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.
How to Write Sizzling Social Media Posts
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?
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Twitter: ianmcleary
Thanks Rebecca. I find the questions on Quora a great source of ideas also!
Have a great day,
Ian
Ian Cleary recently posted..How Hubspot Can Help Grow Your Business By Marcus Sheridan
I haven’t spent much time on Quora, but since you’re the 2nd person to mention it today, I think I better make my way over there. Thanks Ian!
Wow Rebecca, you really are a social media strategist. Without sounding too flattering, this blog is amazing. I especially like the content on (lol) blogs. If you or any of your readers have any more tips on creating a blog audience I would love to hear them.
Caroline D.
Thank you so much Caroline! Content always reigns supreme when it comes to blog audience. How often you post (consistently) and the type of content will make the biggest difference in retaining the attention of subscribers and gaining the eyeballs of new ones.
Twitter: ozblogsarticles
Quora is another good place to find good stuff to share. You can also get ideas for questions to answer in blog posts.
And re inspirational quotes: I’ve found that as well as posting them, they are often good contributions to reply to on Twitter, since they are general in nature and brief (unlike blog posts and articles being linked to). So you can use them to start up conversations.
I’m going to have to spend some time on Quora Matt and great suggestion on how to use quotes to create conversation. They are easy to respond to and immediately relatable so it’s an easy foot in the door. Thanks!!
Twitter: carollynnrivera
All super ways of finding content that won’t make you pull your hair out! I also like to subscribe to blogs and sites via RSS so I can have the content come to ME. Then I have an IFTTT action set up so whenever I star an item in my readers, it goes to Evernote, so every morning (or whenever I do my posting) I have a pre-curated list of content right in front of me.
Carol Lynn recently posted..Rethinking Customer Appreciation: Showing Gratitude Is Not About The Money
Great suggestion Carol Lynn! I love IFTTT and use it in so many different ways. If you’re an iPad user, you can also use it with Pocket to automatically share any of your read articles in Google Reader. It saves a step or two from copying into your favorite management tool!
Twitter: HouseFlipMike
Great post!
I especially like the inspirational quotes tip.
I’ve always been naturally compelled to share Napolean Hill and Dale Carnegie books/quotes with other business owners and clients. Their stuff, written decades ago, is still super relevant to anyone who is trying to grow a business.
Conveniently it’s also loaded with short and impactful quotes I think would be great to include in social media. I may just start doing that.
Thank you!
Mike
Mike LaCava recently posted..3 Sure-Fire Closet Tactics for Your House Flipping Business
I completely agree Mike that both Napolean Hill and Dale Carnegie are as relevant today as they were when any of their books were first written. You can Google and easily find their quotes in a Twitter ready format too. Start sharing so I can retweet!
Twitter: ScentNMore
Thank you! Just what I was looking for. I love the fact that you mentioned be personable. Sometimes I find myself not knowing do I post all business and end up in a box I can’t get out of. Or if I do post a funny happening in my business life if that won’t be a complete turn off. Because I am a consultant for a warmer and scents company, we depend on our personality to shine. Thats why I got into myself. I love all things home.