It’s actually much simpler than you might think.
Whether you’re promoting a product via email, sharing a brand message on your socials, or crafting your next catchy headline – often less is way more. Take it from us, we know how to make short-form content truly pop.
Here’s our go-to guide packed with tips, ideas, and examples.
What is short-form content?
Think short and sweet.
Basically anything written in concise and digestible bite-size form, like:
- social media posts and captions
- email subject lines and newsletters
- headlines and subheadings
- micro-blogs and short articles
- quick tips and checklists
- infographics and memes
- product descriptions
- event announcements
- micro-stories and anecdotes.
know your audience
Ask yourself: Who will be looking at the content? Who am I writing this for?
The best creators understand their audience…what they care about, and how they tend to consume content.
Dig deeper into what drives your audience. Think: What are their biggest challenges and dreams? What real-life solutions are they looking for from you?
For example, if you’re a fitness brand selling gym products online, your audience will probably be interested in hearing about your workout expertise. Your short-form content marketing plan could include gym motivation messages or quickfire workout tips.
Once you’ve got the topic, it’s about nailing the tone of voice, style, and format for the audience you’re targeting.
craft a compelling hook
In all short-form content, the starting hook is your secret weapon.
The one and only job of a title, headline, or opening sentence is to make your audience stop and pay attention. Use questions, bold statements, or surprising facts – and write it as if you’re speaking to your audience directly.
For example, this is a bog-standard uninspired headline:
my best writing tips
But just look how much more effective these punchy hooks can be:
- top 10 tips you need to know for effortless writing
- are you making these common writing mistakes?
- transform your writing overnight with these proven tactics
These hooks not only grab attention, but they also make your content super shareable and entice readers to learn more.
remember…short-form content caters to short attention spans
Short-form content and social media go hand in hand. Why? Because the average online attention span is just eight seconds (and it’s getting shorter too). People want quick, easy-to-digest content that provides value instantly – which makes short-form content perfect for mobile users, consuming on the go.
use effective storytelling techniques
We’re a short-form content agency who knows a thing or two about powerful storytelling. When it comes to short-form content, you need to tell your story in as few words as possible. Pinpoint the one main message or idea, and build the rest around it.
Let’s say you’re writing a social post promoting your latest webinar…you need to highlight what makes it unique to inspire clear action:
Join us next Friday with renowned businesswoman X who shares her journey – from startup to success. Seats are filling up fast. Reserve yours NOW!
Or, it could be a client case study that’s easily condensed into a few sentences to outline the problem, solution, and positive outcome:
After Company X saw a drop in web traffic, they partnered with our SEO content writers and tripled their daily visitors in just one month. Here’s how you can too.
our best storytelling tips for copywriting
tips for short-form content marketing
- plan ahead with a content calendar
Regular posting requires consistency to optimise engagement with your audience. - be direct and engaging
Make every word count – and use an active strong voice to keep your wording dynamic. Instead of: we provide excellent customer service say something like: experience unparalleled reliability with our customer support team. - prioritise quality over quantity
It’s better to produce a few high-quality pieces of content than to flood your audience with mediocre posts. Craft meaningful brand messages that are genuinely valuable and insightful. - combine with stellar visuals
Whether it’s a photographic image, an infographic, or short video, pairing your short-form content with eye-catching visuals and graphics will amplify its impact and reach.
other short-form content ideas
- listicles and quick tips
These are easy to read and digest, making them perfect for busy mobile ‘scrollers’. - quotes and testimonials
Share a relatable quote – or even better a customer/client testimonial to add credibility to your name. - FAQs and how-tos
Be helpful by addressing common questions or providing step-by-step guides to solve a problem/teach your audience something new. - post series
Related posts that build on each other to keep your audience coming back works a treat. Ideas like: ‘tip Tuesday’ or ‘flash deal Friday’ or ‘motivational Monday’.
Perhaps develop a hype-up launch to a new product or upcoming event? - behind-the-scenes content
Give your audience a sneak peek into your latest backstage development or your fun company culture. It’s all about humanising your brand.
master your short-form content marketing with us
Our team is eager to come up with a blooming brilliant short-form content strategy for you.
