Tips for Creating Clear and Engaging Content

A few years ago, my paid advertising copies weren't hitting the mark. I’d put in the hours, craft what I thought were great posts, and...crickets. Engagement was low, and the audience just wasn’t connecting. It felt like I was shouting into the void. Frustrated, I realized I needed a change. I needed a simple, effective strategy. So, I created a checklist that transformed my approach to content creation. Now, I follow this every single time: 1️⃣ Honesty First: Authenticity is non-negotiable. People can sense when you're being genuine versus just trying to sell something. I always make sure my message is honest and true to my values. 2️⃣ Clarity is Key: If your message isn’t clear, it’s lost. I break down complex ideas into simple, digestible parts. No jargon, no fluff—just clear, straightforward content that’s easy to understand. 3️⃣ Utility Above All: Every piece of content must be useful. It has to provide value, whether it’s actionable tips, insightful information, or a fresh perspective. I ask myself, "How does this help my audience?" If I can’t answer that, it’s back to the drawing board. This checklist has been a game-changer for me. My engagement soared, and my audience started connecting with my content on a deeper level. In my latest video, I walk you through this checklist in detail and show you how to apply it to your content strategy. Check it out and start creating content that truly resonates. #ContentCreation #MarketingTips #AuthenticContent #DigitalMarketing #ContentStrategy

When people start reading your post and then scroll off…the LinkedIn algorithm notices. It interprets this disengagement as a sign that your content wasn’t valuable. And downgrades its visibility so fewer people see it. So your goal is: Write posts people can’t stop reading. Here are 4 tips to make your content easy to finish. _____ //1 Start with short content. Long-form content (>2000 characters) *can* work. In fact, it can be some of the most engaging, authority-building, and lead-generating content out there. But it takes a lot of practice and nuance to hit the mark. If you’re starting out, my advice: Master short-form first. Practice writing posts where every sentence flows to the next. Where the visual structure is appealing and engaging. And where every word feels impactful. Then you can take those skills and expand. //2 Make it vivid with specificity. Infuse your post with details that take all your insights, facts, and figures… … And make them feel personally engaging and palpable. It’s a classic trick — Show, don’t tell. For example: “I got great results from a post last week.” Versus: “50+ comments from industry icons. 12 new leads. I was so happy I high-fived my cat.” The second example is more gripping *and* more informative. And it lets you feel the results yourself— That builds trust and connection. //3 Use strategic, spacious formatting. You’ve likely already heard the advice, “The more white space, the better.” But there are lots of tools you can leverage for strategic formatting. One approach: - Take any list - Or long sentence - And break it into three bullet points Another approach: Break long sentences in half. Then use connector words to keep the post flowing naturally. (Like I did with this one.) Some connector word examples: - Then - And - But - Or When in doubt: Read through your post. If you find your eyes skipping forward, break to a new line (as makes sense). //4 Simplify. Then simplify more. Most of us have been taught to extend our thoughts into elongated narrations; prose that knows no end; sentences that go on long, winding paths that challenge our analytic abilities. But you know where else those paths lead: The attention graveyard. Case and point → That entire first sentence could have been 7 words. “We’re taught to write detailed, complex sentences.” In your first draft, don’t edit yourself. Let it flow. Then: - Consider the core message you want to communicate. - Read your content aloud and cut anything that doesn’t add to it. - Experiment to see how much you can cut while still getting your point across. You can always add more storytelling back in later. ___ Try these tips out. And please, if you’re putting in consistent work and struggling to see results, be patient with yourself. Writing for LinkedIn is harder than people think. It’s a learning journey—one that we’re all on together.

Ever glazed over during a meeting filled with marketing acronyms and technical terms that are difficult to understand – maybe feels like noise Here's the thing: impactful marketing connects, and that means speaking a language everyone understands Need to stop the jargon juggling: Imagine saying that a campaign "garnered a million impressions," got "200,000 visits,"  “100,000 engagements”,  boasted a "12% click-through rate”, and a “10% conversion rate” at a cost of $100,000 Confusing, right? Instead, try this: We targeted a million potential customers, converted 10,000 of them into paying customers, all for $10 each! That's a total investment of $100,000. It was 15% cheaper than our last campaign! See the difference? Same data, crystal-clear impact Here’s what you can use instead: 👉 𝑺𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒚: Ditch the fancy words that make you sound smart but leave everyone else lost 👉𝑭𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕: They care about results, not how many hoops you jumped through to get them. Showcase the "what" (new customers!), not the "how" (click-through rates) 👉𝑻𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔: Marketing is the engine, but business is the car. People want to know how your marketing drives success, not the inner workings of the engine. Remember, clear communication is king By simplifying your message, you'll connect with your audience, tell a compelling story, and ultimately get the results you want

