How to Discover Your Customers’ Favorite Social Media Platforms

Every few months, a hot, new social media tool hits the scene — Pinterest, Periscope, Foursquare, Blab — and some marketing experts make it sound like if you’re not using that new platform, you’re missing out.

That notion gives me a massive headache. Like everyone else, I feel pressured to have a presence on every social media platform, but I can’t possibly contribute to every one — at least not without doing a lousy job on all of them.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could simply focus our social media marketing efforts on one or two platforms we know our prospects use to share content and connect with one another?

But how do you know which social media sites to choose?

Smart social media marketing research

If you take a wild guess at your audience’s favorite social media platforms, you may guess incorrectly, resulting in wasted time and missed opportunities.

To avoid mistakes, conduct smart research, figure out which social media sites your audience prefers, and then spend the majority of your social media marketing efforts on those sites.

But that process isn’t as straightforward as you might think. I asked the smartest people I know in the marketing world where they would go to find this information, and I got a lot of different answers. It turns out, there’s no “magic website” you can use to do this research.

Let’s go through this slightly messy process, step by step, so you feel comfortable doing it for your own audience.

Step #1: Conduct interviews with your ideal clients

The best way to find out where your target audience hangs out online is (surprise!) to ask them. The first thing you should do is arrange informal interviews with your favorite clients or customers.

To do this, simply write a short list of questions and reach out to five to ten people from your existing social media following or email list. It’s best to target people you think of as your favorite or ideal clients and customers — active members of your community who you trust to give honest feedback.

Once you’ve got your list, email or call each person and ask if you can chat with them on the phone for 20 minutes and ask them some questions.

During your interviews, ask them about their favorite social platforms, where they typically share content online, and where they typically connect with their friends, family, colleagues, and community members.

Take notes on your conversations — or better yet, record the interviews (with permission, of course).

Step #2: Set up a survey, and use it to gather data from your audience members

Your most reliable information will likely come from client and customer interviews, but unfortunately, interviews don’t scale well.

To collect more data, set up a brief, to-the-point survey and distribute it to your audience. If you first conduct a handful of interviews, you can use the information you gather to craft the survey questions.

Your primary question should be: “Which social networking site (Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) do you use the most?”

You can also include other relevant questions that will help you understand their social media behaviors.

Step #3: Find websites similar to yours

Next up, we’re going to do a little competitive research.

Your job in this step is to brainstorm and put together a list of about five to ten websites that serve the audience you’re trying to reach.

Create an Excel spreadsheet or Google doc to track this information, so you can keep everything organized and in one place.

Think of competitors’ sites or referral partners, and then perform a quick online search to find additional sites. For example, enter “[YOUR TOPIC] + blog” or “[YOUR TOPIC] + podcast” into Google and hit enter. Review the search results to see if your target audience would spend time on those sites.

You can also search on AllTop to find similar sites.

BuzzSumo can be used for competitive research, as well. Enter any topic in the front page search bar, click the “Search!” button, and you’ll see a list of the most-shared posts on that topic, from a variety of websites.

As you discover new sites, add them to your spreadsheet.

Step #4: Find out which social platforms the visitors of those sites use to share content

Our next step is to research the social sharing habits of the people who visit the sites on our list. The question you’re trying to answer here is: “When a typical visitor to [WEBSITE NAME] shares a piece of content from this site, which social networking platforms do they use to share it?”

You can go back to BuzzSumo and perform a slightly different type of search to find this information. On the BuzzSumo home page, look for a blank search field. This time, enter the domain name of the first site on your research list, and click the “Search!” button.

For instance, a results page for PublicWords.com looks like this:

BuzzSumo gives us the top five most-popular posts for that website (from the past year) and then displays social data for that post from Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.

Once you’ve noted the most popular sharing platform for this site, repeat the process for all five to ten blogs on your list. Trends should emerge, and you’ll likely be able to discover readers’ top two favorite social sites.

If you’re looking for even more data, you can also try SimilarWeb.

