How to Never Run Out of Content Ideas
Are you a small business owner who is always trying to come up with new content ideas? If you've ever dealt with the frustration of staring at a blinking cursor when you go to post, I have some tips and strategies to teach you how to never run out of content ideas.
Why is content marketing important?
Before we dive in, what's even the point of content marketing? Should you just run ads instead? Here are a few benefits of content marketing that will inspire you to create content for your business on a consistent basis.
It boosts visibility and attracts your ideal client.
In order to sell your products or services, you need to have an audience to sell to. That's one of the benefits of content marketing! It gets you in front of more people, thus boosting your visibility. If you create intentional content, it has the ability to attract your ideal client—aka, the people who really want and need what you offer.
Content establishes you as an authority.
Before buying from someone, you likely want to double check that you know what they're talking about. Take the example of a business coach. Before hiring them, you're bound to scroll through their social media accounts and binge some of their content to make sure they are a knowledgable and trustworthy source. Creating content establishes you as an authority in your niche and gives you the opportunity to share what you know.
It builds trust and community.
By putting out content, you are consistently nurturing and serving your audience. This inherently builds trust, because they know they can rely on you to post valuable content every week. Content also builds community, because you'll attract a like-minded group of people who learn from and engage with what you post.
Strategic content drives people to your freebies and offers.
Lastly, one of the biggest benefits of content marketing is that it can drive people to your freebies and offers. I always recommend for my clients to create content around their freebies to help grow their email list, and use their content as a road map to their paid offers. So yes, content marketing helps boost your sales!
Tips to Never Run Out of Content Ideas
Convinced that you need to start giving your content marketing more attention? Amazing—here are some tips to never run out of content ideas so that you can stay consistent across your platforms!
1. Choose a consistency and platform(s) you can commit to.
Consistency is key when it comes to your content, but consistency means something different to everyone. Don't post every day on Instagram if you don't have that bandwidth; instead, opt for 3 high-quality posts per week. Choose a consistency that makes the most sense for your business and lifestyle.
The platforms you choose are important as well. If you hate writing, a blog might not be best for you. Commit to platforms that you enjoy and that your ideal clients are active on. Once you feel confident on one platform, add in another.
2. Have a running list of content ideas on your Notes app.
I love using my Notes app for content ideas, because my phone is almost always with me. Some of my best ideas hit when I'm out on a walk, at a coffee shop, or just simply going about my day-to-day life. Use one note on your phone so you don't lose track of where you stored your ideas.
3. Jot down a recap to pull ideas from after client meetings.
Client meetings are a gold mine for content ideas if you're a service provider, because you are hearing from your ideal client. After a meeting or session with a client, jot down a recap. What questions did they have? What did you teach them? Pull content ideas from this meeting.
4. Take breaks often to refuel your creativity.
If you can't come up with any content ideas, you might be burnt out. The best way to combat burnout is by taking a break! Creativity cannot run constantly; it needs time to refuel. Schedule frequent breaks throughout your day to get up from your desk, move your body, and enjoy some fresh air. Spending some time in nature really helps me recharge my creativity battery.
5. Repurpose content as much as possible.
You'll never run out of content ideas if you don't have to start from scratch. Repurpose your content in various ways and across multiple platforms to get the most bang for your buck. For a detailed guide on exactly how to repurpose content to save time, read this blog post.
6. Use ChatGPT to brainstorm or rewrite your ideas.
If you're feeling stuck, ChatGPT is an amazing tool. You never want to copy and paste what ChatGPT spits out for you, but instead, use it to bounce ideas or rewrite your own words. I love referencing ChatGPT when I need some new inspiration or want to view something from a different perspective.
7. Batch create when you feel inspired.
Inspiration comes and goes, so harness its power when it's present in your life. Some days, I feel really inspired to create content. This is typically when I'll film all my reels, write my captions, etc. I created a whole system for batching a month of reels in one day that you can learn for free here.
8. Plan out your ideas on a content calendar.
You know those ideas you jotted down in your Notes app in tip #1? Instead of keeping them there forever, move them over to a content calendar! A content calendar is where you'll store your ideas and pieces of content on all your platforms and track publish dates. This is the #1 tool that I recommend small business owners use to stay super consistent in their content marketing. Click here to get the content calendar template I use and recommend.
Have a content strategy that aligns with your overall marketing strategy.
Do you feel more confident in coming up with endless content ideas? Lastly, make sure your content strategy aligns with your marketing strategy as a whole.
If you aren't sure how to connect the dots and want to speak with a marketing strategist about this, my 60-minute sessions are perfect for you! We can dive deeper into your overall marketing strategy and brainstorm how your content can play a vital role in moving the needle forward in your business. Click here to book your strategy session.
