What is your top tip for creating engaging content that resonates with your target audience? Share one specific piece of content that performed exceptionally well.

Question

Creating engaging content is a challenge many content creators face. This article presents expert-backed strategies to captivate your audience and boost engagement. From speaking your audience's language to addressing specific challenges, these tips will help you craft content that resonates and drives results.

Mike Khorev · Answer

Talk with your audience, not at them. That's the golden rule. People crave conversation, not lectures.
My best-performing piece was a carousel post breaking down "Why your blog isn't ranking yet." I didn't sugarcoat it. I used simple language, dropped jargon, and spoke the way marketers actually talk over coffee. One slide just said: "Google didn't ghost you. You ghosted your audience." That one went viral.
The real win? Comments poured in with questions, banter, and even confessions like, "Okay, this hit a nerve."
So, here's the takeaway: If your content sounds like it was written by a robot reading a textbook, it won't land. Get real. Use humor. Say the thing everyone's thinking but nobody's saying.
And don't be afraid to call out what's broken; it shows you're paying attention.
That's what sticks.

Chris Raulf · Answer

Here's my top tip for creating engaging content that truly resonates: Stop writing about your industry and start writing about your audience's problems.
Most agencies and businesses get this completely backward. They create content from their own perspective - "Here's what we do, here's how we're great" - instead of thinking like their potential customers. That's not engagement; that's ego.
My secret sauce? Experience-driven content that demonstrates E-E-A-T. You know, Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. But here's the thing - the second "E" for Experience is where most people miss the mark completely.
Perfect example: Our Ultimate Local SEO Guide
This piece is probably my favorite success story from our Micro SEO: Human-driven, AI-assisted methodology. When we published it in early December, it hit page one within two weeks for "ultimate local SEO guide" - a seriously competitive keyword. We're now sitting pretty at position 2, and it generates leads for us every single day.
But here's why it works so well: Instead of writing another generic "10 Local SEO Tips" post like everyone else, I drew from nearly 30 years of actually doing this work. I included real case studies, actual screenshots from SE Ranking showing client results, and specific examples of what works and what doesn't based on campaigns I've personally run.
The content answers the exact questions I get asked in every client call: "How long does local SEO take?" "What should I focus on first?" "How do I outrank the big guys?" I'm not just telling people what to do - I'm showing them proof that it works.
And here's the kicker - we used our BSM Copilot AI system to do the heavy research lifting, but the insights, the examples, the war stories? That's all human expertise that you simply can't fake or automate.
The guide now outranks massive SEO companies with way bigger budgets because Google rewards content that demonstrates real experience. When someone lands on that page, they're not just reading about local SEO - they're getting a masterclass from someone who's actually been in the trenches helping businesses dominate their local markets since before Google was called Google.
That's the difference between content that gets clicks and content that converts. Real experience beats generic advice every single time.

R. Couri Hay · Answer

After 40+ years covering high society and working as Andy Warhol's contributing editor at Interview, I've learned that authenticity beats polish every time. The content that resonates most isn't the carefully curated stuff—it's when you pull back the velvet rope and show what really happens behind the scenes.
My most successful column piece was about a charity gala disaster where the main donor's wife got food poisoning mid-speech. Instead of glossing over it like traditional society reporting, I wrote about how the event staff scrambled, how other guests stepped up, and the genuine human moments that emerged from chaos. That column got shared more than any of my "perfect gala" coverage combined.
People crave insider access, but what they really want is to see the humanity in glamorous situations. My royal commentary works because I don't just report what happened—I reveal the small, relatable details that make these larger-than-life figures feel real. The stammers, the wardrobe malfunctions, the genuine laughter.
The secret is treating your audience like they're already in the inner circle. Write as if you're dishing to your most trusted friend over cocktails, not broadcasting to strangers. When readers feel like they're getting the real story that others won't tell, they become loyal followers who hang on every word.

