A consistent marketing strategy of writing and submitting articles can result in a boost to your reputation and business online. But coming up with fresh, relevant subject matter is not always easy. Fortunately there are easy ways for you to discover new ideas for your marketing campaign content.
1. Blogs
Visit popular blogs that touch on your
niche. Read the content and comments and see what people are saying.
What questions are people asking about the content already supplied? Can
you expand on what is there or write more in-depth articles on the
subject? Is anyone asking for information on a certain subject that is
not available? These are all things to look for when contemplating your
next article idea.
2. Message Boards
With the social site explosion,
message boards may not be as popular as they once were but they can
still be a good place to find content ideas. Visit each category and see
what people are talking about. Ask questions yourself to get more of an
idea of what people are looking for. For example: If your niche is
gardening, you could ask the board members what type of information is
hardest to find on gardening. Get an idea of what people need and have a
hard time finding.
3. Social Sites
These days social sites are where
most of the action is so follow the trends. Look for voids that a good
article could fill. Become involved with social groups and discussions.
This will not only help you with your content marketing but with your
business as well.
4. Internet News Sites
Keeping up with internet
news sites is important for your business, not only for writing articles
but for keeping abreast of new developments, ideas, and technology in
your field. Research and write your articles to keep your readers and
visitors informed as well.
5. Focus on Your Email
Carefully read all email
inquiries you get. What are people asking you about your business? Keep
records of all the questions asked and use them for your content
marketing.
6. Article Directories
By reading other articles,
maybe you can come up with an unusual twist or angle for an overused
idea. It sometimes helps to get different views and insights on the same
old subject. NOTE: Never copy information or content from other sites,
blogs or articles.
7. Subscribe to Ezines
Ezines can be a goldmine of
information, ideas and more. You can keep up-to-date on the latest
products, programs, biz opps, etc. Some of this information can be used
to create an informative article.
8. Do a Survey
Ask your visitors, readers, and customers to answer a couple of questions. Offer them a free gift in return.
For example: What questions do you have about…? What
resources do you need and cannot find? What is your number one concern
about….? Of course, these questions would target your specific niche so
you can zero in on what people are looking for.
9. Ask Yourself
Ask yourself what information you
would be looking for. When you look for articles to read, what subjects
do you search for? As a reader yourself, you can answer your own
questions.
10. Open Mind
Always keep an open mind when it
comes to subject matter for your content. I always used to tell myself,
people won’t want to know about that or how to do this. Don’t fall into
that trap! People want to learn about everything. We are always looking
for new information, tips, ideas and resources.
Always carry a small notepad so anytime anything inspires an idea
within you, you can write it down and use it when the time comes. Many
people get ideas in the shower or lying in bed at night. These are not
the best times so have a pad and pen handy!
And remember, people want basic, straightforward helpful information.
You don’t need to use big words, fancy storylines or over
dramatization. Just be honest and helpful.
Also, be sure to give your articles a little of your personality,
humor (if appropriate) and heart.
Write as if you were just chatting
with an old friend.
Articles can be one of the most powerful online marketing methods so
don’t let a little doubt stop you from making this big step towards
success!
