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Zack Jackson

Stop Losing Viewers with These Content Tips

Stop Losing Viewers! Why Your Video Intros Are Turning People Away

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Have you ever wondered why some videos go viral while others struggle to keep viewers engaged? The answer often lies in the first 5–7 seconds. This is the moment when viewers decide whether to stay or scroll—and many of us are getting it wrong by delivering the wrong content at the start.

I came across an intriguing stat: “20% of viewers drop off within the first 10 seconds of a video.” (Source) While this number is alarming, I’d argue that 20% is actually too low, and 10 seconds is far too generous. In reality, if you haven’t caught my attention in the first 5–7 seconds, I’m scrolling on. My kids? You’re lucky if you get 3 seconds.

If your videos begin with long-winded intros or irrelevant content, you’re wasting valuable time—and losing viewers before they’ve even seen the good stuff.

Let’s explore how to make those critical first seconds count.

The Problem: Losing Viewers with Boring Intros

Imagine these two intros for the same video:

  • Intro #1:
    “Today we have an amazing opportunity to support first responders in our community that YOU can be a part of!”
  • Intro #2:
    “Hey everybody, my name is [Insert Name], and I’m with [Insert Company]. Today, we are talking to…”

(FYI: This is a real life example of a video produced by a friend of mine. And yes, I did reach out and offer these very same tips for future videos.)

I don’t think I really have to ask which intro held your attention more and made you want to stick around, but if you did select intro #2, then you are a wonderfully patient human being who I didn’t think existed in nature anymore because the rest of us have zero attention span and you’re losing viewers because we’re bored by your unexciting intros.

The Solution: Hook Your Audience Immediately

To ensure your videos captivate viewers from the start, focus on these three strategies:

1. Start with a Hook

Your audience is scrolling through endless content, so you need to grab their attention immediately. A hook can:

  • Spark curiosity (“What if I told you you’re losing 50% of your audience in just 7 seconds?”)
  • Share a startling fact (“Most people skip videos before they finish reading the title.”)
  • Deliver a visually striking moment, like a bold graphic or unexpected action.

Hooks disrupt the monotony of online scrolling, enticing viewers to stick around. Avoid generic phrases like, “Welcome to my channel!” Instead, jump straight into what makes your video compelling.

2. Get to the Point

Today’s viewers want clarity and efficiency. They clicked your video expecting value—so deliver it without delay.

Instead of saying:
“Hi, I’m [Name], and today I’ll be discussing…”

Try:
“Here are three tips to double your content engagement—starting right now.”

Lead with your value proposition, then provide context if needed. This approach keeps your audience engaged and ensures they know what’s in it for them.

3. Use Dynamic Visuals and Audio

Visuals and sound are essential for setting the tone and retaining attention. Research shows engaging visuals and clear audio can improve viewer retention by up to 35%.

Here’s how to elevate your intros:

  • Dynamic Editing: Use quick cuts, overlays, or animations to keep things visually exciting.
  • Engaging Sound: Upbeat music or strategic sound effects can draw in your audience and build anticipation.
  • Eye-Catching Thumbnails: While technically outside the intro, a well-designed thumbnail sets the stage for what viewers can expect.

By leveraging these elements, you create a multi-sensory experience that grabs viewers and keeps them watching.

Final Thoughts

Every second counts when it comes to online videos. By starting with a strong hook, getting straight to the point, and enhancing your visuals and audio, you can transform your intros from a stumbling block into a powerful engagement tool.

Remember: your audience’s time is valuable. Show them that your content is worth it, and they’ll stick around—and your video metrics will thank you.

The Inverted Pyramid

How to Hook Your Audience with This #1 Content Creation Secret

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The Single Most Important Detail to Creating Great Content

“Tell your story backwards!”

There it is—the single most important detail when it comes to grabbing your audience’s attention and getting them to stick around to consume your content.

Stick with me for a minute, and I’ll explain the whole process and how it can revolutionize your content game. But first, I wanted to make sure I didn’t waste your time by beating around the bush.

👆 SEE WHAT I DID THERE? 👆

I started with the payoff of this article: The single most important detail to creating great content.

I began with the one message I wanted to convey to my audience: There is one quick change that will revolutionize your content game.

And I led with the hook: Tell your story backwards!

I could’ve started by telling you I spent 20 years as the host of a radio show and that my job was to grab and hold an audience’s attention within the first 5-7 seconds.

I could’ve mentioned that I now help small businesses, content creators, and entrepreneurs craft engaging content for their audiences.

Or I could’ve opened with a flowery story to set up my “big reveal.”

