Written on July 26th, 2009 at 12:07 am by Darren Rowse
What is Compelling Content to You?
Over the next week here on ProBlogger I’ll be exploring the topic of ‘compelling content’.
I’ve identified 7 principles of compelling content that I’ll be sharing (actually it could blow out to 9 as the more I think about it the more I realize there’s to say on the topic) but before I do I wanted to open up the opportunity for people to share their thoughts – undistracted from what I’ll share.
My hope is that in answering this question we’ll begin to set the scene for the posts that will come and that the series that follows will be more useful to everyone. I’d also like to use a few quotes from what you share in some of my following posts so please make sure you include your name and URL in the appropriate areas in the comments below.
So What Makes Content Compelling to You?
Looking forward to reading your thoughts on this question and sharing some of mine in the coming week. Make sure you’re subscribed to ProBlogger to be notified of the posts to come in this series.
117 Responses to “What is Compelling Content to You?” - Add Yours
Shannon rubio
July 26th, 2009 12:45 am
I am assuming you mean what is compelling content to those of us who blog? (I wasn’t sure if you meant what is compelling content for us to read about here, because there is plenty!:)
For me, I can come up with compelling content that I personally like but I always go back to what will the people who are reading my blog want to read about.
I have a mom blog…yeah, I know, join the masses. Nevertheless, my kids are older and I work full time.
The world is full of serious issues and lots of moms do the whole product review thing. My goal, really, money or not right now, is to use humor. I’m still working and refining, I haven’t been bloggin long. But people started early on to respond to the humor when I added it in, and I’ve followed that trend.
So whether I am writing about a serious teen issue, or being a working mom, I’ve learned to use humor, it works for me, people are starting to look for it from me.
What makes compelling comment? Something that either brings people back or makes a new visitor subscribe. I might think it’s very compelling but if one of those two things doesn’t happen, I might have been wrong. Still learning, anxious to read what people say here.
Andrew - We Build Your Blog
July 26th, 2009 12:46 am
When the content tells a story I feel compelled to read it. The story could be about a mistake or a benefit the writer has experienced. For me, it makes it more compelling if I can relate to the story as well. Perhaps I have experienced something similar.
Andrew
Roseli A. Bakar
July 26th, 2009 12:49 am
For me, images including videos in blog posts will help make your content more compelling to your readers.
I myself have not used much of videos in my post, I guess I have to start adding videos soon…
Mitch
July 26th, 2009 12:51 am
Content that teaches you something that you can walk away and hold onto. Any bit of information that you can apply to your life.
jan geronimo
July 26th, 2009 12:52 am
These are compelling to me:
1. Teaches me new ways of doing things, new ideas, approaches.
2. Helps me solve a problem that I have
3. Technical reason. The idea is not outstanding – can even be ordinary – what makes it exceptional is the writer’s fresh way of treating his content. A very well written post or piece of writing is always compelling.
4. Humor never fails to attract my attention. Not a day passes that I must have my fix of a little humor or entertainment. Hopefully the blogger provides that.
Cathy Stucker
July 26th, 2009 12:59 am
Content is compelling when it is new. New information, a new perspective, a new way of dealing with something.
Give me something to think about.
Shaun
July 26th, 2009 1:09 am
Content is compelling if it makes me change my lifestyle. If I read a blog and don’t learn something that will change how I behave after I leave the blog, then I never go back.
(I suppose that’s the key behind the bigger blogs, like Problogger, Copyblogger and Zen Habits).
Pooky Amsterdam
July 26th, 2009 1:13 am
-Something that makes me think
-Something that makes me laugh
-Something that looks beautiful
-Something that amazes
-Something I need to include in my hit show
“The 1st Question” for an answer, as I am always
looking for material!
Christina Crowe
July 26th, 2009 1:16 am
Compelling content draws in the reader. It is original and unique.
Compelling content can also be something that sparks my interest. It makes me want to learn more.
Compelling content isn’t so much of quantity as it is quality. You can tell that effort was put into creating the content, and that’s what gives the content value.
Patrick
July 26th, 2009 1:17 am
Truly compelling content not only sparks my interest, but makes me want to share the insight I’ve gained with others.
Patrick
ugo.jar @ javamobilecrunch.com
July 26th, 2009 1:21 am
To me compeling content is that which just keeps me at the edge of my chair from the introductory paragrapgh to the conclusion. To do it has to;
-Solve a personal problem
-touch my fears
-contain some form of humour
-tell a story that I can relate with.
thinkinginvain
July 26th, 2009 1:22 am
When the content is presented in a easy to digest manner. I would say that its when the content is answering a need I may have but that’s not always the case. Many is the time when I was totally absorbed in reading something I wouldn’t normally care about simply due to the way the writers personality came through. So i would say that perhaps more than anything, personality is king.
thinkinginvain
July 26th, 2009 1:23 am
for further clarification of my previous comment: Personality doesn’t mean the writer has to be some personality superstar, but rather that their own uniqueness shines through.
Brian
July 26th, 2009 1:38 am
For me compelling content is material I want to revisit multiple times over a long span of time. It’s material that can be referenced and referred to often as it is relevant to many situations and people.
Wallpapers
July 26th, 2009 1:38 am
Compelling content, to me, is something that drives me to action. During the whole article/video I am actively thinking about what the implications are for the information that I am given.
Jeffery Wood
July 26th, 2009 1:47 am
I have to have a real interest in the topic, personally or professionally. I don’t really read things I’m not interested in even if it’s required. If that happens then it’s got to be entertaining.
