When most people start writing a blog post, they usually make some notes of the high-level concept and what they want to communicate overall.
Embarking on the journey from casual blog writing to crafting content that captivates and resonates with readers requires more than just listing high-level concepts. It demands the adoption of an advanced content strategy that focuses on 3 key content types, guides, resources, and opinion pieces.
This strategy applies to both businesses and personal brands, and will help you solve the problem of creating content that stands out in the crowded digital landscape, engages your target audience, and positions you as an authority in your niche.
Content types you’re probably familiar with
Just so we’re on the same page when I refer to “content types”, here are a few examples:
- On YouTube, a content type could be a reaction to something or a talking head video
- In social media, a content type could be a call-to-action post or a portfolio of some of your latest work
- My blog you’re reading right now is considered a guide because I’m here to teach you an advanced strategy
1. Guides: Comprehensive how-to’s and tutorials
The first pillar, guides, is all about solving problems, and it’s the first content type you’ll want to include in your advanced content strategy. These are the in-depth how-to’s and quick tutorials that teach your readers something new or show them how to perform a specific task.
Guides can come in many forms, from step-by-step instructions to detailed explanations of complex concepts. The key is to make sure your guide is clear, well-researched, and easy to follow. To create an effective guide, consider these best practices:
Identify a problem or question your audience has:
Start by understanding your target audience and their pain points. What are they struggling with? What do they want to learn?
Break down the solution into simple steps
Once you’ve identified the problem, break down the solution into manageable steps. This makes your guide easy to follow and ensures your readers can successfully apply the information.
Use visuals to aid understanding
Images, diagrams, and videos can help clarify complex concepts and make your guide more engaging.
Be thorough and detailed
A great guide leaves no questions unanswered. Make sure you cover all aspects of the topic, and don’t be afraid to dive deep into the subject matter.
Keep it actionable
Your guide should empower your readers to take action and implement the solution you’re providing. Be sure to include clear instructions, tips, and examples to help them get started.
Crafting exceptional guides is a surefire way to position yourself as an expert in your field. By offering clear, actionable, and visually engaging content, you’ll not only educate your readers but also empower them to apply newfound knowledge to their own lives. Remember, the true measure of a successful guide is its ability to genuinely help your audience overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
2. Resources: Curating information treasures for your audience
The second pillar is resources. While guides are all about teaching and problem-solving, resources serve as a treasure trove of valuable information that your readers can reference, bookmark, and share with others. A well-crafted resource is something that your audience will want to save for later or pass along to a friend because it’s just that useful.
Resources can take many forms, such as comprehensive lists, in-depth research, or even curated collections of tools and templates. The main goal of a resource is to provide valuable information that your readers can easily access and apply. Here are some tips for creating impactful resources:
Identify a need for information
Like with guides, start by understanding your audience and what information they’re seeking. What are the gaps in their knowledge? What kind of information would make their lives easier or help them achieve their goals?
Be thorough and well-researched
Ensure your resource is accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive. Your readers should feel confident that they’re getting the best possible information.
Organize your information logically
Make your resource easy to navigate by organizing the information in a clear, logical manner. Use subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists to break up the text and make it more digestible.
Make it shareable
Encourage readers to share your resource by making it visually appealing and easy to link to. This could involve creating shareable images or providing social sharing buttons.
Update your resource regularly
Keep your resource relevant by updating it with new information, research, or tools as needed.
An impactful resource serves as a cornerstone of your audience’s information journey. By addressing their knowledge gaps with thorough, well-researched, and logically organized content, you’ll create a go-to resource that readers will want to revisit and share. Always strive to maintain your resource’s relevance and usefulness, ensuring it remains a trusted reference point for your audience.
3. Opinion Pieces: Showcasing your authority and expertise
The third and final pillar to include in your advanced content strategy is opinion pieces. As the name suggests, these are articles where you share your thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on a particular topic. Opinion pieces are what set you apart from the crowd and give your readers a reason to choose your content over someone else’s. They demonstrate your expertise, unique viewpoint, and personality, which can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Opinion pieces can cover a wide range of topics, such as industry updates, reactions to news events, or even personal experiences and lessons learned. The key is to provide thoughtful, well-reasoned insights that add value to the conversation. Here are some guidelines for writing compelling opinion pieces:
Choose a relevant and timely topic
Select a subject that resonates with your audience and is relevant to your industry or niche. Keep an eye on current events, trends, and news stories for inspiration.
Be authentic and honest
Share your genuine thoughts and feelings on the topic, even if they might be controversial or unpopular. Readers appreciate authenticity and will likely respect your candour.
Provide context and background
Help your readers understand the bigger picture by providing context and background information on the topic at hand.
Offer unique insights or solutions
Stand out by presenting new perspectives or innovative ideas that your readers may not have considered before.
Back up your opinions with evidence
Support your viewpoints with research, data, or real-life examples to lend credibility to your arguments.
Engage your readers
Encourage discussion and dialogue by asking thought-provoking questions or inviting readers to share their own opinions in the comments section.
Closing thoughts
As you strive to elevate your blog writing, remember the power of a balanced content strategy, comprising guides, resources, and opinion pieces. By delivering value through practical solutions, informative content, and sharing your unique perspectives, you’ll engage and inspire your audience and establish yourself as a thought leader.
If you found this blog post helpful and would like to support the creation of more content like this, please consider making a donation. Your generosity helps ensure I can continue providing valuable content. Thank you for your support!