Website content has to be good in order to achieve any goal that your site may have. What’s meant by “good” in this context is that it’s effective. It helps to lead the visitor to take the action you want them to take. Here are the 5 keys to creating highly effective content.
1. Readability
Your content needs to have a casual, friendly tone and be easy to read for readers of any level. Sentences and paragraphs should be short and there shouldn’t be any huge patches of text. When explaining difficult concepts, try to explain them in a way that anyone of any age can understand.
Why? – If your website is hard to read or understand, people will leave it and look for a site that’s easier.
2. Relevance
Your content should address a specific problem your reader faces or answer their specific questions. Content is all about providing valuable information, so it needs to be something your visitor is looking for.
Why? – People search online for content with specific problems and questions. To be highly effective, your content should answer them.
3. Uniqueness
Your content should be totally original. Never use copied content. It should also be unique, taking a slightly different approach to the problem or the information. Try to set your content apart somehow, whether in its content or just in its tone or presentation.
Why? – There is a great deal of content out there that says the same thing. If yours is unique, it will grab attention.
4. Expertise
Your content shows your expertise, experience and knowledge. You are an expert in your niche or field, and you’re sharing that expertise with your readers. In addition to your excellent and informative content, your site also tells the reader that you’re trustworthy and known for your expertise in your field. Your content should be free of all spelling, grammar or word usage errors, and there shouldn’t be any awkward phrases.
Why? – The reader needs to trust you. Framing yourself as a thought leader is a great way to brand yourself and gain a large, strong following.
5. Urges the Reader to Take Action
Finally, the best content urges the reader to take action. After reading your helpful and useful content, you should tell them what action they need to take next.
Why? – Because this is an excellent opportunity. This is a key touch-point where you can invite a reader to join your list or check out your offerings on your website.
There is much more to writing great content, but if you follow the above five guidelines and check your work against them, you’ll have content that’s highly effective and helps you achieve your goals.