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#ContentWritingChat Recap: How to Write Content That Converts

#ContentWritingChat Recap: How to Write Content That Converts

by | Apr 8, 2022 | ContentWritingChat

From blog posts to social media content and email newsletters, we all want our content to convert. We want people to read something we’ve written and be inspired to take action.

We want them to visit our websites, leave comments, and purchase what we’re selling.

But is there a secret to writing content that converts to boost the success of what we create? That’s what we’re diving into in this #ContentWritingChat recap!

#ContentWritingChat Recap: How to Write Content That Converts

This month, we hosted a community chat and invited all the incredible creators in our community to step up to the plate and share their advice.

Q1: You should always keep your target audience in mind when writing content. What should you know about them that will help increase your conversion rate?

As Jennifer mentioned, it helps to first know the demographics of your audience. This includes their age, gender, and where they’re based in the world. She said it’s also smart to determine which brands they follow and purchase from, the kind of content they’re engaging with, and what their goals and pain points are. All of this will shape the content you create because it’ll help you speak directly to them and their needs.

You can even go as far as to find out what they do (professionally and in their free time), plus how they most enjoy consuming content.

Andrew brought up a great point about knowing where your audience is spending their time online. It’s crucial that you invest in the platforms they’re most active on. Otherwise, they’ll be less likely to discover you. So, be where they are and create content that addresses their pain points.

Knowing what your target audience is searching for online allows you to make note of any gaps in your content. This way, you’re able to discuss the topics that matter most to them, ultimately attracting more people to your brand.

Q2: How can you use emotion within your content to motivate a reader to take action?

When creating content that evokes emotions, you always want to address the most common pain points your audience struggles with.

Andrea offered some great advice. She suggested tying emotion to the pain points of your target audience or to the dream they’re trying to achieve. That will help you to better connect with them and will increase the likelihood that they’ll convert.

Don’t be afraid to take people on a journey with the story you tell because it’s sure to get them feeling emotional. Plus, it’s more likely to hold their attention throughout.

Jennifer suggests also sharing some testimonials from past clients or customers. This is relatable and allows them to see how your offering has been a game-changer in their lives.

Q3: Urgency is a great way to boost your conversion rate. How can you communicate urgency through your content?

Always remember to include a call to action so you can let people know what that next step is. But to create that sense of urgency, you can also add a limited-time offer to make it even more enticing.

If there’s a deadline to sign up or limited spots, be sure to share those details. People won’t want to miss out on an offer that resonates with them, so they’ll be more inclined to purchase when they know a deal is expiring.

Email marketing is one of the most common ways people communicate urgency, as Jennifer pointed out. Those emails indicating a sale is ending always seem to land in our inboxes!

Q4: There are various copywriting formulas content creators turn to, such as PAS (Problem – Agitate – Solve). Do you have a favorite?

PAS is definitely a go-to and easy for any creator to utilize. Give it a try the next time you’re writing copy!

Q5: Sometimes there are obstacles preventing someone from taking action after consuming your content. How do you eliminate those obstacles to increase your conversion rate?

Make sure your website is mobile-friendly so people can easily check out from their smartphones. That’s a must in this day and age!

Andrew suggests removing any distractions on your landing pages and make it super easy for people to click that “buy now” button. If people have to jump through hoops to sign up for something or check out, they’ll potentially leave.

Q6: A/B split testing is an important part of conversion copywriting so you can see which content performs best. What elements of your content can you tweak and test?

There are a number of things you can tweak when split testing. Consider changing your headlines, CTA, buttons, and the images you’ve used. Your copy can be rewritten too. Just be sure you only change one thing at a time so you can see which element is really making the difference.

Jennifer agrees. Switch up email subject lines, headlines, and images to see what appears to resonate the most with your audience.

Q7: Which metrics can you track to determine how successful your content is?

Andrew suggests tracking metrics like clicks, time on page, etc. Ultimately, it goes back to the goals you set for a piece of content. Did you achieve what you set out to do?

