#WritingHackFriday: Creating Engaging Content Online
This Friday, let's take a closer look at how you can start posting engaging content of value online.
Whether you are a social entrepreneur or a digital native, you likely spend at least five minutes (or hours) online trying to make an impact with your content.
It’s hard, isn’t it?
Whether you are trying to share information about current events, inspire others in your circles to action on social change, or just putting funny memes, creating content online has never been easier — or more incredibly difficult.
You’re trying to make an impact online, but you feel like your digital content is a lost cause.
It’s like that little old lady on Antiques Roadshow who thought her beautiful vase was worth 1 Million — but it was actually
You’ve written out that long-form post and posted the perfect picture, but then it hits you — does anyone care about this?
Content creation analysis paralysis is real.
BUT! What if I told you that there was a secret formula that would help you get more traffic and sales than your competitors?
Well, buckle up, because that’s why I’m here today…to tell you that there is no secret formula to great online content creation.
There’s No Secret to Success Online
If someone tells you that they have found “THE key to unlocking 10X content online!” do yourself a favor and run, run, run from that affiliate content.
Creating great content online is actually a combination of trial-and-error, brain-breaking creativity, and a lot of viral luck. (The good kind of viral.) It’s tough, but with the right technique, you can figure it out!
If you are looking to add a bit of pizazz to your online presence, here are a few #FreeFriday tips on how you can start curating great content online:
1. Find A Niche
One of the most important things you can do as a digital creator is to find your niche.
Not a quiche. (Though you should bring me one if you find it.)
A niche is something about you and your content makes you stand out from everyone else. That little aspect of yourself that will guide people towards engaging with all of the content that you put online.
You may be wondering, “How do I even find a niche? I love everything!”
One of the easiest ways to find your digital niche is finding what you are most passionate about.
Take a look at what matters most to you and try to create content about it. Share it online, start conversations around it, and get people talking about the topics that matter most to you.
If you find that other users engage with your content and your content resonates, you may have struck niche-gold.
2. Figure Out What is Working for Others
Once you have found your niche, take a look at what other digital creators are doing to engage their audience.
Some digital creators make it look easy. It’s like magic that they produce content that goes viral every single time! These digital creatives probably started out by creating one or two pieces of viral content that opened up the door for them to keep sharing their voice online.
This doesn’t mean you copy their content. Big no-no. Instead, think about why that digital content is so engaging. Consider every scroll session a “digital case study.”
3. Inspire and Motivate with Your Content
Once you have found your digital voice and a handful of different digital niches that you are interested in pursuing online, start sharing content that will inspire and motivate your audience.
Create and share digital content about topics that matter most to you! Your voice can inspire others, so don’t be afraid to share it with the world.
Seriously — even if you think “Nobody cares about this!” I can guarantee you there is someone who will see your post and say “Finally, someone who gets me!”
Jackpot.
4. Practice Makes Perfect
Here’s the key — If you are looking to build up your digital reputation, post relevant content consistently. Even if you don’t think you’ve “mastered” your craft, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. (Wayne Gretzky/Michael Scott)
I know that social media post is like your precious child that you’ve raised from infancy. But nobody needs to keep their 30-year-old at home in the basement. Let. That. Sweet. Content-Baby. Fly. Free!
Keep posting, and stay authentic to who you are. Then sit back and watch the creativity begin to flow more naturally.
5. Invest in Your Creative Journey
If you’re hoping to find digital niches with a digital community, you need to invest in yourself — and not just financially.
You need to invest time into your digital presence: reading books about digital marketing, brainstorming content ideas, creating social media profiles for your digital voice.
Investing in your digital self will help you find that niche online that actually matters to you.
Be the Creative You Know You Are
Will these tips work overnight? No — again, it’s not a secret formula — but by staying consistent and engaging with other users online, you’ll quickly build a rhythm that will feel right.
Don’t forget to have fun. The digital space is there to explore and make a difference in the real world.
Much of your content will fall flat, and you’ll look at your hilarious tweet wondering, “What is WRONG with everyone? This is HILARIOUS!” Don’t let low engagement keep you from moving forward.
You are a digital creator — not an aspiring digital creator. It’s time to drop the doubt and start being the creative that you are!
Brad Bartlett is a freelance copywriter by trade and an aspiring blue-check Twitter user. He has already had too much coffee today but is totally up for a meet-up for a triple-shot espresso if you are buying.
