Everywhere you look online, you’re seeing content.  All websites, blogs, social media posts, images, videos, and podcasts are content that someone took the time time to create.

It often feels like a constant bombardment and it can be overwhelming and confusing for a consumer.

So if the internet is seemingly oversaturated why does anyone create content?

Because it works.

You Can (and Should!) Stand Out

Even though there is no shortage of “stuff” to see and interact with online, good content is actually pretty rare.

Most of it is created purely to sell, to make a quick buck.

Don’t get me wrong– I’m trying to build a prosperous business and my content is a part of that.  But my content also does more than sell.

It provides value to my audience.  It gives a lot — well before it asks.

If you give to your audience, they will be more likely to reciprocate in the form of a sale.

You Inspire the Sale

Good content engages your audience and inspires them to do business with you.

Your product or service may offer a unique value proposition on its own.  However, the best way to differentiate your business in a crowded market is to show up as yourself.

People do business with people.

There are probably billions of writers that can produce quality online content for their clients.  Does that deter me?

Absolutely not.

At the risk of sounding a bit pompous, my clients work with me because they like me as a person.

They like my consultative, communicative and down-to-earth style.  It’s funny — I see those same qualities in my best clients.

Your personality will attract your ideal audience — and your ideal customer.

Good Content Forges & Fosters Relationships

Networking in person is a great way to quickly forge personal relationships with prospective customers.

But focusing solely on that channel is limiting when we literally have the entire world at our fingertips.

We can connect with and help people all over the globe with some button clicks and keystrokes.  That’s powerful!

Your message, if genuine and consistently broadcast, will create friendships with people that you’ve never met.

Those friends will come to trust you and may ultimately look to you to provide higher levels of service in the future.

Who are you more likely to buy from?  A stranger — or someone you feel a connection with?

I know which one I would choose.  And that’s why I urge you to take your content seriously.

You’re helping others — and it will come back to you tenfold.

What Good Content Does

As you see, good content builds relationships and fosters trust.  It accomplishes this by doing several things:

• informing/showcasing expertise
• entertaining
• inspiring

Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

Informing/Showcasing Expertise

People are constantly seeking knowledge.

They need questions answered or they need to learn a skill.  They want to stay current, continually developing themselves for personal or professional enrichment.

You can provide the information that they seek in your content.

If you deliver the goods here, you will position yourself as an expert in your field.  You will be seen as a credible and trusted source.

Your audience may become your customers because they want to learn more — from YOU.

Entertaining

While there are many things that divide people these days, pretty much everyone likes to smile and laugh.

If you give your audience a good chuckle or at least leave them feeling amused, they’re likely to keep coming back.

Showing a sense of humor also makes you relatable.

Yes, your informative content positions you as an expert.  But your lightheartedness makes you an accessible expert.

There are lots of smart people out there, but if they show zero personality, they’re going to have a tough time connecting with others.

Maintain an appropriate level of professionalism in your content and business dealings, but have some fun, too!

Truth bomb:  I struggle with this one.  When I write, I have to consciously remind myself to trade the professor hat for the party hat.  If I get to be too much of a stick in the mud, tell me– please!

Inspiring

Life can beat people down sometimes.  They may feel stuck and think that where they are is where they’re destined to be.

Your content can make them believe otherwise.

Your content can give them hope, show them the way and motivate them to break through the barricades holding them back.

If your content can get someone feeling excited or renewed — you’ve hit it out of the park!

People crave that feeling.  Feeling inspired is an adrenaline rush that promotes action and progress.

You can be the reason people make a needed change or have a better life.

If you do that, they will remember you — and tell others.

Final Thoughts

Today, we’ve covered the importance of creating content — and the basic elements of what makes it good.

Figuring out the best way to utilize these elements is a discussion for another day (coming soon!).

I will say that it depends on your target audience.

So start thinking about what they need and want from you.

The absolute bottom line to this is that if you can authentically connect with your audience, you’ve got a good shot at turning them into customers.

Let’s inspire them to do business with you!

Want the inside scoop on content that works?  Join my community!

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