Step #5: Research your target social platform, and make sure it’s a match for your customers’ preferences and worldviews

At this point, hopefully you’ve narrowed down your potential options to one or two social media sites.

Now it’s time to make sure they’re a good match for your business, marketing goals, and customers’ worldviews. This part of your research is more subjective — it’s essentially a “gut check” test.

During this step, look at:

• The typical demographics of the social site. Many social sites publish demographic information about their users, so you can see a breakdown of the ages and genders of the users.
• The features of the social networking platform. For instance, Instagram and Pinterest are highly visual, so any company that decides to market using these two tools should be prepared to create appealing visual content.
• Your marketing goals. Will this platform help you accomplish your content marketing goals?

Here are some examples of how this might work for content marketers:

• A food blogger decides to focus her social media efforts on Pinterest, because she’s targeting moms who make healthy lunches for their kids. Food is a popular topic on Pinterest, so she can be reasonably certain Pinterest would be a good platform for her to use to reach her target audience.
• A B2B company that sells software as a service (SaaS) has performed research and knows their target audience shares content and connects with colleagues and prospects on LinkedIn, so they decide to try out the platform and see how it performs for them.
• A tattoo artist creates a presence on Instagram because the primarily image-based platform is an ideal place to showcase his portfolio.

The statements above are generalizations, and — as always — your mileage may vary. The most important thing is that you know who you’re trying to reach and perform your own research on the best ways to connect with them.

Spend your social media marketing time and money wisely

When you decide to build a presence on a social networking site, run tests to make sure you’re on the right track.

For example, if you want to give Pinterest a shot, because your research is telling you that’s where your audience hangs out, then throw yourself wholeheartedly into developing a Pinterest following. Give it six to eight months, then review your data to see if you’re getting the results you want (in terms of traffic, subscribers, and conversions).

If a platform isn’t working out for you, don’t be afraid to move it lower on your marketing priority list or drop it completely — no matter what your pre-research says.

You may want to repeat the steps above every six to twelve months, to stay on top of changing trends and remain in touch with your target audience’s behaviors from year to year.

Over to you …

The best way to make social media work for you as a content marketer is to find out where your perfect prospects are and spend time there. Don’t go to the places where they’re not hanging out.

When you conduct your research thoughtfully and make your decisions based on that research, you’ll get far better results.

How do you decide which social media sites to spend time on? Share in the comments below.

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The Writer Runs This Show [SlideShare]

We have the technology.

We have the business skills.

We have virtual ink by the barrel.

The writer runs this show.

We’re the ones who command the attention.

We’re the ones who create the engagement.

We’re the ones who influence what people think and do.

The writer runs this show.

We won’t toil in obscurity waiting for a green-light.

We won’t submit to “creativity” by committee.

We won’t accept meager pay while others cash in our copyright.

The writer runs this show.

If you won’t read until your eyes blur.

If you won’t write more to write well.

If you won’t invest the blood, sweat, and tears . . .

Then you’ll have to work with real writers.

And pay those writers exceptionally well.

If they have the time, that is.

Because the writer runs this show.

Your words are the foundation of all online content

The words you write form the foundation of all online content, whether those words become a blog post, podcast, or video.

Check out our SlideShare dedicated to professional writers:

WORD by Copyblogger: a new free resource for writers

At Copyblogger, we believe writers deserve to feel fulfilled — emotionally and financially — in their careers.

Get our best advice in our new WORD ebook: a smart resource we put together for our writer friends.

Click to get WORD, a free ebook for writers

Editor’s note: The original version of this post was published on July 2, 2010.

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Rainmaker Rewind: How Neuroscientist Michael Grybko Defines Writer’s Block, Part One

This week on Rainmaker Rewind, Kelton Reid welcomes back research scientist Michael Grybko, of the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington, to The Writer Files to unveil the mysteries of writer’s block from a scientific standpoint.

They also discuss why writers argue about the definition of writer’s block and how you can find your most productive writing time.

