Shake it up, Baby

…so your audience will Twist and Shout about your awesome communications.

Do people really want to read about Roth Conversions, Estate Taxes, and Asset Allocation every week?  The answer is no.  Therefore, and ergo, I am providing some ideas to shake up your content and keep those opening rates high.

Vary the Voice

You know lots of people with lots of expertise.  How about highlighting them in an e-mail interview?  This gives your audience a break from your voice (melodious as it is) and gives you a respite from creating the content.

Past e-mail interviews I’ve done have included estate planning attorneys, insurance agents, realtors, fashion consultants, and even my landscape designer with planting tips.

Make it Fun

I once had a web designer advise me, “You can’t give people vegetables every week.  Include dessert once in a while.”  Great idea! 

• Share a favorite recipe. My highest opening rates are always food-related. 

• Give ideas for thrifty date nights around Valentine’s Day. 

• Put out 5 funny tweets (or whatever they are called now) about Thanksgiving. 

• Write a one-sentence blog with a bold opinion.  Probably skip the political.

At least one out of every 4-5 blogs should be surprising.  Give your audience a rest from the technical stuff.

Short and Sweet

With lots of white space. Keep your blogs to less than 400 words.  If they are longer than that, your blog is too wordy and boring.

•  Paragraphs should be no longer than 3 brief sentences

• People like lists and bullet points

• Graphics encourage people to keep reading

• Links to other websites are good for your blog – share the info!

 See how much you liked reading that?  Mic drop.