Chapter 7: Captivating Through Entertainment
Azamat Kardanov
?? Business Development Manager @ Dassault Systèmes | Driving Growth ?? 5K+
The Importance of Entertainment in Content
Entertainment is a crucial element for the growth and retention of subscribers. While delivering valuable content is essential, it must be balanced with an engaging, fun approach to keep your audience interested. After all, no one wants to feel like they’re sitting in a boring lecture. The key is to mix educational content with entertainment, ensuring that you don’t come across as a monotonous teacher but rather as an approachable, relatable expert.
Strategies for Creating Entertaining Content
1.???? Avoid the Boring List of Advice
o??? Why It Matters: Lists of advice can often feel impersonal and uninspired. They may convey the necessary information, but they can also come across as dull and unengaging.
o??? What to Do Instead: Frame your advice within a question-and-answer format, which feels more conversational and engaging. Alternatively, use a case story involving a customer or yourself to illustrate your points. This way, you’ll sound less like a theoretical instructor and more like a practical expert sharing real-world experiences.
o??? Example: Instead of listing steps on how to create a content strategy, share a story about a client who struggled with this and how you helped them overcome their challenges. It’s more engaging and relatable.
2.???? Be Friendly, Not Commanding
o??? Why It Matters: Phrases like "you must" can be off-putting and create a disconnect between you and your audience. They can make you seem authoritative and unapproachable.
o??? What to Do Instead: Adopt a friendlier tone, focusing on suggestions and guidance rather than commands. Remember, as discussed earlier in the book, it’s important to connect with those who have the least expertise to reach a broader audience.
o??? Example: Instead of saying, “You must use social media for marketing,” try, “Consider how social media can enhance your marketing efforts—it’s a great tool for reaching a wider audience.”
3.???? Use Simple Words
o??? Why It Matters: As an expert, it’s easy to fall into the trap of using jargon or complex terminology. However, this can alienate your audience, especially those who are not as familiar with the topic.
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o??? What to Do Instead: Simplify your language to make your content accessible to everyone. Remember, you’re writing or recording for your audience, not just to showcase your expertise.
o??? Example: Instead of saying, “Leverage your omnichannel strategy to optimize conversion rates,” say, “Use multiple platforms to increase your chances of getting more customers.”
4.???? Don’t Oversimplify
o??? Why It Matters: While it’s important to be clear and accessible, oversimplifying can be just as detrimental. If you dumb down your content too much, you risk losing credibility with your audience.
o??? What to Do Instead: Strike a balance by explaining concepts in a straightforward manner without assuming your audience knows nothing. Avoid teaching overly basic concepts that are irrelevant to your topic’s depth.
o??? Example: If you’re teaching how to write a book, it’s unnecessary to start with the basics of the alphabet. Focus on the more advanced aspects that are relevant to your audience’s needs.
5.???? Avoid Common Knowledge
o??? Why It Matters: Your audience comes to you for unique insights and expertise, not for basic information they can easily find elsewhere. Relying on generic or widely available information diminishes the value of your content.
o??? What to Do Instead: Share your knowledge and expertise in your own words. Offer insights that only you can provide, based on your experience and understanding of the topic.
o??? Example: Instead of summarizing a Wikipedia article on content marketing, delve into your personal experiences and provide actionable tips that your audience won’t find in a basic search.
Conclusion
Captivating your audience through entertainment is essential for maintaining their interest and encouraging long-term engagement. By avoiding dry lists of advice, using friendly and simple language, and sharing your unique insights, you can create content that not only educates but also entertains. Remember, your goal is to be a relatable expert who your audience feels connected to, rather than a distant authority figure. In the next chapter, we will explore more strategies to ensure your content remains engaging and valuable to your audience.