Open rate, click-through rate, page views, and conversion rate are all important to track. This will allow you to see how successful your content has been.

Q8: Are there any tools to help measure the effectiveness of your content?

Google Analytics, Ahrefs, and SEMrush are always favorites!

Don’t forget to use the built-in analytics for your social media scheduling tool, like the ones on Hootsuite.

Want to hang out with us for the next #ContentWritingChat? Mark your calendar for the first Tuesday of every month at 10 AM Central. Then, follow @ExpWriters to stay updated!

#ContentWritingChat Recap: How to Write Content That Converts

#ContentWritingChat Recap: Mastering Social Media Marketing in 2022 with Andrew C. Belton

by | Mar 4, 2022 | ContentWritingChat

There’s no denying that social media is a powerful way to establish your authority online and make connections with new people from around the world.

However, the road to becoming a social media pro isn’t always an easy one. There are so many platforms to consider, algorithms to deal with, and then you have to create content!

Luckily, in this #ContentWritingChat recap, we’re sharing some social media marketing tips that you can implement throughout the year ahead. We discuss the top tools to check out, training options to enhance your skills, and more.

#ContentWritingChat Recap: Mastering Social Media Marketing in 2022 with Andrew C. Belton

Our guest host for this month’s chat was Andrew C. Belton. Andrew is a Social Media Marketing Strategist, as well as the founder of Symmetrical Media Marketing. He joined #ContentWritingChat to share his expertise and help you take your social media presence to the next level. So, let’s dive into the tips!

Q1: Which platforms are you focusing on building for your brand or company?

For Andrew, his primary focus when it comes to social media marketing has been LinkedIn. It’s a great platform for making professional connections, as well as for publishing content. Andrew’s company is also giving extra attention to Twitter and Facebook.

The same platforms are on Asangi’s radar as well. Personally, she’s focused on LinkedIn and Twitter, but is incorporating Facebook for company use.

Q2: Which tools do you use to help manage social media marketing?

Hootsuite is a favorite for Andew and it’s the tool he frequently recommends to clients. He also likes using IFTTT for automation, as well as Canva for designing graphics.

Here at Express Writers, MeetEdgar has long been a go-to for our team. We like that it allows us to create a schedule focused around certain types of content. Plus, you can build a library of content that repeats forever for platforms like Facebook.

We have another Hootsuite recommendation! SproutSocial is also a tool worth checking out. But as Asangi knows, you can’t go wrong with a trusty Excel workbook. Sometimes all you need is a good spreadsheet.

Dana keeps it simple with a pen, paper, and Post-Its. After all, it’s really about using the tools and methods that work best for YOU. And if you’re a team of one, you don’t necessarily need digital tools for planning.

Q3: What kind of training have you pursued or is offered by your company for social media marketing?

Andrew recommends checking out programs from both Hootsuite and HubSpot Academy. Each offer some robust programs that will help you take your social media marketing skills to the next level.

Thomas has previously tried the Facebook Blueprint certifications, but found it wasn’t the right fit for his needs. That’s why it’s important to research and see what these various programs offer so you can be sure you’re making a smart investment. Instead, his team hosts internal conferences where everyone can recommend webinars and they can have training time together.

There’s nothing quite like getting hands-on experience! Sometimes the best way to learn is to just dive in and do the job. Over time, you’ll learn a thing or two yourself. However, there’s nothing wrong with turning to online courses or Googling when you need extra help, as Asangi knows.

Dana has no problem using Google when she needs to find information on a certain topic. She also loves joining Twitter chats, as they’re a fantastic way to learn from others and to expand your knowledge.

Q4: What recent trends have you noticed in social media marketing?

As Andrew pointed out, short-form videos are all the rage these days, particularly with platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. If you know your audience is interested in this kind of content, it would be worth experimenting to see how it performs for you.

Dana has also noticed video content has become an even bigger trend, but so has audio. As she mentioned, Twitter Spaces has really taken off and has become a powerful way for creators on the platform to provide value and make new connections.

