Writing a compelling post that grabs the attention of your audience day in and day out can be challenging. It can also be time consuming, aggravating and downright exhausting.
Between tweets, Facebook posts, Google+ updates and the myriad of additional social sites frequented daily, producing fresh and unique content on a consistent basis can leave our creative juices feeling picked at, poked through and squeezed dry.
Unless you are a natural born writer with exceptional skills, running out of content ideas is inevitable.
While the 7 sources of inspiration below will not keep you from hitting the proverbial brick wall, they will help you put some sizzle in your social and begin to compile a list of resources to assist in the creation of social media posts that ignite and excite your audience.
1. Social Media
Social media networks can be fantastic resources for relevant and up-to-date ideas. They give you the ability to research what is happening right now that may impact your community.
Take a look at hashtags trending on Twitter or the latest blog post from a well reputed industry site. Once you begin to research the social channels you already frequent, you will find a plethora of content right at your fingertips begging to be retweeted and shared.
The idea is not to copy and paste or mimic other authors' content, but to put your finger on the pulse of the trends and general concerns or needs of your audience..
Where to find shareable content:
- Facebook groups
- Facebook events
- Local Facebook pages
- LinkedIn groups
- LinkedIn questions
- Twitter hashtags
- Twitter trending topics
- Scoop.it
- Stumbleupon
- Digg
2. Blogs
Blogs are equally fundamental sources of inspiration when it comes to writing social media marketing content. Look for bloggers that write about your particular field of interest and build a relationship by tweeting, sharing and commenting on their content.
Interacting with your peers will open up your mind to new ideas while connecting you to an extended network of content providers. You not only gain important alliances, but a wide variety of ideas, suggestions, and motivation that will help in the creation of captivating posts and status updates.
3. Humor, creative, and inspirational quotes
Want to connect with your fans and followers? Let them get to know the you that exists outside of the office. Inject some life into your posts by sharing what matters to you beyond your industry.
Visit humorous, inspirational and motivational websites and blogs to find fun and entertaining posts that speak to your personality and break the monotony of the same old business post.
Like coffee? Share a funny story or a cute picture that will connect with your community on a personal level. Adding humor, inspiration, and creativity to your social media content will give your audience a sneak peek into what makes you tick.
4. Books
I know books might be the last place you would think to look, but reading books, magazines, newspapers, journals and other hard copy material can offer a unique perspective.
This can be topics specific to your particular niche or a relatable success or motivational stories. Research your industry for top authors and find ways to repurpose that content in a shareable format. Just make certain that you always credit the author and link back to any original content.
5. Forums and groups
Joining forums, groups and industry discussions can give you a real-time exchange of ideas, strategies and solutions that answer your potential clients most pressing questions and concerns.
"Listen" as professionals discuss their own success stories and join in the conversation to talk about how you can meet the needs of your potential clients through your social channels. Sharing your own story, you will add value to the community and inspire others to do the same.
6. Role model/mentor
Social media marketing is a wide open landscape and one that can be overwhelming to navigate on your own. Reach out to those who have inspired your own social media efforts. Their guidance and willingness to share any tips, tricks or advice may be just what you need to write a captivating post worth a million "shares".
7. Re-purpose your content
Revisit content that you have created throughout the years. From brochures to blog posts, you are sure to find valuable information your community is craving.
Remember, just because it's not new to you, does not mean it's irrelevant to your audience. Take your content, re-frame it and republish it with a new spin, in a new format or simply update outdated content.
Ways to Repurpose Your Content:
- Podcast
- Webinar
- Free Ebook
- Free bonus material for your subscribers
- Email mini courses
- Training and coaching workbooks
While the Internet may seem to have an endless supply of inspiration, identifying your top resources can feel mind numbing. Once you have recreated a post or other marketing item, take that idea and repurpose it across any of your social networks from Facebook to Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn!
Where do you find your top ideas for social media inspiration?
7 Easy Ways to Write Effective Social Media Posts was written by Rebekah Radice
Comments(42)