So, you want to write some content for your website. You know you need words, but how do you know if they’re good words? You’re not a marketing expert, and all the jargon makes your head spin.
Relax! Great content isn’t magic, it’s just a process. And here’s that process, broken down into 5 simple steps:
1. Know Your Audience (Think “Real People”)
Imagine you’re having a conversation with a friend. You wouldn’t talk to your best friend the same way you’d talk to your grandma, right? Content is the same. Before you write (or hire someone to write), ask yourself:
- Who am I talking to? (Age, interests, job, problems they need solved)
- What do they care about? (What keeps them up at night? What makes them happy?)
- What do they already know? (Don’t explain basic concepts if they’re experts)
Think of your audience as real people with real problems. Good content speaks directly to them, using language they understand. A good content writer will ask these questions to ensure they are writing for the correct audience.
2. Define Your Goal (What Do You Want to Achieve?)
Every piece of content should have a purpose. Do you want to:
- Sell a product?
- Educate your audience
- Build trust and credibility?
- Entertain?
Knowing your goal helps you stay focused and ensures your content is effective. A clear goal also gives your content writer a clear direction, and makes it easier for them to meet your expectations.
3. Plan Your Content (A Roadmap to Success)
Don’t just start typing! A little planning goes a long way. Think about:
- Your main message: What’s the most important thing you want to say?
- Your structure: How will you organize your content? (Headings, bullet points, etc.)
- Your keywords: What words will people use to find your content online? (This is where a good content writer can help with SEO)
A plan provides a framework for your content, making it easier to write and easier for your audience to understand. A content writer should be able to provide you with a content plan prior to writing.
4. Write Clearly and Concisely (No Fluff!)
Nobody likes reading long, rambling sentences. Keep it simple and to the point.
- Use short sentences and paragraphs.
- Avoid jargon and technical terms (unless your audience are experts).
- Use an active voice.
- Proofread! (Typos and grammatical errors make you look unprofessional and can be damaging to your brand).
Clear and concise writing makes your content more engaging and easier to read. A skilled content writer will be able to provide clear and concise copy.
5. Measure Your Results (Did It Work?)
Once your content is out there, don’t just forget about it. Track your results to see if it’s achieving your goals.
- Website traffic: Are people visiting your website?
- Social media engagement: Are people liking, sharing, and commenting on your posts?
- Sales: Are you seeing an increase in sales?
Measuring your results helps you understand what’s working and what’s not. This data can help you improve your future content. A content writer should be able to help you understand the analytics behind your content.
Find the Right Content Writer in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay
If you’re looking for a content writer, here are some helpful steps that should make it easier to find an expert.
- Ask them about their process.
- Do they understand your audience?
- Can they help you define your goals?
- Do they have a plan?
A good content writer will be able to explain these steps in simple terms and demonstrate how they can help you create great content.
By understanding these 5 simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating content that resonates with your audience and achieves your goals. And you’ll be able to spot a good content writer when you see one.
Looking for a great content writer? You’ve come to the right place.
With experience writing marketing material and online content for companies in a wide range of industries, I can help you connect with your audience and build your brand: setting you apart from the competition.
Get in touch today and let’s explore your options.
