Penny Haynes » content creation

Posts That Add Value For The Reader

Penny Haynes — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:40:45 +0000

Everyone has something of value to share, and probably on more topics than we recognize. Make it a point to add value to other people’s lives with every post.

Everyone is at a different level of knowledge, and in a different situation. Therefore, information that may be “old news” to one person can still be revelational to another person who is not that advanced. So make sure that every post, podcast and page offers something of value to the people that will consume your content.

Tip #9

Make every word and post count. Give people something of practical value to use immediately every time you share something. And don’t assume that they already know what you know – they probably don’t! Gary Susman shares the following:

“If you’re blogging or podcasting to promote a business or your own personal brand, the questions you should be asking yourself are:

What can I post that will add value for the reader?

What do my readers want to know that I am equipped to tell them?

Which ongoing discussions of issues would be enhanced by the addition of my 2 cents?

Blogging, like any other social-media activity, is really participating in a conversation; it requires listening as well as speaking. That said, the adding value part is pretty easy, even if it’s just a quickie post linking to something posted elsewhere that you think would interest your readers.

You don’t have to be eloquent or long-winded, just enthusiastic about your subject. Whatever is topical in your field will keep you supplied with subject matter. It’s not important to blog frequently, just often enough so that readers know you’re engaged in what’s happening in your field, and that you have something new to offer whenever they visit.”

- Gary Susman Arts and Entertainment Journalist/Social Media Consultant, http://popculturewarrior.wordpress.com

Remember that what you post today could change someone else’s life tomorrow. It could provide their “aha” moment and alter their business or personal direction. So make the most of your knowledge, and share it as often as possible.

Penny Haynes, http://www.RSSzine.com

It’s Not Always About The Written Word

Penny Haynes — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:06:14 +0000

Many people are better speakers than they are writers. If you are one of them, then talk away – just get your audio or video transcribed for people who like to read.

Just because I am an audio lover doesn’t mean other people are. I admit that I have been lax in getting transcriptions done, and now I am regretting it. I’ve had some fabulous Marketing With Audio And Video shows, with tons of great insights and tips, but you have to listen to the entire show to get them. I will end up having someone go back and at least get all of the tips and information out so I can use it elsewhere.

TIP #4

If you are a podcaster or speaker, then I bet you have an archive of content that has not been transcribed, and therefore the content has never been searched by a search engine. It has also never been read by ebook fanatics. How about people who don’t have an MP3 player and still listen to CDs? You get my drift?

“You can have your podcasts transcribed and turned into articles. Some people have turned the transcriptions into ebooks. Some people sell their old episodes on CDs or DVDS. Some people take their old content and take it offline and make it available for “members only” and set up a member site. You can do this last one with One To One Podcasting (http://www.121podcasting.com).”

–Dave Jackson Podcast Consultant, Web Designer, Adult Education Specialist, http://www.SchoolOfPodcasting.com

Expand your mind to the many possibilities of taking your multimedia and transferring it into searchable written word. Also consider re-packaging your audio and video in other formats like CD and DVD. The possibilities are limitless.

Penny Haynes, http://www.RSSzine.com

Don’t Forget Social Networks & Online Magazines

Penny Haynes — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:00:51 +0000

People are spending more and more time on social networks, so make sure share your content in conversations.

Where do you hang out? Facebook? Twitter? Ning? Wherever it is, use the opportunities there to answer questions and enter conversations where you are an expert in that topic. Make sure you link to content you have elsewhere, share your basic knowledge whenever possible. Establish yourself as an expert in that niche.

TIP #3

From press releases to natural conversations, there are opportunities every day to share what you know. There are also sites dedicated to allowing you to show off.

“If you have social network profiles, post the content there to alert your fans/friends (e.g. Facebook “updates,” MySpace “bulletins”). Also, use the blog article as a way to introduce a topic that you want to write a longer article about, and use the blog article to pitch journalists or other bloggers. Furthermore, expand on the topic/turn it into a white paper & offer it for download, or publish as ebook and syndicate the content that way.

If it is topical and newsworthy, or otherwise controversial or interesting, use the blog topic as a press release to establish yourself as an expert on the topic. Finally obviously you should get it noticed & bookmarked by your Digg/StumbleUpon/Del.icio.us, etc. friends.”

– Erica Forrette, Online Marketing Consultant at http://www.Swell.com

“Besides Erica’s great suggestions, you can also promote your blog entries by submitting them to online magazines like ezinearticles.com and blog magazines like blogcarnival.com.”

–Alisa Masson, Versatile Marketing Professional, http://www.BluevisionPI.com

So keep these places in mind when you are creating content. Think about what snippets would make good Twitter tweets, what would make a good article, what would make a good blog post or white paper. Then set those aside in a project folder as you create and come back and compile your clips later.

Penny Haynes, http://www.RSSzine.com