Thomas is noticing a shift away from paid ads and seeing brands invest more in influencer marketing instead. Considering people are often inclined to take advice and recommendations from their favorite influencers, it’s no wonder they’re prioritizing these types of collaborations.

Q5: What resources do you use when reviewing your social media strategy and data?

Built-in analytics from platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook can offer some powerful data that will shape your social media marketing strategy. However, Andrew also likes to use Hootsuite’s analytics and Google Analytics as well.

Thomas has tons of tools he relies on, including Google Trends and SEMrush. You also can’t forget the feedback you receive from your own clients.

Q6: What are some tips that you would provide for small businesses regarding social media management?

As Andrew knows, it always starts with knowing your goals. This will help shape the plan you create for your social media presence, assist you in choosing relevant resources, and more.

Dana’s advice is to figure out where your audience is because those are the platforms you want to invest your time and energy into. This way, you stand a better chance at getting your content in front of the right people. From there, you can create and repurpose content that will resonate with them.

Asangi suggests narrowing down your social media channels to the ones that best fit your business and its needs. You don’t need to be everywhere online.

It helps to batch your content creation, so try blocking off time to create as many social media posts as you can. Then, you can start scheduling them through your favorite third-party tool. This is great for boosting your consistency and you’ll never have to worry about your accounts going inactive.

Q7: How have you adapted your content to perform optimally on social media?

It’s important to familiarize yourself with what works best for each platform in terms of content because each one is different. Then, as Andrew said, you can tailor your posts accordingly.

Know who your target audience is! Dana realizes this step is crucial not just in choosing the platforms you use, but also in shaping the content you’re publishing.

Q8: What are some tips that you have for someone looking to start a career in digital marketing?

If you’re in college, Andrew’s advice is to pursue an internship is possible. This can be a great way to get hands-on experience that will also make it easier to land jobs in the future. He also suggests taking online courses, like the ones from Hootsuite and HubSpot.

Make sure you’re open to learning new things. While you may think you know it all, there’s always room for improvement, so don’t be afraid to invest in resources that will help you grow.

Dana suggests looking for mentors that you can connect with and learn from. Those who are doing what you’d like to do have so much to offer.

Want to hang out during our next #ContentWritingChat? Mark your calendars for the first Tuesday of every month at 10 AM Central. Then, be sure to follow @ExpWriters to stay updated!

#ContentWritingChat Recap: How to Write Content That Converts

#ContentWritingChat Recap: Developing a Content Strategy in 2022

by | Feb 4, 2022 | ContentWritingChat

Does your brand have a content strategy in place for the year ahead? If not, it’s time to make a change!

A content strategy encourages you to have a purpose behind the content you’re posting, while also helping you reach your business goals. Plus, it’ll help you stay consistent. When your content is already planned out, there’s no need to question what to post next.

So, you may be wondering… How do I create an effective content strategy? Well, we have some answers for you in this #ContentWritingChat recap.

#ContentWritingChat Recap: Developing a Content Strategy in 2022

To ensure 2022 is a success for your brand, it’s time to take your content seriously. For this month’s community chat, we went over some key elements of crafting a content strategy.

Q1: What are the primary benefits of having a content strategy for your brand?

As Andrew pointed out, it’s all about consistency. Having a content strategy allows you to be consistent in your posting frequency, but it also helps you to be consistent in creating content that’s aligned with your brand. What you publish online should be a reflection of your brand’s mission and its values.

With a strategy in place, your content will be all planned out. This means you’ll never have to wonder what to post about, nor will you be scrambling for ideas at the last minute.

Dana feels inspiration is more likely to strike when you aren’t worried about filling a content calendar or meeting deadlines. So, don’t be afraid to plan ahead to create more consistency in your posting schedule.

Q2: Creating a content strategy starts with knowing your goals. How can you ensure the content you publish online will help you achieve big things?

You definitely want to keep your goals in mind when it comes to planning out your content. You can use your goals to shape the kind of content you’re publishing in terms of formats, topics, etc.