And, as always, be sure to check out the other great episodes that recently aired on Rainmaker FM.

1. The Writer Files. Kelton Reid and Michael Grybko revisit the topic of writer’s block and what you can do to avoid it: How Neuroscientist Michael Grybko Defines Writer’s Block: Part One
2. The Digital Entrepreneur. Jerod Morris welcomes entrepreneur and podcaster Jon Nastor to the show to discuss the importance of finding your passion: The Two Biggest Keys to Consistently Doing Work That Matters
3. Copyblogger FM. Sonia Simone navigates the messy waters of including controversial content in your marketing campaigns: 5 Suggestions When You’re Writing About Controversy
4. Confessions of a Pink-Haired Marketer. Sonia Simone explores goal setting and finding personal success: A Quick, Enjoyable Way to Sharpen your Vision, Goals, and Values
5. Hack the Entrepreneur. Jon Nastor interviews Kevin Kelly about finding your voice in a crowded internet space: Looking Back on 35+ Years Working Project-to-Project, with Kevin Kelly
6. The Missing Link. Sean Callahan of LinkedIn gives away his secrets to great writing and shares his thoughts on the best type of content to post on Pulse: LinkedIn’s Senior Manager of Content Marketing Tells All
7. Youpreneur. Peter Shankman talks to Chris Ducker about his own personal brand journey, how he plans out his monetization strategy, and the one thing he won’t waver on when it comes to personal branding: The Personal Brand Building Journey According to Peter Shankman
8. The Showrunner. Jerod Morris and Jon Nastor explore the balance between parenting and podcasting: What Being a Showrunner Can Teach Us About Parenting (and Vice Versa)

And, one more thing …

If you want to get Rainmaker Rewind sent straight to your favorite podcast player, subscribe right here on Rainmaker FM.

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What’s the Difference Between a Professional Writer and a Content Marketer?

I’ve been a writer for a long, long time. I’ve written something every day for around 30 years now. (Okay, I took about a week off when I had a C-section.)

I’ve been a content marketer since 2004, even though we didn’t call it that back then.

These days, I’m a Chief Content Officer — a job title that didn’t exist just a few years ago.

I love and respect writers, and I know a lot of them. Some are successful; some are struggling.

And I have some thoughts on what can make the difference.

You may know that we run a program to certify excellent writers as Certified Content Marketers.

What does that mean? What’s the difference between a good writer and a good content marketer?

(Spoiler alert: I kind of spilled the beans with the post image.)

But first things first: What is this content marketing thing, anyway?

Here’s how I’ve defined it in the past:

Content marketing is the strategic creation of text, imagery, audio, or video that delivers a relevant, interesting message to a customer or prospect, while at the same time paving the way for a sale.

Good content requires excellent writing. But the elements of strategy and structure need to be in place to get it to work as marketing. Which is, after all, what we get paid for.

So, here are five elements that separate high-quality content marketing from material that’s well-written but might not deliver the same business value.

1. It has to move the audience

You may have noticed that at Copyblogger, we often talk about audience, rather than prospects or leads per se.

The audience is made of people at many stages, including those who aren’t in the market for what you do or what your company does, but can spread the word about your content.

And audiences don’t stick around for weak commercials or carbon-copy content. They need to be moved. If your content doesn’t do it, they’ll go elsewhere. It’s a big web out there, full of delicious distraction to tempt them away.

This is where your art comes into play. If you want to take your marketing writing to another level, consider working on plays, screenplays, fiction, or poetry. Anything creative designed to create an emotional response will improve your professional work.

And yes, you can move your audience even if your topic is “boring.” Use humor, stories, or frustration. Everything we do as people creates mini stories — you can use those for content, even for technical topics like law, medicine, manufacturing, or accounting.

2. It has to earn attention

This is one of the core beliefs of a professional content marketer:

You are never entitled to the attention of your audience. You have to earn that attention every day.