I try to inject my humor in my writings so they are at least mildly amusing, especially with examples. This helps aleviate the sometimes “dry” nature of the topic.
I couldn’t do that with the blog series I did because the posts were already really long, but I tried and will always regret not having more.
– Jeffery
Bash Bosh
July 26th, 2009 1:54 am
For me, the compelling content needs to have following elements:
a.) Quality – quality content is the main element. Including many quality information gathered from multiple sources and own knowledge.
b.) Useful – it needs to be a useful or helpful to the targeted audience. People likes to learn something useful or helpful and
c.) Writing Style – for me, very important element is a writing style. I like to see contents that are written in the casual-style. I also like to see some humor and personal experiences in the content.
Branko Zecevic
July 26th, 2009 1:54 am
By my oppinion compelling content is something that everyone can relate to,some irresistible story with good title as the hook. Something that drew visitors attention.
Laura Lee Dooley
July 26th, 2009 1:54 am
I have simple needs … for me, compelling content:
* is actionable
* tells a story (or conveys an idea) that relates to me
* includes a good visual – I’m more likely to read a story that contains a photo or graphic than one that is just a block of text (though story may trump graphic if it is interesting enough)
Manshu
July 26th, 2009 1:56 am
To me compelling content is actionable content or rare insight. Actionable content is the stuff I read here, almost every post has something that I can immediately use in my own blogging.
Rare insight is the stuff I read in WSJ, NYT or blogs like Baseline Scenario, which gives me things to think about that I could never possibly have figured out on my own.
jen james
July 26th, 2009 2:20 am
The most compelling content I come across comes from writers who aren’t afraid to be pirates demanding a ransom of truth from self. They aren’t annihilated by mean comments, because no matter how much hurt, they are more committed to microscopic honesty than to living bland, pain-free lives.
I am not talking about exhibitionism or people who trade on secrets to drive traffic to their sites. I am talking about those bloggers who let the dormant poet out of the tower of political correctness – who risk ridicule and rejection when they allow their ideas to flow from the Fountain.
Compelling content is sometimes tender, sometimes sloven. It is sometimes impulsive, but more often precise. Above all, compelling content is disclosure – of imagination, failure, success, sorrow, joy.
Gina Abudi
July 26th, 2009 2:30 am
Content that is timely and practical. Examples, case studies, story telling – find all of that compelling in content.
Looking forward to reading further!
Scott Gould
July 26th, 2009 2:34 am
Simple.
Compelling content rouses that most precious human resource – action.
I’ve been ranting on about this for weeks. We don’t need more content. We need action.
Karl Foxley
July 26th, 2009 2:38 am
I find two types of content compelling: content that teaches and content that tells a story.
If you combine the both then I think that is a serious ‘compelling content’ winner.
I look forward to reading the posts on this subject.
Karl
Justin Parks
July 26th, 2009 2:48 am
For me Compelling Content is content that makes me:
- ask a question
- consider a view
- instructs me on something new or an experience
Basically something that makes me either happy or angry. Im indifferent to almost everything else.
Dave
July 26th, 2009 2:49 am
These are compelling to me:
1. Teaches me new ways of doing things, new ideas, approaches.
2. Helps me solve a problem that I have
3. Technical reason. The idea is not outstanding – can even be ordinary – what makes it exceptional is the writer’s fresh way of treating his content. A very well written post or piece of writing is always compelling.
4. Humor never fails to attract my attention. Not a day passes that I must have my fix of a little humor or entertainment. Hopefully the blogger provides that.
5. And most important of all… repetition!
Tony
July 26th, 2009 2:50 am
Compelling content in my blog comes in two forms, and I’m gauging this by the number of hits and the number of comments.
The first comes from stories I enterprise based on the highs and lows of living carfree in the desert. People seem to love when I tell stories about of my day to day activities – whether it’s drama filled or more comedic relief. Sometimes I feel bad being so self-indulgent and sharing things that to me are just another day – but people love it!
The second most clicked on compelling content comes in a form I learned right here on Problogger.net – creating lists. I get so much positive reaction on those days, and the writing tip from Darren has definitely made my blog reach a new level.
SoCooLBob
July 26th, 2009 2:57 am
Many things make many different kinds of content compelling.
One thing that makes content compelling is the fact that it is “compelling” to a great many others.
Tom Collins
July 26th, 2009 3:01 am
Hi Darren,
You’ve collected a lot of very good lists that focus on the attributes of the content itself: new, humorous, visually appealing, telling a story. Many of this echo the “SUCCESs” list (simple, unexpected, concrete, credible, emotional, story) in Chip and Dan Heath’s book, Made to Stick.
But I think we need to remember the reader and that inevitably leads to the realization that, for each individual reader, “it depends.” And it depends not just on who the reader is, but when you catch them. What is going on in my business and personal life today, what are my short or long-term goals, and many other factors influence what I may find compelling when you publish it. A wildly funny piece might not play well on a day I’m facing a tragic loss.
It may not seem like this helps us much, as the ones trying to create compelling content. But I think keeping this in mind can help us think think through which kinds of readers we are trying to reach, what the needs of that sub-group may be, and so on. With those things in mind, the task of deciding what makes our content simple, concrete, etc., should be easier.
Looking forward to your takes on all this!
Tom
TheManRevolution
July 26th, 2009 3:05 am
Compelling content to me is not only the value of the content and what it does for me, but how it’s written.
I don’t like writing blog posts like I would for my final thesis. A lot of blogs publish posts as if they’re writing for a Science Journal or something.
I like it when it’s personal and it’s directed at me. It makes me pay attention to it more. It also makes me feel that the author isn’t just some kind of robot.
