Key Takeaways:
- Revisit the brand profile to refresh yourself on the target audience's preferences and needs.
- Step away from your computer (and phone) for at least 15 minutes.
- If available, revisit past ideas that your customer loved. Is there a way to expand on or build off of any of those?
- Browse competitor website blogs to gain insights into their strategy.
- Visit forums the audience might frequent (i.e., Reddit, industry forums, etc).
- Type in the customer's general industry in Google. Review the first 5+ pages of search results.
- Use additional tools like Google Keyword Planner and AnswerThePublic to aid in topic ideation.
Tools and Techniques for Effective Ideation
We’re dedicated to creating not just any content but the right content. To kick off our ideation process, producers should begin with a structured assignment that sets the stage for generating impactful topics.
Our goal is to develop topics that not only align with the customer’s brand profile and overall objectives but also engage and educate their audience. Whether the focus is on highlighting particular business segments or showcasing innovative products, our topics aim to fulfill the customer’s strategic content pillars.
Main Deliverables:
- Total Number of Topics Required: Typically double the number listed in the content plan to ensure a robust selection.
- Types of Topics Needed: Ranging from articles and white papers to eBooks, depending on the project's scope.
- Structure of Submission: Ideas should be submitted as a structured list, each topic clearly numbered and detailed with the supporting information.
Best Practices for Effective Ideation
Our ideation process includes a mix of creativity and strategic analysis:
- Listicles and How-to’s: Engage readers with practical and informative formats.
- Thought Leadership and Comparative Pieces: Offer in-depth insights or compare and contrast various viewpoints.
- Trending Topics and Industry Outlooks: Ensure the content is timely and forward-thinking.
- Addressing Pain Points: Focus on solving real problems that resonate with the target audience.
Generating Ideas
To generate fresh, compelling topics, you should:
- Empathize with the Audience: Consider their current concerns and unaddressed needs.
- Competitive Analysis: Identify gaps in competitor content that the customer can fill.
- Utilize SEO Tools: Employ tools like Google Trends, AnswerThePublic, and HubSpot’s Blog Ideas Generator to identify what's trending and relevant.
- Engage with Communities: Explore forums and social platforms to tap into live conversations and emerging issues.
Harnessing Ideation for Impact
Effective ideation isn’t a one-time act — it’s a dynamic part of content creation that demands creativity and strategic thinking. By adopting these best practices, you’ll not only keep content on track but also amplify its impact, driving better engagement and achieving strategic content goals.