Among your clients and employers, you may find that founders and CEOs can have a tough time with this. They often assume their businesses are riveting. It’s your job to help them see that the audience doesn’t have the same passion for the business that they do.

If your content isn’t successful, if it isn’t gaining attention — it might not be good enough. You may need to put in more work — find better angles, craft better headlines, and find the right tone and voice for that particular audience.

How can we tell if our content is worth consuming? If people consume and feel driven to share it. If it works for your audience, it works.

3. It has to have spark

The biggest problem I see with content is cookie-cutter, paint-by-numbers stuff.

Our Certified Content Marketer training program teaches you structure and formula, but it’s your job to find the spark.

If you’re writing for a company, somewhere in your organization is someone with a passion. It might be the founder or a salesperson or a support person. Someone cares desperately and can show you where the spark is.

And if you can’t find anyone … you need to look for another company! I don’t say that flippantly. Companies without G.A.S. don’t tend to last long. And even if they do, they’re no fun to work with.

(Been there, done that. Not worth the t-shirt.)

As a professional writer, you are the scribe of the business you serve. It’s your role to take their beliefs and passions and give them a voice. I take this very seriously, and I think you should, too.

Be part of everything. Be curious about everything. Become a lifelong student of everything. It’s all material.

4. It usually relies on proven structures

Getting spark into your content doesn’t mean “winging it.”

There are structures that have been shown to work better, because they make your ideas easier to perceive and understand.

Here’s a nutshell structure for effective content. Copyblogger has lots of posts on these points, and of course we also cover them in depth in the Certified Content Marketer training progra.

Effective content is marked by:

• A headline that instantly commands attention
• A few sharp, focused introductory sentences that pull the audience in
• Useful information that solves a problem the audience cares about (think about magazine content)
• A single, focused point or “moral of the story” that the content is trying to teach. This could address a specific objection to purchase or a belief the prospect needs in order to buy, or it could lead to a call to action
• Stories, metaphors, case studies, examples, and other techniques to engage the audience and illustrate that point
• A well-crafted call to action that tells the audience how to take the next step

5. People have to know how to think of you

You may be more than able to handle everything above — but you also need to convey that to your clients or employers.

A successful content marketer knows how to market her own business, as well as her clients’ or employers’ businesses.

Let’s face it. You aren’t going to find the perfect gig that will keep your bills paid and your brain happy forever. It’s not how the world works anymore.

You need to position yourself for today and for tomorrow. You need to market yourself as the smartest, best solution. You need to take all of the authority and technique that you use for your clients and treat yourself as your most important client.

That doesn’t always come naturally to us, but it can be taught — and when you learn it, you will appreciate the benefits.

At Copyblogger, we love writers. We respect writers. And we want writers to be paid what they’re worth.

You run the show. The web revolves around words — and you are the creator of those words. We want you to get the respect (and pay) you deserve.

Are you a writer who wants to become a Certified Content Marketer?

Inside our Content Marketer Certification program, we’ve got a lot more for writers.

We designed this program to help writers make the most of their careers — to help them position themselves and their offerings, so that they can build profitable freelance writing businesses.

And we’re opening the program soon. Drop your email address below and you’ll be the first to hear about it.

Find out when our Certified Content Marketer training program reopens:

Editor’s note: The original version of this post was published on April 28, 2015.

Image via picjumbo

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3 Unexpected Ways Writers Deliver Value (So They Can Charge More)

In today’s world, the writer runs the show.

Not just any writer, of course. The pennies-a-word scribe may barely scrape by. But the quality professional writer — the writer who demonstrates high value and trust from the moment of first contact all the way through to delivery of the final word — that person writes his own ticket to success.

Quality professional writers command attention online, whether they do it for themselves or for the businesses they represent. Writers influence behavior, help form opinions, and drive people to take action.

Great writers are the modern-day stonemasons of any online presence. Our words form the very foundation of all online content, whether those words become a blog post, a podcast, or a video. Writers rule the online world!

And successful professional writers do things differently.