I write my own blog that way. I give advice on dating and just general self-help and I write my posts as if I’m talking to one of my friends. It’s very personal for both me and the readers.
Jeffrey Tang
July 26th, 2009 3:06 am
Compelling content really depends on context. By context, I mean audience, medium, and timing.
The important of audience is pretty obvious – write what appeals to your readership. It’s also important to write in a style and on a topic appropriate to your medium. A novel may be very compelling in book form, but would be seriously out of place on a blog.
Timing’s the third thing I would consider .For example, an article about Christmas traditions would be compelling only around Christmastime. A breaking news story would likely only be compelling for a few weeks; after that it would be irrelevant for most people.
Susie Sharp
July 26th, 2009 3:09 am
Compelling to me?
learn
laugh
re-set priorities
awareness
help
howto
reasoning
Jarie Bolander
July 26th, 2009 3:54 am
I enjoy content that logically lays out a problem and then shows me how to solve it. When it is well written, witty and timely, then that’s compelling.
Opinion content that evokes constructive dialog, that moves an issue or point of view along compels me to want to read and participate. Couple that with deep knowledge of a subject and a general caring for the readers, will hook me every time.
Tiffany
July 26th, 2009 4:14 am
Compelling content helps me;
- solve a problem, sometimes a problem I didn’t know I had.
- teaches me how to do something, better or faster
- gets my creative juices flowing and my mind working
- helps me see things in a new light.
Jannie Funster
July 26th, 2009 4:15 am
In general, the art of non-crass humor usually reels me in and keeps me coming back, no matter the subject.
Vicki@collegeparentcentral
July 26th, 2009 4:16 am
Wow, this is an interesting question, and interesting to see some of the variation of responses!
For me, compelling content has two chief characteristics – a) it is significant and meaningful (not trivial) and b) it is interesting and important to me (as writer).
In other words, the content needs to have some importance – either it’s newsworthy or novel or meaty or matters somehow in the world (even if that “world” is a small niche. And the content has to matter to the writer. If I write about something but don’t really care about it, why should I expect others to take time to read it or care about it?
I’m sure there are lots of other factors that matter, but they boil down to these essentials for me.
Beth
July 26th, 2009 4:32 am
Since I read a ton of mom blogs, I tend to go back to the ones that don’t constantly talk about their children. The bloggers that reveal more about themselves, and get intimate with their readers is what I appreciate the most.
Promotional Products
July 26th, 2009 4:52 am
I believe that compelling content is something that serves a purpose. Pretty basic I know, but while looking at business sites and other blogs, I tend to see quite a lot of unnecessary content that turns me off to particular sites. If you have compelling content that motivates people to visit your site, you shouldn’t need all the unnecessary links, etc. I think have an easily navigable site is also and important step to the illusion of compelling content.
Jose
July 26th, 2009 5:48 am
In your case, compelling content would be based on sharing those little secrets that have made you a great blogger, and all other things you can observe while blogging actually, as far as I assume you live different experiences from other bloggers that have much more less traffic and success, and be sure that those experiencies are very interesting for bloggers, because all of we want to learn a lot from you.
Thanks for blogging.
Elizabeth Barrette
July 26th, 2009 5:52 am
Compelling content for me tends to include:
1) Solid data. I often search for things that I can link to or quote in my own writing to support arguments or expand information, and that needs to be highly reliable. So I look for blogs by professionals, posts that detail a topic and cite their sources, etc.
2) Unusual perspectives. I like to read about things that are weird and interesting. So I’ve got a friend who blogs about building puppets and other theatrical props, and several friends who post art-in-progress, and people whose political leanings are different than mine but clearly described, etc.
3) Partial overlap. I’m really keen on networking with bloggers who work in any of my main fields but cover a slightly different subtopic. Chances are, their audience and mine will be interested in both blogs, but we’re not duplicating exactly the same coverage so we aren’t competing directly. That’s ideal for audience expansion.
Wesley Craig Green
July 26th, 2009 6:00 am
To me, compelling content is content which falls into one of the below:
1) Educates me on something I am interested in
2) Provides insight into something I am interested in
3) Helps me solve a problem
I am sure there are a couple of others, but those three are at the top of my list.
Wesley Craig Green
The Geek Entrepreneur
Amy - parkcitygirl
July 26th, 2009 6:43 am
As a niche blogger in the quilting/creative arts – compelling content is beautiful, teaches me a new technique, or inspires me to create! Thanks Darren!
Madeleine Kolb
July 26th, 2009 6:52 am
I agree with Mitch and some other commenters that compelling content is something you can walk away with. You can apply to your own life. The content teaches you something really important that you didn’t know before, maybe something that’s contrary to what you’ve always believed–like what we hear about how terrible it is to get old.
karen
July 26th, 2009 7:00 am
Compelling content is a subject matter based on a good story. Storytelling is such a great art form. I also read articles that help improve myself and my business. I enjoy lots of topics and enjoy video alot. That gives you a chance to see the person behind the word.
Karen
GrooverClinic
Zuri Berry
July 26th, 2009 7:13 am
Compelling content is simple: Provides insight (also insider commentary), is educational, is well written and/or funny. I think “how-to’s” take the cake on the web, but there’s nothing better than a good laugh.
aban
July 26th, 2009 7:19 am
It depends on how I get to the content. If, like Problogger I have it in my reader I’m much more compelled by a community approach. Ask and answer, opinions, etc. If I get to something by a search engine I like the content to just be information without the extra “stuff” around it.
They both share in common that they need to:
a) Provide accurate and timely information/opinions
b) Original information/opinions or at least a new perspective on it
c) Easily understood
d) Well written content.
