Why Isn't My Content Getting the Attention It Deserves?
There's no single answer, but there are some really good ones.
"Publishing isn’t the finish line…it’s just part of the race.”
If you've ever hit publish and heard nothing, this is for you. I'm here for an honest conversation about what I've learned over the years when it comes to getting your content noticed…and I'm sorry to say, there's no single answer. Maybe some of these will be a review and maybe some will be the exact reminder you needed.
We often feel that our content isn’t good enough, but that is rarely the case. You most likely didn’t get into your business to be a content creator or a digital marketer, but here we are. The part of your business that you put off even though you know you shouldn’t. The part of your business that is critical for spreading your message. The part of your business that makes you say, “This is a waste of my time.” But I assure you it’s not a waste of time.
Find your “people”…
There’s a phrase I’ve heard more times than I want to remember, but it turns out it’s true. It goes something like this: “If you talk to everyone, you talk to no one." This leads me to your audience, your niche, your people. This is a tough principle to follow because finding your people and finding who you want to work with can be tedious, frustrating, and exhausting. I’ve been there, and that’s why that statement hits a personal pain point. The truth hurts sometimes, and if you are putting out bland, general content in this noisy digital world, it unfortunately gets buried.
Show off “you”…
Next, I want to talk about you. Yes, you. Show off your authentic self at your comfort level. I always tell my clients don’t go outside your comfort level if it doesn’t feel right. Sharing your words, your story, or even photos of your offline world tends to make a lot of people feel uneasy if vulnerability and opening up are difficult. With that said, people are interested in you and want to learn about you as a person before they pass along their trust. This was a tough area for me to wrap my head around at first. There are still things that even for me are off-limits when it comes to my content. However, I have come far, and there is a sense of freedom and relief that comes as you grow in this area.
Start “juicy”…
A simple way to stand out amongst the noise is to have a really juicy opening sentence, aka the "hook." It's something that will grab a reader’s attention and pull them in just enough to continue reading. I’m sure you do “the scroll”…what makes you stop on a piece of content? Pay attention next time you are on your social platforms and see what jumps out at you for inspiration.
Get “social”…
There’s also a whole other side of social media, which is simply being social. When I was first told, "You need to interact with people; that’s why it’s called social media," I felt a bit embarrassed. It’s true, but I didn’t think this way at first. I was more concerned with just posting something and thought people would naturally find me. I quickly learned it doesn’t work like that. It takes effort and it takes time. Think of this step as a networking event. Take part in a conversation, respond, give compliments, or offer your own thoughts. Show your support for another business owner, leave a comment when something resonates with you, and just be yourself when responding. This takes practice, and for you, maybe it’s worth setting a time to regularly do this. This isn’t meant to add more to your plate, but give your content a little more room to stretch. Publishing isn’t the finish line; it’s just part of the race ;)
Teach “creatively”…
Something else to consider is educating your audience. Be the resource your audience needs. I could write a whole blog post on just this piece, and maybe one day I will, but for now we’ll keep it at this. We are inundated with information, so take this opportunity to be crafty and creative, showcasing your expertise and allowing YOUR “information” to stand out.
Find your “rhythm”…
Another piece of this content “pie”? If your last post was longer than your last haircut, we need to work on your consistency. Having a consistent presence looks completely different for everyone, and that's a conversation for another day ;). If you’ve worked with me, you know I always say, “Don't set the bar too high." Consistency has to fit you, your business, and your goals. Find a rhythm, tweak the rhythm, and find your groove.
As I’m writing this blog, I’m reminded that some of the best ideas come when you least expect it. The vision of a content pie circling in my head as I think about this million-dollar question is the perfect imagery. Unfortunately, there isn’t just one single answer; there are many pieces to this pie. Let’s call it an apple pie as we near the 4th of July! 🥧
All kidding aside, and in true transparency, I would be lying if I said “Why isn't my content getting the attention it deserves?” doesn’t pop into my own mind. You’re not alone. What keeps me going? The same things I’ve mentioned along with curiosity and trusting that each tweak I make and each skill I learn gets me closer to having a full pie. Not a perfect pie, but a pie that brings me closer to my business goals. In a digital world when things evolve daily, we can only do the best we can. Don’t beat yourself up. If you’re reading this, you obviously are curious, and I applaud you for wanting to learn more.
Turn doubt into progress…
What can you do right now to turn your doubt into progress? I recommend reviewing your content, what stood out, and what can be tweaked. Start with one platform and take baby steps. I guarantee that if you make steady effort, your content will get noticed. Keep going friends 🧡
Which piece of the pie are you working on right now?