Creating Sticky Content

[WestEagle]

The trick to content is not getting people to read it, but getting them to come back for more. Stickiness. I'm sure there are a lot of small things to do that make content sticky. What have you guys used?

[HomeComputerGames]

Originally Posted by WestEagle

The trick to content is not getting people to read it, but getting them to come back for more. Stickiness. I'm sure there are a lot of small things to do that make content sticky. What have you guys used?

This is a good topic and often overlooked.

I use bribery and threats

Content is not just articles. My free online arcade keeps people coming back.
I hope my new forum will do the same. Once I find a moderator that is.
Quality customer service gets me a lot of return business though I guess that isn't content but common sense.
Humor is good. Everyone likes to laugh.
This is one feeble attempt at it.
http://www.homecomputergames.net/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=8

What tactics have you used?

[Garry]

Yes, when it comes to content, we should work hard to get the visitor back on the website in search of more content. If the visitor does not get enough and relevant information about the product or services he or she is looking for, most probably, he or she won't come back. This is possible even if your website is on top in the search engines for some keywords.

The reason for this is the fact that visitors come on your website for some information. Most of the Website owners create some content on the website and work hard for marketing of the content. Due to the marketing work done, the visitor lands up on the website but never comes back as the content wasn't useful for the visitor. As the visitor never comes back, most of the website owners complain that the social networking website, directories etc. they have used to market the website is not good. However, according to me, this is Wrong.

When it comes to social networking, social bookmarking or directories etc. these websites will drive traffic to your websites. However, if the Visitor does not come back, it's not the fault of these websites but it is due to the content of your website or due to some other reason.

[GregK]

I think you are spot on Garry. The pattern I have seen, even in my own viewing, is that if I am searching for info and land on a site that helps, then later when searching for similar info I land on the same site, I make note of it. Eventually I will bookmark it and start going directly there for info.

People need to find you in order to have a chance to find your info, but they need to find use in order to come back. Since a lot of content is long term, I like to focus 90% of my starting efforts on content and then after it is at a good point, switch over to 70% SEO, 30% content.