But there’s one problem with all of that: YOU WOULD HAVE ALREADY MOVED ON TO SOME OTHER SHINY OBJECT!

The Attention Economy Is Ruthless

We’re living in the most competitive era for attention in human history. The digital world pulls at us from all directions, demanding our focus every second of the day. (I received two notifications while writing this, both trying to yank me away from this very task.)

Experts often advise, “Make sure your content is compelling and engaging.”

😮 OH REALLY? THAT’S REVOLUTIONARY! 😮

Of course, creating compelling content is key, but they rarely explain how to deliver it effectively.

The Inverted Pyramid

The inverted pyramid is a storytelling strategy where you lead with the most critical information—the hook—and follow up with supporting details. While “telling your story backwards” isn’t a perfect analogy, it captures the essence of starting with the payoff.

Let’s compare two versions of the same story:

Version #1:
“I was almost killed by a Dorito last night in my own home!”

Version #2:
“Oh man, craziest thing … so last night I was watching football and eating Doritos. It was around 8 o’clock—wait, maybe it was closer to 7:30…”

Which story grabs your attention faster?

Version #1 hooks you instantly. Then, I can circle back to share the full details of my near-death Dorito ordeal. Version #2, on the other hand, makes you want to stab yourself in the eyes with a fork because it drags on forever.

A small shift in delivery changes everything.

Where Most Creators Go Wrong

Far too many creators, even podcasters, miss the mark:

Host #1: “Hey, thanks for joining us today. Kevin is with us. Hey Kevin, how are you?”
Host #2: “I’m great. How was your weekend?”
Host #1: “Good! How was yours?”

OH, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, GET ON WITH IT!

Sure, talk about your weekend (if it’s interesting), but start with something that delivers value to the audience.

Your New Content Rule: Lead with the Payoff

You need to deliver compelling content right away. Then, provide a payoff in a reasonable amount of time because your audience has 247,000 other things vying for their attention.

With that, I’m wrapping up this article. I could give you five more examples to hammer home the same point, but I’d rather respect your time. Armed with this strategy, go out there and create great content!

This article originally appeared on LinkedIn

Creating Engaging Video Content

Engaging Video Content Is Hard, Until You Know These 7 Pro Tricks

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Creating video content that truly connects with your audience can feel like a monumental task. With so many platforms, algorithms, and trends to keep up with, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t worry—crafting engaging videos isn’t about having the most expensive equipment or being an editing wizard. It’s about using smart strategies that work. Here are seven pro tricks to help you create video content that captivates, converts, and keeps your audience coming back for more.

1. Know Your Audience Like the Back of Your Hand

To create videos that resonate, you need to understand who you’re talking to. What are their pain points? What excites or inspires them?

How to do it:

  • Dive into analytics tools (e.g., Instagram Insights, YouTube Analytics) to see what content performs well.
  • Observe comments and interactions to identify recurring themes or questions.

Pro Tip: Tailor your video’s tone and message to address a specific problem or interest your audience cares about.

2. Hook Them in the First 3 Seconds

Attention spans are shorter than ever, and the first few seconds of your video are critical. A strong hook can be the difference between a viewer scrolling past or staying engaged.

How to create a hook:

  • Start with a bold statement or an intriguing question.
  • Use captivating visuals or an unexpected action.
  • Preview the value viewers will get from watching your video.

Example: “Struggling to grow your audience? Let’s fix that in the next 60 seconds!”

3. Focus on Storytelling, Not Selling

People connect with stories, not sales pitches. Sharing relatable, authentic stories helps build trust and keeps viewers emotionally invested.

How to tell a story:

  • Structure your video with a beginning (the challenge), middle (the process or journey), and end (the resolution or takeaway).
  • Use real-life examples or behind-the-scenes moments.
  • Keep the story relevant to your brand or message.

Pro Tip: Aim to educate or inspire rather than just promote your product or service.

4. Master Your Lighting and Audio Basics

Poor lighting or bad audio can make even the best content unwatchable. Luckily, you don’t need a Hollywood budget to improve your production quality.

Tips for better lighting and audio:

  • Use natural light by filming near a window or outdoors.
  • Invest in a ring light or softbox for consistent lighting.
  • Use an affordable lapel mic or a smartphone-compatible microphone for clear audio.

Pro Tip: Always test your setup before recording to avoid surprises.

5. Keep It Short and Snappy

While longer videos can work on platforms like YouTube, short and concise videos are ideal for platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok.

How to keep it snappy:

  • Focus on one key message per video.
  • Trim unnecessary footage during editing.
  • Use jump cuts and transitions to maintain a fast-paced flow.

