How much content do you look at every day? If you are on social media, email, listening to podcasts, etc., chances are it is quite a bit.
With the billions of pieces of new content thrown at us every day, how do you decide which content is worthy of your attention?
Chances are you see an interesting image, or a headline that grabs your attention. You stop to check it out. From there, the content must have something that sparks your attention and keeps you reading on or you are out of there in a heartbeat.
When it comes to the content you are creating for your audience, you need to be thinking the same way. Is your content grabbing their attention and then keeping it?
Did you know that according Samba Recovery, the average human attention span is just 8.25 seconds? That’s less than a goldfish! We’re living in what I call “The Age of Scrolling.” This means you need to work harder than ever to catch and keep your audience’s attention.
Here are a few strategies to consider for sparking the interest of your audience:
Grab Their Attention
Your headline and image are your first chance to make an impact. It needs to be strong enough to stop the scroll. But that’s just the beginning. Once you’ve got their attention, you need to keep it. Let’s look at some ways to do that.
Create an Engaging Introduction
Those first few sentences are crucial. They set the tone for everything that follows. Your goal? Build anticipation and keep that initial curiosity alive.
For example, if you’re a health coach, you might start like this:
“Imagine waking up every day feeling energized and ready to tackle your goals. No more dragging yourself out of bed, no more mid-afternoon slumps. This isn’t just a dream—it’s achievable, and I’m here to show you how.”
Make Bold Claims
Surprise or intrigue your audience with a bold statement. If you’re a marketing specialist, try something like:
“If you’re not using this strategy, you’re leaving money on the table every single day.”
This kind of statement makes people want to know more.
Use FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)
Create a sense of urgency. If you’re promoting a limited-time offer, make that clear. A personal trainer might say:
“Don’t miss out on this chance to finally get the body you’ve been dreaming of! We only have 10 spots available for our July ‘Change Your Body, Change Your Life’ program. Sign up today!”
Ask Thought-Provoking Questions
Questions naturally spark curiosity. Our brains automatically want to answer them. A relationship coach could start with:
“Have you ever had your heart broken?”
Simple, but powerful. It immediately engages the reader emotionally.
Tell Relatable Stories
Share case studies or client stories that your audience can connect with. For instance, a business consultant might begin:
“Meet Sarah, a small business owner who turned her struggling bakery into a local sensation using these simple marketing tricks. When Sarah noticed her sales declining, she knew she had to act fast. Here’s how she did it…”
Keep It Valuable
Once you’ve sparked their interest, it’s all about delivering value. Every piece of content should speak directly to your audience’s needs, wants, and interests.
By using these strategies, you can grab attention in our scrolling world and keep your audience engaged. It’s not just about getting them to stop scrolling—it’s about giving them a reason to stay, learn, and ultimately, choose you as their coach or consultant.
Want more tips and tricks for creating content that sets you apart from the crowd? Join us over in our private Facebook group where you will find loads of information and resources to hel pyou out.
