How to Curate Content Effectively

To Create or Curate Content? (III)

Content curation is not the easy way, but it is the smart way.
I must warn you, content curation is by no means an easy or simple task!
Although you may save some time from not having to physically write each article, there is no rest! You end up using that saved time to sift through much more content.
This is the catch, you save time from writing, but use it productively, to grow a fully comprehensive picture of the subject.
You become an expert on the topic by compiling masses of knowledge and immersing yourself in the nitty-gritty.
Only then, when you emerge with a simultaneously broad and in-depth understanding of the topic, do you start to present a collection of all the best pieces of information.
It’s your job as a curator to take all the different, relevant, jagged bits of knowledge from everywhere, and create a smooth masterpiece.
A holistic, all-encompassing, seamless flow of information that tells you everything you would want to know about a subject, in one place.
Sounds easy, right?
How the heck does one curate content?
It may seem like jumping into an ocean of content at first. That’s because it is.
There is so much out there, it can be overwhelming to say the least. But there are ways to narrow your search down to a much more manageable list.
Here are a few guiding questions to ask yourself when you curate content:
- What is the audience’s intent?
Are they visiting your site to find out more information? Would they like to purchase your product? This will give you the insight to find a topic and subtopics for future (curated) content.
- Is this content on brand?
Is this message consistent with the message your business sells? If not, you are wasting your and your readers’ time..
- Is this a trusted source?
This is imperative. I cannot stress this one enough. If you’re not sure, it’s not worth it. The only thing worse than being a fool, is repeating a fool’s deed.
- Is it offering something unique to my readers?
There are literally a million sites that they could read from, why on Earth should they pick yours? Add something useful to their lives.
- Are you practising ethical content curation?
These are simple ways to stay ethical:
- Compile various reputable sources;
- Don’t quote too much;
- Fill-in gaps in the information;
- Add in your own opinion and
- Give appropriate credit, where it is due.
- Always link back to the original content, so nobody can point a virtual finger at you.
- Is it entertaining or useful in some way?
These people want stimulation, they want good, wholesome knowledge in an easy-to-digest package. That means quality fibre.
You’re the one to give it to them.
That was a little about how to curate content. It should be easy to attain the goals of content curation if you have the characteristics of a professional curator. Watch this space for Part 4, the “Who” of content curation, for personality characteristics of successful curators.
Digital Marketing South Africa – Content Curation
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