When it comes to anything and everything online, content is king. Content makes the online world go round.

If you’re a business owner or a marketer — or both — creating content that hits the spot for your target audience is among the top priorities. (And if it’s not, it probably should be).

Of course, the content is a means to an end in a way. We strive to develop this incredible content that resonates with the audience so that we can drive engagement, supercharge our web traffic, increase brand awareness. All of that.

But what exactly makes content great? Is it the clever writing style? The relevant topic? The engaging format? The recipe for the tastiest content isn’t the same for every brand or business, but it usually comes down to working with key ingredients regardless of your target market.

Let’s whiz through six essentials to consider when you create content.

1. Relevance

Maybe an obvious one, but super important. Great content is relevant to its intended audience. It addresses their needs, their interests, their pain points.

Understanding your target audience is vital for literally every marketing activity you undertake, and content is no exception. Tailoring your content to your audience’s specific preferences and expectations will help you to ensure you are serving up value you’re your

content, whether it's through solving a problem, providing information, or simply entertaining them.

2. Originality

No one rates a copycat. Try to create content that is uniquely you.

Your content should aim to offer a fresh perspective or deliver information in a new and interesting way. Don’t just rehash existing content — offer up unique insights and ideas. Avoid using cliches or generic information that can be found everywhere. Originality sets your content apart and makes it (and your brand) more memorable.

3. Quality

Great content is well-written, error-free, and professionally presented (ideally!). Think of it this way — the way you present your content, is the way you present your brand to your audience. Don’t let anyone think any aspect of what you offer is sloppy.

Poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or sloppy formatting can undermine your content's credibility and turn off your audience which is the opposite of what you want to achieve. Investing in professional writing, editing, and design can greatly enhance the quality of your content and make it stand out.

4. Visual appeal

Every corner of the internet has content competing with yours, so getting yours to catch the eye is a must.

The use of images, videos, infographics, and other visual elements can enhance your content and make it more enjoyable to come across. Visuals can also help clarify complex concepts or data, making your content more accessible to a wider audience.

5. Storytelling

Your brand story is a big part of who you are, so don’t shy away from it. Stories are powerful tools that can evoke emotions, create connections, and make your content more meaningful.

Incorporate storytelling techniques into your content to create a compelling narrative that captivates your audience. Whether it's a personal anecdote, a customer success story, or a case study, storytelling can bring your content to life and make it more relatable.

6. Call-to-Action

What do you want your content to achieve? Once you know, tell the audience too!

A clear call-to-action (CTA) directs those engaging with your content on what to do next. Whether it's to subscribe to your newsletter, download an e-book, or make a purchase, your CTA should be prominent, compelling and easy to do.

A well-crafted CTA can convert your content into measurable results.

Content that converts

Content is all about understanding your audience and their needs, and getting creative to make sure you stand out.

By incorporating these key elements into your content strategy, you can create content that stands out, engages your audience, and helps you achieve your marketing goals.

For content creation support or a strategy to help you stay on track with your content goals, chat with the AJ team