That Most Elusive Website Content

Trying to write something new every week is not a challenge. In fact its very easy to fill your website up with inane and pointless content. The elusive thing we are all looking for is good content. Its hard to find and even harder to write.

Every page on your website is important, and should stand on its own. At the same time your pages do not exist in a vacuum. Each page should build up the other pages. Since each page is very similar in a well built website, the main distinction between them is the content, the copy, and your photos, videos, etc. I think we spend way to much time focusing on how the site looks when we should be focusing on what it says.

I know that I would rather spend my time on a site that isn’t to interesting looking but delivers great content than on a site filled with dazzle that is ultimately one pixel deep.

The challenge for all of us, whether we are website developers or website owners is to make our content engaging. I’m not discounting good design but I know that it can only take us so far.

So what makes good content?

The best place to start is by finding out who your audience is, and what is your niche. The idea that you will ever make everyone happy with your website is absurd. Instead you need to focus on your core audience and make them happy. It can take a while to find out who you are talking to, and who you want to talk to. Often they are not the same thing.

If you love what you are writing about then it makes everything easier. I often struggle finding a topic to write about myself but once I land on one I can write it up in no time. Don’t try to write about things that are boring to you or you hate. You will only end up discouraged and ultimately won’t continue. I always tell my clients to stay on topic but also to take it easy with their blogging. If you want to talk about something besides what the main focus of your blog is then do it. Make it professional of course, but talking about how you went skiing or fishing one week is also great.

Being authentic, by showing how you have fun, and are not just some corporate man in the office means a lot. Don’t get yourself caught in the trap of writing something because you have to. If you don’t like what you just wrote, then why would anyone else?

So remember to focus on your main audience and give them what they want. You can’t please everyone, so don’t try to. Be authentic, in your business, your life, and online.

Also be sure to use at least a spell-checker before posting. Just saying.