How to create good content for social sharing? | Weboptim
When we write content, we want people to read it and if they like it, share it. There are two options: either we write about what's new, or we write like others, but in a different way - better.
To understand people's sharing behaviour, we need to analyse it:
- what are they interested in?
- what do they like to share?
- what does our content offer them?
When we share something, we accept that the content reflects our own opinions.
How can we create content that users want to publish?
There are no general rules for all brands.
But the following 20 methods can help you increase the number of shares:
1. Write in a personal style
Think about what your company's personality is, what values it represents, and use these as a basis for defining your own personality style traits. (People tend to attach emotion to an article when they feel the writer is closer to them.)
2. Give something unexpected
We shock readers. Let's compare two things that are completely unrelated. Draw parallels between things that nobody thinks about.
3. Collect your own data
Whether you work for a third party or you do your own survey, you need to collect data instead of using other people's data. Primary information is much more valuable.
4. Trigger emotions
Some brands try to captivate consumers with nostalgic stories. This could be a nice picture, a quote or a Facebook post. The point is to create a certain emotion in visitors that can encourage sharing.
5. Be leaders
Let's be content leaders on the topic. Write about the latest strategies, new information or a special product. If we're recognised as a trusted source, people will be more willing to share our content.
6. Ask customers what they want
A simple and useful strategy. You can ask questions by email or in a post - the key is to have an idea of what topics your users would like to read about. Once we've done that, let them know. That way they will feel that we are really taking their opinions into account.
7. Analyse the 5 most successful content
Keep track of the best performing content. Success here only applies to social activity: take the 5 most shared articles and look at what they have in common: title? content type? visuals? etc... If you can find these, you can apply them to all articles.
8. Follow the new trends
Let's show people what's new, before everyone else. If they share our content, after a while they'll know that we're always on top of the latest trends.
9. Use custom formats
A unique visual appearance counts for a lot. By placing an infographic, you can grab people's attention.
10. Make your content visually appealing
The visual image is important. But that doesn't just mean pretty pictures or graphics, it also means creating clear, structured content for users - with highlights, headings, lists.
11. Use a punchy title and introduction
The best solution is a combination of a creative title and an informative introduction. But let's not be too pushy. People want to know what your content will do for them, so be clear - so they know exactly what to expect.
12. Keep the content simple
Let's not make it too complicated. Make blog posts that are easy for anyone to understand.
13. Track your click-through rate
It is a simple and effective method to monitor whether readers share your content. Place social buttons at the end of posts to simplify the process for them.
14. Find an interesting topic
There are countless tools that can give you great ideas for topics. Browse what people are interested in and, if possible, use the article to answer their questions.
15. Use sharing tools
Ensure that readers can embed images or multimedia elements used in the content into their own content.
16. Experiment with content
Try to create content that is evergreen (lasts for a long time) or trendy (is current). Both have their advantages.
17. Find out what motivates your target audience
Let's look at what people share and find out why they share it. If we can find the motivation, we can create content that makes people want to share.
18. Add value to old content
People write more than once on most topics - but they may lack thoroughness. Take a topic you've already written about and add more statistics or better tips.
19. Create on-stop shop content
Combine different stories and case studies, as multiple perspectives give a more complete picture of a given topic.
20. Tell someone's story
People like unique perspectives. Interviewing one person so readers can get someone else's perspective increases trust.
Social media is one of the fastest and most rapidly growing areas of online marketing today. It's the easiest place to reach users, so it's definitely worth paying special attention to.
Source: searchenginejournal.com