Ideal lengths:

  • Instagram Reels: 15-30 seconds
  • TikTok: 15-60 seconds
  • YouTube Shorts: Under 1 minute

6. Add Text and Captions

Captions make your videos more accessible and increase viewer retention, especially when viewers watch without sound.

How to add captions:

  • Use tools like CapCut, Descript, or YouTube’s built-in captioning feature.
  • Highlight key phrases with bold, colorful text to draw attention.

Pro Tip: Keep the font style simple and easy to read. Use large, high-contrast text for maximum visibility.

7. Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

Every video should guide viewers on what to do next. A strong CTA not only boosts engagement but also drives conversions.

Examples of CTAs:

  • “Like and share if this was helpful!”
  • “Comment below with your favorite tip.”
  • “Visit the link in my bio for more tips like this.”

Pro Tip: Include your CTA both midway and at the end of your video to maximize impact.

Conclusion

Crafting engaging video content doesn’t have to be intimidating. By knowing your audience, hooking viewers early, and following these seven pro tricks, you can create videos that stand out and drive results. Start by implementing one or two of these strategies in your next video, and watch how your engagement transforms.

Nine Underrated Christmas Songs to Add to Your Holiday Playlist

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I’ll confess … I’m a big fan of Christmas music.  And while I enjoy the classics, I think we can all agree that there’s only so many times you can listen to Mariah’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” before you want to just throw all your Christmas stockings in the fire and just fast forward to January.

Fear not fellow Christmas music fans!  I have nine more holiday gems to spice up your playlist …

#9: Bing Crosby, “Christmas in Killarney”

Let’s be honest, you don’t even have a Christmas playlist if you don’t have Bing Crosby on it.  He’s the Godfather of the Yule Log and his estate still happily cleans up every December when your favorite family friendly radio station flips to their all-Christmas playlist.  

That said, we need DIFFERENT Bing from the regular songs, and this one totally fits the bill and gives you a little Irishy vibe to boot. What’s so special about Killarney? I have no idea, but Bing says they’re the “prettiest people you’ve ever seen,” so I’ll take his word for it.

Honorable mention:  “Christmas Is a Comin’” (also by Bing)

#8: Slade, “Merry Christmas Everybody”

There’s simply not enough 70’s classic-rock inspired Christmas music in this world, but at least Slade did their part with this 1973 rocker.  If any “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie had a Christmas song in it, then this is pretty much the only place they’re gonna look. (I’m actually shocked they haven’t already used it.)

#7: Anything from Esquivel

If you can find his “Merry Xmas From the Space Age Bachelor Pad” album, then that is the holy grail, but I’m not sure it’s even available on any streaming platform. That said, there are other Christmas compilations that you can find so you can enjoy the true GOD of space age lounge and pop music.  Admittedly, the whole genre was popular for about three seconds, but his jazzy loungy vibes are the perfect mix of nostalgic and weird your holiday playlist needs, and I guarantee you at least one person at your party will ask “who the heck is this?”  (Or possibly “WHAT the heck is this?”)

#6: Coldplay, “Christmas Lights”

It’s a little more of a downer (cuz you know … Coldplay), but there’s no denying it’s just a lovely song. So if you wanna wax nostalgic and regret all the random bad decisions in your life, this jam is for YOU!

#5: girl in red, “two queens in a king sized bed”

Do you have a teenage girl in your house like me?  Well then the added bonus of this song is you get instant street cred from them when you include one of their favorite artists. If you’ve never heard of girl in red (yeah it’s all lowercase), she’s basically Billie Eilish’s slightly more upbeat Norwegian cousin.

#4: Louis Armstrong & Velma Middleton, “Baby It’s Cold Outside”

Get as woke as you want about this song, but this is easily the most fun and original version.

#3: Hermes House Band, “Holiday Express”

I’ll be honest, I’m not entirely sure if this is a Christmas song and I originally found it by accident.  Back in the early days of the internet when Napster and Limewire were massively popular, I was a downloading FIEND. (Unless you’re the government and happen to be reading this, then this is totally being written for satire and I absolutely purchased every single album I’ve ever owned.)

I was trying to download (I mean … “purchase”) a goofy Dutch pop song called the “Holiday Rap” by MC Miker G and DJ Sven, which samples heavily from Madonna’s 80’s classic “Holiday.”  I grabbed what I THOUGHT was that song, and ended up with this equally wacky Dutch song instead.  After some investigation, I found out it was by a group called the Hermes House Band and it ended up totally growing on me.  20 years later it’s still on my Christmas playlist.

