Why do you create content?

To share ideas, get your name out there, build brand awareness, develop thought leadership, satisfy Google, stay relevant? All of the above?

Well, if no one is reading and sharing your content, you are wasting a heck of a lot of time. Let's avoid that.

Here are four scientifically proven ways to get your content shared, courtesy of some nuggets I uncovered in this terrific Slideshare from Mark Schaefer:

1. Content is 700% more likely to be shared if it includes social sharing buttons.

Takeaway: People aren't going to share your stuff unless you make it easy for them. Double-check that you include social sharing buttons in your newsletter, blog posts, with images, and on landing pages.

2. A photo doubles the chances of your blog post getting shared.

Takeaway: Stop being lazy. Yes, many stock photo sites are expensive, but there are many that are free or inexpensive, too. My favorites include 123rf, Death to the Stock Photo, and Dollar Photo Club.

3. The most-shared content online evoke one of three emotions: laughter, entertainment, or awe.

Takeaway: When you're writing, think about the way you're writing will make the reader feel. Do you sound like a sourpuss who takes himself too seriously and complains about everything? Or are you the person who radiates happiness and positive energy, is encouraging, and tells funny stories?

4. Long-form content is shared way more than short-form content.

Takeaway: Well, surprise, surprise! Just when you thought we are so busy that we don't have time to read anything, let alone anything long, research proves us wrong.

Instead of breaking one idea down into three topics, keep everything together in one blog post. Just remember to break up the content with subheads and images.

What else do you do to encourage sharing?

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