Jody Bruner
July 26th, 2009 7:39 am
Great question, great comments. I like reading content that’s outside my area of interest as long as it’s concrete and conversational. Using a concrete style brings your ideas to life. Being conversational brings the writer to life and creates a human connection. That’s compelling.
Denise
July 26th, 2009 7:53 am
Compelling content for me takes in several components.
1. Teaches me how to do something or shows a different perspective on something.
2. Helps to trigger creative ideas, whether its in my writing or in a particular situation I’m in.
3. Helps me to solve an issue or makes something easier to deal with, whether professional or personal.
4. Sometimes its even straight forward advice you read and then think, this is it – this will work – this is my answer! (These are often called my “Lightbulb Moments.” That is only one of my reasons I subscribed to ProBlogger.)
5. Also find resources and only short videos like 5 or 10 minutes long that offer detailed steps and/or clarification, to be helpful. (Not able to watch the longer ones.)
6. The writing needs to hold me, doesn’t necessarily need to be lengthy. Rather have quality than quantity of course.
7. For me, if the site creates an environment that promotes learning, prompts an action or a change, and speaks on a casual basis, I’m more apt to stick around or come back for more. (to clarify – the site needs to not be overly cluttered, must be easy on the eye with regard to colors, (that’s kind of a tricky one because I love color), easy to search and naviagate around.)
I realize the last point isn’t about the actual content itself, but for me it’s an important aspect of being able to deliver whatever message you’re trying to convey on your site and to your audience. If it (the environment) gets to be chaotic or aggravating – I’m gone. Look forward to seeing your take on this.
Note: Because you asked – Site is not functioning properly; being worked on. Hopefully it’ll be up very soon.
Strength and Fitness
July 26th, 2009 10:37 am
Compelling content is something unique that I couldn’t find anywhere else.
GossipSecretaries
July 26th, 2009 11:23 am
To me great content includes an interesting concept that draws me into the post. In addition, the writing style of the blogger is also important. I like to read posts that combine humor and straight talk.
I also prefer to read posts that will teach me something new or will make the light bulb go off in my head.
SURVEYS FOR MONEY
July 26th, 2009 12:22 pm
Compelling content should cause the reader to ask questions. It needs to persuade or teach the reader in some way. It’s content that’s unique and can’t be found anywhere else. It begins a dicussion amongst other bloggers who comment on your content. Compelling content shows the reader that you, as a blogger, are interested in them.
The Bad Blogger
July 26th, 2009 2:38 pm
Making the article straight to the point, and write it in the way average people could understand. There are too many article which is good but they write it in a professional way, which to many is hard to understand the meaning and words behind the article.
Imogen Lamport
July 26th, 2009 2:39 pm
Compelling – interesting or unique facts
Compelling – tugs at the emotions – makes me cry or laugh
Compelling – illustrated in some way
Compelling – teach me – how to do something or about something
Compelling – well written, easy to read and follow – succinct
Dan Smith
July 26th, 2009 2:47 pm
Compelling Content is what moves me…in essence it is my voice. It is my motivation. Even if what I write doesn’t resonate with all of the potential readers out there, people who start reading what I write like what they see, and hopefully it then moves them as well.
It has to move someone, even if it’s just yourself.
Perniagaan Internet
July 26th, 2009 3:04 pm
Just make article and content beside your life….to make audience and readers close to our writting
David Hurley
July 26th, 2009 4:51 pm
Using images certainly helps, but the key is in the style of writing. Story telling with a point behind it. Especially when the reader knows that the story is leading up to a point but you aren’t quite sure what the point is… It is best if the image or the metaphor at work is intriguing, unusual, funny or whacky… Your sock drawer video was a great example…
Note, thought – another reason why I was willing to click the play button was because I saw that it was less than three minutes long… so be economical… Say it concisely. That also adds to the punch.
Jason
July 26th, 2009 5:28 pm
Humorous & Educational
Too straight-laced and I’m uninterested in what you’re trying to teach.
Too outrageous and I feel like whatever you say is worthless fluff.
But if you strike the perfect balance of being an entertaining educator, I’ll become a daily visitor for sure.
SATISH
July 26th, 2009 6:07 pm
1. Of course valuable, scan able content. With appealing graphics like a photo or a chart or graph etc, which support the content.
2. Make me more lazy! — Audio or Video content will reduce my work of reading these small text. I just want to click on play button, sit back and watch or hear something closing my eyes — Also helps me to focus. Video content helps a lot for visualizing things.
3. Humorous — To make me read till end, without boring me.
4. Personalized — The content which talks to readers, then the content which talks upon reader.
5. Touches the emotion of the reader — This type of content carries away the reader along with it, and the reader can’t resist reading it till the end. This type of content drives the readers focus.
6. Quality content, pillar article, which doesn’t contain a sales pitch at the end!
7. Content which is written by taking more time in researching, experimenting, analyzing, case studies, interviewing the experts and finally writing the content with all the valuable details, without the extra fluff! To the point article. Hitting the nail on the head.
Cms For Startup
July 26th, 2009 6:28 pm
1 – MONEY – Can you make money from it !! – practical appliance
2 – Solve problem
3 – SHORT
4 – Usability
5 – Images (step by step)
6 – Video (short – technical)
7 – No too much personal stuff – get to the point.
8 – Releable data – no need for too much chech.
9 – Availlable alternatives
10 – Fokus or dispersion (monetizing is all about focus and drill)
11 – How deep is content (source of another ideas)
12 – Linking to another usefull content -resources (more insight from another practical person/book/blog/etc)
13 – Is there oposit direction?