They don’t stop at writing with authority. That’s just where they start. They also deliver outstanding value even in the most unexpected moments in their interactions with clients.

In today’s post, we’ll cover how successful writers deliver value in all three stages of a project: before, during, and after.

Value Phase #1: Before the first project begins

Writers set the stage for a quality customer experience before they write a single word for a new project. How can you do this in your own work?

Before you begin

1. Listen between the lines. Tune in to your client’s underlying frustrations. Take notes on his current situation. Listen closely when you hear your client talk about long-term goals and desired results.
2. Be flexible. Take your client’s current needs into account and offer payment solutions like retainers when they make sense.
3. Think strategy. Add value to your services by stepping back and seeing the big picture. Solve a strategy problem; don’t just fulfill a word count.

When presenting your proposal

1. Be crystal clear when setting expectations. We’re not delivering pizza in 30 minutes or less — clients deserve to understand exactly how long a project will take, what the milestones will be (and when the writer will hit them), and what form the final product will take.
2. Offer terms of service that explain how you work. Craft rock-solid proposals that protect your time and energy and spell out exactly what will happen if the project doesn’t proceed as expected. (This happens a lot!)

Some clients may view writing as a nebulous, indefinable service that can’t be pinned down.

But when you set expectations clearly and leave nothing up to chance, your client will feel more confident about signing a contract and starting to work with you.

Specifics make something that is abstract seem more concrete. Use them!

Value Phase #2: Working on and delivering the project

If a project is going to have a quick turnaround, it might be enough to set the deadline and get to work. But if a project is going to stretch beyond a week — especially if it’s a first project for a new client — it’s a good idea to establish some milestones and keep the client updated as you go along.

While you work

1. Use your client’s preferred mode of communication to provide updates. How often and where would your client like his updates? Email? Slack? A quick phone call? Find out how he wants to hear from you and keep him abreast of your progress.
2. Format for ease of use. During the information-gathering stage, nail down how the copy you write will be used so you can deliver it in a ready-to-use format the client can plug right in. Does the client prefer you deliver the copy formatted with HTML? Does he expect a copy deck? (Read this to learn what a copy deck is.)
3. Deliver more. One major sign of quality is when you over-deliver on what you promise. Do extra competitive research. Deliver the project a day early. Make a few extra suggestions about how your client could use your work.

Again, the idea with these tips is to make an abstract service seem more like a tangible product by delivering extra communication and value every step of the way.

Value Phase #3: After the project wraps up

You’re done! You’ve delivered on your promise and (hopefully) gone above and beyond your client’s expectations.

But you’re not done delivering a quality experience.

To wrap up your project with a remarkable bow, put these ideas into practice:

1. Have a post-sale follow-up system in place. If you’re delivering web copy, give it a look once it’s published online and send a quick note to your client to let him know it looks great. If you’re delivering print copy, ask for a sample and send feedback once you review it.
2. Send a survey (or a few follow-up questions). New clients may have feedback on your process after your first project with them. Ask them for feedback soon after you finish the project and be sure to include some open-ended questions. Try, “What would have made my service easier to use?” or “Anything you’d like to add?”
3. Offer related products or services based on the client’s goals. Once you’ve worked with a client, you may see other ways you can help him meet his needs. Don’t expect your client to be familiar with everything you offer: you do clients a favor when you let them know other ways in which you can help.

Build a profitable freelance writing business

Inside our Content Marketer Certification program, we’ve got a lot more for writers.

We designed this program to help writers make the most of their careers — to help them position themselves and their offerings, so that they can build profitable freelance writing businesses.

And we’re opening the program soon. Drop your email address below and you’ll be the first to hear about it.

Find out when our Certified Content Marketer training program reopens:

What are your value phases?

Service providers become successful when they find ways to deliver value during every stage of communication — even the unglamorous ones like estimating the price of a new project or following up after a project wraps.

Look at your client interactions and use the tips here to find new ways to add value.

What have I missed? If you’ve found a way to stand out (and you’re willing to share it), let me know in the comments section.

