What Makes Content Helpful? [ 5 Steps to Build Your Formula]
Helpful content is about a practical [simpe] solution the reader has never heard about.
It’s not just about providing useful information; it’s about understanding that the reader genuinely cares about the topic and is actively seeking a reasonable solution to their struggles.
Your goal is to deliver practical, actionable tips they’ve never encountered before—something fresh, unique, and immediately useful.
When your content solves a problem or answers a question in a way no one else has, you’re not just helping your audience—you’re building trust and authority. That’s the essence of helpful content: addressing real needs with innovative solutions that inspire action and create lasting value.
And for this blog post to be helpful and practical, we will show you how:
How we got at the point where only helpful content is engaging?
Thousands of videos and millions of articles are uploaded online every single day.
Audiences have grown more discerning and impatient in the age of information overload. With countless pieces of content competing for attention, people no longer settle for fluff or recycled ideas—they’re seeking value, relevance, and solutions to their specific problems.
Search engines like Google have also shifted their priorities, favoring content that meets user intent with precision and originality.
This change reflects a broader trend: users don’t just want to consume content; they want it to entertain or empower them with fun moments or actionable insights, new perspectives, and practical answers.
In this landscape, helpful content rises above the noise. It connects with audiences on a deeper level by solving their struggles and respecting their time, making it the only kind of content that truly resonates and drives engagement.
How Gen Z Changed the Way We Search
In 2022, we asked our Gen Z designer to search for something, and she immediately jumped onto TikTok. We were like, “Wow, that’s a unique approach!” At the time, it seemed surprising, but now we realize this is just how this generation operates—though, for many of us, it still feels a bit unconventional, doesn’t it?
And here are the data:
Adobe recently conducted research on TikTok’s growing role as a search engine, accompanied by a fascinating infographic:
They surveyed 808 TikTok users and 251 business owners in the US, uncovering how the platform is reshaping product discovery.
And as TikTok growing as a search engine, the need for instant value is growing too.
And this is why helpful content is the only way to build authority and trust.
Ready for the practical part? Let’s brake down the elements of helpful content:
5 Tips for Creating Helpful Content
1. Translate your topic into something your audience care about
The topic you want to talk about is related to your business, so, the first step is to making it something important for them.
Let me explain with an example. At Wieldex, we specialize in eCommerce experience—a concept that many of our target audience, small and medium-sized brands, either know little about or feel is only relevant for larger businesses.
In this case, it’s essential to take a step back and ask: What does our audience care about most? In our example is simple: sales.
So, to build awareness about the importance of our topic [eCommerce experience], we’d focus on what matters to them—fast and easy sales growth.
Practically, instead of leading with “eCommerce experience,” we’d frame the conversation around how it can directly [instant value] and effectively boost their sales.
The simplest way to find the goals or topics your customers will engage more, is just to think about the results / benefits they will gain. Reverse engineer it is.
2. The impact or benefits they would gain by following your UNIQUE approach.
In this step we will see how to create a unique approach and communicate its importance.
Let’s start with the “unique approach” part. Remember at the beginning of this article, we mentioned that “your content has to be fresh, unique, and immediately useful.” This is challenging, right? Of course, it is. But don’t worry—here are three simple rules to help you consistently create a unique approach:
- Use the “One Idea” Rule: Focus on one clear, powerful message per piece of content. Instead of overwhelming your audience with 10 tips, take a deep dive into just one actionable insight.
- Blend Markets Creatively: For example, if you’re in the jewelry industry, consider drawing inspiration from the fashion or beauty sectors to craft fresh, engaging content.
- Incorporate Real-Life Examples: Bring your content to life with relatable, real-world scenarios. For instance, show how to make Valentine’s Day truly memorable by sharing a few unique and personal examples.
Now, it’s time to remind your audience of the tangible benefits they’ll gain from your approach. Here’s how to do it:
- In the second paragraph of this article, we mentioned, “When your content solves a problem […] you’re building trust and authority.” This is a direct way of communicating the value your audience will receive.
- You can also make the benefits more indirect, like this: “In this landscape, helpful content […] connects with audiences […] making it the only kind of content that truly resonates and drives engagement.” This was our promise to you about why this blog post matters.
3. The simpler the steps, the greater the engagement.
Simplifying content is about making it easier for your audience to follow and engage with. Let me show you how this works in practice.
Imagine you’re sharing a guide on improving productivity. Instead of overwhelming your audience with a wall of text, break the content into clear, actionable steps. For example, start with “Step 1: Identify Your Priorities” and continue with logical, bite-sized chunks. This structure not only keeps the content digestible but also helps your audience stay focused and engaged.
Now, to encourage completion, consider adding visual cues. Think progress bars, checkmarks, or numbered lists—these create a sense of accomplishment with every step completed. It’s like saying, “You’re almost there!” without actually needing to say it.
Finally, guide your audience toward the best starting point by framing it as the natural or ideal choice. For instance, “The best way to get started is by organizing your tasks into a priority list.” This nudge feels effortless while steering them in the right direction.
When you combine these elements—chunked steps, visual nudges, and a clear recommended action—you create a user-friendly experience that feels rewarding and intuitive. That’s how you simplify without sacrificing engagement.
4. Remind them of the benefits at every single step, again.
When creating content, framing is key to capturing and maintaining your audience’s attention.
Rather than diving deep into technical details, which can often overwhelm or confuse, focus on highlighting the benefits that directly resonate with your audience’s needs and desires.
For example, instead of explaining the intricate workings of a new software, emphasize how it will save time, increase productivity, or simplify their workflow. As you guide your audience through the content, consistently remind them of these benefits or introduce new, related advantages that strengthen your message.
This continuous reinforcement helps create a clear, compelling narrative that keeps the audience engaged and focused on the value they will gain, making the technical aspects feel secondary.
5. Inspire, support, and include a relevant call-to-action.
You did it! You’ve made it to the final step: inspiring and supporting your audience while providing a clear, relevant call-to-action.
To keep your content engaging and impactful, motivate your audience to take action by demonstrating how your approach can improve their business or life.
Show them how easy it is to implement your simple yet effective strategies, and highlight the positive outcomes they can achieve.
Once they’re inspired, guide them toward the next logical step with a call-to-action—whether it’s downloading a helpful eBook, signing up for a webinar, or exploring a service that can further their progress.
This formula not only sparks creativity but also saves you hours of brainstorming, ensuring every piece of content is not just interesting, but also purposeful and engaging.
