Engaging Blog Content

Want to create blog content that *really* connects with your audience? Skip the big words and fancy formatting… …and instead, cater to how people learn best. Think about it: → Some people love visuals → Others prefer to listen → Many enjoy reading and writing → And some learn by doing So, why create one-size-fits-all content? Here's how you can craft blog posts that resonate with *every* type of learner: 1️⃣ Mix up your media Don't just stick to words on a page. Branch out with: → Engaging videos → Eye-catching images → Audio versions of your posts → Interactive quizzes and activities → Informative infographics, tables, and charts This way? There's something for everyone. 2️⃣ Play with language The words you choose matter. Balance… → Emotional language that paints a picture → Clear explanations that inform and educate This appeals to both the creative and analytical thinkers in your audience. Use phrases like: → "Imagine this..." for the visionaries → "Listen closely..." for the auditory processors → "The key takeaway is..." for the readers and writers (it's me, hi!) 3️⃣ Make it easy to digest No one wants to slog through a wall of text. Break it up with: → Bullet points → Clear headings → Numbered lists …and don't forget mobile users — Make your blog easy to read and navigate on a small screen. Truth is: Creating content for different learning styles *isn't* about dumbing things down. It's about making your insights accessible to all — So everyone can learn from you in the way(s) that works best for them. Do this, and your audience won't just read your blog… …they'll devour it. — Like what you see? - Follow me on LinkedIn: Sharon Wu 💜 - Hit the 🔔 and be the first to see future posts

B2B tech companies are addicted to getting you to subscribe to their corporate echo chamber newsletter graveyard, where they dump their latest self-love notes. It's a cesspool of "Look at us!" and "We're pleased to announce..." drivel that suffocates originality and murders interest. Each link, each event recap and each funding announcement is another shovel of dirt on the grave of what could have been engaging content. UNSUBSCRIBE What if, instead of serving up the same old reheated corporate leftovers, your content could slap your audience awake? Ego-stroking company updates are out. 1. The pain point deep dive: Start by mining the deepest anxieties, challenges and questions your audience faces. Use forums, social media, customer feedback and even direct interviews to uncover the raw nerve you're going to press. 2. The unconventional wisdom: Challenge the status quo of your industry. If everyone's zigging, you zag. This could mean debunking widely held beliefs, proposing counterintuitive strategies or sharing insights that only insiders know but don't talk about. Be the mythbuster of your domain. 3. The narrative hook: Every piece of content should tell a story, and every story needs a hook that grabs from the first sentence. Use vivid imagery, compelling questions or startling statements to make it impossible to scroll past. Your opening should be a rabbit hole inviting Alice to jump in. 4. The value payload: This is the core of your content. Each piece should deliver actionable insights, deep dives or transformative information. Give your audience something so valuable that they can't help but use, save and share it. Think tutorials, step-by-step guides or even entertaining content that delivers laughs or awe alongside insight. 5. The personal touch: Inject your personality or brand's voice into every piece. Share personal anecdotes, failures and successes. 6. The engagement spark: End with a call to action that encourages interaction. Ask a provocative question, encourage them to share their own stories or challenge them to apply what they've learned and share the results. Engagement breeds community, and community amplifies your reach. 7. The multi-platform siege: Repurpose your anchor content across platforms. Turn blog posts into podcast episodes, summaries into tweets or LinkedIn posts and key insights into Instagram stories. Each piece of content should work as a squad, covering different fronts but pushing the same message. Without impressive anchor content, you won't have anything worth a lick in your newsletter. 8. The audience dialogue: Engage directly with your audience's feedback. Respond to comments, ask for their input on future topics and even involve them in content creation through surveys or co-creation opportunities. Make your content worth spreading, and watch as your audience does the heavy lifting for you. And please stop with the corporate navel-gazing. #newsletters #b2btech #ThatAshleyAmber

As a writer, editor, and strategist, I'm making a plea: PLEASE STOP using boring content openers! How many times have you seen articles start with these phrases? • In today’s fast-paced business environment… • In today’s fast-paced digital world… • In a rapidly changing business landscape… • In today’s fast-paced, data-driven world • In today’s dynamic technology landscape • In an increasingly competitive marketplace • In the competitive world of technology • In today’s competitive and rapidly evolving landscape (and the list goes on!) These generic introductions are the vanilla ice cream of the internet. They tell us nothing and instantly make our content forgettable. We can do better! Instead of these tired clichés, try these engaging alternatives: ✅ A Pain Point: "Are you struggling to [relatable problem]?" ✅ A Provocative Question: "What if everything you knew about [topic] was wrong?" ✅ A Shocking Stat: "Did you know that [surprising statistic]?" ✅ A Compelling Story: "Last week, I witnessed [brief, intriguing anecdote]..." ✅ A Touch of Humor: (Use sparingly, but a well-placed joke can grab attention.) Let's ditch the mundane and create content that truly resonates! What are your favorite ways to start a piece of content? Share your best opening lines in the comments! #contentwriting #copywriting #marketing #linkedin #writingtips #creativity #engagement #startups

