Why Compelling Creative is King (or Queen) 👑

Welcome back to another Brand Wagon ride! Seeing the word compel frequently made me feel compelled to dive into #compelling creative because, let's face it, if your content isn't compelling, it's repelling! 😜

But before we take this compelling journey, why are we even discussing this?
The call to be compelling isn’t rocket science. 🚀
You live in today’s hyper-noisy digital world, and you consume content.
So, you know firsthand that you only get a nanosecond to grab attention (and that’s only if the algorithm lets your content be shown – an entirely different topic)!

Therefore, it stands to reason that if your content isn't compelling, your audience will scroll past faster than you can say "compel."

So, what does it mean to compel? It means to evoke interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way. Here’s how to nail it.

1. Compelling Visuals: Eye Candy 🍭

First things first, your visuals need to be as irresistible as a triple-chocolate fudge cake.
Here's how:

• Bold Colors and Graphics: Use vibrant, eye-catching colors that stand out in a sea of sameness. Following your brand guide, of course. Don’t know what a brand guide is? It's simply a set of rules a business uses to establish how it presents itself to the public. The goal of a brand guide is to make a brand more recognizable, regardless of who creates content for it Learn more here>
• High-Quality Images: Blurry images are a no-no. Always opt for high-resolution visuals that scream professionalism. And with generative AI tools, you have access to more options than ever. BUT…in the quest to break out of the sameness to be compelling, leveraging organic images may be the way to remain authentic. #B2H – Business-to- Human.
• Creative Layouts: Think outside the box! Dynamic, unexpected layouts can stop thumbs mid-scroll. Canva is a great tool that’s easy to learn; you don’t have to be an Adobe whiz.

2. Compelling Headlines: Word Wizards ✨

Your headline is your first impression. Make it count:

• Use Power Words: Words like "Unleash," "Proven," "Revealed" grab attention and compel action.
• Create Curiosity: Leave your audience wanting more. "What happens next will blow your mind" is a classic for a reason.
• Be Clear and Concise: Don’t be ambiguous. “Learn How to Triple Your Sales in 3 Months” is clear and compelling.

3. Compelling Copy: Words That Convert 💬

Your copy should be as engaging as a binge-worthy Netflix series, even in business-to-business. We are all humans at the receiving end. (Well, that’s probably a wrong assumption, given…you know…AI 😉)

• Tell a Story: Humans are wired to love stories because they appeal to our emotions and senses. Weave a narrative that your audience can relate to.
• Use Emotion: Evoke feelings—whether it’s joy, excitement, or even a bit of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
• Keep It Conversational: Ditch the jargon. Write as if you're chatting with a friend over coffee.

4. Compelling CTAs: Call to Adventure 🚀

Your Call to Action (CTA) is where the magic happens:

• Be Direct: “Sign Up Now,” “Get Your Free Trial,” “Download Today” are clear and actionable. But please, oh please, stop using words like Submit or Register…so passe and uninspiring.
• Create Urgency: Use phrases like “Exclusive Access Ends Soon” or “Only a Few Spots Left” to prompt immediate action.
• Offer Value: Make sure your audience knows what’s in it for them. “Join Now for Exclusive Tips” works better than “Sign Up.”

5. Compelling Consistency: Be Everywhere (Your Target Audience Is) 📍

Consistency is not a hobgoblin, as Ralph espoused (unless you’re rigidly sticking to the same patterns even when it is no longer reasonable or beneficial); it’s key in making your brand compelling and memorable.

• Brand Voice: Keep your tone and style consistent across all platforms.
• Visual Identity: Use the same colors, fonts, and imagery style to create a cohesive look.
• Content Schedule: Regularly post/disperse compelling content to engage your audience, but note posting daily is not a social media strategy. [Another side note: Is it time to return to paper in this hyper-digital hackable frenzy?]

Practical Tips for Your Compelling Journey 🛤️

1. Empower Your Creative Team: Don’t have staff? Hire freelancers. Can’t afford contractors? Find a way. Please don’t just spit out content as-is from ChatGPT (or any generative AI tools). That’s a race to the bottom.
2. A/B Test Your Content: Experiment with headlines, images, and CTAs to see what resonates best. Don’t drink your own kool-aid and think your messaging works without confirmation from end-users.
3. Analyze and Adapt: Use analytics to track performance and adjust your strategy based on what works.
4. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and create a community around your brand.

And now for your entertainment … compelling creative examples:

Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBIX9FG6kZ0&t=8s   (This ad is funny; Ben stars in it.)
https://www.mk2groupdesign.com/post/top-10-brilliant-print-ads-of-2024
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/28-best-linkedin-ads-examples-saas-companies-2024-justin-rowe-egzdc/

Conclusion: Compel and Conquer! 🌟

Creating compelling content isn't just about being flashy—it's about connecting with your audience in a meaningful way. When you compel, you captivate, engage, and drive action. So, fellow brand whisperers, let's go forth and create content that not only compels but conquers! 🎉

Remember, the magic of “compel” is in making your audience feel something so powerful they can't help but act. Happy creating! 🚀

And there you have it, another cheeky and practical guide to boosting your brand's appeal.

Got a compelling story of your own? Share it with us! We'd love to hear how you're rocking your creative game. Until next time, keep those creative juices flowing and the compelling content coming! 🎨📈