14 – What we are missing (we always do)?
15 – What we can incorporate from another perspectives ?
Cms For Startup
Milan Smudja
Technology Slice
July 26th, 2009 7:33 pm
Something that stirs up emotion.
We Fly Spitfires - MMORPG Blog
July 26th, 2009 9:08 pm
For me compelling content is:
1. Original
2. Passionate
3. Informative or entertaining
4. Well written and well structured
We Fly Spitfires - MMORPG Blog
July 26th, 2009 9:10 pm
Sorry, I forgot to add to my last comment that perhaps the blog post that I am most proud off and was deemed the most compelling by the community (i.e. from Retweets, comments and blog link) was when I compared MMORPG computer games to women. I thoroughly enjoyed writing it and it’s original and witty which is why I think it’s compelling content.
http://blog.weflyspitfires.com/2009/07/12/mmorpgs-are-a-lot-like-women/
Likely to mean nothing to most people here :)
bookies
July 26th, 2009 10:28 pm
Hey Darren, personally to me compelling content is anything that I can’t stop reading. If I actually take the time to read the full article, post, ect then it is compelling.
Marcus
make money online
July 26th, 2009 10:30 pm
Hi Darren,
I think that compelling content falls into two categories it is either very informative or very exciting. If a story has both then you hit the jackpot. I am very excited to hear your 7 or 9 diffrent aspects which create compelling content.
Kris,
Cris
July 26th, 2009 10:37 pm
It’s my first month in the blogging world but I write with this in mind:
it should tickle curiosity and have links, pics, or a video related to the topic.
It’s doesn’t have to be necessarely a long article but just enough to make you want to know more about the subject.
And like The Bad Blogger has written ealier: straight to the point and easy to understand.
But of course, it depends on what kind of blog you’re running.
excITingIP.com
July 26th, 2009 10:38 pm
Generally when a reader comes to a particular article via search, he should click the home button and read some more. If the content in the original article makes him do that, then it is compelling content.
My blog is a highly technical blog. So, when a non-technical person accidentally lands up there and casually reads it and wants to read another article to know more about IT networking technologies, then it is really really compelling content!
excITingIP.com
Spyros
July 26th, 2009 10:39 pm
This is how i define compelling content :
1. Content that provides benefit to the reader
2. Interesting
3. Unique
4. Can be extended to new post (like a series of posts)
5. Up to Date
6. Headline Provocative (very important)
7. Enticing subheadings
8. Not Neutral (reflects opinion, argumentative)
9. Good Structured Post, clear content
10. Single topic for each post
11. Having Lists of course !
12. Featuring nice metaphors, similes and opening sentences
13. Social Proven, designed to get comment feedback and retweets so that it promotes itself.
14. Signed by a real person name, not written by anonymous authors or people of low online caliber.
15. Not too long a lost and not too long sentences.
Lokendra Rathore
July 26th, 2009 11:03 pm
When a post fulfills my need for whatever I am searching for at a given particular moment so that I do not have to look any further-that is compelling content.
Rahman Mehraby
July 26th, 2009 11:21 pm
Compelling content is the one that nails me to the chair, gives me hope, makes me feel relieved and impresses me by how much the content creator cares for the people like me!
sharonq
July 26th, 2009 11:26 pm
William Zinsser (On Writing Well) said that “clutter is the disease of American writing.” I’d go further and say that clutter is the disease of any thoughtless writing, regardless of who is writing it.
Compelling content starts with writing style (just like physical attraction is a prerequisite to love and romance). The text might have helpful and interesting news but if the style is off-tangent, it makes me look away.
For how-to and educational articles, the info should provide step-by-step instructions. I find that in most how-to articles, there are so many critical steps left out. Screen shots would help and I prefer bullet points for text.
For creative, experience-sharing pieces, the info must be personal and must persuade you to do some independent thinking.
Thanks for asking our opinions!
Donna
July 26th, 2009 11:36 pm
I am compelled by content that informs me, changes my mind, reminds me, motivates me, inspires me, and/or gives me practical action steps to apply immediately.
Of course, the most impactful writing tends to contain some all these elements.
For instance, I have been a writer for a long time, but am always seeking to keep learning in this arena. So, before I read your newsletter, I had just finished reading a very compelling article about how to improve your writing by being more descriptive in your title; and then being thorough by including enough detail in the article to ensure that you fulfill your readers’ expectations, that you caused with a very descriptive title.
Some ideas in that article were sort-of “new” to me because I was trained on the importance of being concise in my writing. However, I now realize that brevity, depending on the purpose of your article and the type of audience you seek, is not always appropriate for delivering compelling content.
Furthermore, considering the fact that most comments are usually brief, I believe that this comment is even a great example of what I’ve shared here, as well.
I hope this is helpful and look forward to reading the other comments and the future posts in this series.
Thanks!
Bradi
July 27th, 2009 12:04 am
Compelling to one may not be compelling to another- a bit subjective.
Humor is always good and stay on topic. Be entertaining and resourceful at the same time! Oh, and originality is always a bonus…
Phraedus
July 27th, 2009 12:31 am
Simplifying a complex topic.
manikandan
July 27th, 2009 12:32 am
Compelling will help the authors to make the content more rich and clear. It doesn’t mean that compelling is to express your thoughts to the readers in a meaningless way, what the real compelling to me is:what I am like to express or show my readers will be in Straightforward. i.e.my thinking would be in readers position. Because whatever we told, but only if the message gets reached and a reader get satisfied ,then only we should grow in our niche.
