“What helps people, helps business.” – Leo Burnett
Would you like to be an amazing content creator? Are you ready to make your mark and inspire your audience with your creativity? Whether you relish the thought of being a digital nomad creating content as you travel the world, you’re a business owner hungry to expand your target audience and take your business to the next level, or you simply want to up-your-game and start delivering superior marketing results for your clients, understanding the key to creating great content is an essentiality. But first, what exactly do we mean by content creation?
What is meant by content creation?
As the name suggests, it’s the process of creating content! But, it goes much deeper than that.
When you are looking for some information, where is the first place you turn to? We’d hazard a guess at Google, which answers some four billion questions a day.
Whenever you type a search query into Google, all of the results that are presented in the SERP (search engine results page) are content.
That YouTube tutorial on ‘how to find’ all of the collectibles on your favourite video game…
The funny GIF you send to your bestie over WhatsApp…
The article advising you on the secret to good content creation…
These all fall under the umbrella of content.
Content creation examples
1. Blog posts: the main type of content creation that you will be familiar with are blog posts. Take this one as an example; blogs are meant to inform, educate, and entertain.
2. Podcasts: podcasts are another popular form of content creation and the formula is sophisticatedly simple: some of your favourite people talking about various topics with special guests, etc.
3. Videos: there are many platforms ideal for sharing video, YouTube being the most prominent. Viral marketing videos, cat compilations, and Ozzy Man Reviews are all examples of great video content.
4. Graphics: often in blog posts you may find original infographics that are designed to enhance the written word with visual aids. That said, graphics come in all forms, shapes and sizes, including carousel ads on LinkedIn.
5. Content offers: another great example of content creation is content offers. These can be in the form of templates, worksheets, eBooks, and other valuable offers that your audience can download and consume.
What is the secret to creating great content?
Now that you have a better understanding of what content creation is, including some examples, what is the secret to creating great content?
The secret to creating great content is more of a formula than a secret. It’s no one thing that makes a great content creator, but a combination of many integral aspects of creation. Here’s everything you need to know about producing quality content that people want to engage with:
Authenticity
Think about creating content like going on a first date. You need to be your most authentic self. You can’t start a healthy relationship on a foundation of lies. If you try to be someone you’re not, eventually you’re going to be found out. So, when it comes to creating content, be authentic and create something unique!
Have a strategy in place
As with anything in business, having a strategy in place is incredibly helpful. You need to think about what the overall purpose of your content is. Are you looking to sell a certain product? Build hype around an event? Expand your target audience? With a comprehensive plan in place you’ll have an easier time of mapping your journey and creating compelling content that works as intended.
Compelling titles
Whether it be for your blog posts, videos or podcast episodes, having a compelling title is important. Not only should it inform the search engines of precisely what is involved, but the consumers too. This will make it easier for people to find your content – and with a compelling touch to ‘up’ those conversions.
A great hook
The key to any great content is having a great hook. The introduction to your blog, the first few seconds of your video, and the first impressions of a graphic matter. You need to compel people to stick around. The fact is, attention spans are getting shorter and everyone is competing for attention so make it irresistible.
Create for your audience
Many people create content because they know it is a crucial aspect of growing and managing a business. This is true, however, the key to creating great content is doing so for your audience. The ‘marketing benefits’ should be a bi-product of your content. First and foremost, create something that is intended to engage with and inspire your potential customers and treat their business as a bonus.
Narrow your focus
Each piece of content needs to have a clear and evident focus. Yes, you can create blog posts with “10 different wonderful things” as long as they share a similar theme. If the content is too diluted it will lose value.
Find your brand voice
Find your voice. This could be in the form of the language that you use, the style of video that you create or the colour schemes and design methods that you favour for your graphics. Find something that truly represents your brand and resonates with your audience.
Provide value
People love free value so when creating content make sure it serves a purpose. Provide knowledge that your audience genuinely wants. As part of your market research, figure out what kind of information your ideal audience craves and give it to them!
Include genuine, actionable tips
Every piece of content should be useful. When creating great content, you should be providing your audience with genuine, actionable tips and titbits that they will carry with them throughout the day.
Build trust
Trust is another important factor when it comes to creating great content. Why should people trust you? What makes you an authority? Where necessary, provide reputable sources for data and statistics.
Have we missed anything on this list? Are there any other ingredients that you find help you create great content?
Don’t forget you can work with a professional digital marketing agency who specialises in content. Read our top 5 reasons to hire a content marketer. And If you’re ready to see an uplift in your content campaigns, book a call with the BlueMelon Design business development team.