Bernhard Schaus · Answer

My top tip for creating content that really connects is to avoid trying to sound smart—instead, try to sound honest. Speak as if you're writing to a friend who genuinely cares. When you drop the filter and share something real, something imperfect but true, people can feel it.
One piece that stood out was a post I wrote about dealing with burnout as a freelancer. It wasn't polished, and it wasn't strategic—it was just me, tired and honest. The comments and messages that followed were proof that vulnerability builds more connection than any "perfect" strategy ever could.

Daniel Siryakov · Answer

Having scaled an algorithmic trading platform to $1B in AUM and now running a Y Combinator-backed GEO platform, I've learned that the best content happens when you solve problems people didn't even know they had yet.
Our biggest content win was a blog post called "How to Rank Higher on ChatGPT" that we published when most marketers were still figuring out what AI search even meant. Instead of recycling SEO advice, we shared actual research from Bluvira showing that 76% of top AI responses had high semantic relevance, plus our own internal data proving systematically optimized content increases AI visibility by 35%.
The post went viral because we gave people concrete ranking factors for ChatGPT when everyone else was still debating whether AI search mattered. We included specific optimization workflows and real performance metrics instead of theoretical fluff. Marketing teams started implementing our four-step process immediately because they could actually measure results.
The key insight: create content about emerging trends before they become saturated topics. We spotted the shift from traditional SEO to AI-native visibility early and became the go-to source for actionable GEO strategies. Now our content gets cited across the industry because we established authority when the space was still wide open.

Matias Rodsevich · Answer

My best tip is to write with your audience, not at them. That means using the exact language your customers use and tapping into real questions or frustrations they've shared. One post that really took off for us was a simple "This or That" poll comparing two marketing tools. It wasn't fancy, but it sparked honest curiosity and encouraged people to weigh in.
What made it work? It started real discussion because it came from a place of listening, not just broadcasting. People want to see themselves in your content. If you're not mining your emails, DMs, or call transcripts for ideas, you're missing out on the best source of content you already have.

Itamar Haim · Answer

Last month, I experimented with breaking down complex SEO concepts using simple analogies, like comparing website architecture to building a house, and it really clicked with our audience. The post where I explained technical SEO using a pizza delivery analogy got shared over 500 times and sparked great discussions in the comments.

Justin Belmont · Answer

Top tip: Don't just solve problems—say what your audience is already thinking. The content that resonates most isn't always the most polished—it's the most relatable. At Prose, one of our best-performing posts was a brutally honest piece titled "Why Most Content Agencies Suck (and How to Spot One Before It Wastes Your Budget)." It didn't sugarcoat. It called out industry fluff, vague deliverables, and bait-and-switch pricing—stuff clients had ranted about privately but rarely saw acknowledged publicly.
The result? Sky-high engagement, direct leads, and even a few DMs that said, "You read my mind." When your audience feels seen, they stick around—and more importantly, they share.

Lena Gershenov · Answer

After four decades of working with animals, I learned that real stories about actual pet struggles perform infinitely better than generic advice. People connect with specific, messy situations they recognize from their own lives with their pets.
My best-performing content was about a cat owner whose furniture was getting destroyed despite having scratching posts. Instead of the usual "buy more scratching posts" advice, I shared the exact placement strategy I found through my own cats' behavior - putting scratching posts specifically where cats wake up and at entry points, not just randomly around the house. That post generated 5x more shares than my typical training content.
The key insight: pet parents are drowning in generic tips but starving for solutions to their exact problems. When I write about the specific litter box placement disasters I've witnessed or the precise doorbell training sequence that actually works with real dogs, engagement jumps dramatically.
The winning formula is addressing the gap between what "should" work according to textbooks versus what actually works in real homes with real animals. My field experience with hundreds of cats and dogs gives me those specific failure points and workarounds that resonate immediately.

