There is an old story among writers—most likely apocryphal—claiming that Ernest Hemingway once bet he could write both a compelling and tragic story in just six words. His whole audience scoffed, but Hemingway did not falter. Producing a pen from his pocket, and grabbing a napkin from his table, he scrawled in dark ink, “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” The point was simple, the emotion conveyed; Hemingway won his bet.

Hemingway’s punchy and direct writing style applies to content marketers as well. The writer must remember that readers are pressed for time and require concise clarity. Long, boring sentences will turn the reader away. Brevity is the sole of wit, and simplicity is key. Common speech, well-known abbreviations, and helpful links facilitate this end and convey the message to the reader in a palatable fashion.

On the internet, every word counts. A multitude of frivolities can distract the reader at any moment—ads, text notifications, the rapture—readers are only as loyal to a page as the writer makes them be. Thus, the writer must fully engage the reader throughout; no word may be wasted. Be clever, be humorous, be engaging—in short, know the audience. Image helps greatly here. Whether it be an interesting anecdote about a great American author, or an attention-grabbing picture, images capture the human imagination, and keep us enthralled.

Social media also serves the writer greatly. Putting a blog post on Facebook or tweeting a link increases the writer’s reach exponentially. It also allows readers to follow the company in networks beyond its own website, massively increasing the scope of its ken. And, if the writer picks the opportune time to utilize social networks (commute times, lunch breaks, etc.), his readers will be more likely see his posts and read them.

Content is king. Readers want information given to them directly and concisely. By the end of the article, they should be wanting more. Helpful links like this one sate that desire.

Thanks to Social Media Explorer for providing information.