We have all heard this saying. However, the question is how do we create good content and what is good content?
Creating great content is not actually hard. In fact, it’s quite easy. However, its only easy when you understand what you are trying to accomplish. Three simple words should be kept in mind when writing content, the content should be CLEAR, CONSISE and COMPELLING.
When you are producing content it’s important you keep these in mind whether you are producing the content yourself or hiring someone to complete it, you need to ensure the content fits into these 3 categories.
So, let’s get into each 3 aspects in a little more detail:
1. BE CLEAR
When people visit your website, visitors need to be able to understand and comprehend your message on the site in less than 5 seconds. If your site is not clear about what it is; if it’s not clear about what it is about or what they get from it, the customer will just leave.
People don’t necessarily want to have to think and figure out what you are trying to say. Your headlines, subheadings, links, labels and navigation should all communicate clearly what lies in, under or behind them if that makes sense.
This is all part of giving readers agency and control. There doesn’t need to be anything to cute or any tricks involved. Neither do you need to lie in your content. Just keep it clear, comprehendible, straightforward, and easy to digest.
2. BE CONCISE
I’ve heard it said that we live in an instant gratification society. It seems the things we used to wait for, we now want them yesterday. If this is true it’s safe to say the same rules likely apply to content. Web writing should be concise. It is a minimalist game?
We have all been guilty of dragging on a little, but we must get into the habit of being more concise and deliberate with our words. In short, say more with less. Or as many would say: ‘just get to the point’. A little harsh I know but believe it or not this is a very effective way of communicating.
3. BE COMPELLING
Interestingly, even the most irritating, annoying and abrupt writers can be the most compelling and might I say persuasive. Once your content is clear and concise, the challenge then becomes about tapping into human emotions. That emotion might be greed, happiness, pride, or even anger. You will find that these emotional triggers can be either positive or negative. But they must be compelling to the reader to make an impact
So that’s it. Keep these things in mind and you’ll be on your way to creating excellent content!
Good luck!