Nicolas Cole: What is the secret to writing high-performing content online?
Dec 26, 2023
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Nicolas Cole, expert in writing high-performing online content, shares valuable insights in this throwback episode. Topics include the importance of building a daily writing habit, using tools like Hype Fury for social media growth, finding success in writing niche topics, the significance of structure in online content, and the benefits of participating in the 'ship 30 for 30' program.
Headlines should clearly convey the article's topic, target audience, and benefit to engage readers.
Content should be structured in a skimmable format, using subheadings and visually breaking up the text.
Introductions should establish the article's purpose, while conclusions should be brief to maintain reader curiosity.
Deep dives
The Importance of Headlines in Online Writing
Headlines are crucial in capturing the reader's attention and drawing them into the content. They should clearly convey what the article is about, who it is for, and what the reader will gain by reading it. Effective headlines can use formats like posing questions, using numbers, or using incredible names to pique curiosity and engage the reader.
Writing Concise and Skimmable Content
To keep the reader engaged, it is important to structure the content in a skimmable format. This includes using subheadings, alternating sentence lengths, and visually breaking up the text. The one-three-one model is an effective writing technique where each section starts with one sentence, followed by three sentences or thoughts, and ends with one sentence. By delivering valuable information in a visually pleasing and easily scannable format, readers are more likely to stay engaged.
The Power of Focused Introductions and Minimal Conclusions
Introductions should quickly establish what the article is about, who it is for, and the promise it delivers. Readers should feel like they are in the right place and that the promised information will be valuable. Conclusions, on the other hand, should be minimal and not repeat what has already been said. By avoiding lengthy conclusions, readers are left with a sense of curiosity and are more likely to continue reading other content.
Effective Use of Main Points and Paragraph Structure
Main points should be focused on delivering the promise made in the headline and providing valuable information to the reader. Using a format like the one-three-one model, with alternating single sentences and paragraphs, helps readers skim through the content while feeling a sense of momentum. The paragraphs should be visually structured for easy scanning and readability, with subheadings and sentence lengths that make the content feel manageable.
Concise Writing: Maximizing Main Points
When writing a concise article or blog post, it's important to focus on the main points and be mindful of word count limitations. Writers often make the mistake of cramming too many points into a limited space, resulting in insufficient attention given to each idea. To avoid this, it is crucial to consider the overall reading experience you want to provide. Giving each main point only a sentence or two can work effectively when the value of the piece lies in the points themselves. This approach allows for a higher density of main ideas, keeping the reader engaged and avoiding unnecessary repetitions.
Rate of Revelation: Engaging the Reader
The rate of revelation refers to how quickly new information is revealed to the reader. It is crucial to strike the right balance between reinforcing old information and introducing new ideas. A slow rate of revelation can make the content repetitive and dull, while a fast rate of revelation keeps the reader engaged and eager to learn more. By constantly revealing new information, writers can maintain the reader's interest and avoid boredom. This approach applies to various types of writing, including essays and opinion pieces, as it ensures that readers consistently encounter fresh ideas and insights.
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