Vikrant Bhalodia · Answer

We've found that the most engaging content begins by addressing real client concerns. Many of our US-based clients worry about working with offshore development teams, especially regarding time zone differences and delays. Instead of avoiding this issue, we created a blog post titled "How to Manage a Distributed Software Development Team Across Time Zones Without Delays."
In this post, we shared how we structure overlapping work hours, establish clear communication cadences, and utilize tools to keep projects on track. The focus wasn't on promoting our services—it was about offering a solution to a challenge we frequently hear.
That single post brought in two qualified leads who told us it felt as if we "wrote it specifically for them." Our approach is straightforward: listen to client pain points, create content that provides practical answers, and focus on clarity over complexity.

Joaquin Calvo · Answer

Start by understanding why your audience wants what they want. Not just the surface-level goals, but their emotions, fears, and hopes. Then build content that speaks directly to those.
For us, one piece of content that really clicked was a short video series called "Spanish for Your Next Adventure."
One episode showed how to confidently order tacos in Mexico City. It was only a few minutes long, but packed with:
- Real-life phrases people could use immediately- Cultural tips on how to greet the vendor- Help with pronunciation- A fun, feel-good ending where the learner succeeds
It resonated because it wasn't about grammar—it was about confidence. It helped viewers picture themselves using Spanish in real situations, not just studying from a book.

Joe Davies · Answer

From my experience running FATJOE, I've learned that creating detailed case studies showing actual SEO results and metrics resonates incredibly well with our agency clients. One of our best-performing pieces was a breakdown of how we helped a small agency increase their client's organic traffic by 200% in 6 months - we included specific strategies and screenshots of Google Analytics data. I find that being transparent about both successes and challenges makes the content more relatable and trustworthy than just highlighting wins.

Gunnar Blakeway-Walen THA · Answer

My biggest lesson in managing marketing for FLATS® properties is that engaging content comes from showing change, not just features. Video content performs exceptionally well when it demonstrates how spaces adapt to real life.
Our standout performer was launching unit-level video tours that we stored in a YouTube library and linked through Engrain sitemaps. These weren't typical walkthrough videos - they showed how our Ori expandable apartments actually transform. We demonstrated the Pocket Studio reconfiguring from bedroom to living space at the touch of a button.
This content strategy reduced our lease-up time by 25% and cut unit exposure in half with zero additional overhead costs. The videos worked because prospects could visualize their actual daily routines in the space, not just see empty rooms.
The key insight: your audience doesn't want to see what you're selling; they want to see themselves using it. Show the "after" state where your product solves their space constraints or lifestyle needs, and engagement follows naturally.

Shawn Shameli · Answer

My biggest breakthrough came when I started analyzing the psychological triggers behind user behavior rather than just following content trends. I found that content performs exponentially better when it addresses the gap between what people think they need versus what actually drives results.
One of our multimedia production pieces that absolutely crushed it was an animated explainer breaking down why beautiful websites fail to convert. Instead of showcasing our design work, we exposed the hidden technical factors that kill user engagement - things like server response times and mobile optimization issues most people never consider. This piece generated 340% more engagement than our typical portfolio content.
The key insight was counter-intuitive: people don't want to see your best work, they want to understand why their current approach isn't working. By leading with problem identification rather than solution showcasing, we positioned ourselves as strategic partners instead of just service providers.
What actually moves the needle is creating content that makes your audience feel smarter about their own business decisions. When you can explain the "why" behind common failures in your industry, people naturally trust you to handle the "how" of fixing them.

Gregg Kell PW · Answer

My biggest lesson from running Pure Watersports came from watching our customers create content for us. We had customers go out on our jet skis with GoPro cameras and capture incredible whale watching footage that we shared on our blog - it performed far better than any promotional content we created ourselves.
The key is letting your audience tell their own stories through your product or service. Instead of pushing features, I focus on showcasing real experiences and practical knowledge that people actually use. Our tournament fishing tips article with contributor Tommy Ponce gets consistent traffic because it gives actionable advice from someone who actually competes.
What works is being genuinely helpful first, promotional second. When Tommy writes about live bait techniques or battery management for Hobie livewells, he's solving real problems kayak anglers face on the water. That authentic expertise builds trust much faster than any sales pitch.
The content that resonates most combines practical how-to information with real customer experiences. People don't want to be sold to - they want to learn from someone who has actually been there and can help them avoid mistakes or improve their results.

