Are you tired of writing the same old blog posts about your products and services? Guess what? Your audience is tired of reading them, too (if they are even reading them, that is).
It’s time to switch up your content angles and give readers what they want (and need). But where do you turn for inspiration? Content ideas are everywhere — you just have to know where to look. Here are seven places to spark your creativity.
Industry websites and blogs
Check what’s trending in your field. Stay on top of industry news, hot topics and emerging conversations by exploring the leading websites and social media accounts in your niche.
The key is not just to mirror what’s already being said but to find a unique angle. How can you position your content to add a fresh perspective, add expert context, challenge conventional thinking or better align with your audience’s specific needs?
Research publications
Timely, data-backed content is a powerful way to establish authority and attract readers. Dive into the latest research or surveys in your field and consider how you can present the findings in a way that’s digestible and meaningful to your audience.
Consumers crave insights but often need help understanding complex data. By breaking down research and showing its relevance, you’ll not only educate your audience, but also position your organization as an expert.
Your competitors’ content
As a marketer, you should be keeping tabs on the content your competitors are putting out. How are they covering various topics? Does their content appear to resonate with their audience? How can you cover similar topics in more creative ways or fill gaps by producing content on topics your competitors aren’t talking about?
Old-fashioned tear sheets
The Active Voice Communications team has a deep background in magazine publishing. We relish the brainstorming days when we’d all bring stacks of magazines to the office and tear out pages for future reference.
Even though magazine subscription rates are declining, magazine publishers are doing a lot of good work both in print and online. So, get to flipping or scrolling. Frankly, we find flipping through print versions at work more fun and love us a physical tear sheet that we can line our office walls with, but maybe that’s just us. As you’re combing through magazine content, be on the lookout not only for topic ideas, but also unique approaches to storytelling, eye-catching layouts and more.
Popular blogs, podcasts and YouTube channels
Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from stepping outside of your niche. Pay attention to content that is dominating downloads, views and shares — even if it’s in a completely unrelated genre.
What makes these platforms so engaging? How are they connecting with their audiences? Take notes on what resonates — especially if they’re targeting a demographic similar to yours — and consider how you might bring similar energy or approaches to your own content.
Upcoming observances
Every industry has its own significant observances, which lead to natural content opportunities. In healthcare, for instance, you might build campaigns around Heart Month (February) or Stress Awareness Month (May). In technology, Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October) is a staple for many organizations.
And don’t forget the fun, quirky holidays like Pi Day (March 14), Star Wars Day (May 4) and National Walk at Lunch Day. While these might not always tie directly to your brand, they can provide lighthearted, engaging ways to connect with your audience on a more personal level.
Brainstorm with ChatGPT
While we don’t love ChatGPT for writing, it is a pretty decent brainstorming partner. Ask it for a list of content ideas on a specific topic. Some suggestions will be obvious, but others might spark surprising and creative directions you hadn’t considered.
It’s a quick way to generate a variety of starting points and can help save time during your ideation process. Use it as a tool to jump-start discussions with your team or to break through writer’s block.
Start brainstorming your content calendar
Brainstorming content ideas is one of our favorite parts of marketing. But we’d be lying if we said it was easy. By tapping into all the sources of inspiration available to you, you’ll not only make the process easier but also create content that better engages your audience. Now go grab your laptop, a fun colleague and a magazine and get started.