Everyone these days knows that content is king…largely to the point where the statement has become cliché. But knowing something and actually acting on it are two very different things entirely. This is particularly the case for those who may not have all the experience and expertise in the world when it comes to web design and development.
1. Become a Storyteller
Well, first of all it’s good to remember that story-telling is just about the best of all forms of communications. People just love hearing stories and read so much more into them than they would any kind of sales spiel. Share stories about you, your life, your interests, your experience and what makes you tick. The long and short of it being to inject the human element into what you share with your readers.
2. Write for the Customer
Immediately get out of the habit of writing with search engines in mind, if this is indeed what you have been doing. These days, not only do search engines take very unkindly to SEO-heavy content, but readers are wise to such tricks as well. If you don’t write 100% with the reader in mind, this is a good place to start when looking to make improvements.
3. Write More Often
The benefit of updating your website or blog more often is two-fold. First of all, it gives your customers both a reason to come back and a reason to share what you have to say with others. Secondly, fresh content added on a regular basis is pure gold for SEO purposes. Just ensure that what you write is of relevance, rather than thrown out just for the sake of it.
4. Allow Guest Posts
In a similar vein, allowing your customers to share their thoughts and opinions by way of guest posts (or even comments) can enrich your website. When there are multiple voices, it becomes more of a conversation than a one-sided lecture – something readers respond to very positively.
5. Use Mixed Media
Even by sight alone, huge blocks of unbroken text can be very off-putting – even if the actual content is of priceless value. As such, one effective way of improving the appeal of your site’s content is to mix up the media a little. Pictures, video clips, charts, graphics – literally anything that breaks things up and adds visual appeal.
6. Remain Current
Last but not least, immersing yourself in pop culture and staying on the cutting edge of relevant topics can really make a difference to your content. It displays not only a strong understanding of your target audience, but also breaks down the customer-business barrier that can be somewhat stifling. It takes an investment of time and effort, but the results will more than justify the outlay.
