We all know fresh content is key to making the most of your online marketing. But it can sometimes be hard to come up with something that hasn’t been done before. Here’s a master list of ideas to help you through your toughest writer’s block.
1. Create and explain an infographic
In an increasingly visual world, an infographic is worth at least 1,000 words. Use an app to create a graph, flowchart, or visualization. Then explain it in a blog.
2. Answer a frequently asked question
Your customers are a great source of content. That question you answer 100 times a day? Write a post about it.
3. Draw an analogy to a popular book, movie, or TV show
Connect into social media trends by using the hot new thing to explain what you do.
4. Create a consumer wish list
Customers don’t always know what they want. Lay it out for them so they know what to ask for.
5. Make a beginner’s guide
What you do may be complicated. Give people a place to start if they’re new to the topic.
6. Create a how-to guide
DIY is a trend that isn’t going away. Help readers figure out how to do the easy part, so they hire you when things get tough.
7. Create a buying guide
What do users need to know to make a wise choice in your industry? Lay it out for them.
8. Compile a resource guide
Where can users go for related information? This kind of post is great for cross-promotion and cross links.
9. Warn users what not to do
What are clients’ biggest mistakes? What do you wish your customers would stop doing? Explain what not to do and why
10. User survey results
This one takes some setup, but it makes a great 1-2 punch. 1: Announce your survey and push it to social media in one post. 2: Explain the results in a follow-up.
11. Write a “Dictionary” that explains industry terms or jargon
Every industry has its own unique terminology. Clue your readers in by explaining the legalese or jargon they might see. (HINT: When you need to use that jargon later, link back to your dictionary post to explain it)
12. Compile industry research into a mega-post
If you find yourself doing a lot of research, why not put it to good use? Write a mega-post pulling it all together.
13. Create an explainer video (and support it with written content)
Set up your webcam in front of a blank wall and answer one question in a video. Then type up what you said and post it.
14. Give industry tips and tricks or “hacks”
What are the “short cuts” to a good user experience in your industry?
15. Predict industry trends
What’s coming down the road for you? What do you think will change in the next few years? Feel free to speculate as long as you explain why.
16. Dispel myths about your industry
What do your customers assume coming in? What “facts” are you constantly correcting? Lay them out in a post.
17. Respond to another blog or video
Have you read something that gets your hackles up? Politely explain why you disagree.
18. Explain “Why”
Is there something in your work that people seem to fight against? Explain why it is the way it is.
19. Presentation recaps
Did you do a professional presentation? Summarize it in a blog series.
20. Compile old posts into a Top 10 list
Old posts are a great source for new information. Create a Top 10 list and link back to that old content.
21. Feature a customer testimonial
Do you have a customer that loves you? Use their testimonial as a basis for a spotlight post.
22. Before and after posts
Does what you do change people’s lives? Use before and after shots to show the improvement.
23. Talk about a successful customer experience or case study
Illustrate a successful customer experience look like and explain what made it great.
24. Write a follow up to your most popular post
Use analytics to see what people like to read on your site and tie into that with a follow-up.
25. Write an update to an outdated post
Has something changed in your work? Explain how an old post isn’t true anymore. Don’t forget to edit that old post with an update and a link to the new article.
26. Review Industry history
Explain how your industry got to where it is, including shifts in the way things are done.
27. Share Industry news
Announce changes in the industry like new laws, product reveals, or studies that change the game.
28. Respond to blog or social media comments in a thoughtful way
Did a post get a lot of unexpected responses? Take them on by politely responding and providing insight.
29. Feature a new employee or partner in your business
Whenever you bring someone new onto the team, shine the spotlight on them and explain what they do for customers
30. Announce a new product or service
If you’re doing a new thing, make a big deal about it. Link to the landing page for further information.
31. Give Sneak peaks
Maybe that new thing isn’t ready for launch just yet. Give users a sneak peek of what’s to come.
32. Announce Awards
If you or your business got an award, celebrate with a blog post. Include a quote showing your appreciation for the recognition.
33. Go behind the scenes to show how things get done
People love to know “how it works” or “how it’s made”. Show them, even if it isn’t always pretty.
34. Describe timelines in your business
Answer the question “how long will it take” to do what you do. You’ll find people are more patient if they understand what they’re waiting for.
35. Interview an industry expert
Go deep with an industry expert, either on staff or as a guest. This can be done through email and cleaned up into a meaningful post.
36. Invite Guest posts
Take a break by lining up a guest writer from a complimentary industry. Offer to write something for their blog in return. And don’t forget to cross-link.
37. Write an opinion piece on a hot issue
Is there a debate brewing in your industry? Weigh in! But make sure to keep it professional.
38. Survey your employees about a controversial topic
If the debate is happening in your office, create a panel discussion post among employees that show both sides.
39. Tell your origin story
How did your business get going? Share it in a post.
40. Write an in-depth white-paper
Sometimes you need to go deeper. Write a thoughtful, professional piece that you can link to later.
41. Use National or local news
Tap into the headlines and explain how a big news item affects your industry
42. Hypothetical case studies
Trying to attract a particular kind of client? Illustrate what that would look like with a hypothetical case study.
43. Do a product reviews
Is there a product connected to what you do? Review it and let users know whether it’s worth the investment.
44. Compare your services
Compare what you do to your competitors by laying out strengths and weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to say when something isn’t the right fit for you.
45. Create a mega list
Like what you’re reading? Make one for your industry!
There are all kinds of ways to create high-quality content for your website. Use this list to keep your content fresh and hold writer’s block at bay.
HAT TIP to Patrick Oja of Provisio Technology Solutions for the inspiration on this blog post! Check out his blog for more on high-quality web content.
Lisa Schmidt is a writer for Legal Linguist in Ferndale, Michigan. She writes blogs and web content for lawyers and small businesses. If you need help with your online content, contact Legal Linguist today to schedule a meeting.