📌 10 ways to add a unique angle to your blog post (so it ranks)—outside of SME inputs (All of these are derived from my real-life editing experience) 🌻 Data, but make sure to contextualize the heck out of it. For example, absolute industry size may be irrelevant to me, but the trends—whether it's growing or shrinking—may help me make a business decision 🌻 Examples that support your POV, when you have a dry, theoretical topic (like leadership theories). I may not understand what laissez-faire leadership is via its definition alone, but I may aspire to be a laissez-faire leader when you tell me Steve Jobs was one 🌻 Niche examples that resonate with your audience. If writing for developers, reference debugging rather than general problem-solving (ClickUp is great at this) 🌻 Personal storytelling that transforms abstract concepts into visceral, memorable narratives. Instead of just explaining the Pomodoro rule, share how it helped you overcome a seemingly insurmountable professional challenge (A lot of writers on Medium use this approach) 🌻 Counterintuitive insights that challenge conventional wisdom, making readers pause and reconsider their existing assumptions about a topic. The more you can surprise and provoke thoughtful reflection, the more likely your content will stick (Check out Y Combinator founder, Paul Graham's blog)) 🌻 Visual breakdowns for complex ideas. Create infographics or diagrams to simplify dense concepts into digestible visuals—even a TL;DR block or a comparison table for tools counts (Finshots does it well) 🌻 Humor or personality to make it fun. A touch of lightheartedness can make even technical topics more engaging (Looking at you, Buffer) 🌻 Historical comparisons to provide depth. Show how past events or trends relate to your topic today. Conversely, predictive analysis that doesn't just describe the current state, but offers sophisticated forecasting about where trends, technologies, or professional practices are heading 🌻 Case studies to demonstrate real-world applications. Walk readers through a specific example to ground your ideas in reality (ClickUp does this well too) 🌻 FAQs that provide extra nuggets of knowledge and more than satisfy the exact search intent What else would you add to this list? Did I miss something obvious? Let me know in the comments! #mishkawrites #writing #editing #writer #editor #blogwriting

Here's why your blog posts won’t convert: The thing is, quality content isn’t “just” well written It must be relevant and structured properly to keep readers engaged and drive conversions. Here’s my 5-step blog blueprint that has added over $1M in SEO value for my clients: 1. Use strong headers and sections Your headings should add value, not just take up space. Instead of generic labels like "Introduction" or "Conclusion," use action-driven or curiosity-based titles. Example: ❌ "SEO Tips" ✅ "5 SEO Strategies That Doubled My Traffic in 60 Days" A strong heading hooks the reader before they even read the first sentence. 2. Eliminate fluff Every word should earn its place. No long winded intros No pointless conclusions. Get to the point fast and keep every sentence sharp. ❌ “In today’s digital world, content is important because…” ✅ “Authoritative content makes money. “Value” content wastes time.” Readers don’t need a lecture, they need solutions. 3. Optimize for the right word count Long form content usually performs better on Google, but long doesn’t mean rambling. The sweet spot? Short tail keywords → Aim for 2,500+ words to compete. Long tail keywords → 1,200–1,800 words is what it takes to rank well. If the search intent demands depth, give it depth. But if a topic is simple, don’t overcomplicate it. 4. Use internal links strategically Google rewards well structured websites. Internal linking helps: Improve SEO rankings (Google sees your site as well-connected). Keep readers on your site longer (reducing bounce rate). Pass authority between pages (boosting underperforming posts). A well linked site isn't just good for Google, it makes navigation seamless for readers too. 5. Make It visually engaging Walls of text kill engagement. Break it up with: Infographics (simplify complex data). Screenshots & visuals (illustrate points clearly). Embedded videos (increase dwell time). Readers process visuals 60,000x faster than text, use that to your advantage. Ultimately, quality = relevance + usability. If your content isn’t structured to be: → Skimmable → Actionable → Optimized for intent It won’t perform, no matter how well-written it is. Write for impact, not just for word count.

