Standing alone, the word “content” is often interpreted in two primary ways. If you flip through the pages (physical or digital) of Merriam-Webster, you’ll find that, in its most commonly used forms, “content” can be an adjective with the definition of pleased or satisfied: not needing more, and it can also be a noun with the definition of something contained, which is elaborated on as being the principle substance, or topic or matter, of something.
Whenever I encounter a word that has two seemingly disparate meanings — even if it’s a common one that I’ve used a million times before — it always causes me to pause and reflect on where each comes from …. It makes me think about how the same strand of letters were lined up in exactly the same way only to lead to completely different endpoints.
The Linguistic Origins of Content
Now, there is actually an authoritative answer to this particular musing. Though sometimes it can be hard to find where words intersect, thanks to linguistic studies, we can often definitively trace words’ origins, showing the crosspollination of civilizations and cultures and the influences they’ve had on how people express themselves verbally and in written form.
In fact, I can tell you right now that the word “content” in both of the previously mentioned definitions derives from the Latin word “contentus,” which means contained, satisfied — the adjective form traveling by way of Old French circa 1400 and the noun form routing through 15th century English (think Shakespeare).
The Relationship Between Content and Content
As you can see, the relationship between content — as in “I’m feeling really content right now” — and content — as in “I need a new content writing service for my new website”— is a close one. Looking at the examples I just cited, the connection is not immediately apparent, but if you’ve worked in the content business as long as I have, you know how the two words are actually inextricably linked.
How to Capitalize on Content
Though high-quality content has always been key to success in the world of writing (Pick any famous author. How do you think he or she came to be a household name?), the rules have changed a bit in the contemporary era. In the past, content was defined by the tangible materials it was inscribed upon or printed on. Words were marked down and committed to and then disseminated, out there for the world to see, unchangeable, at least until a second edition or version was created.
To be fair, we still participate in this tradition, and tangible artifacts remain an important part of how we learn and experience. But these days, most of us gain most of our information from the Web, where the rules and expectations of content creation are constantly changing. Now, with the rate of consumption of information that occurs worldwide by virtue of the Web, we have both the privilege and burden of adapting and adding to our content as often as is needed to keep it fresh, relevant, and engaging.
What can be seen recently is increasing acknowledgement of the importance of content. Indeed, the greatest revelation about the new search algorithm Google launched last year, known as Hummingbird, was that people often search for what they need in conversational terms, asking specific, relatable questions, which is vastly different from a one- or two-word query. Now, search engines can focus on the meaning behind the words we input, advancing our ability to find exactly what we need.
How to Find Contentment in Your Content
Sounds a bit like the adjective form of “content,” doesn’t it? “Our ability to find exactly what we need” is not so different from the sense of not needing more.
But content curation, not to mention creation, requires a ton of time and energy.
So, how do you work with the quickness and precision of today’s search capabilities to build content that works — ensuring your audience is content with what it finds? And to make yourself content with the volume of target audience members who are finding you?
The surest way is to hire a content writing service. A company that can bring focus to how you roll out content, and especially bring expertise to how that content is devised. It’s a strategic process that takes into consideration your brand, consumer understanding, Web-based analytics, cultural and social trends, demographics, communication medium, and more. A good content writing service boosts your visibility and helps establish you as a thought leader within your field, engendering the trust of consumers regarding the information you impart, the services you provide. A content writing service draws out the value of your company for consumers, which serves to increase the value you have in the marketplace.
When you have the support you need to feel confident in the messages you’re putting out to the world and assured about their potential for impact, the satisfaction you find will be unparalleled. To put it plainly — in the world of modern business — the road to contentment begins with content.