Is your web content worthy of a once over? Do your readers find it attractive – that is, easily scannable and interesting? If not, you are missing opportunities to connect with your readers and make a lasting impression.
Last week I posted that quality web content is short, sweet, smart and funny. Here is a great example that I found over on toprankblog.com, and I want to share it with you:
- Content has to be sweet to attract readers (compelling titles).
I am a big fan of Kevin Spacey, and recently succumbed to the lure of House of Cards on Netflix. Based on its title, this blog post by Andy Thomson caught my eye: Ruthless Pragmatism: Kevin Spacey’s Approach to Content Marketing.
- Content has to be short to accommodate the average reader’s attention span and need to scan quickly.
Neuroscience has taught us that our brains are hard-wired to scan (admit it: you did a quick scan of this blog post!) I scanned the “Ruthless Pragmatism” blog post, looking for the “interesting stuff”: a glimpse in to the person of Kevin Spacey; information on new theories, concepts, and methods in content marketing; and relevant tips to make life easier for me and my readers.
- It has to be smart to stimulate the reader to think and take action.
Thomson writes, “The success of House of Cards for Netflix is unlike any previous television show and has become a symbol of the online content movement.”
He expands on this with three content marketing lesson points:
1. Tell your brand’s story with content, and take risks doing it.
2. Give the people what they want.
3. Be the best answer for your customer.
This post got me to think, and take action – I’m sharing it with you.
- Content needs to be funny, clever or outrageously negative.
Thomson’s blog post is clever, as is Spacey’s character in House of Cards. Sometimes my posts include a bit of humor, but I am rarely outrageously negative. The point is to know your audience, write in the tone that would attract and appeal to them, and offer something of value in a variety of formats.
What do your readers respond to? What makes them stop and read your blog? I’d love to hear from you; leave a comment or send me a reply.
Recent Comments