Communicate...and how!

I selected this article from Curatti written by Karen Dikson because it provides insights on how to to avoid costly copywriting mistakes.

In order for your brand to attract more readers you need to provide high-quality content.

Common Copywriting Errors

Your message should draw in your audience. I agree that you can reach more people by writing more effectively in a simple, concise manner.

Dikson explains the common mistakes content marketers make and how to fix them.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Choose a single-column layout for better reading flow. In addition to sub-headlines make sure your paragraphs naturally move into the next one.

• Before you start writing have a specific goal in place. Go beyond just clever copy and provide something that is creative and fresh.

• If you're going to use a bold claim you need to back it up with facts. This builds trust with potential customers as well as a good brand reputation.

Selected by Jan Gordon for Curatti covering Curation, Social Business and Beyond

Read full article here: http://ow.ly/UuPL3086mjI

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Quite a stir was made a week ago, when Mark Schaefer published his Content Shock article on the businessesgrow blog.

A paraphrasing of the question he asked was, ‘At what point does the exponential increase in content production make the cost of trying to grab and hold attention no longer cost-effective?’

The topic resonated me as well as many others and the responses were swift, including  Shel Holtz, Sonia Simone of Copyblogger and Marty Smith, the first two of which are discussed in the piece published in curatti.com (Marty’s piece was published too late to be included).

We don’t feel that Content Shock is something that any of us need to be concerned over. 

Let’s not forget that

“As content continues to grow, search keeps pace by constantly improving. “

“Semantic Search may be beyond most people now, but it will become a part of everyone’s life even if in the same mysterious way that a car engine helps that wonderful machine convey us from point A to point B.”

And amongst those who stand to gain from the situation are:

“Discerning Curators who understand the needs of their readers because they are consumers of the same content, only sharing what blows them away!”

… a statement which is at least partly backed up here by an end user perspective:

“When I need to research something, I go to a few trusted sources and get what I want, when I want it.”

The message to readers is: “If someone is out there filtering the deluge of articles that you might otherwise have to work your own way through…. it removes the burden of you having to deal with the ever growing content mountain.”

So is Content Shock real?  With all the excellent curators and filtering tools available ....... Only for those who insist on reading every source for themselves

Reviewed and written by Jan Gordon for Curatti covering Curation, Social Business and Beyond

Do people actually read the content? Will it keep them following you?

I selected this article from Curatti written by Michael Brenner because it shows you how to create a successful content strategy from ten top resources.

Gain more social engagement and shares for your articles.

Top Content Marketing Tools

In order to take your content strategy to the next level you need to have the right resources. I agree that in order to be effective it's important to leverage what's available.

Brenner provides 10 tools you can use to make your content strategy reach a larger audience.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Knowing when to post on social media can be tricky. Social Flow will help you find the best times for your target market and location.

• Find the best content by analyzing topics with BuzzSumo. This smart tool will also help you connect with influencers in your industry.

• Gain more targeted followers on Twitter with Tweepi. This resource reviews the topics you care most about then matches followers with your brand.

Selected by Jan Gordon for Curatti covering Curation, Social Business and Beyond

Image: Courtesy of 123rf.

Read full article here: http://ow.ly/irhQ307b5Yc

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This article is by Feldman Creative  on a topic that is near and dear to my heart - the headline.

As we all know there's so much content flying by especially on Twitter, being able to grab someone's attention is key. Learning how to craft a headline that draws the reader in is a must.

There are great tips in here

Here are a few that caught my attention:

E is for empathy.

Jay Baer, author of the great marketing book “Youtility,” points out in social media today, your messages are delivered alongside those of your reader’s friends and family. To earn their attention and trust, you too have to achieve friend status. The best way to accomplish this is to show your reader you understand their problems and care.

"You’re Going to Love These Free Analytics Apps" 

S is for success

The oldest and most proven approach to headline nirvana is delivering a little bundle of success. Of course, you need insights into how your readers define success. When you have them, speak to them.

 "Nine Headline Tricks Sure to Boost Your Leads"

A is for ask

The question headline is enormously effective—provided you ask a question your target audience wants to know the answer to.

"How Do You Write More Magnetic Headlines?"

Selected by Jan Gordon for Curatti covering Curation, Social Business and Beyond

Read more here: [http://bit.ly/Jc464j]

Stay informed on trends, insights, what's happening in the digital world become a Curatti Insider today

Useful list, good reminders.  And there are headline evaluators out there using the emotion principle.  Here's one:

http://www.aminstitute.com/headline/

~  Deb