In the entrepreneurial world, there is a massive demand for content creators. From tweets, Facebook posts, Instagram shots, and blog posts, companies and the public produce insane amounts of content.
But while some people can get so wrapped up in creating content, many companies overlook some key things. Specifically, they fail to realize one big thing: Anyone can create content, but not everyone can create great content.
Unfortunately, a lot of great content can get sucked up into the void of post after post. It’s hard for companies to compete when anyone can be a creator. Fortunately though, there are a number of strategies you can employ.
For those looking to jump their website to the next level, try these tried-and-true tips.
Have Clear Navigation across your site
Every site has a menu bar to help with navigation, and it’s a smart idea to regularly review it.
While the content on a website is important, it’s also key to ensure getting to the content is simple as well. With this in mind, make sure that the menu itself is clear and that you have specific categories. Not only that but make sure that the categories themselves make sense and that anyone going to your site can figure out what each one means.
Remember that visitors do not want to be clicking several times or reading cryptic meanings. They’re not about to pick your brain and try to guess what you mean by a certain word.
But I’d also go one step farther than just the menu. When making content, consider specific tags and make them simple. It also helps to have a search bar so people can navigate that way.
The more you make it easy for people to get to your content quickly, the more they’ll enjoy it.
Always keep your content Conversational
Despite what our English teachers taught us, nobody would actually read a term paper unless they had to. Make sure that what you are writing is directed to your audience.
So how do you do that? Well things like writing in second person helps. Second person is referring to people as “you” and “we”. Even including some “I”s in there can work to if your brand can swing it.
You also want to avoid industry jargon at all cost. The few exceptions to that is if you’re writing about industry terms, or you are providing some kind of brief explanation of the term immediately after.
Still use SEO Best Practices
Just because you’re writing content with your audience in mind doesn’t mean you have to throw away SEO (Search Engine Optimization) practices out the door. Remember that making content that no one can find is not optimized content.
So make sure what your writing ticks off all the boxes, and keeping SEO in mind too.
Provide relevant information
When people are Googling stuff, they’re looking for answers. This can be in the form of a post or it could be a product or service. Whatever the case is, you want to make sure your website can satisfy their needs.
With this in mind, don’t be afraid to be transparent. Give them your prices and what that entails. When writing content, point readers to other sites or studies to support arguments.
Better yet, make some of your own resources to address issues. Write an ebook talking about a common problem in your industry and what options are worth considering.
Don’t bother hyping things up
That’s not to say launching new content or a product or service isn’t exciting. What I’m getting at is trying not to purposely build up unneeded hype. If you’re selling something to someone, don’t try to drag a person through twists and spins.
People want honesty and transparency. So give them facts, and leave them with your thoughts and an opportunity for them to reach a decision themselves.
Have your Home Page be a summary
The home page is going to be the place where you’ll get the most traffic. On that home page alone, it’s important to let customers know what it is you’re all about.
- Tell them why your content, products or services will help them.
- Provide them with information to support those claims and for them to reach a decision.
If visitors can’t figure out what you are about, then they will quickly vanish. Much like with videos, we only have a handful of seconds to give people our elevator pitch.
Have Plenty of Pictures to Tell Stories
As people we can process pictures better than text and find them more appealing too. But while pictures are great, there can be some draw backs.
For one, if you’re using stock photos for your products or services, they’re going to feel generic. People can tell the difference between stock photos and the real deal and could be turned off from your attempts.
Instead, stick to stock photos to break up lengthy articles. It’s also worth using photos to better explain a story. Use them as emphasis and understanding. These are engaging and what can sell well.
Have Content that Builds Trust
Tell people why your company is uniquely qualified to provide products or services to them. Provide details of your history and achievements. Highlight those in particular on your About page.
You can also expand on the pages by including testimonials or case studies. Consider linking to reviews on Google or Yelp if applicable too.
Whenever you have Forms, Make Them Simple
From sign up sheets to forms needed to do your job – if needed – make sure the forms you use are simple and to the point. The idea is to make the process as seamless as possible, so make sure you are asking just the most important questions.
This goes back to understanding people, as most of us will find it annoying to fill out 20 or more fields with random bits of information. If you can, keep forms to only five questions at most.
Always have a Call to Action
Get people mobilized by telling them their next steps. This can be subscribing to your newsletter, getting an ebook, or signing up for a free consultation. Whatever the case is, make a point of giving people some next steps.
The idea is to lead people down a path to contact you, so you can provide them with a solution.
As for what call to action is appropriate, make sure that it is aligned with the mindset of your audience. If it’s not aligned with what they want, they’re not going to buy into what you’re providing.
Great Content brings Great Success
A great website as you can tell is more than just the content; it’s a great experience for those who are coming to your page. So devote some time to understanding your customers and finding creative and innovative ways to amaze your audience.