3 messaging tips I wish I knew 20 years ago. (My fave is number 3.) 1. Authenticity Wins It's not just a buzzword... It's your superpower in messaging. • Be real: Show MESSY vulnerabilities • Share stories: REAL experiences resonate • Stay consistent: Authenticity creates real TRUST Expect deeper connections with your audience. 2. Value Over Volume Quality messaging beats quantity every time. • Solve problems: Address pain points directly • Educate: Give away some knowledge for free • Engage: Ask questions, encourage responses Expect higher audience retention and loyalty. 3. Clarity Beats Cleverness Clear messaging trumps clever wordplay. • Simplify: Avoid jargon and complexity • Be direct: Say what you mean plainly • Repeat: Reinforce key messages Expect quicker audience understanding and action. Let's summarize: 1. Be real, connect deeply 2. Quality attracts loyalty 3. Simplicity drives action Takeaway: Clear, real messaging that provides value... ...will always win in connecting with your audience - and driving action! Struggling with your messaging? Let's refine it together.

Dive into these 10 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 from Josh Braun's copywriting practices, plus bonus tips for how to "𝐏𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐫" and engage your prospects in a meaningful way: 1️⃣ Focus on the Customer: Step into their shoes and speak directly to their needs. Understand their challenges, desires, and aspirations to tailor your message specifically to them. 2️⃣ Clarity is Key: Keep your message crystal clear for maximum impact. Avoid jargon and complex language, ensuring that your audience understands your message at a glance. 3️⃣ Embrace Empathy: Connect emotionally by understanding their pain points. Show genuine empathy and compassion, demonstrating that you truly understand and care about their challenges. 4️⃣ Tell Compelling Stories: Make your message memorable with powerful storytelling. Weave narratives that resonate with your audience, drawing them in and leaving a lasting impression. 5️⃣ Simplify Complexity: Break down the complex into digestible content. Take complex ideas or processes and simplify them, making them easy for your audience to grasp and engage with. 6️⃣ Use Persuasive Language: Motivate action with your choice of words. Use language that inspires and compels your audience to take the next step, whether it's making a purchase, signing up, or sharing your message. 7️⃣ Test and Iterate: Experiment with different variations to find what resonates. Continuously test different copy elements such as headlines, calls-to-action, and messaging to optimize for maximum impact. 8️⃣ Build Trust: Establish credibility by providing valuable solutions. Offer insights, tips, and solutions to your audience's problems, positioning yourself as a trusted authority in your niche. 9️⃣ Be Authentic: Forge a genuine connection with your audience. Be authentic, transparent, and relatable in your communication, fostering trust and loyalty with your audience. 🔟 Keep Learning: Stay curious and continuously improve your skills. Explore new trends, techniques, and strategies in copywriting, always striving to expand your knowledge and expertise. Bonus Tips: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐫 "How do you know the founder you’re about to invest in won’t have a sordid history splashed across Tech Crunch’s homepage?" "If you run MVRs quarterly, how do you know violations aren’t occurring between pulls?" "What are you doing to ensure your wash mitt won’t scratch your car?" "How do you know if your Stripe account is losing revenue without you knowing it?" "How do you know good interviews won’t turn into bad sales hires?" "How do you know you’re not being overcharged for shipping?" Ditch the pitch. Poke the bear. Can you add your Own Examples of "Poke the Bear" in the comments?? #Copywriting #Marketing #ContentCreation #JoshBraun #WritingTips #PokeTheBear

Today I worked with the CEO of a pre-IPO company to help him get ready for a keynote speaking engagement. Here is what we learned that might be useful for you too: 🗣 When following the talk track, he was good. 🌟 When following the talk track, and adding stories to bring it to life, he was great. Each story he added to the talk track added a new dimension to his message because it added emotion, humor, vulnerability, and thoughtfulness. The best part about this? Stories don't need to be perfectly polished when we add them to our messaging! Actually, the natural way that they come out is just right. 👉🏼 We also noticed something significant about his tone and delivery when he added in stories. It went from "work voice" to more of a "storytelling voice" that creates a feeling of familiarity and connection with the audience. When we make this shift we sound more engaging and people naturally follow along. Nothing against "work voice." It is necessary to be good at both of these aspects within our authentic voice. It's all about balancing them to maximize our effectiveness as communicators. Just a few thoughts that might aid in taking your communication to the next level. Hope it helps! 🙂 #communication #communicationcoaching #leadershipdevelopment

As a leadership communication speaker and adjunct lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School, I developed a framework to guide us in our journey to speak with impact. The ACE model consists of three pivotal strategies that can revolutionize your communication skills every day: 1. Authenticity: Be YOU. The foundation of impactful communication is authenticity. When you speak from the heart, you create trust-based relationships. 2. Clarity: Cut through the noise. Make your message crystal clear so your audience can resonate with it effortlessly. 3. Energy: Fuel your words with the right energy. It's incredible how the energy you bring to a conversation - and the power of your physical voice - can inspire and move people to action. When you apply the ACE model, you unlock the power to connect deeply and leave a lasting impact on people's lives every single day. Let's elevate our communication and lead with authenticity, clarity, and energy. #Leadership #Communication #LeadWithYourVoice