Marc Bishop · Answer

We've seen surprising success by embracing humor and lightness in traditionally serious spaces. One client in the B2B finance niche allowed us to experiment with a humorous analogy-based post. It compared budgeting missteps to relationship red flags in a playful, self-aware manner. That post outperformed their whitepapers in both shares and demo requests.
The success was unexpected but still delivered real insight and practical advice in an accessible voice. Humor lowered the barrier to engagement, especially for readers wary of dense financial content. We learned that relatability builds bridges across complex or dry topics. Now, we test for "light-hearted angles" in every new vertical we tackle.

Alec Loeb · Answer

Start with what your audience is already doing. Look at real behavior, not guesses. At EcoATM, we study how people think about old devices. Most want fast, no-hassle solutions. We shape our content to match that mindset. That means short video clips, blunt headlines, and direct calls to action. Clarity wins. We don't overthink tone or add extra polish. People respond better when the message feels honest and familiar.
One of our highest-performing pieces was a short video ad that walked through the trade-in process in less than 30 seconds. No music, no flashy graphics. Just a phone owner at a kiosk, step by step. We used real feedback from customers to script it. It cut through because people saw themselves in it. It worked on YouTube and also in paid social where users scroll fast. That video doubled engagement compared to previous creatives.
You get stronger results when content feels like it came from the audience instead of at them. Talk how they talk. Show what they already do. Keep it simple. When your content reflects your users' actions and language, it earns trust faster than anything else.

Will Yang · Answer

At Instrumentl, we noticed that many nonprofit professionals face time constraints and need efficient solutions. We created a series of interactive workshops where participants could learn how to optimize their grant applications using our platform in real-time. These workshops weren't just typical webinars; they were hands-on sessions where attendees walked away with actionable skills and tangible results. This piece of content performed exceptionally well because it directly addressed a pressing need. The key takeaway: always focus on providing value that solves specific problems your audience faces, and make it as interactive as possible to boost engagement.

Karen Cleaver · Answer

My top tip is to focus on distribution strategy over just creation. At Underground Marketing, I've seen too many agencies create brilliant content that gets buried because they didn't plan how to get it in front of people.
Our most successful piece was a PPC audit guide that we distributed through our Strategy Snapshot sessions. Instead of just publishing it on our blog, we used it as a hands-on tool during our 60-minute client consultations. This approach turned one piece of content into multiple touchpoints - the session itself, follow-up emails with actionable steps, and social media snippets showing real results.
The key was repurposing that single guide across different formats and channels. We turned sections into short social videos, email newsletter content, and even talking points for our team's industry networking. One piece of content became our entire content ecosystem for three months.
Most people obsess over making perfect content but forget that great distribution beats perfect creation every time. Your audience can't engage with content they never see, no matter how good it is.

Mark Spivak · Answer

I learned that short video demonstrations of common dog training challenges, filmed with my own clients' dogs, get way more engagement than any written content. Recently, our 2-minute video showing how we helped a reactive German Shepherd stay calm around other dogs reached over 50,000 views on social media. I always make sure to include the owner's perspective and struggles because it helps other pet parents feel less alone in their training journey.

Hailey Rodaer · Answer

The best practice for creating interesting content is to focus on storytelling. It is not sufficient to simply present product features or services. Stories allow people to identify with themselves because they resonate with life issues and feelings. At Engrave Ink, we use emotional storytelling as we emphasize personal stories of our customers. We demonstrate how our products play a significant role in their lives, either marking milestones or serving as keepsakes. This method helps to create stronger engagement since we have connected our audience to something that is important to them, enabling them to relate to and be affected by the content more deeply.
A particular piece of content that yielded great results was a blog post that included one of the poignant stories of a customer who used one of our engraved keepsakes as a remembrance of a loved one. The post addressed a set of themes, such as love, memory, and legacy. It connected with our audience on a personal level and increased social media shares by 40 percent and enhanced traffic to its web page by 25 percent. The emotional connection with the story resulted in greater involvement and demonstrated that content based on human experience will always be more powerful than dry facts and promotional messages.