#2: Smashing Pumpkins, “Christmastime”

Pardon my French, but back in the 90’s compilation CD’s were the sh*t.  Infomercials were loaded with compilations and “NOW That’s What I Call Music!” built an empire.  Another slightly smaller empire was the “A Very Special Christmas” series that launched some serious holiday heavy hitters. By the time we got to volume 3 things were a little saturated, but this song by the Smashing Pumpkins was an underrated original.

#1: Manchester Orchestra, “Silent Night”

I’ll admit, I’m a massive Manchester Orchestra fan so I’m a little biased, but I dare you to find me a voice better than Andy Hull’s to sing “Silent Night” (or “O Holy Night” which they also do on the same album.) His somewhat haunting and echoing vocals are perfectly suited for this spiritual celebration of the season.  This might also be the song that makes me claim, “I’m not crying, you’re crying” every year when I hear it on Christmas eve.

Navigating the Great Link Debate: Social Media Platforms and External Links in 2024

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Social media platforms have become essential tools for small businesses and content creators to connect with audiences and grow their brands. But there’s a catch: not all platforms treat external links equally. Some embrace them, while others seem to view them as uninvited guests. Let’s break down where the major platforms stand on external links and how businesses can craft their strategies to thrive within these guidelines.

The Link Wars: Platform by Platform

  1. X (formerly Twitter): A “Rival-Free Zone”
    Since Elon Musk’s acquisition, X has tightened its policies on external links, especially those leading to rival platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or Mastodon. Posts with such links are often deboosted, reducing their visibility. Even Linktree-style tools face restrictions, making it tougher for creators to cross-promote. Pro Tip: Instead of linking out, focus on engaging content that keeps the conversation within X. Try using multimedia posts, like polls or short videos, to share your story. When you must share a link, keep it subtle and test for engagement.
  1. Facebook and Instagram: Links, but with Limits
    Meta platforms allow external links, but they don’t come without a price. Posts with links often see lower organic reach, as the algorithm prioritizes content that keeps users on the platform.. How to Win: Leverage Stories and Reels for link stickers or use “link in bio” calls to action. In-feed posts should focus on engagement, with links reserved for comments or follow-up conversations.
  1. TikTok: Dancing in Its Own World
    TikTok prefers to keep users engaged on its platform. External links in captions or comments? Not a fan. TikTok even limits the clickable bio link to drive revenue through its ecosystem. Workaround: Use content to build intrigue. Spark curiosity with storytelling or hints that direct viewers to your bio link. Your TikTok profile is prime real estate—optimize it to make that single link work overtime.
  1. LinkedIn: The Most Link-Friendly Player
    Professional yet practical, LinkedIn is more open to external links, especially when they add value to the audience. However, native content such as PDFs or articles still tends to outperform link-heavy posts. Optimization Idea: Share links sparingly and consider uploading resources directly. For example, convert a blog post into a native article or PDF with actionable tips.

Why Do Platforms Dislike External Links?

Social media platforms thrive on user attention. When you link externally, users leave the platform—taking their engagement and ad-viewing potential with them. Platforms like X and TikTok tighten link policies to maximize retention, while LinkedIn focuses more on value-driven interactions.

How to Thrive Despite the Restrictions

The key to success in this “link-limiting” landscape lies in adaptability. Here’s how small businesses and creators can maximize their reach without falling foul of platform algorithms:

  1. Prioritize Native Content:
    Craft posts that deliver immediate value—infographics, videos, or mini-tutorials. This keeps your audience engaged and boosts your content’s algorithmic reach.
  2. Use Links Strategically:
    When platforms restrict links, work around them. Embed links in bio sections, Stories, or comments. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram allow creative placements that feel less intrusive.
  3. Build Curiosity:
    Instead of outright linking to a product or blog, tease it. Phrases like, “You’ll never believe the 3rd tip…” drive interest and engagement.
  4. Experiment with Content Types:
    Try using interactive content like polls, quizzes, or Q&A sessions. These not only boost engagement but also keep your audience on the platform longer.
  5. Leverage Analytics:
    Pay close attention to what works. Test different strategies—native posts, subtle link mentions, and bio redirects—and measure engagement.

Conclusion: Play by the Rules to Beat the Game

The evolving landscape of external links on social platforms can feel restrictive, but with a strategic approach, small businesses and creators can thrive. By focusing on native content, creative engagement strategies, and thoughtful use of links, you can navigate the algorithms’ quirks while growing your online presence.

Ready to revolutionize your social media strategy? Let’s connect and create a customized plan that works for your business. Whether it’s building a TikTok bio that pops or crafting LinkedIn PDFs that convert, our team is here to help! Reach out today.