For a long time, marketing-related content has primarily been written from the third-person perspective, usually with a dash of second-person mixed in. That’s been changing lately, and I couldn’t be happier. The first-person perspective is more personal, and I feel as though I’m speaking one-on-one with a reader rather than addressing a group. It adds a real name and face to marketing content.
If you’ve been looking for a way to spice up your blogging content or business website design, I suggest giving the first-person perspective a shot. The benefits from adding a more personal tone to your Calgary business’s website can earn your company a fresh new perspective.
A Refresher on Writing Perspective
Before we dive in, here is a quick reminder on the different perspectives that you can choose while writing. While I’ll be focusing mostly on first-person, it’s not unusual for content to switch between two perspectives as needed.
- First-person – The “I” construction, in which the writer uses their own perspective. Very common in general, especially in personal communication.
- Second-person – The “You” construction, in which the writer addresses the reader directly. I’ve already used it a couple times in this piece!
- Third-person – The “She/He” construction, commonly used in fiction. This perspective is naturally detached, because the information doesn’t come directly from the writer, or address the reader directly.
The Benefits of First-Person Perspective for Content Creation
The first-person perspective breaks down unnecessary barriers between writer and reader. It’s not always easy at first to put yourself out there, so to speak, but I find that it grows more natural over time. Ultimately, the first-person perspective allows me to take ownership of the content I create.
- Authority – When you write in the first-person, there’s no room to sit on the fence. This is a good thing. When I write in the first-person, I know that putting a name and face to my content adds authority to what I have to say. The accountability that sometimes makes first-person nerve-wracking for the writer also makes it easier to build trust with readers.
- Personality – One of the common complaints with third-person writing is that it can lack personality. The first-person perspective has no such issues. When I write in first-person, personality is rarely a concern. It simply comes out naturally.
- An Anchor – First-person writing anchors content in the real world, because readers are essentially getting information first-hand. Sharing the same information from third-person adds detachment and can even instill doubt in the reader. Again, the accountability factor looms large.
- Social Media – Succeeding on social media means forging real connections with your readers, and first-person writing is the best way to do that. It’s important that social connections feel that they’re interacting with real people, who are genuinely interested in their needs. First-person puts a real face behind your social media efforts.
- Email Marketing – As with social media, it’s important for email readers to feel a real connection if you expect them to keep opening your messages. Too often, email marketing comes from a “no-reply@” address, from a third-person perspective. Switch to first-person to stand out from the pack with email marketing.
I mentioned earlier that first-person writing means “putting yourself out there,” and that makes it especially important to make sure your personal information is protected. Trust me, the rewards are more than worth the effort. Maybe you and I even formed a connection in the course of this post! In the end, there’s simply no substitute for a genuine, personal perspective.
Calgary Business Website Design Services from Emphasize
Looking for more value from your blogging presence or business website design? Emphasize Design, located in Calgary, offers content creation and business website design services tailored to serve your unique recipe for marketing success.