It always goes back to finding ways you can serve your audience. Create content based on what’s interesting to them and what will address their pain points.

Q3: Where do you get fresh content ideas that will appeal to your audience?

Sometimes it’s as simple as seeing what your favorite creators are talking about. That can help generate tons of new ideas!

Kushlani finds that scrolling social media, reading articles, and talking to her clients about challenges can be a great source of inspiration for her content strategy.

Andrew turns to research studies, polls, and the latest news to help him generate content ideas.

Dana said watching all different genres of TV and movies is helpful for her when she needs to get the creative juices flowing. And of course, you can’t go wrong with simply asking your audience what they’d like to see from you. They’ll share their thoughts.

Q4: How do you decide if it’s worthwhile to invest in a new content format? Do you follow the trends or stick to what you know?

The content formats you choose should fit two main requirements: it should showcase your strengths and appeal to your target audience. This will increase your odds for success.

Joana sees the value in experimenting with trends. After all, you never know when something may take off for your brand and perform really well.

Asangi agrees that it’s worth trying new ideas and trends. At the end of the day, you never know how something will work for you unless you try.

It’s also smart to consider how something fits into your budget. Do you have the money to invest in pursuing these new content ideas?

Q5: How does distribution play a role in your content strategy? What ways do you spread the word about the content you’ve created?

Social media and email marketing are common distribution tactics to include in your content strategy. That’s because they’ve been shown to be effective at generating traffic. Other tactics Andrew relies on are personally messaging his LinkedIn contacts that may benefit from his content and employee advocacy.

Dana plans to focus on social media and email marketing for her distribution plan as well.

Kushlani’s advice is to consider the type of content, your audience consumption, content goals, and distribution goals before fleshing out your distribution strategy.

Q6: How often do you check your analytics to measure the results of your content strategy? And when do you make changes if something isn’t working?

Joana checks her analytics regularly, twice a month in fact. However, she waits three months before making changes. This allows ample time to see how your content is performing.

Andrew checks his analytics weekly and receives automated reports from Hootsuite to assist with this.

You may even find that you want to give certain types of content more time before you start diving into the analytics of a post.

Q7: Accessibility is crucial to ensure everyone can enjoy your content. What changes can you make in your content strategy to accommodate those who may be visually impaired or hearing impaired?

Captions, alt text, and transcripts are crucial when creating accessible content.

Taking one piece of content and making it available in different formats can be very effective. As Asangi said, you can turn a case study into a video and also include captions to make it accessible.

Even simple tweaks like adding alt text to the images you post on social media can make your content more accessible.

Q8: Do you use any tools to help you plan, create, and distribute your content? For example, a content calendar, social media scheduler, etc.?

Besides relying on her brain, Joana uses paper and pen, a content calendar, and a social media scheduler to be a content pro.

Want to join us for the next #ContentWritingChat? Mark your calendars for the first Tuesday of every month at 10 AM Central. Then, follow @ExpWriters for all the latest!

#ContentWritingChat Recap: How to Write Content That Converts

#ContentWritingChat Recap: Building the KLT Factor Through Online Content

by | Jan 7, 2022 | ContentWritingChat

If you want to succeed in business, it’s important that you take time to build the Know, Like, and Trust Factor with your audience. That’s because customers are only going to be inclined to do business with brands they trust. Meaning, if they don’t see you as a trustworthy and reliable source of information in your field, they probably won’t ever make a purchase. And we all want to be profitable, right?

So, the question is… How do you build this all-important KLT Factor to set your business up to thrive? Well, one way is to produce amazing content! And in this #ContentWritingChat recap, you’ll learn how to create online content that attracts your target audience and makes them fall in love with you.

#ContentWritingChat Recap: Building the KLT Factor Through Online Content

This month, we hosted a community chat, giving our awesome chat participants the chance to shine. They shared some great tips on building the KLT Factor, so let’s dive into the recap.

Q1: The Know, Like, and Trust (KLT) Factor is often talked about by creators and marketers. Why is this such an important thing to focus on when building your brand?

