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Business Briefing: Where Next for Venture Capitalists?

Despite the economic downturn venture capitalists are still looking at investment opportunities in digital media. New Media Knowledge spoke to one to get the low down on what VCs want.

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Social Media in Practice: BBC Radio 5 Live

Web publishers and broadcasters always have to look for new and innovative ways to maintain existing audiences and win new ones. When BBC Radio 5 Live realised it was losing listeners to other sources of football-based content it launched a new service to win them back. New Media Knowledge met the people responsible.

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Conservationists Embrace Social Media

Television is increasingly embracing new media to reach new audiences and add interesting applications. New Media Knowledge talks to the people behind a new online conservation series that aims to raise wider awareness of the plight of endangered species.

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Compelling Content

Elizabeth Varley on why knowing your readers' needs is the key to good content.

Elizabeth Varley on why knowing your readers' needs is key to good content.

Who's It For?

No matter what your website is for, it will need some written content. The text on your site lets readers know why they should be there; what they can buy, read, do or sign up for. It needs to tell readers what they will gain.

Knowing the current and intended audience is key when writing content for your site.

Who are they? Are you writing for current readers who already know your company, services and what your site's about? Do you need to attract new customers and describe your products?

When putting your content together ask yourself if you're aiming at businesspeople or the general public. People shopping for a new shampoo won't respond to the more formal language needed for your company's latest financial report.

What will your readers want to do on your site? If you're selling something, you need to think about why readers will be buying your product.

If buying for business, your reader will probably want to know the facts about your product, and quickly. Or perhaps it's a personal luxury item? Let them know how it will make them feel or how they will enjoy it.

Obviously, the best way to find out what your readers want from your site is to ask them. Talk to your readers, get their feedback via an online form or hold a focus group. Give them what they want on your site and they'll keep coming back.

Profile

Elizabeth Varley is a consultant content strategist, writer and editor, and the Director of Online Content UK - the network for new media editorial professionals. For more information got to www.onlinecontentuk.org and www.stateofcontent.co.uk