When content starts working, it can do wonders for your brand.

1. Write on proven topics

For content to do well, write them on proven topics. A proven topic is usually where people pay to learn about the content. 

An easy way to identify a proven topic is to see if there are any online courses people are paying for.

Having multiple successful books on a topic is also a good sign that your chosen topic is proven, and by writing about it, you’ll alleviate the pain people pay to get rid of.

2. Use proven formats

Here are formats that work.

Comprehensive List Post: With this, you give LOTS of detail about each listed item. This is unlike a usual listicle that leaves many details out and does not help the reader much.

The Tools of the Industry Post: Showcase all software used by the industry you serve. This works in multiple ways.

One, it establishes your business as the top of prevalent tech used in your industry. Two, it lets you connect with all these players by letting them know you are featured in a post. Three, it acts as a good top-of-the-funnel resource and brings new relevant users to your website.

The Ultimate Guide: This guide allows you to create one of the best online guides on your chosen topic and establishes you as an expert. An ultimate guide can be 3-7k words depending on the chosen topic.

The Hub: A hub is the most comprehensive resource on the topic. It can go from 10k-100k words. We work with a brand to create an 82,000-word Hub on the topic the brand wants to own.

3. Use headlines that make users want to read the first sentence

A good headline makes the reader want to read the article’s first sentence. Then each sentence tries to do what the headline did: move the reader from one sentence to the next.

Use proven headline formats.

4. Stay clear of long introductory paragraphs

People prefer to read shorter intro paragraphs.

Craft an intro that grabs your reader’s attention and does not bore them to death.

For every user who reads your headline and chooses to read your intro is to get them to read the entire post. This is not possible without a good intro.

5. Use the Promise + Proof Formula

In the opening sentence of the blog, make a PROMISE to the reader and let them know EXACTLY what to expect. So that they know they are in the right place.

Next comes PROOF.

Next, it’s time for the Proof.

Here’s where you show people you can deliver and prove that you know your stuff. 

Show proof with past results or personal experience.

6. Write and publish

Use short paragraphs, active voice, relevant visuals, section headers, and subheaders for a good user experience.

Conclude with a CTA. Make sure that readers don’t like dropping you from the cliff. Make them feel like you helped their hand and saw them off richer with experience, knowledge, or a gift.