Whether you like it or not, attention is the most valuable currency. We’re competing with viral videos, breaking news, trending memes and sponsored ads all fighting for the same precious seconds of someone’s scroll.
Data from Wyzowl found that 78% of consumers prefer to watch short-form videos when learning about a product or service.
So, how do you cut through the noise? More importantly, how do you keep someone’s attention once you’ve got it?
Whether you’re building a business or launching your personal brand, attention is your currency. Without it, your value never gets seen. With it, you open doors to opportunities, collaborations and growth.
Focus on the First Few Seconds
In the attention economy, you have seconds to make an impact. Research shows that people’s attention spans are shrinking, and if you don’t capture their interest within the first few seconds of a video or written content, they’re likely to scroll past.
The key is to start with a strong hook. Whether it’s an intriguing question, a bold statement, or something provocative. This will help keep your audience engaged from the very start, giving you a chance to deliver value.
Be Clear About What You Stand For
If someone has to work to understand what you do, they won’t bother. Your message should answer one thing: what do you want to be known for?
Are you the person who helps creatives grow their business? Do you use your lived experience to help others navigate the job market?
Have a clear focus and stick to it. It’s easier to build a name when people know what to associate it with.
Focus on Value, Not Just Visibility
Being visible isn’t enough. What makes people pay attention is value. That might be a tip, a lesson, a story or a shift in mindset.
Give away knowledge freely. Share what you’ve learned. Talk about the mistakes and what came after. When people learn something from you, they’re more likely to come back.
One rule I stick to: don’t post to be seen, post to be useful.
Tell Real Stories
Facts inform. Stories stick.
Use your experiences to bring your ideas to life. Instead of saying “I’m passionate about branding,” tell the story of how you helped someone rebuild theirs after a redundancy. Instead of saying “I help clients grow,” share what happened when a campaign flopped and what you changed.
Your story is your edge. Use it.
Know Your Audience Inside Out
To capture attention, you need to speak directly to the right people. This means having a deep understanding of your audience’s needs, desires and pain points. Dive into the data to learn about the demographics, behaviours and preferences of your followers.
Create audience personas and develop content that resonates specifically with them. When your audience feels seen and understood, they’re far more likely to engage and share your content.
You don’t need to be everywhere. Just be where it matters.
For most professionals, LinkedIn is a strong base. However, if you’re in a creative or lifestyle space, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube might be a better fit. Choose one or two platforms and focus your energy there.
Once you’ve found your space, speak directly to your audience, not everyone.
Keep It Real and Consistent
Getting attention is one thing. Keeping it takes trust.
That means showing up regularly, doing what you say, and being honest about what you know and what you don’t. People trust what they recognise. And they’ll stick around if what they recognise is helpful, real and steady.
You don’t need to be polished. You just need to be reliable.
Moving Forward
In today’s attention economy, capturing and maintaining the interest of your audience requires more than just creating great content. It’s about developing a strategy that aligns with the needs and behaviours of your target market.
Focus on delivering value, be consistent, and always engage with your audience in meaningful ways. By understanding what your audience wants and adapting to the ever-changing digital landscape, you can rise above the noise and thrive.
See you next week!
