Content Creation Tips, Tricks, and Automobiles!

Have you heard the saying “everything is content”?

A chilling statement when you think about it, but I think it’s being used incorrectly.

When it comes to your business, everything can be content, or more accurately, inspire content.

But it’s tricky, because many business owners are still wondering, “HOW?”

Content creation takes a bit of finessing, but there are certain ways of framing and thinking about your content that can help make it less overwhelming.

So here’s what you really need to know:

Have a Plan

I’ve heard so many times, “Don’t worry about having a plan, just post!”

And I’ve found that advice a bit misguided. The “just post” advice is about it not needing to be perfect, not that you “don’t need a plan”. 

You need a content strategy (derived from your overall marketing strategy) first and foremost. Your strategy needs to answer the Who, the What, the Why, the Where, the When, and then the How of your marketing.

Your next step, your content calendar. I use Asana for my content calendar, using an actual calendar template to understand how it looks week to week, but also to ensure I rotate my content types, and it helps me understand how posting is affected with holidays, time off, etc., much more easily.

Try New Things (Trends, New Types of Posts, New Features)

Marketing is always changing. Think about the show Mad Men, it’s drastically different from how we conduct marketing and advertising meetings and campaigns now, right?

Of course, and technology is a big part of that!

You can have your core comforts in your marketing, IF they work for your business, BUT you still need to be experimenting.

New features on Instagram and Facebook (and LinkedIn)? Play around with them, learn more about them. They say ignorance is bliss, but I think ignorance is frustrating, especially because you are growing WITH the platforms, and if you’re not growing with them, you’re getting left behind.

That goes for trends too! Experimenting is more than going to a new restaurant; it’s also trying different content types, social media trends (that make sense for your business and niche), and continuing your learning journey.

Be Real

No, I don’t mean the app, I mean literally, be REAL, be YOU. Authenticity is key in creating impactful content that connects with your people. 

Think about who you follow online. Why do you engage with their content? It’s because you connect with them, you see something in them that resonates with you, whether shared experience, identity, or mindset.

And pro-tip: Content is a lot easier to make when it aligns with you. Writing is easier when you’re less stressed about making it perfect, and speak from the heart (or your brain - the important part is it comes directly from YOU).

Have Fun With It

If you’re not having fun with your content, you need to step back and realign with your purpose.

If content creation feels boring, frustrating, or like a chore, take a break. 

You cannot truly create from a place of frustration, believe me, I know.

Posting on Instagram or Facebook is not that serious; it’s a way to speak your truth, share your business, your knowledge, your purpose.

When you’re in Canva or copywriting, you’re creating, you’re playing, whether with design or words. 

And if you feel that even after breaks, you’re still coming to the same dead-end or creative block, maybe it’s time to delegate. Everyone is creative in different ways, and there may be someone on your team (or someone who needs to be added to your team) to take on content creation.

Which is OKAY, more than okay. Knowing when you are no longer the best person to complete a task is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Try, Try Again

This is not a one-and-done type of deal. Whether for your website or social media, content is a great builder of trust and credibility with your audience, and also helps them learn more about you/your business.

That’s why you shouldn’t throw in the towel.

Signal Operations’ content has failed over and over again, but I didn’t stop trying. I DIYed it, hired an agency, delegated internally, brought in an expert, you name it, I’ve done it. 

But I keep trying, because connecting with your community as a business owner, whether your target audience and/or other business owners, is a commitment to growth, believing in myself, and at a minimum, growing my network.

If you’ve implemented the above and you’re still having trouble with content creation, we have a few great, FREE tools to help you in clarifying your brand voice, ensuring you are showing up consistently, and that can help you refresh your profiles. 

Or if you are looking for some pointers on content you’ve created, you can Ask a Creative, a 60-minute coaching session dedicated to reviewing your content with you with a content marketing specialist!