Words matter. The first few are still the most important, especially with digital media.
Research shows that if I can get your attention early, you will stay to the end. The art of turning a phrase, the experimentation, the science of audience engagement, the usefulness of content as it is being envisioned, the many distribution channels, and the dialogue it creates are all elements that make me love this career.
It's complex. It's educational. It's team focused. And it's really challenging to do well.
Attention. Tap. Tap. Tap.
We are inundated with information, about everything. Yet, the content that teaches, informs and delivers insight is the material that wins the attention from audiences. Web metrics prove it every hour.
My career has focused on helping healthcare content teams advance engagement and build quality, useful, and relevant editorial on many different platforms.
As we enter the next phase of digital media, remember that much of media has operated as one-way communication. We build content and distribute it to readers as fast as we can create it. Our next evolution will be more deliberate and strategic about we help readers engage with each other and serve up relevant, credible, and informative content to build dialogue, collaboration, and conversations about professional issues.
I knew that I wanted to major in journalism before I went to college. It teaches a lot about life, policy, business, how to find information and ask questions. But there is one more skill that is often more important. It teaches you how to listen. This profession is about serving reader needs.
I am ready. Are you?
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