There are countless tips and tricks for attracting people to your blog or social media profiles, but it really all boils down to one question: Is your content interesting?
If everything you post is engaging and thought-provoking, people will return, post comments and attract new followers to your pages. But if you're boring, no tips or tricks will lure them in -- at least not for repeat visits.
With that understanding fully realized, the pressure is on. How do you consistently create and post thoughtful, relevant content? No matter what type of business you're in, the truth is that one day just might not be as interesting as the last. Add to that your own situation -- did you stay up too late, or are you distracted?
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The answer is not to simply throw the first thing that comes to mind up onto your Facebook page or Twitter feed and call it a day for your social media marketing. By planning ahead and creating a repository of ideas and 'evergreen' content, it's possible to ensure a constant stream of highly informative and interesting content, even when you're feeling 'blah' or are just too overwhelmed to focus for more than five minutes on Facebook.
Here's how to eliminate social media writer's block for good:
1. Utilize Your Idle Moments
The most difficult part of writing a blog post is often coming up with the title and first line. But chances are, you have moments in your day when you're walking, driving or riding that could be put to use for brainstorming. Whether it's in the shower or during your commute, make use of time when you're not under pressure to come up with ideas for posts, so that once you're at your computer, the words will flow easily.
2. Keep a Notebook
Don't let a good idea get away. When something inspires you that could lead to a great post, write it down so that you'll remember. These days, it's not even necessary to carry a real notebook. Choose a good app for your phone to save notes (and links) in, or simply text or email yourself as you go.
3. Make a Company Calendar
On what date was your company founded? When did you go public, or reach your first million dollars in sales? Keep a calendar that includes your company's landmark dates, and celebrate these on Facebook, Twitter and in blog posts. Self-promotion isn't always the best approach for attracting followers online, but on days where it's actually significant, a public pat on your own back reminds people that you're a growing, viable business with a credible history.
4. Be Inspiring
What inspires you? Whenever you find a line in a novel or magazine article, or hear something on TV or in a movie that stands out to you, jot it down and think about how that can apply to your company. People immediately relate to names they recognize, and tying in a bit of celebrity or inspirational artistry into your social posts will attract and connect followers who realize that the people at your company enjoy the same things they do.
5. Ask Questions
It's an old trick, but when it comes to inspiring comments and sparking a conversation that will help spread a post, asking a thoughtful question can go a long way. It's also a fantastic opportunity to solicit useful feedback for your business. Don't be afraid to ask the opinions of your online followers -- in many cases, these are your most valued customers. Listen to what they say, and empower them by responding to their feedback.
6. Sponsor a Charity or Local Sports Team
Nothing screams 'part of the community' like backing a local charity or little league team. If you're a small business, consider supporting a neighborhood soccer or baseball team, and chart their games and progress via social media. Likewise, a respected nonprofit may host an event that needs sponsors from a local business. Get the most out of your donation by highlighting the work of the charity on your pages, connecting your business and their good work with your readers.
7. Get Extra Mileage Out of Good Reviews
We live in an age of online reviews, from Yelp to TripAdvisor. Now that Google Reviews are integrated into search listings, virtually every type of business is subject to the whims of customers hungry to spread the word about a good (or bad) experience. You're probably already keeping an eye on your reviews, so make a point to highlight the most glowing comments on your social pages. You will likely get even more affirmation and better your reputation online.
Have you ever found yourself staring blankly at the screen with a bad case of Tweeter's block? What steps have you found for coming up with engaging new content?
on
Using a notebook to keep ideas is a great idea. Sometimes inspiration and ideas come and go very fast and you need to have something at hand. That is why I personally use an app to take notes that comes within my android cellphone since I always bring it with me. Excellent article Allison!
on
One thing I learned from ProBlogger in one of his eBooks is mindmapping. It’s really helpful to elaborating on a single idea and getting a ton of other ideas. It’s a great way to come up with a series of posts.
on
Some great tips here! I have never thought to ask questions in my posts but I can see how this will engage my readers more. These tips seem focused to larger blogs though, what would you suggest for blogs that maybe don’t have the funds for sponsoring events?
on
Excellent tips! For those who find their ideas tend to manifest while driving, a small voice recorder is a good substitute for the notebook.
on
This are amazing tips on how to keep our creative juices flowing. There are two that I use off your list that have helped me a lot. First is carrying a notebook and jotting down ideas when they come to mind, and the second is asking my audience questions. Between these two methods, I never have a problem thinking of what I need to write about next.
on
And if you run out of ideas after this, I recommend you go to other websites that share your niche and become inspired by what they write. You can get ideas from your “competition”. However, don’t copy their ideas but rather become motivated to write more content from their content. 🙂
on
There are some really good tips here. I often find myself struggling to come up with content to be able to provide consistent updates. I like to think of my content as engaging, but sometimes if it’s a struggle to come up with a topic, I actually find that it’s quite mundane and boring when I re-read it. I’ll definitely use these tips to try and keep consistent and engaging/thought provoking content coming!
on
The old saying, “Content is king” rings true especially since the internet is so media saturated. Asking questions is a very good suggestion. I definitely can relate to that one. It a very useful building block to get the ball rolling. You never know what positive outcome will result from the interaction.
on
Keeping a notebook is definitely a great tip. I have a paper notebook but then I also have an Evernote account where I keep my notes organized. If I didn’t have that, I’m pretty sure my brain would explode.