Creating Compelling Content to Drive Engagement

We all know that feeling when we sit down to write something and the words just won’t come. You want to produce great content, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start or what will actually resonate with your audience. Luckily, there are some tried and true tips that can help you write content that people actually want to read. By following these suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to creating material that is both informative and engaging. So put down that pen and let’s get started!

Who is reading your content?

First and foremost, it’s important to understand who your audience is and what they are looking for in your content. Do some research into their interests, problems they’re facing, and things that resonate with them. Once you have an idea of the types of topics that will resonate with them, you can start crafting content around these topics that provides value while also being interesting and easy to read.

Keep things concise

No one has the time or attention span to sift through longwinded content, so it’s important to keep things as concise as possible. Look for ways to trim down your writing without sacrificing the quality of the content. Consider using shorter sentences, more direct language and fewer words whenever possible. Additionally, be sure to break up large chunks of text into smaller sections with clear headings and subheadings that make it easy to skim through the material.

Engage your readers by using strong verbs and active voice

Active voice is when the subject of the sentence is doing something. For example, instead of saying “The ball was thrown by him,” you would say “He threw the ball.” Strong verbs are action words that bring your sentences to life and give them more impact. Try to use strong verbs wherever possible in order to make your content more engaging for your readers.

Be creative with your topics – think outside the box

Try to think beyond the usual topics and explore more creative ways to capture your audience’s attention. Consider looking for ideas from outside sources, such as magazines, books, and even conversations with other people. Additionally, you could look at trending topics on social media or popular hashtags that are associated with your industry. This can help you come up with fresh and interesting angles to explore.

Incorporate visuals

Visuals are a great way to appeal to your audience and keep them engaged. Whether you’re working with images, videos or infographics, visuals can make your content more eye-catching and help illustrate key points. Try to include at least one visual with each piece of content you write to give readers something interesting and attractive to look at as they scroll through their feed.

Choose a tone of voice that is appropriate for your audience and stick with it

Your tone of voice should match the style and message you’re trying to communicate in your content. For example, if you’re writing something humorous, opt for a more lighthearted tone, while a serious topic may require a more formal or professional approach. Make sure that whatever tone of voice you use is consistent throughout your pieces so readers will recognize it and become more familiar with your writing.

Focus on providing value

The most important thing to remember when writing content is that you should be offering something useful or of value to the reader. Whether it’s tips and advice, an interesting story or a thought-provoking perspective, make sure you’re giving readers something they can take away from your work that will benefit them in some way. By providing value, you’ll be sure to keep your readers engaged and coming back for more!

Tell stories

Stories have the power to engage people in ways that facts and figures cannot, so don’t be afraid to incorporate them into your content. Whether you’re sharing a personal anecdote related to the topic or using an example from another source, stories can help draw readers in and make them more likely to internalize the information.

Be sure to proofread

Finally, it’s essential that your content is free from typos and other errors. Take the time to proofread each piece of content before you publish it, or even better, have someone else read through it for a fresh set of eyes. This will ensure that your content is as polished and professional as possible.

Parting Thoughts

Writing engaging content takes time and practice, but there are a few key tips that can help you create content that captures the attention of your readers and encourages them to come back for more. Keep these tips in mind as you write and you’ll be sure to produce work that stands out from the rest!

Written by Shawn Hooghkirk on January 31, 2023

Shawn is the President of Graticle, Inc.