4 Content Creation Hacks to Improve Retention Forever
Does your audience trust you? These content creation hacks to improve retention help you earn their trust.
Content creation hacks to improve retention
#1 hack to improve retention: foreshadowing
You need to keep up the tension. Guide your audience through your content by constantly letting them in on what they’re waiting around for next. What’s their payoff at the end? What new knowledge will they gain after reading or watching your content?
What makes content creation easier for me is when I define the beginning and the end. Throughout the content creation process, I'll keep that in mind and sprinkle in some foreshadowing snippets to keep the audience on the right track. I mean, think of how movies are written - you always know the mission of the protagonist from the start. Try it out, maybe it'll work for you as well!
#2 hack to improve retention: rehook
So, you've made it this far. Are your eyes getting tired already? Did you know that by the time you read this, you've already forgotten the title of this blog post?!
That's exactly what you should do in content creation to improve retention. Grab your audience's interest with a strong statement, question, or a fun joke that makes the reader chuckle. Evoke some emotion.
#3 hack to improve retention: storytell
Befriend your audience. Tell a story to break the ice. You've probably felt yourself that if you read or watch something that "speaks your language", you're more likely to pay attention and give away your valuable time.
Build up your statement with something your audience can relate to. Draw a comparison to what you’re talking about through shared knowledge, experience, or joke. Remove uncertainty from the equation and make unfamiliar familiar.
#4 hack to improve retention: payoff
Can you keep a secret? In content creation, you have to. At least in the beginning.
Let's turn to the movie analogy again - if you know who lives or dies in the end, are you excited to binge through the entire movie? If you lay your cards on the table straight away, what’s the point for your audience to stay?
Remember, never reveal the payoff in the beginning.
Extra hack to improve retention: content reeling
As promised, here’s the extra secret to get even more views.
Wouldn't you like the audience to "get lost" in your content? That is, in a good way.
Ask your audience to read 1 more story or watch 1 more video. This gets the views you deserve. It’s a no-brainer, but still gone under the radar. Give an opportunity to binge your content.
Want to speed up your content creation process? You can use my retention hacks template to kick it off. Check it out and let me know how you'll do!
Want to take your content creation even further?
If you found this content useful, you should check out this post on brainstorming steps to improve content creation.What if I told you these minor changes in content creation can explode your brand?
If you want to grow your brand with some simple hacks anyone can do, let me know. Get a head start, because many tech companies are missing out on this!
Are you ready to shift gears? I'd be happy to help you out with content strategy and copywriting.