Even while I am commenting to this question, I am compelled to give the exact answer! that’s it……..
Judy Adler
July 27th, 2009 1:28 am
For me, compelling content answers a question, solves a problem, or teaches me something I need to know. For example, I clicked the link in your email (What is compelling content) and read his blog because I am write for a website and email copy and want to learn how to write more compelling content. And it was worth my time. Thanks.
John Hoff - WpBlogHost
July 27th, 2009 1:34 am
The impact of compelling content to me changes. It depends on what I’m looking for at that time.
Content can be well written, but if I’m not looking for that information, it’s not as compelling to me no matter how well written it is.
With that said, elements of compelling content for me would include things like:
- valuable information I don’t see everywhere else
- something that sparks an emotional response from me
- makes me think in ways I hadn’t considered before
- allows me to visualize what the person is saying (playing a movie in my head)
- Something that includes examples so I can relate
- humor helps but depends on the article
- the author’s true personality showing through
Aidil Sharizaq
July 27th, 2009 1:43 am
for me a compelling a content is not a content that helps you solve your problem or bring you more info (thats the reason of a content anyway), but also a content that will make you understand and absorb the information fast and in simple manner.
what i mean is content that is informational,reliable easy to understand or follow and entertaining as well. (gettin a few laugh here and there helps the reading and build the excitement)
Also,if possible,a visual aid (like a picture or diagram) makes the content interesting as well..
that,in my opinion a compelling and a perfect content. put that kind of content and I wont hesitate to subscribe the posts
perfect example? you’re reading that blog now.
krissy knox
July 27th, 2009 1:43 am
For me, compelling content:
1. catches my attention.
2. must be intriguing and must challenge me to use my intellect.
3. gets my creativity started!
4. may perhaps compel me to be thoughtful or meditative.
5. usually teaches me something and forces me to think in new ways.
6. causes me to want to learn more about a particular subject, perhaps do research, and then take action if there is any to be taken.
7. can be almost any kind of content — whether asking me to have fun, figure out a serious problem, be the recipient of a news story, or work on self growth. The point is, the content must encourage me to grow, and hopefully take some kind of action — even if the action is to have some kind of fun! And yes, I have fun in a competive way, LOL, challenging myself.
8. asks me/ compels me to solve a problem of some kind, or to take some kind of an action.
The bottom line is, good content often causes me to look at something from a different paradigm, by providing me with new information, enabling me to expand on what I was previously doing. Good content inspires me to take action…
krissy knox :)
follow me on twitter:
http://twitter.com/iamkrissy
Tom
July 27th, 2009 3:31 am
I’m actually writing this to myself – as I am launching my own blog website soon. I have researched plenty of content over the last few years and tested the real life applications on myself and others. I do not want it to be just content driven – I want the concept/product to be attuned to people as soon as they drop in to my location. How I present my stuff needs to make people FEEL YES, that is something I can strongly relate to, and this fellow must know what he is talking about – because he has made it extremely simple and effective.
Kara Gott Warner
July 27th, 2009 3:33 am
To me, compelling content would be something that can learn or leave with after visiting a blog. I like to feel that I’ve gained some knowledge that will help me in my blogging efforts, in my business, or maybe just something that inspires me creatively. Also, photos are always a plus. Blogs that have no photos, or not very good photos don’t excite me. I need eye candy!
Rajput Singh
July 27th, 2009 3:48 am
Good Morning Darren,
Let me start with a quote.
He worked by day
And toiled by night.
He gave up play
And some delight.
Dry books he read,
And forged ahead,
Success to earn.
He plodded on with
Faith and pluck;
And when he won,
Men called it luck.
- Anonymous
When we say “Compelling” we mean or “Tending to persuade by forcefulness of argument”. Compelling contents differs from websites to websites. For our website problogger.net , those contents that motivates the reader and shows them the correct path to blog and generate money out of it will be mainly regarded as ‘compelling content.’
But universally, “compelling contents are those contents that serves the purpose of its origin”
Thanks
Rajput Singh
Alisa Bowman
July 27th, 2009 6:03 am
I define “compelling” as something that sucks me in and doesn’t spit me back out til the last word. So that might be:
1. Something that is controversial and that I don’t necessarily agree with, but that is so well said and argued that I find myself thinking deeply about the topic anyway.
2. Something that takes a new, fresh look at an issue.
3. Effective story telling, usually from an unusual perspective.
Laura - The Journal of Cultural Conversation
July 27th, 2009 11:31 am
Great question – I had to give it some good thought, which was a great exercise for a Sunday!
I always appreciate “how to” posts as well as interviews of people who are launching fascinating new projects. However, I find the most compelling content to be information that makes me think and learn – new ideas that serve as a type of personal classroom. Since I work a day job, but love my blog and many others, I feel I’m getting an education through innovative ideas without having to go to school.
Thanks again for this – hope your Sunday was great!
- Laura
Norma Rickman
July 27th, 2009 11:39 am
To me, compelling content is content aimed directly at the audience; it’s not content designed solely to make me a few bucks. My audience wouldn’t bother to read my blog if I didn’t supply the information they need to know. My blog is aimed at adults who have gone back to college. I’ve been there, done that, so I try to think of all the questions I had when I was struggling to juggle classes with work and raising a family when writing content. The needs of this particular segment are a lot different than the needs of traditional college students who have parents footing their bills. There’s not a lot of sites out there to support adult students, so when I write my content, I try to keep that in mind.
Josh
July 27th, 2009 11:44 am
To me, compelling content fills a specific need. Something someone can read that solves their immediate problem. A useful post is focused and doesn’t drift too much from the reason for the article.
