Designing a better reading experience with Matter and why you should hire a Chief Content Officer

Designing a better reading experience with Matter and why you should hire a Chief Content Officer

Reading online has become a multi-faceted activity, encompassing not just the act of reading itself, but also the decisions made before and after reading. As avid readers ourselves, the founders of Matter recognized the need for a read-it-later app that goes beyond the basic functionalities of existing apps. The first generation of read-it-later apps lacked features such as prioritization, resurfacing, and decay, which are crucial for an enhanced reading experience.

When designing Matter, we made a conscious decision to prioritize trust and elevate writers as first-class citizens in our system. We understand that people trust recommendations from other people, and good curation is a valuable tool for discovering hidden gems in the vast sea of content. By focusing on the needs of readers and building a platform that values quality writing, we aim to provide a better reading experience.

In today's fast-paced digital world, there is a strong bias towards consuming new content. Social media platforms are dominated by the latest news and trends. However, it is important to acknowledge that the vast majority of exceptional content was not produced in the past week. We believe that the bias towards new content is too strong and aim to provide a counterweight with Matter. Our platform will help readers discover and engage with timeless pieces of writing that are often overlooked.

The rise of newsletters has created a new challenge for readers - managing an overflowing inbox. While email is a convenient medium for receiving newsletters, it is not ideal for reading and interacting with content. Matter addresses this issue by providing a dedicated space for reading newsletters, where users can easily highlight and annotate important parts of the text. We understand the importance of reliable parsing and are continually improving our techniques to ensure accurate rendering of content.

Another significant shift in consumer behavior is the increasing preference for audio content. With the advent of convenient listening devices, more people are turning to audio as their primary mode of consumption. Recognizing this trend, Matter introduced a feature called "audio highlights" that allows users to highlight important sections of an article while listening, without the need to open their phones. This feature enhances the audio reading experience and enables users to engage with the content more actively.

In terms of design, Matter incorporates innovative features inspired by video games and code editors. For example, the inclusion of minimaps allows users to quickly navigate articles by scanning headers. This feature is particularly useful for mobile users and will be further optimized for desktop web. By borrowing elements from different mediums, we aim to create a unique reading experience that is both engaging and intuitive.

While Matter caters to a broad range of readers, our core users are what we refer to as "active" readers. These individuals are intentional about their reading choices, curating their information diets to align with their interests and preferences. They seek out favorite writers, subscribe to newsletters, and explore lesser-known blogs. Our goal is to increase the return on investment (ROI) of reading for these active readers, providing them with more insight, knowledge, and ultimately, a thrilling reading experience.

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, brands face the challenge of reaching consumers effectively and authentically. Consumers are tired of being constantly sold to, and they expect more from brands. Hiring a Chief Content Officer (CCO) can be a strategic move for brands looking to develop a credible brand voice and create compelling content that resonates with consumers.

Journalists, in particular, bring the necessary editorial rigor to craft authentic brand narratives. They possess the storytelling skills needed to engage consumers and create a sense of belonging within a community. As the digital landscape becomes increasingly cluttered, brands find it challenging to cut through the noise and connect with their target audience. By hiring a CCO, brands can leverage the expertise of journalists who possess a deep understanding of their brand and can effectively communicate its values and point of view.

The trend of hiring CCOs has seen significant growth in recent years, with almost 50% of these positions being filled in the past two years. The majority of these hires are journalists, highlighting the value placed on editorial expertise in building a strong brand presence. It is crucial for brands to have a CCO in-house, as no one knows the brand better than the internal team. The intimate knowledge of the brand's values, mission, and community allows the CCO to create content that truly resonates with consumers.

In conclusion, both Matter and the role of a Chief Content Officer have the same underlying goal - to enhance the reading experience and provide valuable content to consumers. Whether it's through a curated platform like Matter or a dedicated CCO within a brand, prioritizing quality, trust, and authenticity is key. To optimize your reading experience, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Prioritize quality over quantity: Instead of constantly chasing the latest news or trends, take the time to discover timeless pieces of writing that offer deep insights and perspectives.

2. Embrace audio consumption: With the increasing popularity of audio content, explore podcasts and audiobooks to engage with valuable information while on the go.

3. Invest in a Chief Content Officer: Brands looking to establish a credible brand voice and create compelling content should consider hiring a CCO who can bring editorial rigor and storytelling expertise to the table.

By implementing these strategies, you can maximize the value you derive from your reading experience and ensure that you are consuming content that is meaningful, informative, and enjoyable.