5 steps to creating content people WANT
HELLO hello hello hello…. Is there anybody OUT THERE out there out there out there….?
It’s a big wide world out there on the internet. And sometimes when you’re creating content – blog posts, videos, articles, whatever – it feels like you’re just sending it out into the void. You hit publish and all you hear is an echo (echo echo echo) ... Right?
There are SO many businesses out there, creating and sharing SO much content. You might feel a bit like, ‘Well, what’s the bloody point?!’
BUT – there’s no YOU out there. It’s sounds corny but it’s true. No one’s writing or creating stuff quite the way you are. And there are people, readers, potential clients, who will truly benefit from hearing what you have to say.
It’s important not to get too caught up in worrying about your competitors and getting struck down by comparisonitis. Spend that energy creating amazing things and walking your own path instead.
HOWEVER, as wonderful as that is, you do need to think about cutting through the noise so people take notice of your content.
So we’re going to kick off by looking at some key ways you can create content that’s going to help build an audience – an adoring following of people who genuinely want to read/watch/listen to your content.
5 steps to creating content that people really want to read
1. Create content with a purpose
Every time you write a blog post, make a video or create a workbook, start with a purpose. What are you hoping to achieve with that piece of content? What do you want your reader to think and do? Does it align with your brand and fit in with your goals?
2. Be generous
Offering things for free earns you attention and trust. It attracts new clients. It also encourages people to share your content and tell others about you. The more generous you are with your content, the more authority you’ll build, meaning they’ll come to you when they’re ready to buy.
Just as importantly, it helps you build trust – and that’s what building a brand and a successful business is all about. It might feel counterintuitive, but you want to spend more time creating value than selling.
3. Make it practical
Create content that people can use to take action that will help them be better in some way. You don’t have to do this for every single piece of content you create, but aim for most. If you’re offering people practical value – content that they can use to be better – you’re going to build a devoted following.
4. Write for someone and their problems
Your target clients know what their problem is – although they may not completely understand it – but they might not know the solution. So write about their problem and then talk about some solutions (including yours). Or write about their problem in a way that helps them to understand it better, then suggest some next steps for them.
This helps establish yourself as an authority and as someone who understands and cares. Remember: people buy from people they know, like and trust.
And keep in mind that you don’t always need to write for your entire target market. That can make it harder to focus in on specific problems. For example, Mitsuke Business Consulting works with tech startups, but they decide to write a blog post specifically for businesses creating game apps.
Not yet clear on how your target clients are and what they really need? We’ll step you through it in our FREE workbook, 5 Steps to Getting Actual Clients.
5. Be consistent
Stick to consistent topics and messages and you’ll build an interested, engaged audience who trusts you. But if you veer all over the place, you’ll confuse people and turn them away.
Also be consistent in how often you share content, so people know they can rely on you. And make sure you’re using a consistent tone of voice. You want all your content to sound like it’s coming from the same person (which it is!). Some people will be attracted to your content because of the tone of voice you use, so try to stick with it.
Are you starting a new business (or recently launched one) and feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to create content to get clients? We step you through it (and so much more) in LaunchKit.
LaunchKit is an all-in-one kit that steps you through everything from building a rock-solid brand foundation to sharing your biz with the world. It also includes a simple marketing plan, a social media guide, website writing templates, real-world examples, handy templates and tools and so much more.
Join us in the comments! Tell us – is there anything new you’ve learnt from this post that you can start doing in your business? We’d so love to hear. Or let us know what you find most challenging or confusing when it comes to creating content and getting it noticed. We’re here to help!