Content Marketing Tips to Unlock Your Content’s True Potential
There are over a billion websites on the internet, with more being added every day. That’s a lot of content! We’re swimming in a sea of blog posts, reels, podcasts, newsletters, videos, Instagram posts, LinkedIn Thinkpieces—the list goes on. With all this noise, only a few voices are heard. So, how do you pull your content out of the morass that is the internet and make it something people want to engage with?
Well, we’ll clue you in: it’s not about luck, it’s about strategy, creativity, and knowing how to make your message hit.
Here are seven simple ways you can unlock your content’s true potential and make your audience stop scrolling and start engaging.
Know Who You’re Talking To (Like, Really Know Them)
You’ll never create content that connects if you don’t know who it’s meant for. Forget vague ideas like “millennials” or “business owners”. Get specific. Picture your ideal reader:
- What keeps them up at night?
- What makes them laugh?
- What words or phrases do they use?
The better you understand your audience’s emotions, frustrations, and goals, the easier it is to craft content that feels personal to them. Think of it like making a mixtape (remember those?) You’re not just choosing songs you like; you’re picking what your friends like to hear.
An easy way to do this is to create a profile of the people you want to reach. Give them a name, a job, and a couple of quirks. Write to them, not at them.
Stop Writing Like a Robot
Yes, AI is a thing and makes creating content simple. Tell ChatGPT or some other LLM what you want it to write, and it’ll spit it out in a few seconds. The problem is that many people (and AI systems) make content that sounds like an instruction manual. Ignore this if your audience is into instruction manuals.
The key is to write like you talk. Inject your personality. Be conversational and maybe share an anecdote or two. Break grammar rules if it helps the flow (most readers won’t even know.) You’re not submitting your work for a college course; you’re having a conversation.
People connect with people, not perfect sentences. And, with all the polished content being pumped out by AI, being a little sloppy with your words is an advantage and will stand out.
Hook Them From the Start
You’ve got about three seconds to grab someone’s attention. No pressure, right? So, ditch the fluffy intros and start strong. Ask a question. Drop a bold statement. Tell a quick, but captivating story.
Here’s what we’re talking about.
Bad opening: “In today’s fast-paced digital world, content marketing is more important than ever.”
Better opening: “Your content might be great, but if no one reads it, does it even exist?”
Even better opening: “Your content stinks, and no one’s going to read it! But here are five ways to fix it.”
Make the people curious. Don’t use clichés. Make them want to see what’s next.
Give Value, Then Give a Little More
If your content doesn’t teach, entertain, or inspire, it’s just taking up space. Every piece you publish should answer a question, solve a problem, or make someone’s day better.
Think about what your readers will take away. A quick how-to? A fresh perspective? A laugh? Give them something worth remembering and worth sharing.
And once you’ve delivered the value they came for, overdeliver. Add a bonus tip. Link to a resource. Share a free template. The more useful your content, the more likely people will come back for more.
Mix Up Your Media
Not everyone wants to read a 1,500-word blog post (shocking, right?) Some people prefer quick reels, snappy social media posts, or infographics that get the point across visually.
Repurpose your content across formats. Turn a blog post into a YouTube video or carousel for Instagram. Pull stats into a Twitter thread. The point is that you can diversify your content to connect with audiences across platforms without doing too much extra work.
Optimize for Humans and Algorithms
Yes, SEO still matters. Keywords help people find you. But keyword stuffing rests in the digital graveyard. The goal is to blend readability and searchability.
Use keywords naturally, structure your post for skim-readers by using bold headers and bullet points. Write media descriptions that invite clicks, not bore readers.
Think of it like this: Google’s algorithms might bring someone to your page, but it’s your voice that keeps them there.
End With a Bang (and a Call to Action)
The last impression is just as important as the first. Don’t let your content fizzle out. Give your readers something to do. Ask them to comment, share, subscribe, or check out another post. But make it feel natural and rewarding. For example:
“Ready to level up your content game? Download our free checklist!”
“Got a tip we missed? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear it.”
The goal is to turn passive readers into active fans.
Ready to wow your readers and get more engagement with your content? Schedule a free consultation with the pros at Brandtastic now!