Content Marketing Made Simple

5 Ways To Make Your Online Content Stand Out

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When developing online content for your web site or blog, you should be aware of the nature of online behavior and create content that adheres to those preferences.  Internet browsers tend to prefer content that is brief; concise; accurate; timely; a mixture of words, images and links; and visually appealing.

Following are 5 ways to make your online content stand out:

1. Develop an attention-getting headline or title.  The headline or title is the most important part of your web page or blog.  It will have one of two effects:  a) To either intrigue the reader so he/she will read the remainder of the narrative, or b) To leave the reader disinterested so he/she will move on to other online destinations.  You obviously want to get the attention of potential readers, so choose your headline carefully.  You may want to create three or four potential headlines and conduct an informal survey with a few people to see which one is best.  Remember:  If the headline does not grab their attention, they'll never see the remainder of your online content.
2. Start with an introductory paragraph or two that explains what will be discussed.  The first sentence should pose the question or state what is relevant to the reader.  For example, if your online content describes training a dog, you might want to start with something like this:  "Do you have problems getting your dog to obey your commands?"  People who are looking for information on dog training will answer "yes," either out loud or silently, and will be prompted to continue reading.  The remainder of your first paragraph would then explain how your web site or blog will either answer their questions or point them in the right direction where they can obtain answers.  Be sure to research the information you are providing so that all facts are accurate.
3. Be certain that the points you are trying to emphasize flow from one to the other by using connecting words, bullets or numbers.  For example, you could begin the explanation paragraphs with the words "First,. . .,"   "Second,. . .,", "Third, . . .," and "Finally,. . ." if you have four points you are trying to emphasize.  Referring again to our example of dog training, you could start by stating what you did with your own pet; or that you sought the services of a veterinarian; or you took the dog to one of the training courses at a store like Pet Smart, etc.  Walk the reader through each step, depending on the subject matter of your online content, so he/she can easily follow your instructions or your narrative.
4. Utilize explanations, illustrations, graphic images and links to support your online content.  There is an old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words. This is especially true on the Internet.  Be sure to break up your narrative with images.  The images do not necessarily need to represent exactly what you are discussing.  They could just be related images to make your web page more attractive.  For instance, with the dog training example, you could utilize images of dogs.  But you could also utilize images of dog collars, dog houses, pet feeding bowls, the front of a pet store, or even the image of a pet owner who appears to be frustrated.  Make sure your images are open source and royalty-free and not copyrighted.  Also utilize links to helpful online sources of information.
5. End with a concluding paragraph that summarizes your concept and leaves the reader with a thorough understanding of your topic.  This will assure that the reader has a sense of satisfaction when he/she has completed reading the information your have posted.

With the Internet being the source of information for more and more individuals worldwide, the necessity for attractive and accurate online content will become paramount.  Make sure your web site or blog is up to par.