Actionable Content Creation Tips for Business Owners to Keep on Hand

The Sprocket Report

Turning out promotional content on a regular basis can be daunting. If you are running on empty, here are some ideas to inspire you:

Last time we talked about writing a blog series, but that’s not the only content option, of course. Whether you’re working on a series or producing a one-off, the first step is to choose a topic, and if your brain isn’t storming effectively, start by researching your current customers. 

Finding subject matter

• Scan your email, text messages, and social media sites to see what questions people are already asking. Those are perfect topics you can expand on – and maybe save yourself from having to answer the same questions over and over. 
• Do you already blog or share information on social media? Then check your analytics to find the most popular articles or posts. If folks are expressing interest in those topics, chances are good they will appeal to a greater, like-minded readership. 
• Stay up-to-date on what’s trending in your industry as well as in the news in general. Your opinion on a current trend can position you as an expert on the topic. Present yourself honestly and professionally and be prepared to back up your viewpoint.
• Google a possible topic and look at the “Related Searches” section at the bottom of the results page. You may find a new spin that you haven’t addressed before. Modifying your search can turn up even more ideas. For instance, “Content Creation” turns up different searches than “Creating Content.”

Optimizing your content

• Those Google searches also provide an idea of how people are searching. You’ll want to match their phrases so that your content is the right answer to their questions. 
• Another way to find search terms to use in your content is to play around with the Google Ads Keyword Planner. You don’t have to spend money with Google Ads to do keyword research and find out which terms got the most searches last month.
• Once you have a list of search terms to use, include them in your headlines and in your content, particularly the first couple of paragraphs. Also, rename any graphic elements you are adding to written content. Just be sure to use those words in a naturally conversational way for your human readers. 

Varying your content

• While this is a blog you are reading right now, there are many other ways to create content such as videos, graphic images, podcasts, and so on. Some platforms will only accept certain types of content, so you’ll want to adapt your message to fit their parameters. 
• Re-using your content by formatting it in different ways saves time and effort. From one blog post, you could create a series of graphic images for Instagram or Facebook Ads while also sharing snippets on Twitter or your LinkedIn page. Or record yourself talking about your blog post as a video. 
• And don’t forget to market your latest content by highlighting it in a newsletter, on social media, or in your email signature. 

Creating content that will engage your customers requires commitment. It is never going to be super easy, but remember that it is equally difficult for your competition. If they aren’t doing it right, this is your chance to excel. We encourage you to experiment, but if you are simply too busy, why not give us a call to learn how you can outsource this task to us? Our Sprocket team is standing by to help! 

Photo by fauxels from Pexels

Kate GingoldKate Gingold

I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.

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I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.

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