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How to Write with Power and Authority, Even if You Feel Like a Nobody

In this overcrowded online world, do you ever wonder why people would listen to your advice?

I used to feel the same way.

I didn’t understand why people would read my writing tips when the web is awash with writing advice from people more experienced, more knowledgeable, and more authoritative than me.

Why would anyone listen to me?

I’ve learned that mindset was flawed.

When I learned how to write well, a new world opened up. I connected with people across the world. I built a thriving blog. People started listening to my advice — and more importantly, they acted on it.

Can you make an impact with your words?

As writers, our toolbox may seem limited. We can’t shout. We can’t use body language. We can’t even bang on a table to add weight to a message.

We only have our words to communicate with passion and power.

But written words are enormously powerful. You know that. When was the last time words made you smile? Or cry? Or inspire you to take action?

Once you learn how to write with power, readers start listening to your ideas, acting on your advice, and buying your products and services. You can inspire change — even if you feel you don’t have the required clout or authority right now.

Want to learn how?

Step #1: Write with clarity and substance

Weak writing rambles, rattles, and prattles.

Powerful writing, in contrast, is simple and to the point.

Many writers misunderstand this …

Writing with substance is not about writing longer articles. It’s not about word count. It’s not sharing as many tips as possible. The opposite is true. Often long articles lack substance; too many superficial ideas that compete for the reader’s attention weaken the content.

Substance is not about the breadth of your ideas; it’s about the depth of your arguments. Even an email of 100 words can have substance. A nugget of wisdom. A super-practical tip. A spark of inspiration.

Substance is about adding value, exceeding your readers’ expectations, and moving beyond the echo chamber.

“If you’re not adding value, you’re taking up space. The more space you take up, the more difficult it becomes to continuously earn your spot, and the more likely you are to become ignored and irrelevant.” – Sally Hogshead

So, how do you write with substance?

• Have a clear purpose for each piece of content — how will you help your readers?
• Create a list or mind map of what you want to include in your article.
• Review your ideas and narrow down your topic — an initial mind map is often too unwieldy, so cull irrelevant ideas that lead readers astray.
• Revisit your content’s purpose — will your content deliver on your promise? Will you solve a problem?

Becoming an authority is not about you. It’s about your readers. About their lives, their worries, their challenges, and their dreams.

Powerful writing starts with empathy, generosity, and a passionate drive to help your readers.

Step #2: Boost your authority with these content tricks

Focusing on a narrow topic may feel scary. Can you write enough? Will your article seem flimsy?

Don’t panic.

And don’t start adding irrelevant ideas and semi-related trains of thought.

Instead, use the three content tricks below to turn flimsy writing into persuasive and authoritative content.

Authority content trick #1: use specific examples

My favorite way to boost authority is using examples. They are an undervalued tool in your authority tool box.

Examples demonstrate how you translate theory into practice. Examples breathe life into your content by making abstract concepts concrete. Readers can visualize your ideas, and you show you’re not just talking the talk; you know what you’re talking about.

Want examples?

• Earlier this year on Copyblogger, I wrote a fun post with seven tips for conversational writing — I demonstrated each tip with a before-and-after example; the post currently has more than 3,000 social shares.
• Using Apple’s web copy as an example, I wrote a guest post for KISSmetrics explaining how to write seductive sales copy; this post launched my freelance writing career.
• My post about turning 31 measly words into a valuable blog post shows the steps I take to turn a teeny-tiny idea into solid content.

Each post discusses one narrow topic (writing in a conversational tone, writing sales copy, writing with substance) with a series of examples.

Authority content trick #2: add compelling statistics

Statistics are not my favorite type of content. I find numbers boring.

But it’s a mistake to ignore numbers.

Because numbers add substance to an argument. They show you know your field. They instantly make your content more factual.

For instance, for my own Enchanting Marketing blog, I wrote a post about 10 proven headline formulas. First, I present figures to explain how important headlines are:

“The average click through rate on Twitter, for instance, is only 1.64% (source, 2012), so 98 out of 100 people may read only your headline, and fewer than 2 of them click through.”

