Join Steph Smith, A16Z podcast host and author, as she unpacks how to elevate your writing in a crowded landscape. Learn to find your unique voice, embrace authenticity, and stand out through storytelling. Steph dissects the effects of homogenization on creativity and emphasizes the importance of emotional resonance in connecting with your audience. Discover how to nurture ideas like a garden and balance the paradox of deadlines to enhance productivity. With insights from her success in the digital space, Steph inspires you to unleash your intrinsic interestingness.
Develop a unique writing style to stand out online.
Balance personal growth with audience preferences for successful content evolution.
Connect deeply with readers through honest and vulnerable storytelling.
Utilize effective distribution strategies to maximize content impact.
Deep dives
Connecting to the audience through unique voice and differentiation
Creators need to find their unique voice in writing to stand out among the vast content available online. Differentiation in writing comes from developing a distinct writing style and personality, rather than focusing solely on consistent output or specific topics. A voice that resonates with readers goes beyond the subject matter and dives into how the message is delivered, capturing the audience's attention and fostering a connection that goes beyond mere content consumption.
Balancing self-expression and audience expectations
The evolution of a creator's writing style and content is a journey that involves balancing self-expression with audience expectations. As creators grow and change, it's essential to reconcile personal growth with audience preferences. Making decisions about whether to continue creating content in a familiar style or to pivot to new territory requires introspection and a willingness to adapt while maintaining the core authenticity that engages readers.
Value of genuine storytelling for impactful writing
Honesty and vulnerability in writing create a powerful connection with the audience. Crafting stories that reflect personal struggles, growth, and experiences resonates deeply with readers, fostering a sense of authenticity and relatability. Genuine storytelling transcends performance or expectation, allowing for true connection and meaningful engagement.
Strategic distribution for content visibility
Effective distribution strategies play a vital role in maximizing the reach and impact of written content. Utilizing platforms like Hacker News, Reddit, and other relevant communities enhances visibility and engagement. Collaborating with influential figures, cross-posting on various platforms, and engaging with niche communities are essential aspects of comprehensive distribution efforts.
Balancing Product Quality and Marketing
It's crucial not to lean too heavily in one direction when creating a product; quality matters, but effective marketing is also key. The best musicians and founders excel not just in their craft but in marketing their work, demonstrating the importance of finding a balance between product excellence and marketing strategies.
Building an Engaged Audience
Building an audience goes beyond numbers; it involves creating a lasting connection with individuals who resonate with your work. Fostering a relationship at scale, where people are deeply engaged with your content and trust your insights, is more valuable than a large but passive following. Deep, meaningful engagement leads to lasting impact and audience loyalty.
Embracing Unique Ideas and Intriguing Content
Recognizing and cultivating intriguing and unique ideas is a vital part of the writing process. Embracing your intrinsic interests and distinctive perspectives can set your work apart. Encouraging writers to explore what truly fascinates them and allowing ideas to evolve over time can lead to compelling, enduring content that resonates with audiences.
There is an intrinsic interestingness inside of you. But, you’re probably suppressing it. Welcome to 96-minutes of learning how to use your interestingness to stand out online.
Speaking of standing out, Steph Smith:
Hosts a16z, a top five technology podcast
Taught herself to code and launched multiple websites that hit #1 on Product Hunt
Sold over $220k in her book launch for Doing Content Right
Grew The Hustle’s Trends product to millions
And led HubSpot’s Creator Program.
(Safe to say that she knows what she’s talking about.) And now, Steph reveals everything she’s learned about creating unforgettable work on the Internet.
Millions of people mirror what you do — your job, hobbies, routines — but how you do it is another story. Come learn how to follow your compass of interestingness and stand out online.
