Why your content isn’t cutting through the noise (& how to fix it)

The internet is loud.

Every second, thousands of brands, influencers, foodies, fashion girlies and meme accounts are fighting for attention. So if you feel like your content is vanishing into the abyss, I don’t blame you. The problem isn’t only the oversaturation of almost every digital space on the planet. It’s that most content is forgettable.

Don't want your content to fit into that category? Here are the 7 things to fix, stat.

1. Your hook is shit (I’m sorry)

You have about 1.5 seconds to convince someone to stop and pay attention. If your content starts slow, you’ve already lost.

How to fix it:

• Lead with a bold, unexpected statement or question

• Use curiosity gaps—tease a result, insight, or shocking truth

• Make it visually striking. Thumbnails, GIFs, and dynamic visuals make a difference.

2. You’re not offering original thought leadership

I knoooow. I hate this term. But recycling the same talking points as everyone else won’t make you stand out.

How to fix it:

• Share unique insights from your personal or brand experience

• Offer contrarian or unconventional viewpoints backed by evidence

• Conduct original research or provide deep analysis that goes beyond surface-level takes

3. Your content isn’t interactive enough

People don’t just want to consume content. They want to engage with it, contribute to it, be a part of it! Static, one-way content is a surefire way to get lost in the shuffle.

How to fix it:

• Use polls, quizzes, and Q&As to invite participation

• Build content series that encourage audience input and feedback

• Encourage UGC (user-generated content) by featuring audience responses or insights

4. You’re overlooking the power of repurposing

If a piece of content performed well once, don’t let it die in the archives. Smart brands know how to extend the lifespan of their best ideas.

How to fix it:

• Turn blog posts into LinkedIn articles, Twitter threads, or YouTube videos

• Refresh old content with new data, updated examples, or a different format

• Extract key points from a long-form piece and create micro-content for social media

5. You’re ignoring niche, long-tail keywords

SEO isn’t just about ranking for broad, high-competition keywords. The best traffic comes from specific, intent-driven searches.

How to fix it:

• Create in-depth content that directly answers niche questions

• Use long-tail keywords that reflect audience pain points and specific queries

• Optimise for search intent—think "how to," "best way to," or "X vs. Y" comparisons

6. You’re not leveraging distribution

If you’re not actively distributing and repurposing your content, you’re wasting effort.

How fix it:

• Share content across multiple channels, adapting it for each platform

• Repurpose successful content into new formats for different audiences

• Build relationships with industry communities, newsletters, and podcasts for wider reach

7. You’re ignoring the data

If you’re not analysing what works (and what doesn’t), you’re shooting in the dark. And well, that just sounds silly (and dangerous).

How to fix it:

• Double down on what’s working and pivot from what isn’t

• Track engagement metrics beyond just likes—look at shares, saves, and watch time

• Test different content styles and analyse results. Is storytelling working? Do people engage more with educational content?

If your content isn’t breaking through, it’s not because the internet is "too crowded."

It’s because it isn’t offering something truly valuable. The brands and creators who win are the ones who create insightful, experience-based content, take creative risks, and refine their approach based on real feedback. Now, go shake things up, my little maracas.

-Sophie, Writer