The other thing I think is super important (maybe more so?) for creating compelling content:
There should also be an overall topic that it’s addressing via the tags and categories. Your single piece of content should be just one jigsaw piece in the puzzle of the topic you’re covering.
Claudia
July 27th, 2009 11:52 am
Darren, adjusting your subject line in your e-mail feed was an excellent idea!! Fits right in with creating compelling content. Instead of the older “Problogger – Latest Posts,” we get a tasty preview of what we’ll find in the post.
I appreciate your making it easier for the search function to retrieve a post I may want to re-read.
Debbie Hemley
July 27th, 2009 11:54 am
This!
Seriously, these eighty-five honest and detailed descriptions of what each person thinks is compelling content.
If you ask me, it doesn’t get much more compelling than this.
Farnoosh Brock
July 27th, 2009 12:10 pm
I find it very compelling when the content is authentic and timeless. Presentation is secondary, and while a nice professional website is important, the foundation comes from authentic and timeless. That is what I aim to do in my blog and that is what I look for in other blogs.
Celes | CelestineChua.com
July 27th, 2009 12:15 pm
Compelling content is content that draws me in and keeps me coming back. So content that is personable, true from the blogger’s heart, sincere, genuine, unadulterated and unfiltered will really draw me in. Of course, it needs to be deliver concrete value over and beyond what the other blogs have too. Having posts which are (a) well organized (b) contain all the proper information within 1 post rather than scattered all around are important too.
Isaac | Go Blogger (dot) net
July 27th, 2009 12:17 pm
Compelling content is the content in need. Great content are nothing for those who don’t need it. Poor written but working tips are compelling for those who desperately need it.
You can’t know for sure when your content will be compelling. But it is always compelling to someone out there, and not compelling to another person out there.
Just give your best shot, and keep doing it. That’s the key to build ass-kicking content.
Martin Casper
July 27th, 2009 12:53 pm
Compelling content to me is content that is pertinent to the topic, is focused in scope, and leads me to think that the author really knows what he/she is talking about. It makes me want to come back for more and to follow them…
Tom
July 27th, 2009 12:55 pm
To me the most compelling is original content. And this is the difficulty of writing a good blog, to put something out in a way nobody ever thought about it before.
Stan Schultz
July 27th, 2009 1:36 pm
Great question! The answer is contained in the question! Compelling content always has the ring of Authenticity to it, the ring of Truth. Even if its just a techie doing his job and telling you how to do something better, that little incremental improvement is his authentic contribution.
What is your unique, authentic contribution? That is what makes for compelling content. People in touch with their own individual genius spill compelling content to those receptive to their state of consciousness. Inspiration requires both a writer in touch with himself and a receptive reader.
hollywoodlvwork
July 27th, 2009 1:42 pm
A different perspective on a popular topic is compelling. If it makes me aware of an issue or is informative that too is compelling to me
Sparrow
July 27th, 2009 2:39 pm
My ‘compelling content’ has now come to be dictated (mostly) by my most popular posts records on Wordpress Stats.
Over the last 2 years certain subjects have risen to the top and these are the topics I concentrate upon.
A niche has been found.
Of course good quality is essential.
jeand99
July 27th, 2009 4:48 pm
At first I think “compelling content” is highly personal. Dependent on mood, balance between work and sparetime, situation at home and the way you think, feel and act in life (e.g. Maslows hierarchy of needs).
What’s NOT compelling? RT too much newsfeeder kind of stuff.
Compelling?
1. Things that make me think and reconsider my points of views in life, concerning history or the “others” in general.
2. New killer app kind of stuff.
3. Pointing at interesting people (not necessary twitters). To be a guide in the world with all it’s wonders and triviality.
4. Max of 6 tweets a day!
Blogger Make Money
July 27th, 2009 6:08 pm
When the agreeable tells a adventure I feel accountable to apprehend it. The adventure could be about a aberration or a account the biographer has experienced. For me, it makes it added acute if I can chronicle to the adventure as well. Perhaps I accept accomplished something similar.
XO Water
July 27th, 2009 8:34 pm
Compelling: an honest and authentic style always grabs the readers attention. Whether an exciting adventure, a funny retelling of a story, some new angle or intro to new topic, tutorial or just plain informational, it’s most important if the author writes w/o an agenda, is open minded, honest and here’s that word again, authentic. Our B.S. meters are on red-alert these days….
AutoCritical
July 28th, 2009 12:50 am
Something that answers the questions that I am asking, meanwhile, provoking thought and information in a broader perspective.
@Takuya_Hikichi
July 28th, 2009 1:21 am
To me, “Compelling content” doesn’t need to be new information. Rather, I’d like to gain new perspective on existing ideas and be reminded that I’ve always known those principles. When gained different or new perspective in ways that I never thought about, I’d feel I become wiser.
KateS
July 28th, 2009 1:22 am
All of the above — and easy to find that aformentioned compelling content. Well laid out.
I don’t go back to a blog where i have to hunt to find it midst all the ads and grapics and mess.
Paige Henson
July 28th, 2009 1:42 am
Content that succinctly imparts wisdom (on its particular subject) that enlightens, inspires or otherwise enhances the lives of those who read it. Like all the great stuff from ProBlogger.
krisis
July 28th, 2009 2:15 am
The most compelling blog content for me to read are topical posts that blend information on an interesting/emerging topic with the distinct personality and voice of the writer. With so many blogs addressing the same news and links, in the long run it’s those personal intangibles that retain me as a subcriber (two masters of that being Kottke and Conversation Agent. Also, Meg Pickard at meish.org).
