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With content popping up all over the web like viral graffiti, getting your content noticed has become more challenging than ever before. In fact, between the abbreviated attention span of the modern consumer and the excess of content spewed across the web every day, standing out in the crowd might seem like something of an impossible task. With the right formula, however, your content can finally move ahead of the pack and gain the attention it deserves. Tweak the playing field to your advantage today by checking out the following four content-crafting tips.
Create the Perfect Headline
No matter how great your content is, if your headline is dull or misleading, it doesn’t stand a chance. Your headline is the first thing that visitors see, so it has to be spiffy and intriguing enough to earn a more in-depth look. To create the perfect headline, ensure that your title accurately reflects your content, while simultaneously advertising it. Tell your viewers what your content can do for them. Will it teach them a skill? Help them to better themselves? Improve their sense of self? Can it do it all of this in as few as five paragraphs? If your content isn’t “educational,” then try appealing to reader emotion through your title. Shocking or emotional content is viral-fodder, so don’t be afraid to ham it up in your title.
Choose Your Content Format
Choosing the right format for your content can have a significant impact on traffic to your page. On average, 3000 to 10000 word articles get the most shares, while 0-1000 word articles get the least. When producing 3000-10000 word content, however, keep its readability in mind. Better to produce a short, snappy piece than to ramble on about nothing just to bring up your word count. To break up longer articles, consider adding images or short videos. Intriguing images will often drive traffic to content, even if the title or subject matter is somewhat lackluster. In longer articles, a clear, clean layout is also essential. Avoid long paragraphs, and break up your content with lists, bullet points, or links.
Cater to Your Audience
You can’t please everyone, so identify your niche and stick to it. Ask yourself who is viewing your content, and why. Pay attention to any feedback that your content generates, and keep track of what works for you and what doesn’t. If a particular post provokes a lot of positive traffic, then don’t be afraid to repost the same content at a later date to keep it current.
Stay Social Media Savvy
Instead of just sharing your content through social media, connect with your fans by interacting with their posts and comments and responding to their interests. Keep your Instagram, Facebook, Google + and Twitter accounts up to date, and link out consistently to your webpage, blog and other online platforms. If your social media accounts just aren’t generating the fan base that you want them to, then don’t be afraid to hire professional help. A social media manager can generate fans for you, while taking the stress of managing your social media accounts off your hands.