If people don’t know who you are, you’ll miss out on tons of opportunities to build relationships, land sales, and more. That’s why the first step is to get yourself out there and become known.

As Kushlani said, it really comes down to the final element: trust. Without that, it’s going to be difficult for your business to grow and generate sales. People need to know they can count on you before they’ll spend any money with you.

Part of building the KLT Factor is creating and nurturing your community online. This will ensure you’re developing strong, long-lasting relationships with your customers.

And of course, you can’t have trust without first being known and liked. You have to start at the beginning by generating awareness and getting people interested in who you are and what you do.

Q2: The first element of the KLT Factor is becoming known. How can a brand generate more awareness to build an audience of their target clients/customers?

You need to make sure you’re showing up online and doing so consistently. By regularly putting out valuable content, whether it’s on a blog or another platform, you increase the odds of being discovered by a new audience.

As you create content, follow Jim’s advice. Use it as an opportunity to address the pain points your audience is struggling with. If you can provide solutions to their problems, they’ll be more inclined to keep coming back.

Being part of the right communities (the ones where your target audience spends their time) is going to boost awareness greatly. Use the social media platforms they’re active on. Join Twitter chats and Facebook groups they frequent. Just get yourself out there.

Q3: Next, you want your audience to like you. How do you create content that will get your audience interested and make them fall in love with the work you’re doing?

In order for your content to appeal to people, make sure it’s relevant to their needs, something they’re looking for in the moment, and authentic to your brand voice and values.

Relatable content will help you win over potential customers. That’s why it’s so important to figure out what they want so you can create it. Social listening is a great practice for understanding their needs.

If you aren’t sure what people want from you, don’t be afraid to ask. Many will be happy to share their thoughts with you, which can ultimately be turned into content.

Q4: Authenticity is important if you want to become a likable brand. What makes a brand authentic and how can they embrace this through their content?

Having an authentic brand is about being true to your your mission and your values. It’s about honesty and transparency in your messaging. People notice these things and will develop a stronger connection with authentic brands.

As Jim pointed out, user-generated content is great for boosting authenticity because it shows that others love and support your brand. This can be helpful in building trust long-term because it provides reassurance before someone makes an investment in your offerings.

Be real and consistent when it comes to what your business stands for. Sometimes people will connect with a brand simply because they share the same values. So, always stand firm in what you believe in.

And if there’s ever a moment where you mess up, own up to it. Apologize. We’re all human and we make mistakes. The worst thing you can to is ignore it. Be true to yourself and address the situation.

Q5: Finally, you can build trust by positioning yourself as an authority in your field. How does a brand become the go-to expert over their competitors?

It helps to first study your competitors. Get clear on what they’re doing and identify areas you can step up to the plate and be better or different. When you can identify gaps in their content or offerings, you can fill them more easily and attract new people to you.

If you make a promise, deliver on it. In fact, you should aim to over-deliver. By showing up and providing exactly what your audience needs in the moment, you’ll stand a better chance at securing customers over your competitors.

Position yourself as an expert in your field. While this won’t happen overnight, it’s a long-term game that’s worth playing. Joana suggests using formats like blogs and infographics for showcasing expertise.

Q6: Are there certain types of content (like behind-the-scenes content, for example) that brands should prioritize to build the KLT Factor with their audience?

Jim is a big fan of user-generated content. Because this is content your audience has created, it doesn’t require any extra work on your part. You merely need to keep an eye out for the posts people share about your brand. Then, you can repost it to your own accounts.

Sharing both the good and the bad is truly relatable and can help people form a closer bond with your brand. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable because it’s those moments that just might make someone love you and your work even more.

As Kushlani said, behind the scenes content is always a winner. It shows off the human side of your brand and can be helpful in building each of the three elements of the KLT Factor.

Q7: How do you know if you’ve successfully built the KLT Factor? Will there be certain metrics to track so you’ll know if you’re moving forward?

