What’s the deal with content? The internet is oversaturated with content and creators trying to win your valuable clicks. As a writer in this wild west digital space, how can we write to keep the audience engaged and coming back to our work? Call me a lottery ticket, because I’ve got some winning numbers for you today.
Number 1: Start Strong, and Stay Consistent
If your article doesn’t have an engaging start then consider your audience gone. Start with a strong opening. The first sentence should hook the reader and make them want to keep reading, so use humor, a surprising fact, or a question to get them thinking.
“The most important sentence in any article
William Zinsser, On Writing Well
is the first one.”
Once the reader is engaged, build momentum by having each paragraph connect to each other, keeping their attention through the piece. You could lose the reader through inconsistent tones of language, grammar mistakes, and repetitive writing, so stay consistent!
Number 2: Context is Crucial
As the writer you know exactly what you want to say and on which platform. If you’re writing on Twitter, then write with Gen Z slang and buzzwords in consideration. If you’re writing on Facebook, then consider how your topic could relate to a 40-year-old mother of three. Make sure your work is important to the demographic reading it. As Gary Vaynerchuk says in his article Content is King, but Context is God,
“The context in which the consumer experiences your product for the first time matters so much. Do not roadblock them; bring them value.”
Number 3: Stay Specific
Once you have your audience hooked and thoroughly reading, be concise with your topic. Beating around the bush will only leave the reader confused on what their takeaway should be. If you’re not sure how to narrow down your topic, I suggest writing the key word on a piece of paper and brainstorming. Cluster words together that relate to your topic and see what stands out. Pick the strongest clusters and iron out those details. You don’t have to cover everything, just what suits your main point.
Lastly, be sure to stick the landing! Do not let your reader forget what they came to you for. Hammer down your point and set them free to think about your article for the rest of the day.
On that note, remember the three C’s: consistency, context, and conciseness!