Runbo Li · Answer

I discovered that behind-the-scenes content showing how we create AI sports edits resonates incredibly well with our audience, especially when we highlight the creative process and unexpected challenges. One of our most successful posts was a side-by-side comparison of raw footage versus AI-enhanced video of a Mavericks game highlight, where we explained each step of the transformation. It reached 2M views because people were fascinated by seeing the 'magic' happening.

Ace Zhuo · Answer

When it comes to producing meaningful material in the forex and trading industries, genuineness and accuracy are essential. My top suggestion? Prioritize offering practical value. Traders don't have time for unnecessary details—they seek insights that improve their tactics or broaden their outlook. A method I've found particularly effective is using data-powered storytelling. For instance, we developed a piece titled "5 Common Errors Even Experienced Forex Traders Make," analyzing real trading situations and providing actionable fixes.
The secret was addressing the actual issues traders encounter daily and pairing them with expert guidance that felt both relatable and attainable. This connected well because it wasn't just another generic write-up—it stemmed from real understanding, directly addressing our audience's struggles. The success of this material was rooted in having a deep grasp of the target readers and building a narrative that educated while boosting confidence. Whether it's breaking down a critical trading approach or analyzing market behaviors, the aim is to equip traders with resources they can apply right away, showing respect for their time and challenges. That's how you craft material that resonates.

Ali Yilmaz · Answer

My top tip for creating content that resonates is simple: write for one person, not an audience. I imagine a real user, someone like Emma, our ideal Aitherapy customer, and I speak directly to her pain points, questions, and emotions. If you try to speak to everyone, you end up connecting with no one.
One piece of content that really stood out was a blog post we wrote titled "Imposter Syndrome Isn't Just Annoying. It's Dangerous." It performed exceptionally well because it was honest, specific, and emotionally relevant. People shared it not just because it was informative, but because it felt true to them. That's the difference.
Make it real. Make it useful. Make it feel like you're reading someone's mind; that's how content sticks.

Kira Byrd · Answer

My best advice on writing interesting content that will also reach your target audience is to know them well and to address them personally. At Curl Centric, we aim to provide informative details that can be easily interpreted and help individuals respond to actual queries in the process of attending to their natural hair. Our writing style is friendly and conversational, so people feel like they are talking to the right person who knows what they're talking about rather than reading another blog post.
One particular piece of content that had the most amazing result is our article, "Natural Hair 101: The Beginner's Guide to Natural Hair Care." This guide demystifies vital terms such as hair types, porosity, and routine construction. It also became a resource one would turn to, since it offered straightforward information to beginners. The content was easy to read, well-structured, and packed with tips that one could implement, which created a lot of traffic to the article. It's about producing content that informs, empowers people, and remains personal to maintain the bond we share with our community.

25 Tips For Creating Engaging Content

Table of Contents

25 Tips For Creating Engaging Content

Speak Your Audience’s Language

Showcase Real Experience in Content

Reveal the Humanity Behind Glamour

Share Honest Struggles to Connect

Solve Tomorrow’s Problems Today

Spark Discussion with Interactive Content

Simplify Complex Concepts with Analogies

Voice Unspoken Industry Truths

Address Specific Pet Owner Challenges

Tackle Client Concerns Head-On

Build Confidence Through Practical Learning

Demonstrate Real-World SEO Results

Show How Spaces Adapt to Life

Expose Hidden Factors Behind Failures

Showcase Authentic Customer Experiences

Embrace Humor in Serious Topics

Match Content to User Behavior

Provide Interactive Problem-Solving Workshops

Prioritize Content Distribution Strategy

Demonstrate Real-Life Training Challenges

Connect Through Emotional Customer Stories

Reveal the Magic of AI Editing

Address Common Trading Errors

Write for One Person Not Everyone

Empower with Easy-to-Implement Tips

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