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Top stories for bloggers, newsletter writers, and content creators.
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If there is an article you think should be included in this roundup, please reply with a link. |
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No. 1: Master Hooks, Keep Audiences Engaged
The first few seconds of your content? Crucial. If you don't hook folks immediately, you're losing them—maybe for good.
Think of your content's hook as an irresistible promise that forces readers to care enough to keep going. Whether it's a headline, first sentence, or opening shot in a YouTube video, this strategy grabs attention and sets the stage.
Tried-and-true hooks—like offering proof, banking on empathy, or pushing back against conventional wisdom—can build trust fast. Get it right, and your audience sticks around. Miss it, and they're already scrolling somewhere else. Master this, and your content's future stays bright.
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No. 2: BuzzFeed's Headline Tricks Explained
BuzzFeed has mastered the art of the click, using headlines that spark curiosity, trigger emotions, and offer validation.
The company's success —pulling millions of monthly visits— comes from clever titles that promise everything from celebrity drama to fun quizzes.
For content creators, there is a lesson here. You don't need to go full BuzzFeed, but consider crafting headlines that instantly hook your audience. Focus on what intrigues them, annoys them, or makes them laugh. Even a tiny twist, like turning everyday topics into lighthearted breaks, could help boost engagement—and keep folks coming back for more without feeling overburdened.
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No. 3: Newsletter Naming? Wild, Boring, Perfect
Choosing a newsletter name can be a wild ride, as many creators discover when starting out.
Some, like Claire Zulkey with "Evil Witches," choose spur-of-the-moment. Others, like the folks behind "Big Salad" or "Garbage Day," aim for something playful or personal.
There's no right or wrong way—just what fits. The key? Your newsletter's name should resonate with your audience, reflect your vibe, and give you room to expand. Sometimes, a "boring" name, like "Books & Fiction," works. Other times, a louder, more expressive option wins out. Either way, the title's a conversation starter.
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No. 4: Advertorials Are Awesome Teachers
Affiliate marketing is all about problem-solving —and advertorials master that. Despite their nature, advertorials keep pulling in revenue.
The lesson? Tackle real issues and package those solutions (affiliate products, anyone?) within your content. Here are five lessons content creators can learn from affiliate advertorials.
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No. 5: Monetize Smarter, Build Consistently
Content creators looking for sustainable incomes can learn a lot from Jay Clouse, founder of "Creator Science."
In a recent interview with Roberto Blake, Clouse shares essential tips about monetization strategies, especially around memberships and direct audience engagement.
Rather than just hoping for viral hits, Jay urges creators to approach their work like a business—focusing on long-term community building, pricing their offerings confidently, and setting clear expectations. Whether you're selling physical products or running an educational platform, capturing the full value of your audience, early and consistently, is key to long-term success. It's all about systems, not luck.
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