Your basket is currently empty!
Your basket is currently empty!
First of all, contrary to this video, I’ve discovered that you can ‘@ mention’ on Hootsuite. After releasing that video, I went on Hootsuite and decided to test ‘@ mentions’ out. Apparently, in the updated composer, it’s now possible. So, I stand corrected but everything else I said on that video still stands very true. Now, let’s talk about how to create better content.
I want to confess my sins. Most of the content that’s out there, I don’t read properly. Occasionally, I skip through Insta stories rather than watching them all. Plus, I ‘thumbs up’ everything, even if I don’t like it. Partly because I get a bit trigger happy and partly as a way of showing support. I cannot ignore content, particularly from people I know, without hitting ‘like’ button. However, I’ve got to admit there is only some brand content that I truly love.
Good content isn’t about good storytelling. It’s about telling a true story well.
It’s quite apparent we all have different tastes and loves. On Instagram, I love @majorgirl’s style of content. Not sure why. Perhaps it’s the seeming authenticity of it. She comes across as down to earth; like everyday people. I love architecture, interior design, collage art and plants. I also love content from the real housewives of Atlanta and Potomac. In particular, I love the characters Phaedra Parkes and Gizelle Bryant from these shows, so I consume their content. But I follow hundreds more accounts. For example, I follow other business people. I follow my friends and family who all share great content that doesn’t necessarily appeal to my likes.
Similarly, the same probably goes for me. I share content that not everyone likes. It’s fine. Very normal. However, there are a few things I can deduce from the content that we share for the brands that we work with. There are some habits of fans that you can also learn from.
By comparison, it appears most fans only hit the like button when they genuinely like your content and will ignore what they do not like. Not to mention algorithms will only rank highly the content they think will get a ‘like’ anyway. So you’ve got to get strategic. To create better content, it’s vital you understand the social media habits of the majority of your fans.
The best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing.
People are selective when it comes to the content that you share. Considering that you are competing for their attention, you’ve got to appeal to their likes. As a result, there are a few things you should consider to help you create better content.
1. Don’t be put off by the fact that not everyone will like your content. Have a defined target audience and know that you are creating content for them. Otherwise, you’ll overthink things, wonder what’s right or wrong and not put anything out. As long as you are creating content, you believe will serve your audiences’ needs, you have little to be concerned with.
2. Not everyone will like every piece of content they see. Typically audiences only ‘thumbs up’ the content that they like, therefore put out your best, high-quality content stuff. You want to make sure you reduce the likelihood that they will dislike your content. Understand what they like and doing more of it.
We complain that social media has everyone worrying about they look like. The Truth is competition is fierce. As a result, appearances are everything, so put your best foot forward. Now that seems like common sense, but see so many brands overlook this. Without question, when you’re building your brand do not risk creating and distributing anything other than excellence. When you reach Oprah status, perhaps then you can do what you like.
3. Don’t bore people. Remember, audiences have short attention spans and time, including yourself. Make your point succinctly and clearly.
And that’s all for today.
Let me know in the comments section the social media habits you’ve discovered that help you create better content.
Discover the types of stories that you should be telling to convert ‘likes’ into sales by signing up for one of the self-development webinars below. Until next time, take fantastic care of yourself.