In a previous post, I covered the foundational principles of #ContentCreation techniques to help deliver impact. I wanted to dive a little deeper and share a few advanced techniques that will help you create compelling, optimised content that drives results. 1. Diversify Your Content Formats To keep your audience engaged and cater to different preferences, diversify your content formats. Here are some effective types to consider: - Blogs - Videos - Infographics - Podcasts - E-books and Whitepapers 2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity While regular content production is important, prioritising quality over quantity is crucial. High-quality content: - Addresses Pain Points - Offers Unique Insights - Is Well-Researched 3. Leverage Data and Analytics Data-driven content creation can significantly improve your results. Use analytics to: - Identify Popular Topics: Determine what topics resonate most with your audience. - Analyse Competitors: Understand what’s working for your competitors and identify gaps. - Track Performance: Continuously monitor the performance of your content to refine your strategy. 4. Optimise for SEO Search engine optimisation (SEO) is essential for increasing your content’s visibility. Key SEO practices include: - Keyword Research: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush to find relevant keywords. - On-Page SEO: Optimise your titles, meta descriptions, headings, and content with target keywords. - Internal and External Links: Link to related articles on your site and authoritative external sources. - Mobile Optimisation: Ensure your content is mobile-friendly for better user experience and ranking. 5. Enhance User Engagement Engaged users are more likely to convert into customers. Boost engagement by: - Interactive Content: Use quizzes, polls, and interactive infographics to engage users. - CTAs: Include clear calls-to-action that guide users to the next step, whether it’s subscribing, downloading, or purchasing. - Comments and Feedback: Encourage users to leave comments and feedback to foster a community around your content. 6. Repurpose Content Maximise the value of your content by repurposing it into different formats. For example: - Turn a Blog Post into a Video: Create a video summary of a popular blog post. - Create Infographics from Data: Visualise statistics and data from your content into infographics. - Compile E-books: Combine related blog posts into a comprehensive e-book. 7. Personalisation Personalised content is more relevant and engaging. Use personalisation tactics such as: - Dynamic Content: Show different content based on user behaviour and preferences. - Segmentation: Tailor your content to different segments of your audience based on demographics, behaviour, and interests. - By implementing these advanced techniques, you can create high-impact content that not only attracts but also engages and converts your audience.

After auditing 500+ B2B blog posts thoroughly, I’ve figured out what distinguishes the top 10% from the rest. Here’s what matters: • Topic selection: Use data, not gut feeling. • Depth > frequency: One 5,000-word guide > five 1,000-word posts. • UX matters: Readability scores correlate with engagement rates. • Visuals are non-negotiable: Blogs with custom visuals get 94% more views. • CTAs: Contextual CTAs convert better than generic ones. • Thought leadership > SEO: Original research outperforms keyword-stuffed content. My take: Maintain a proper balance between quality and quantity. Aim for depth, but maintain consistency. Create content that resonates, engages, and converts. #pragaticreates #writer #contentwriter #copywriter #saas #freelancewriter #freelancing #linkedin

Ever wondered why some brands stick in your mind while others fade away? It's not just about what they sell—it's about the stories they tell. 📖✨ 1. Emotional Resonance: Think about the last time a story moved you. Was it a movie, a book, or even a well-crafted ad? Stories tap into our emotions, creating a deeper bond with the audience. When I share authentic narratives that resonate with my client's experiences and values, it creates lasting connections. 2. Memorable Brand Identity: In a crowded marketplace, a compelling story sets you apart. It's not just about facts and figures; it's about humanizing your brand. Whether it's sharing the tale of my agency's humble beginnings or showcasing a client's journey to success, stories make the brand unforgettable. 3. Engaging Content: We're bombarded with information every day. What cuts through the noise? A good story. Stories captivate attention, spark curiosity, and keep the audience engaged. By integrating storytelling into social media posts, email campaigns, and even client pitches, I've seen engagement soar. Don’t just push products; tell stories. Use the power of narrative to captivate your audience, build brand loyalty, and drive meaningful engagement. What's your brand's story? Share it with the world and watch the magic happen. 🚀 #Storytelling #MarketingStrategy #BrandNarrative #EngagingContent #EmotionalConnection

𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰. It’s structure, strategy and a lot of empathy. Most blogs don’t fail because of bad ideas. They fail because of bad structure. ↳ Weak H1s that don’t hook ↳ No keyword focus in H2s ↳ Buried CTAs that never convert ↳ Walls of text with zero flow This isn’t just a formatting issue. It’s a business problem. As content creators and marketers, we have three choices: 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 ↳ Lose readers in the first 5 seconds ↳ Watch bounce rates climb 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 ↳ Share quotes, drop buzzwords ↳ Never fix the format 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 ↳ Hook with bold H1s ↳ Align every H2 with search intent ↳ Lead to a CTA that actually gets clicks The cost of skipping structure? Your content gets lost even when your ideas shine. The opportunity? Build blog posts that rank, engage, and convert. Start with one move today: Audit your latest blog post. Does it follow this framework? If not you know what to do. Content isn’t just about words. It’s about guiding your reader from curiosity to action. 3 quick changes to make today: Replace your H1 with something curiosity-driven Make each H2 a mini hub for search intent Add a real CTA not just “Let us know!” Let’s not lose another lead to lazy structure. Which element will you fix first? PS: Drop it in the comments 👇