// BLOG
3 Reasons Content is Still King
February 2, 2010
Here I am at my big coaching workshop when once again someone tells me that content is not important to SEO. Well, fine. I know that content is important to SEO, and even more importantly…
It is important to you! Why?
- Content compels people to take action – at least, good copy will drive conversions. Even in the world of social media, interesting headlines and content will capture the attention of the reader. You have a short period of time to grab someone’s attention, so put your best foot forward with good content.
- Content delivers your unique selling proposition. Just because you have a high search engine ranking does not mean potential customers will understand how you can help them. Good content clarifies the ways you ease their pain and deliver the solution your customers are looking for.
- Content goes beyond writing. It is your videos, your direct mail pieces, your podcasts – you need good content in order to feed your various marketing media. By creating a solid content strategy, you maximize your marketing dollars by ensuring you have a continuous message without having to create special content for every media, or worse, at the last minute to fulfill a need.
Content goes beyond just SEO, and into driving interaction, supporting your marketing, and creating leads. It is critical to your marketing strategy. So the next time someone tells you that copywriting is not important remember that your customers will not really understand your business unless you tell them. Content is still king!
Fuzzy Writing … Bucky Katt Strikes Again!
January 25, 2010
Ideally we want our writing to clarify and compel. But sometimes, it comes out …
Writing Lessons from Bucky Katt
January 22, 2010
Get Fuzzy by Darby Conley is one of my favorite comics. So, since the main character, Bucky Katt, has decided to try his paw at writing, I thought I would share the fun. Alas, poor Bucky takes the creative out of creative writing!
Improve Your Headlines – Read Tabloids
January 7, 2010
I was in the check-out line at the grocery store, reading the headlines on the tabloids, when one struck me so that I laughed out loud. The check-out clerk asked about my sudden outburst. I was a little embarrassed, but told him anyway. Then he shared that his friend had recently gone to work for The National Enquirer after leaving what one might consider a more reputable position. “She makes a LOT of money,” he shared.
Then he said something else – something disturbing. “Tabloids will be the only print items to make it.” Wow!
Why are tabloids like National Enquirer so riveting? They use such sensationalized headlines that often have nothing to do with the article inside. They do their best to show the worst in people. And really, can we be sure that they do not make up stuff?
Tabloids are adept at playing to our emotions. They reel us in before we even realize what has happened. And we all have some reaction to those crazy headlines. Whether it be the latest Angelina / Brad scandal, or something about the White House, we are drawn in by the headlines. How do they do it?
Headlines need to be intriguing and easily understood at the same time. Tabloid headlines are great examples. They create all sorts of emotions, even if you believe they are complete garbage.
The next time you are stuck on a headline, or want some practice writing a good one, take a tabloid headline and rewrite it to fit your subject. You’ll learn how they use emotional words and topics. While the resulting headlines may not be fit for use, you will have delved into writing a more emotional, controversial headline. Good practice for when we need to craft a compelling headline for your own use.
SEO Content – More than rankings
October 23, 2009
Recently I’ve had conversations with people who seem happy to point out that content is not that big of a deal. “Ya know, SEO relies more on linking than on content.” Yes, well, thanks for sharing.
It’s important to understand why you want, and need, good content. Yes, it’s good to have a writer who understands SEO, keyword placement, and all that ranking stuff.
But…it’s very important to have content that speaks your target market’s language. You spend all the time and effort driving people to your web site, then you should give them content worth their while.
Content is helping your readers understand how you can ease their pain, or fulfill their dreams, or make their life easier. It’s sharing your expertise so that browsers become regular readers, and even better, clients.
So, yes there are a lot of pieces you need to get that primo ranking. Make sure your content is ready to speak to your readers. Think of it this way – if you have a great old car you have completely redone with new paint, tires, and even a souped up engine, but you forgot to put in a driver’s seat – what’s the point?