Then, for each of the headline formulas, I provide examples of popular headlines and support my points with facts:

“The ‘Burning Question’ formula is probably the most underused formula on the list. But its attraction is undeniable: the third most popular post on Moz (8.2k shares) and the fifth most popular post on HubSpot (13k shares) use this formula. We also know from research that questions get more clicks on Twitter than statements, and that subject lines with question marks get 44% more opens than those with exclamation marks (source).”

Statistics boost your credibility and appeal to rationality. But be careful: Don’t let the numbers undermine the clarity of your message. Only add research results and other numbers if they help clarify your ideas.

Authority content trick #3: support with quotes from experts

Can’t find any statistics to back up your argument?

Try using quotes from well-known experts. A quote demonstrates you’re familiar with other work in your field. Notice how I quoted Sally Hogshead earlier?

Strategically selected quotes support your claims. They help you “borrow” other people’s authority to grow your own.

Step #3: Inject power into your words

Does power make you think of dictators, bullies, and other dominant personalities?

As Sally Hogshead explains in her book How the World Sees You, power lives on a spectrum. Power’s gentle side manifests itself in the parental nudge and in the sports coach who motivates you to train harder.

Powerful writing inspires readers to take action. An effective sales page, for instance, encourages readers to click and buy. Strong social media updates make people click to read more. And authoritative blog posts motivate readers to implement your tips.

How?

Embrace your inner bossiness by using the imperative form and shorter sentences.

For instance, read this paragraph aloud:

Your job as a blogger is not simply to write tutorials that share tips, facts, and advice.

A useful tip that’s not implemented is like a riveting book that’s never opened. It’s forgotten and useless.

Instead of acting solely like a blogger dishing out your tips, you should become a mentor for your readers, a chief of your village, a leader of your tribe. You should fire up your tribe and jump-start their actions because your readers are waiting for you.

It feels a little flat, right? That’s because the sentences are long and the final sentences use “you should” instead of the imperative.

The alternative version below (from A Rabble-Rouser’s Rules for Writing Kick-Ass Closing Paragraphs) is more inspirational because it uses shorter sentences and the imperative form (“Fire up your tribe” instead of “You should fire up your tribe”):

Your job as a blogger is not simply to write tutorials.

Your job is not to share tips and facts and advice.

A useful tip that’s not implemented is like a riveting book that’s never opened. It’s forgotten and useless.

You’re not simply a blogger. You’re a mentor for your readers, a chief of your village, a leader of your tribe.

Come on. Fire up your tribe. Jump-start their actions.

Your readers are waiting for you.

Does that inspire you more?

The magic of writing

When I started writing, I didn’t think of myself as a writer. I doubted my skills. I didn’t know whether I had enough ideas.

But every time I had to write an article, I learned more about writing. I followed my curiosity. I discovered what I’m passionate about, and I learned what resonated with my audience.

You might think you don’t have enough to share. Or you might doubt your writing skills.

This is what I’d like to tell you:

You’re unique. You have unique experiences. And you’ll discover your voice and your passions when you write more. Writing brings clarity, deepens your understanding, and strengthens your ideas.

So, commit to writing. To creating valuable content. To being helpful to your readers.

Start making tiny ripples.

That’s how change begins.

Are you a writer who wants to become a Certified Content Marketer?

Inside Copyblogger’s Content Marketer Certification program, there’s a lot more for writers.

The training program helps writers make the most of their careers. Writers learn how to position themselves and their offerings, so that they can build profitable freelance writing businesses.

And the program is opening up soon. Drop your email address below and you’ll be the first to hear about it.

Find out when our Certified Content Marketer training program reopens:

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The website aspects of the Platform are even more powerful, and are now complemented by integrated email, marketing automation, an online course builder, podcasting and content optimization tools, and much more.

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(No Credit Card Required) appeared first on Copyblogger.

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