Conversions are often where it’s at because we want to know that we’re making a profit. However, you may also want to track things like shares and comments because they can indicate what really resonates with your audience.

You can also monitor your rankings in the search results. The higher your content ranks on Google, the more chances you have of building that first element of the KLT Factor: becoming known.

Is there anything more satisfying than a referral? Not only does it show you’ve successfully served customers in the past, but it really shows their appreciation when they send a friend your way.

Want to join the next #ContentWritingChat? It happens on the first Tuesday of every month at 10 AM Central Time. Follow @ExpWriters so you don’t miss out!

#ContentWritingChat Recap: How to Write Content That Converts

#ContentWritingChat Recap: Sourcing Epic Content Ideas With Masooma Memon

by | Dec 10, 2021 | ContentWritingChat

The content you create is essential in growing your brand online.

Not only does it help to attract people to your website and social media profiles, but your content is also a way to add value and to position yourself as an authority. And in time, people will begin to view you as a trustworthy source in your field.

However, creating fresh and exciting content can be challenging if you’re feeling short on ideas. Luckily, we have some tips that will get those creative juices flowing and ensure you’ll have a full content plan for the months ahead.

That’s because our latest #ContentWritingChat was all about sourcing epic content ideas.

#ContentWritingChat Recap: Sourcing Epic Content Ideas With Masooma Memon

Our guest host this month was a frequent #ContentWritingChat participant, Masooma Memon. She’s a freelance writer for B2B SaaS companies, meaning she knows a thing or two about generating awesome content ideas. Masooma offered some great advice throughout the chat, so let’s dive into the recap!

Q1: What’s a great content idea?

You want to make sure your content is not only relevant to your brand, but also solves a pain point that your target audience is facing. When they see that you’re able to help them with their problems, they’ll be sure to come back for more.

It’s also smart to bring your own unique, creative perspectives to a topic. Don’t just copy what everyone else is doing because that gets repetitive. Find a way to put your own spin on things for a new take.

At the end of the day, it’s all about adding value. If you’re not adding some sort of value to the lives of those in your audience, they won’t have much reason to stick around.

Again, add value! When you genuinely care about showing up and serving your audience, creating quality, valuable content becomes so easy.

Another element of a great content idea is passion. If you aren’t passionate about the topics you’re writing and speaking on, it’ll show. Attract people to your work by creating content around the things you truly love.

Q2: What are some unique ways to source content ideas?

Masooma suggests using platforms like Reddit and Quora to discover the kinds of questions your target audience is asking. You can also look into the most popular and top-rated books in your industry via Amazon. That also shows what they’re interested in.

You can’t go wrong with reading! Check out books and blogs in your field to discover what other creators are talking about, as well as what their audience is discussing in the comments section. It may take some time on your part, but social listening is a powerful way to gain a better understanding of who your audience is and what they’d like to see from you.

And finally, Masooma also recommends having brainstorming sessions with others. For instance, joining forces with other members of your team can help generate ideas you never would have come up with on your own.

In order to come up with top-notch ideas, you need to get serious about doing your research. Listen to what your audience is saying online and you’ll begin to see what their main areas of interest are.

If you want to make things super easy on yourself, create a reader survey and send it to your email list. This is something you could do on a yearly basis, allowing you to shape your content plan and even the types of offerings you provide. This takes the guesswork out of figuring out what your audience wants since they’ll be able to tell you directly.

The more you talk to your audience, the better chance you’ll stand at developing content ideas they’ll love. Try having conversations with them one-on-one in the DMs or in Facebook groups, for example. You can even invite some to have a private Zoom chat for more extensive market research.

Setting up Google Alerts for hot topics in your niche is a great way to stay on top of what others in your industry are discovering. Then, you can potentially put your own spin on things by adding a new perspective.

Even more amazing ideas! Looking through your competitor’s posts and reading any comments left by their audience can reveal gaps in your content plan and offerings. Discover where they’re lacking so you can step up to the plate and save the day.

Q3: How can you use social media to source new ideas?

