Creating original content can be a challenge at times. No worries, this post offers several “very doable” content creation tips to help you create content that stands out because it’s something new.
For me, this can often be the toughest part of blogging. Sure, I can come up with a ton of common blog topics to post on any given day. I don’t want to be common.
Original Content Makes Me So Happy
Is anything truly original anymore? That’s a pretty good point, isn’t it? We’d be lucky to pull off three truly original ideas in a lifetime (I just pulled that number from my butt). But we can take a popular topic and personalize the look, feel, and delivery to achieve originality.
Come on, say it loud and proud.
The easy thing to do is spend twenty minutes on the same ol’ same ol’ content like,
“5 Top Widgets To Download.”
or
“16 Ways To Get Your Widget Buffed For Free.“
That last example looks pretty original to me. LOL
You get the point, find an interesting topic and make it your own. You’ve heard most of the content creation tips:
☑ Inject your personality into your content
☑ Know your audience
☑ Guide the narrative to an intentional call to action
☑ Your content should educate, entertain, or inspire your audience
Okay, you get it – don’t be ordinary (Translated: Boring as hell).
Unless You’re An Elephant, Write Stuff Down
I know this should be a no-brainer, but I’m one of the worst offenders when it comes to losing a brilliant idea.
I carry a tiny notepad and pen everywhere I go, but I prefer to add spontaneous thoughts to Evernote. I have a “Blog Post Topics” folder on Evernote and those post ideas add up nicely.
As you go through life listening, looking, and learning, write every content idea down immediately. I prefer Evernote but use whatever works best for you. Any system is better than no recording method – other than possibly writing on your hand.
Never Wait For Excellence To Find You
You come up with ideas by getting involved in your niche.
Read other blog posts and comment on them. Interact with like minded people on topics that pertain to your niche.
Just to be clear, I’m not saying any type of content plagiarizing is acceptable – not at all. Here’s how it can and should work.
☑ You read a post that inspires a great post idea, separate from the topic at hand. Give credit anyway.
☑ You read the comments on a blog post, and that interaction inspires a content idea. Create it and give credit when possible.
☑ You start to leave a comment, but it turns into a 500-word work of art. You decide to turn that comment into a blog post instead. Again, give credit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2p8dl_4zKA
☑ You start typing a comment on someone’s blog post, only, this time, it’s a direct response that goes way too long. You can turn that response into a separate blog post and link to the original you’re responding.
Listen to podcasts that cover related topics and inspire you.
Join or start a mastermind group. You wouldn’t join a mastermind to generate blog post topics, but you might be amazed at how many ideas are hatched from those conversations.
Look Around – Pay Attention
Our best storytelling comes from real life experiences. Pay attention to what’s going on around you in everyday life. Turn those personal lessons into a sharing masterpiece.
Start With A Title
Start with a title, seriously? Isn’t finding the title the point of this post? Why, yes it is Grasshopper. You have begun to learn.
Not to understand a man’s purpose does not make him confused. ~Master Po – Kung Fu
Unless you follow me on SnapChat, you probably have no idea that the original topic of this posts started out as “How Long Does It Take To Write A Blog Post“. It grew, or shrank, to finding original content ideas because that part of the post took on a life of its own.
Here’re 44 seconds of video (unlisted) taken from those snaps to show you what can happen when you let things flow.
Try Starting With An Image When Creating Original Content – Sometimes
Beginning with a picture may sound like a strange idea, but sometimes it works. There have been times I took a great shot (in my opinion) and wrapped a blog post around the image. Here are a couple of older examples:
There’s More, I’m Sure Of It
Can you think of more tips for creating original content? Feel free to add what you have in the comment section below.