The Best Thing You Can Do TODAY
Figure out a killer way to capture folks attention.
We live in an information overload society. So much competes for folks’ attention that they don’t even open your content, let alone share it.
If your content isn’t getting shared, here’s what you do:
- You figure out a killer way to capture their attention in much less time.
- You don’t butcher your content; you make it super easy to read
- You slay your readers with how valuable your content is to them.
- You give readers a vital incentive to share your content.
- You figure out a way to make it drop-dead easy for readers to share your content.
10 Killer Ways to Get Your Content Shared:
CAPTURE ATTENTION
1. Add quality visuals.
TIP: Embed photos, videos or infographics in your articles.
MAKE IT EASY ON THE EYES
2. Use language, style and formatting to break up content and make it easy to digest
TIP: Use headlines, subheads, boldface, italics and underlines. People don’t read; they scan.
TIP: Begin with an outline to avoid overly wordy content. If it takes too long for folks to read it, they won’t have time to share it.
PROVIDE VALUE
3. Be useful, interesting and engaging.
TIP: Ask your receptionist what peoples’ most frequently asked questions are. Write content to answer those questions.
TIP: Join discussion groups on LinkedIn and Facebook to ascertain people’s interests.
4. Use your content marketing to build trust.
TIP: Create “How to” posts. Show how helpful you can be, as well as how much you know.
TIP: Share whitepapers and research that build your thought leadership credentials.
TIP: Feature testimonials as “social proof.”
5. Humanize your content by making it engaging or fun.
TIP: Use humor, as appropriate. People like to share stuff that’s amusing.
TIP: Use interactive strategies, like quizzes and contests; enable folks to share results with their networks.
TIP: Use emotionally compelling, genuine stories.
6. Don’t ignore popular culture and current events.
TIP: Use what’s trending to prop up your content. Folks will want to share whatever is “the latest” on a topic of mutual interest.
TIP: Key into breaking news by showing how your organization’s work connects with what’s happening. Be relevant.
INCENTIVIZE SHARING
7. Offer a compelling reason to share.
TIP: Include a “hard to refuse” offer in your call to action (e.g., for every share, XYZ company will donate $5; we need 10,000 signatures; please share with your friends).
8. Instill a sense of urgency to share.
TIP: Create a sense of scarcity (e.g., we only have 200 tickets; if you want to attend with your friends, let them know now!).
MAKE SHARING EASY
9. Include easy-to-find share buttons everywhere you can.
TIP: Include share links on your home page, other website pages, blog posts and social media.
10.Don’t forget email. It’s still the number one way many people share.
TIP: Include a clickable icon on your e-newsletter or blog post that allows people to easily forward your content via email.
Getting your content shared is challenging, but if you put in place an intentional program that implements at least some of these tips , you’ll be ahead of the game.
Have other sharing tips? Let me know!
Want to Make Social Media Work for You?
Grab my How to Stand Out and Build Loyalty Using Social Media Tip List + Worksheet. It’s a simple guide to help you evaluate what’s worth doing/not worth doing for your nonprofit.
Did you know that that 53% of donors leave an organization because of its lack of effective communication? If you’re ignoring any of the elements that go into making social media an effective communications medium, you’re ignoring your organization’s future.
BTW: If you enroll in Clairification School, you’ll get other free guides and webinars plus generous discounts on all my courses and products. Check it out here!
Photo courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.net
This article appeared originally on Clairification May 18, 2015
