Content is king. That’s what Bill Gates established in an essay published to the Microsoft website back in 1996—and the words still ring true today. As business owners in an online world, the content you post online can directly impact your brand, reputation, and even your sales.
But creating quality, compelling content takes time. And as a business owner, time is your most scarce resource! Here are some tried-and-true tips to help cut your content creation time in half.
Gather Ideas As You Go
When it comes to creating content—whether you’re posting a blog, to your social media accounts, or refreshing your website—a common complaint we hear is “I don’t know what to write about.†Sitting down and staring at a blinking cursor on a blank document can be intimidating, especially if you’re not used to writing on a regular basis.
Our favorite trick? Gather ideas as you go! Use your notepad app on your smartphone and record all those “aha!†moments you have. What questions are your clients asking on a regular basis? What do you wish people knew about your products and/or services? Are there any upcoming trends or events that would be relevant to your business?
Come Up With a Plan for Your Content
Once you’ve got a list of ideas, it’s time to plan them out. Pull out your favorite day planner or your digital calendar, and look at both the month and year at a glance. Start by listing any scheduled dates, such as product launches or events. Then, look at seasonal shifts or trends related to your industry. Lastly, fill in any gaps with additional content, such as how-to articles, educational pieces, and any other items from your brainstorm list.
Top Tip: Remember, it’s okay to repurpose and refresh existing content! After all, your new customers and followers probably haven’t seen it before! A good best practice is to wait 3–6 months before reposting previously-used content. You may also want to refresh the caption a bit so it’s not completely copy-pasted.
Set The Stage—And Don’t Overthink It
Ready to sit down and start writing? Take a bit of time to set the stage, first. Turn on some quiet, relaxing music that will help you focus. Remove any distractions (turn your phone on silent!) and get comfortable. Most people prefer to write on a computer keyboard rather than on their phone. Some even prefer to outline their topic on paper first. Writing content is creative work, so if you’re not feeling it—take a break and come back when you’re refreshed!
At The Agency, we help business owners and entrepreneurs thrive in today’s digital world. Whether you’re just getting started, you’re in the middle of a brand refresh, or you want some ongoing assistance, we’re here to help! If content writing isn’t your forte, our team can take care of it for you. Visit our website to view our small business solutions today!