Copywriters: Before you write a single word of copy, make sure you're crystal clear on these 5 crucial questions: This will help ensure your message is clear, compelling, and effective. 1. What is the offer? Clearly define what you are promoting. Is it a product, service, event, or something else? Understand every detail of the offer to communicate its value accurately. 2. Who is the target audience? Identify who you are speaking to. What are their demographics, interests, pain points, and desires? Tailoring your message to resonate with your specific audience is key to capturing their attention. 3. Why should they care? Highlight the benefits and value propositions. Why is this offer relevant to them? How will it solve their problems or enhance their lives? Establishing a strong connection between the offer and the audience's needs is critical. 4. How can they get it? Provide clear and concise instructions on the steps they need to take to get the offer. Whether it's making a purchase, signing up, or any other action, ensure the process is straightforward and easy to follow. 5. How does it work? Explain the mechanics of the offer. How will the product or service be delivered? What can the audience expect after they engage with the offer? Transparency builds trust and reduces any potential friction in the decision-making process. --- Your ability to address these questions throughout your copy will make a HUGE difference in its reception and performance.

Communicating with clarity is crucial for success. But what if what you said isn't "what they heard"? Communication confusion among leaders and teams often happens because of: ➡️ Skipping Details You gloss over the important stuff. ➡️ Not Getting to the Point You’re using jargon and filler words. ➡️ Overuse of Nonverbals Your expressions don't convey the full message. ➡️ Avoiding Tough Conversations You don't want to cause disagreement. ➡️ You're Just Busy Communicating with everyone is a lot of work! Here's the good news: All it takes to become a better communicator? Intentional commitment. Here are 10 quick tips to ensure CCC ↳ Crystal Clear Communication: 1. Ask if they understand. There’s no better way to confirm they get it than by asking them to explain it back! 2. Share often. You may not always get it right in one shot. Plan for more opportunities to get your point across. 3. Keep it simple. Stay away from jargon and stick to the main idea. What's the “so what?” about it? 4. Try different methods. Share your messages through various media: Writing, speaking, storytelling, visuals. 5. Pay attention and listen intently. If you’re not focused on them, you can’t expect them to return the favor. 6. Remind them. Make it easy for others to recall your agreements. Ask them for takeaways and repeat your action items. 7. Avoid interrupting. Don’t just broadcast; let them finish their message. They’ll hear yours better after processing their own. 8. Watch their reactions. Pause if they aren't listening or look confused. Ask how they’re hearing you and what they think. 9. Take breaks. It’s better to preserve mental energy. Don’t hold them hostage. Everyone needs breaks. 10. Use examples. Use metaphors, examples, or descriptive language. It helps different learners understand you better. And lastly, lean into the moments you’re avoiding. That conversation you keep putting off? It's time to tackle it. Clear communication isn't just about being heard. It's about connecting, leading, and growing together. You've got this! Let's make every word count. __________ Enjoy this? Repost to share with your network ♻️. And follow Nihar Chhaya, MBA, MCC for more leadership tips. Thanks!

Is your team struggling with alignment and clarity? The issue may not be a vision problem, but a writing problem. According to the National Commission on Writing, 67% of employees in major American companies spend a lot of their time writing. Yet, it is rare to find anyone who spends time actively trying to improve their writing. Here are 3 simple tips you can start practicing today, to level up your writing. 1. Start with a clear goal in mind: An incredible amount of poor writing is due to the need to be more precise about the document's purpose. Before writing anything, consider why you are putting words on the page. Use this goal as your North Star. Ensure every word you write helps accomplish this goal as effectively as possible. 2. Write for your audience: This sounds obvious, but many leaders fall into the trap of writing the document more for themselves than their team, leading to a ton of confusion. After writing a few drafts, read the document from the perspective of someone in your audience and be thoughtful about how you can improve it for them. 3. Develop multiple drafts: Your team has a ton on their plate, you need to write in a way that is engaging, clear, concise, and packs a ton of value. That isn't easy. In each draft, you should cut out fluff, get straight to the point, and add your own unique voice to keep people engaged. *Bonus - Schedule: Every good writer knows you need to schedule time in your day to write. Block out time in your calendar, and sit down at that time and just start writing. Writing is an essential skill for any leader who wants to excel in today's dynamic and fast-paced business environment. By improving your writing skills, you can create clear and persuasive artifacts that are easy to share and understand. How much writing does your job require of you? #techleadership #topvoices #writingtips