Tools to help you generate engaging content ideas.
The Coronavirus pandemic is changing the way people entertain themselves. Gone are the days where we could meet our friends at the pub. Now, we meet everyone on Zoom.
Today online engagement is higher than ever. So your web content needs to be as creative as it is engaging. And original. Oh, and continuously updated. Not too much to ask, is it?
If you’re struggling to come up with new content ideas at the drop of a hat, you’re not alone. Thankfully there are websites out there to help keep your copy fresh. We’ve compiled the top tools you need to help you generate more engaging content ideas.
Answer The Public
Answer The Public is a free, in-depth visual keyboard and content generator. Type in a few keywords, select your chosen country, and within moments a detailed web of ideas will appear before you. Answer The Public bases it’s suggestions on what people are currently searching for on Google. The topics generated will be current and sought after.
If you find the layout confusing, click on the ‘Data’ option – the information will be organised into a tidy list for you. You can even arrange the ideas in preposition categories. Tools like this make finding new content as easy as a click of a button.
You can also export the data in a CSV format or download the web image. Super handy for sharing with clients or team members.
Hubspot’s Idea Generator
Hubspot’s Idea Generator has proven popular amongst content creators. Simply type up to five nouns related to your topic into the search bar, and five new blog ideas will appear instantly on your screen. Want to brainstorm even further? Sign up to the website to get up to 250 more blog topics on the subject of your choice.
Be cautious when filtering through all those possible blog titles – not all ideas will be suitable. You may find yourself tweaking the phrasing, or skipping past many of the ones that don’t make sense.
Unsplash and Pexels
Ever heard of the saying ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’? It’s a phrase that marketers learned long ago, and it can help you come up with new and engaging content. Use stock photos to:
- Add interest to your writing
- Create captions
- Compliment your copy
- Break up large chunks of text
There are plenty of stock image websites you can use, and many of them are free. Sites such as Unsplash and Pexels offer beautifully shot, high-quality photos on all sorts of subjects. Just type your keywords into the search bar and instantly have access to countless images.
Use Google!
It seems obvious, but businesses often forget to use Google as their inspiration for content. Google search your industry, product or service and click the ‘News’ tab to see news articles related to your industry. You can share these articles on your social media pages or take snippets of useful stats or data to share in a post. Consider writing an opinion piece on new developments in your industry.
Google Trends
Google Trends does a lot of things, but the best thing it has to offer is its ‘Trending Searches’ features. The website gives you popular searches happening in real-time and within a given day. The results can help you create content that is trending, keeping your page alive and current. Want to take it a step further? Create a meme around a current world event – people love memes and, more often than not, they can help you get higher organic reach.
Facebook Groups
Have you created Facebook groups within your business page yet? Groups allow you to build a community of likeminded people who share common interests. Unlike your Facebook page, a group is personal and offers useful information to its members. It’s also a place where members can freely interact with each other. So, how is this a good place to get content ideas? Use your Facebook Group to pose questions to your members. You’ll be amazed and what you can uncover, which can not only be used for content ideas but for product development too.
READ: How to build your brand using Facebook
Customer FAQs
One of the best places for content ideas is the frequently asked questions from your customers. If you take the time to note these down, you will find loads of gems! Not only will there likely be more people who want to know the answers to these questions, but you can also help your sales/customer service team by developing a handy resource that they can share with customers and prospects.
Focus SME helps small to medium-sized businesses maximise their success on social media with smart and creative strategies. Contact us today to get started!