We all know that blogging is the bomb.  We know that it works.  We know from experience that content marketing not only gets a message across but also has the capacity to reach thousands and promote a business in ways that paid marketing cannot.

But when push comes to shove, when it comes to writing your articles and the content that is indented to sell your brand to thousands, how to you ensure it is value adding content?  How do you ensure that it will keep your audience coming back and promote exactly what it is intended to promote?

You can easily create value adding content by looking at the below five keys.  While obviously you cannot utilize each key in every post you create, ensuring that you remember to use at least one, will ensure that you are getting the most out of your words.

Value adding content is: Engaging

Be interactive in your content.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your audience.  By both sharing and asking opinion you are instantly not only creating a sense of rapport with your readers, but even if you are not seeing response to question, you know that in their mind your readers have asked the questions of themselves.

Value adding content is: Controversial

Choose not to stay safe.  Audacious and daring content is often the key.  If there is something hitting the headlines that is relevant and controversial – voice your opinion.  Of course there is always the possibility of going too far, so when voicing ensure that your readers know where you stand, and don’t forget to ask for their opinions and comments back.  Most importantly when being controversial – always be open to criticism, and respond accordingly with your business ethics in mind.

Value adding content is: Resourceful

Don’t let there be limitations to your content.  Simply because your knowledge may only extend ‘thus far’ – expand it.  Let your content drive the expansion of your knowledge.  Research, learn, apply – and SHARE!  Let people know what you found, what you learned, and your new, perhaps innovative way of utilising your new knowledge.

Value adding content is: Authoritative

Be reliable and trustworthy in your content.  Keep to the simple rule of thumb that if you are not 100% sure – DON’T POST IT!  Your audience, your readers, want someone who knows their stuff, who can advise them, and who they can depend on when they are in search for quality information.

And most importantly;

Value adding content is: Interesting

Be interesting.  Be the writer you like to read.  Don’t hide behind journalistic type articles, or articles that simply state fact – we would all just go to the news sites if we wanted that.  Utilize the first person conversational style of speech, add opinion, add images and colour.  Add style and life.  Be creative in your approach.  Whatever your next post, simply remember that it has to be what your readers want to read!

Value adding content doesn’t need to overwhelm you or be the bane of your existence.  Value adding content simply needs to follow the five keys to ensure that it is capable of reaching an audience, captivating them, and keep them coming back for more.  If you follow the 5 keys, plus utilize your extensive knowledge base, your content will never stumble.  You will find the posts simply roll off your fingertips time and time again!