Find some Twitter chats in your niche and see what they’re discussing. Are there certain topics that seem to be really popular? If so, find a way to discuss them on your blog, podcast, or YouTube channel.

Be where your audience is. When you’re active in the same communities they are (like through Twitter chats and Facebook groups), you’ll be able to see the conversations they’re having. You’ll know what questions they’re asking, what they need help with, and so much more.

It’s smart to create Twitter lists that feature some of your favorite creators. See what they’re talking about and if it helps get those creative juices flowing.

Q4: How can you tell if a content idea is worth pursuing?

Masooma shared a resource she created that will help with filtering all of those ideas running through your mind. This is definitely worth checking out!

If an idea comes to mind and you’re not sure if you should pursue it, don’t be afraid to ask. Run a poll via Twitter or Instagram Stories, for example. It’ll help you quickly and easily gauge interest. But like Kushlani said, sometimes you need to trust your gut. If you’re confident an idea is going to be great, go for it.

As Dana said, it’s unrealistic to get feedback on everything you post. That’s why you need to trust the ideas you receive. In time though, it’ll become easier for you to generate ideas and know that they’ll be worthwhile. For now, it never hurts to ask before moving forward.

Q5: How should you get feedback on your ideas?

To gain feedback on ideas, try sharing polls where people can quickly vote with a simple yes or no. In a matter of hours, you’ll have a good idea if it’s a hit or not.

If you do set out to ask for feedback, prepare yourself for what you may hear. On the internet, people aren’t always kind with their responses. Know that you may get some harsh criticism in return, so don’t let it get you down. Instead, learn from it.

You really can’t go wrong with a survey, but if you want to take it up a notch, select a few survey respondents to hop on a private Zoom call. This will allow you to do some in-depth market research.

Q6: How can you prioritize your content ideas?

Masooma suggests prioritizing ideas based on feedback and time demands. Are there certain topics that your audience is dying to have you talk about? You may want to bump those to the top of the list.

Figure out where your content gaps are. What is your audience interested in learning about that you haven’t yet covered? It would be smart to prioritize those topics as you want to deliver exactly what they’re searching for.

You may even want to prioritize based on your schedule. If you’re in the midst of a busy season, you may opt to create content that’s quicker and easier to bring to life. You’ll also want to consider the relevancy of the topics at hand. If they’re evergreen, you’re able to talk about them whenever. However, timely topics will need to be discussed as soon as possible before the moment passes.

Q7: How do you choose which content format is right for your brand and audience?

Ask! Share a poll on social media or include this question in a survey you send out. Ask your audience what their favorite kind of content to consume is. This will let you know where to direct most of your time and effort.

Besides considering your audience’s interests, it’s also smart to consider which platforms allow you to shine. Are you a great writer? Go for blogging. If you love to speak and interview others, podcasting may be for you. Your content should also be a joy to create and should showcase your talents.

Andrea agrees that it’s important to know your strengths. Don’t force yourself to do something because you feel like you have to. Play to your strengths and people will pick up on the passion and joy that comes through in your work.

Again, it’s a combination of knowing your audience and knowing yourself. Like Dana said, you want to be able to use your voice to the best advantage. Which type of content allows you to do just that?

It’s also a good idea to investigate your analytics. If you’ve already been experimenting with different types of content, the data will tell you what’s really popular.

And as Jim said, it’s always worth a try. If you think you’d like to experiment with a new content format, give it a go. You won’t know if it works for you until you give it a shot. See how it feels for you and if your audience is interested.

Q8: What are some smart ways to repurpose your content to gain more traction?

There are so many ways to repurpose your content, but one smart way is to turn blogs, videos, and podcasts into multiple social media posts. They could be quotes, tips, etc. to give people a taste at what the full piece of content is like.

Another smart move is to create a blog post that’s a transcript of your video or podcast. This way, if people prefer to read over watching or listening, they can do so.

Interested in joining #ContentWritingChat? We host our Twitter chat on the first Tuesday of every month at 10 AM Central. Follow @ExpWriters to stay updated.