If you create online content to attract clients and market your business via email newsletters, blogs or social media posts, coming up with content ideas can be challenging once you’ve written about your core topic(s).
The good news is that you can get great content ideas and inspiration from many sources, as well as ways to approach your core topic from different angles.
Here’s how:
1. Listen to your audience
To attract your ideal clients and customers, your content needs to answer the questions and help solve the pain points they are experiencing.
In addition to solid SEO research (so you know what people are searching for online), another way to uncover this content rocket fuel is by reading social media posts relevant to your industry and business and scouring the comments sections to see what people are talking about and the problems they are facing. (Top tip: This can also help you when it comes to getting your marketing message across, as you can use their exact language when communicating with them.)
Good candidates for this type of research include platforms such as Quora, Reddit, and LinkedIn. You can also be helpful by posting and answering questions on these and other platforms, displaying your expertise and connecting with others. Another source of information (and inspiration) is Facebook business groups and online forums specific to your business or industry, which are usually free to join.
Once you know the questions people are asking, you can provide the answers with your content. You can even use some of the questions and answers as FAQs on your sales pages!
2. Ask questions
Another great way to better understand your audience is to directly ask them what they are struggling with right now and what topics they want to see covered. With this, you can go deep or wide.
If you have an email newsletter, you can send out a general email/survey to your list or include it in the welcome sequence (or both). Getting people to respond this way is great for engagement and can help build rapport.
Likewise, you can ask questions via your social media channels or host a live Q&A session. In addition to using the responses to generate content ideas, you could also use this valuable research to create new services and products or improve your service.
The key is that by reaching out, you are listening to your audience. People like to be heard, as it builds trust and makes them feel valued. And, of course, people tend to buy from those they know, like and trust!
3. Use storytelling
People love stories, so if you really want to connect with your audience, use storytelling.
A good place to start is the story of your business. For example, when did you get the ‘aha!’ moment to start your business or develop your product? What about any other people involved? What’s their story? Create content around your origin story, share the highs and the lows and show your human side. Being relatable makes you more likable.
You can also share case studies, testimonials, and your experience helping other clients. By sharing your wins and writing about successful projects, potential clients will be better able to envisage how you can help them.
The same goes for behind-the-scenes content that you can post on social media.
All this makes for excellent social proof as well as compelling content.
4. Cover what’s trending
What’s trending in your industry right now? What’s everyone talking about? What’s everyone NOT talking about but should be? Sharing your take on industry topics is a great way to get eyeballs on your content. Using stats, figures, and industry research case studies can also be helpful as well as a source of inspiration for even more content.
You can also leverage some current events and breaking news if you are quick enough. This practice even has its very own term: Newsjacking. It can be very effective when done well, but it does depend on timing, relevancy, and being able to read the room!
The good thing about having conversations around trending topics and keeping up with industry news is that you can be perceived as a thought leader and authority in your niche.
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At the end of the day, coming up with good content ideas for your business is about knowing what’s going on in your industry, listening to your audience, being relevant, and solving your audience’s issues with your content. And the best thing is, it doesn’t have to be formal or stuffy; your content can also entertain and educate at the same time.
For more small business and freelancer tips, check out our business blog.
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