3 Tips to Creating Content That Sells

It’s no secret that creating free content (no matter the form—written blog posts, videos, podcasts, etc.) is an awesome no-cost way to gain visibility, build your credibility, grow your community, and attract paying clients.

But for a lot of folks, this is one of those “easier-said-than-done” strategies. So today, I’m sharing three tips to help you easily and quickly craft fresh, awesome content designed to grow your biz.

Before we dig in, let me share a quick note: You’ll notice I use the verb “write.”

While these tips can definitely work for podcasts or videos as well, chances are there is some writing that will need to happen before the content gets created (whether it’s putting a whole script together or simply an outline of talking points).

That’s why this post is slanted to help you write your content piece. If you can get your ideas down on paper first, then it will be easier to transform them into whatever the final medium ends up being.

Make sense? Okay, let’s get started:

Content Creation Tip 1. Create a “Content Ideas” Notebook.

This is especially important if you find yourself getting stuck on what to write or feel like you have no ideas.

Start by buying yourself a little notebook. I suggest something cute and colorful that makes you smile or feel good when you look at it.

Then, using a black sharpie, label the cover “Content Ideas Notebook” (this way, you’re inviting your muse to fill up the notebook with ideas).

Every time you think of a good content idea, take a second and jot it down in the notebook. Then, when it comes time to create content, page through the book and look at the ideas you’ve collected.

This is a great way to keep panic that comes with the “I have no idea what I’m going to write about this month” thoughts at bay.

Content Creation Tip 2. Think About Your Topics Before You Sit Down to Write.

Do you really think professional writers sit down before a blank computer screen, put their hands on the keyboard, automatically start typing, and voila! An article magically appears?

No such luck. All the writers I’ve ever met spend some time thinking about what they’re going to write before they actually sit down to write.

So, when you know you have something to write, start thinking about your topic and what you want to say about it a few days before your deadline (even the night before is better than nothing). Then, when it comes time to actually start typing, you’ll already have some notion of where you’re going.

Content Creation Tip 3. Develop a Writing Style.

If the end result is a written article, you should definitely work on developing a writing style. At the very least, write the way you speak.

People want to “hear” the author’s voice behind the article. So don’t be afraid to let your personality show.

(Don’t worry if this is tough for you at first. It is for everyone. The more you do it, the easier it will be, and eventually, it will make the actual writing process go much more smoothly.)

Even if the end result isn’t going to be a written piece, you still should work on making sure your personality shines. Check out the following exercises to help you do so with whatever type of content you’re creating.

Creativity Exercises — Develop Your Writing Style

First off, I want to say it’s not always easy to develop your writing style. Even professional writers struggle with it. However, the results are well worth it, so I encourage you to take the time to complete it.

Also, keep in mind that developing your style is not an overnight project. In fact, you really never stop doing it. The more you write, the better you’ll get.

Exercise 1: Read Your Work out Loud.

This is a great way to listen to yourself to see if the content actually “sounds” like you when you speak. If it doesn’t, then you know you need to make some edits.

Exercise 2: Journal, Journal, Journal.

Don’t use a computer for this. Put pen to paper. There is something more powerful about actually writing out the words.

The goal here is to just get used to writing whatever comes into your head in whatever manner it wants to emerge (even if you think it’s terrible). You’ll be practicing the act of writing in your “natural” voice.

Eventually, you can begin refining it, but for now, this is about familiarizing yourself with words and phrases that fit your personality.

Both of these techniques will help you connect with your muse as you start to recognize and bring out your style.

And if you want more writing tips, check out my Love-Based Copywriting System book.