These days, it’s easy to become a content creator. With a plethora of platforms as your stage, tutorials to guide your creation and tools to pull your content together into one big, compelling picture, practically anyone can get into content creation.
But what does it take to create genuine content in the eyes of your audience?
Read on to learn how you can be an authentic content creator who can drive your message home and turn readers into loyal customers.
What Does It Mean to Be an Authentic Content Creator?
Before we dive into the nuts and bolts of being a genuine content creator, let’s look at what it means to be an authentic content creator.
Quite simply, it’s about creating content that is true to you and your brand.
While content is undeniably a means to drive traffic and generate leads, it’s also a way to connect with your audience on a deeper level, build trust and form lasting relationships.
When you create content that adds value, it creates an emotional connection with readers; this, in turn, compels them to pay attention to what you have to say instead of dismissing it as another sales pitch.
Why Is Authenticity Important for Your Brand?
When it comes to content marketing, authenticity is key. It’s what differentiates you from all the other voices out there clamouring for attention.
Your audience needs to know and trust you and that you’re a source of reliable information. When these prospects sense that you’re being disingenuous or that you’re only saying the things you think will help you get ahead, they’ll be turned off and stop taking your content seriously.
On the other hand, when your brand’s values line up with those of your audience, and they see that what you’re saying has depth, there’s a good chance they’ll pay attention to your message.
From there, you build credibility and reputation. Readers will come to see you as an authority in your field, and they’ll be more likely to trust the advice and recommendations you give.
How Can You Be More Authentic in Your Posts?
Now that you have a better understanding of what it means to be an authentic content creator, it’s time to learn how to create content that is true to you and your brand. Here are a few actionable tips:
Tip 1: Have a Purpose
Ask yourself why you’re creating content in the first place. What do you hope to achieve with your audience? How will it impact them and their lives? Knowing the answers to these questions makes it far easier for you to create genuine content.
Tip 2: Be Real
Your audience wants to connect with a person, not just a brand. Let your personality shine through in your posts, and get comfortable sharing your personal stories.
Then, focus on creating content around topics that genuinely interest you. The results will be far more interesting and engaging for your audience.
Tip 3: Get Interviewed and Post Video Content
A video interview is a compelling way to get yourself out there as an expert in your niche. Likewise, video content can help humanise your business and add an extra level of engagement.
If the opportunity doesn’t come naturally to you, here is a powerful way to get 21 pieces of content through a single 90-minute interview session. Consistency is key when you’re using content to build a prominent brand name, so this tactic will undoubtedly keep you well ahead in terms of planning out your company’s content.
Tip 4: Keep Your Content Minimalistic
Don’t be tempted to fill your posts with unnecessary fluff. Good content is engaging and succinct, not wordy and bloated.
If you’re creating content for social media, your copy mustn’t be riddled with hashtags from start to finish. While hashtags do provide extra exposure, they should only accentuate your work.
If your primary lead generation channel is LinkedIn, you should keep hashtags to a minimum (3-5 per post) and embed them at the end of your content. I recommend using this free hashtag analytics tool so that you don’t have to go through the hassle of securing the most effective hashtags to boost your visibility on LinkedIn.
Bottom Line
Authentic content doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Keep these tips in mind when creating content, and your audience will surely be captivated by your message.
When you’re able to successfully connect with your readers and show that you’re just like them, they’ll feel more invested in what you have to say and continue coming back for more.
