Creating content that captures attention online can feel challenging in a world filled with endless articles, videos, and social posts. Even with well-crafted content, it's not uncommon to struggle with low views and limited engagement. But what if there’s a way to know exactly what your audience wants to read, watch, or hear?
With its visualizations and trend indicators, AnswerThePublic takes the guesswork out of creating content that resonates. Here’s how to use it to craft popular, engaging content that stands out.
Why Some Content Falls Flat (and How to Avoid It)
Have you ever wondered why certain posts receive more clicks, likes, and shares while others go unnoticed? Often, it’s because the content covers topics that have been rehashed countless times. Audiences crave fresh insights and original ideas—not recycled information.
Avoiding “Old” Content: What is Regurgitated Content?
"Old" content doesn’t necessarily mean it’s outdated in terms of time. Instead, it refers to topics that have been covered repeatedly. Articles on overused subjects like “top Chrome extensions” or “how to rank on YouTube” may still offer value, but if they're widely available, they’ll struggle to capture attention. By contrast, unique topics, recent developments, and timely insights are more likely to attract readers.
This is where AnswerThePublic can be incredibly valuable, helping you identify fresh, relevant topics that users are currently searching for. Instead of focusing on overdone content, follow these three steps to create content that’s both original and in demand.
Step 1: Discover What’s Trending Today
The first step in creating popular content is understanding what’s trending in your industry. News websites, blogs, and social platforms often highlight hot topics that reflect current interests.
With AnswerThePublic, you can take this further by searching terms in your industry to see real-time data on what questions people are asking. The tool’s visual wheel categorizes queries by "WHAT," "WHY," and other modifiers, each represented by an orange dot—the darker the dot, the more popular the question.
Example: If you work in digital marketing, you could search for “marketing” in AnswerThePublic to uncover many popular and emerging questions.
Step 2: Use Real-Time Auto-Suggest Data for Content Ideas
You can leverage real-time auto-suggest data from major platforms. This data reveals the specific phrases users are typing into search bars, giving you direct insight into their interests and needs.
For instance, type in a keyword like “home renovation” to view a list of related questions and terms people are searching for. This immediate feedback from auto-suggest data helps you create content that aligns with current searches, maximizing your chances of engagement.
Why This Matters
Creating content based on what people are searching for ensures that your posts are relevant and likely to capture interest. Because the tool pulls real-time data, you can be confident that your topics reflect current user intent, not outdated queries.
Step 3: Check for Low-Competition Keywords
Once you have a list of trending ideas, it’s crucial to evaluate the competition. A quick search on Google or YouTube can reveal how many existing articles, videos, or posts cover the same topic.
When performing these searches, look beyond the sheer number of results; instead, focus on how closely the existing content aligns with your topic. Often, a topic may have millions of results, but few will directly address the specific angle you’re considering. For example, if you’re thinking about writing an article on “eco-friendly home renovation tips,” check to see how many results specifically focus on this niche angle rather than general home renovation content.
The tool often provides metrics like search volume and cost-per-click (CPC) based on the previous month's estimates. This information can guide you to select topics with lower competition and higher audience interest, boosting the potential reach of your content.
By following these three steps—identifying hot topics, using real-time auto-suggest data, and analyzing competition—you’ll be better equipped to create content that attracts and engages your audience.
Remember, successful content isn’t just about what’s well-written; it’s about what’s timely, relevant, and in demand. Let AnswerThePublic guide your strategy, helping you create content that stands out.