Similarly, a littany of bite-sized posts is ultimately a turn-off. Two-minute reading is nice, but at some point I need to be able to dig in and get to know a writer a little better, even if they are not a “personal” blogger. A few longer, more narrative posts are not a bad thing.
ATP
July 28th, 2009 3:55 am
Compelling content to me is anything that follows these standards.
1. Interesting. Cause I don’t want to read any boring old blog post
2. True. Because fake information is really annoying.
3. Informative. What kind of blog (besides mine) doesn’t inform you about stuff?
4. NOT BORINg. Some posts go on and on, and it get’s really annoying.
Jed
July 28th, 2009 6:32 am
Apart from content that has utility (i.e., something i can use related to the blog subject matter), I think I’m looking for a connection. It boils down to creating an organic appeal via stories, humor, self-disclosure, oops!, self-reflection, etc. Even if the culture of the readership isn’t very communal, organics are engaging. I can also identify what is compelling by looking at the subject in contrast to what is NOT compelling. This approach leads me back to the basics of good writing habits (i.e., succinct, visually rich, arresting language) and my own personal turn-offs like self-aggrandizement.
maya
July 28th, 2009 7:43 am
There are some blogs I have been following for ages, way before I had a blog myself and what makes me come back is that I always find some useful content. Problogger for example is where I find tips and ways to improve my non existent [so far] blogging abilities, but there are others where I like to hang out just for the fun of it.
Might I just add that since I have become aware of Adsence I make a point of clicking on the links, this way I not only help the blogger but often the advertised sites can be very interesting.
Now what is compelling content? I would find it quite difficult to pinpoint, what attracts me to a blog is quite different to what would attract my daughter, but we both enjoy sites that are fun and entertaining in some way, but I really go for the places where I get a good read and useful information.
Brad Harding
July 28th, 2009 11:35 am
Compelling content elicits a response. It draws me into conversation. It inspires me to react. It is this very post, despite it being nothing more than a question.
Compelling content also moves me to DO something. It’s the kind of content that I get to the end of and feel inspired to do something with. That response might be to comment on the post (respond) but often it’s much more than that. It might be to change the way I live, to try something new, to share the link to the content with a friend, to experiment with a new technique, to have a conversation, to read more about the topic. The action I take as a result of the content will differ depending upon what it is but compelling content by definition compels me to DO something as a result of reading it.
Laurie
July 28th, 2009 3:12 pm
I look for a personal voice in a web site. One of the things I like about problogger, and Darren’s writing in particular, is the “I” we are all warned so heavily to stay away from. “I’ve identified 7 principles”; what do YOU have to say? Now we’re in a conversation instead of me just dumbly nodding my head and shelling out dough for a magic bullet that only does my business collateral damage and never helps.
I enjoy reading blogs where the author has actually tried the thing/service/idea they’re referring to. If they’re selling something of their own, I enjoy comparisons to other products/services/ideas they’ve tried, what was good about them, what the new product improves on – with honesty and giving kudos where deserved.
A passionate spirit and a sincere desire to share truly valuable information, insights, perceptions vs. a wallet-seeking or egoistic blog wins me over every time. Humility and service to others AND making a living (and a good one if you’re good at what you do) and sharing the wealth is not only a great blog, it’s a great way to live and be in the world.
Dean Saliba
July 29th, 2009 9:35 am
My MMO blog: People want to know how to make money, I try to get to the point quickly.
My personal blog: My readers like my posts to include lots of humour.
Stefyspeak
July 29th, 2009 11:09 pm
Darren,
Kudos to you! Your site and its posts are compelling, not only because I always learn something, but you have so many interesting links, it’s hard for me to decide which ones to read. Never enough time for us avid readers.
The comments from this post are amazing and I will say that compelling content for me is either a story (not a daily diary) and/or posts that inspire me to deep and introspective thoughts. Also ones that teach me something are useful, but it’s the thought provokers that make me want to invest myself with comments and returns to the site.
Stefy
Wrought Iron Furniture
July 31st, 2009 2:27 am
I always go back to what will the people who are reading my blog want to read about.
KB
July 31st, 2009 3:33 am
To me, compelling content is subject matter that I find extremely applicable to day to day living.
Compelling content is also “timeless”; for example, great personal development material is timeless, compelling content.
Peter Mis
July 31st, 2009 12:34 pm
Compelling is about passion. It’s feeling the words and not just reading them. Compelling comes from the heart…it’s authentic…regardless of subject matter.
Thanks for the opportunity to post!
Peter
Grant
August 5th, 2009 2:39 pm
Sometimes compelling content for me is the kind of article that leaves me reeling a little – it leaves me shaking my head and realizing how little I knew about the topic because the author has explored it in a way that I hadn’t considered before. In this way it is ’shocking’ – not because it’s controversial or bad – but because it’s given me a completely new perspective on a topic I thought I had little more to learn about.
The other thing that comes to mind about compelling content is that….. it leaves me thirsting for more. There’s something about compelling content that drives me to subscribe, join or bookmark because I’ve had a taste of something I’d like a second helping of.
Peter
August 13th, 2009 6:43 am
Very interesting and amusing subject. I read with great pleasure.
SAIFI
September 4th, 2009 4:58 pm
My personal blog: My readers like my posts to include lots of humour.
festplatte
September 25th, 2009 4:54 pm
Compelling content makes the difference, and this covers some excellent points on getting through the blogging “dip.”
Comments will be closed off on this post 90 days after it is published. Apologies to those this impacts but it's a regrettable and temporary measure to combat a growing comment spam problem. See our most recent posts where you can comment here.