important! Every brand, blogger, or company has a unique and established voice that sets them apart from the rest.

The content you create and publish should be unique to you — not a carbon copy of someone else. When you create a distinct voice, you will build a following that appreciates and recognizes you for who you are.

Focus on One Thing

Each piece of effective content should have one purpose and focus — not multiple. If you’re making one statement in the headline but going all over the place in the content, it can get very confusing and hard to read.

Before reading your content, most people will take a quick scan of it first, so if it doesn’t seem to be answering the questions they’re looking for, likely they will skip over it or exit the page. You should try to avoid this at all costs!

So, when you’re writing and editing content, keep this in mind as much as possible and make sure that each of your points ties back to your main purpose.

Effective (aka GREAT!) content and copy is the basis of your brand, so you want to make sure you’re maximizing it to the fullest. After all, content is king (and engagement is queen!)