Guide to Simple Online Marketing For Business

So, you want to start making content, but you’re not sure where to even begin? It can feel a bit overwhelming, right? Like, everyone else already has it figured out. But guess what? Everyone starts somewhere. This article is all about giving you some simple, straightforward content creation ideas for beginners. We’ll look at different ways to come up with stuff and how to put it out there, even if you’re just starting out. No fancy tricks, just real talk to help you get going.

Key Takeaways

  • Starting with a simple brainstorming session can really help get your ideas flowing for new content.
  • Don’t be afraid to use what’s already out there as a starting point; you can always add your own spin.
  • Try making content in different ways, like writing, making videos, or even just sharing pictures.
  • There are tons of free tools online that can help you create and improve your content.
  • The most important thing is to just start creating and learn as you go.

1. Brainstorming

Okay, so you’re staring at a blank screen, huh? We’ve all been there. Don’t sweat it! Brainstorming is like warming up before a big game – it gets your creative muscles moving. It’s all about quantity over quality at this stage. Just let those ideas flow, no matter how wild they seem. Seriously, write everything down. You can always filter later.

Here’s the deal: brainstorming is your secret weapon against the dreaded content block.

Think of it as a free-for-all where every idea is a winner (for now, at least!).

  • Grab a pen and paper (or your favorite digital note-taking app).
  • Set a timer for, say, 15-20 minutes.
  • Write down every single idea that pops into your head, even if it seems silly or impossible.

Don’t judge your ideas during the brainstorming session. The goal is to generate as many possibilities as possible. You can evaluate and refine them later. Think of it as mining for gold – you gotta sift through a lot of dirt to find the nuggets.

To get those creative juices flowing, try these:

  1. Mind Mapping: Start with a central topic and branch out with related ideas. It’s a great way to visually organize your thoughts and see connections you might have missed. This is a great way to transform existing content.
  2. Freewriting: Just write continuously for a set amount of time without stopping to edit or censor yourself. You might be surprised at what comes out!
  3. The "What If" Game: Ask yourself "What if…?" questions related to your niche. What if cats could talk? What if we lived on Mars? What if pizza was healthy? You never know where it might lead!

Remember, the goal is to leverage digital tools and get those ideas out of your head and onto paper (or screen). Don’t be afraid to get messy and have fun with it. You got this!

2. Existing Ideas

Lightbulb, notebook, camera, and pen on a wooden desk.

Okay, so you’re staring at a blank screen, and your brain feels equally empty? Don’t sweat it! You don’t always have to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes, the best ideas are right in front of you, just waiting for a little twist.

Building Blocks

Think of existing content as building blocks. What’s already out there that you can improve upon or approach from a different angle? Maybe there’s a popular blog post that’s missing a key point, or a video that could be updated with more current information. Don’t just copy; add value. Think of it as remixing a song – you’re using familiar elements to create something new and exciting. You can find content creation ideas everywhere, so keep your eyes peeled!

The ‘But Better’ Approach

See something cool? Ask yourself, "How could I make this even better?" Did someone write a listicle about the best coffee shops in town? Maybe you can create a video tour of those shops, complete with interviews with the owners and baristas. Or perhaps you could write a more in-depth review, focusing on the ethical sourcing of the beans. It’s all about finding that unique angle.

Combine and Conquer

Another great way to generate ideas is to combine existing concepts. Take two seemingly unrelated topics and see how they intersect. For example, if you’re into fitness and gaming, you could create content about the best exercises for gamers or the health benefits of active video games. The possibilities are endless when you start thinking outside the box.

Don’t be afraid to draw inspiration from what’s already working. Analyze successful content in your niche and identify the elements that make it engaging. Then, put your own spin on those elements to create something that’s both familiar and fresh.

3. Different Mediums

Okay, so you’ve got some ideas swirling around, but how do you actually present them? Don’t just stick to what you know! Branching out into different mediums can seriously spice up your content and reach a whole new audience. It’s like trying new flavors – you might just find your new favorite dish!

Writing

Good old writing! It’s still super relevant. Blog posts are great for in-depth stuff, but don’t forget about shorter formats like social media captions or even email newsletters. The key is to keep it engaging and easy to read. Think about breaking up long paragraphs and using headings to make it scannable. You can share valuable content with your readership through articles.

Audio

Podcasts are HUGE right now. Starting one might seem intimidating, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. All you need is a decent mic and something interesting to say! Plus, people can listen while they’re doing other things, which is a major win. Audio content is great for interviews, discussions, or even just sharing your thoughts on a topic.

Video

Okay, video can be a bit more work, but it’s worth it. YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels – the possibilities are endless. You don’t need fancy equipment to start. Your phone camera is probably good enough! Think about tutorials, vlogs, or even just short, funny clips. People love to watch stuff, so give them something good! You can even learn how to create videos for online courses.

Visuals

Don’t underestimate the power of a good image or graphic. Infographics are awesome for presenting data in an easy-to-understand way. And even just adding some eye-catching photos to your blog posts can make a big difference. There are tons of free tools out there to help you create awesome visuals, so no excuses!

4. Online Resources

Okay, so you’re ready to create, but maybe you’re thinking, "I don’t have the fancy software or skills!" No sweat! The internet is bursting with resources to help you. Seriously, it’s like a giant toolbox just waiting to be opened. Let’s explore some options.

  • Free Stock Photos and Videos: Sites like Unsplash and Pexels offer tons of high-quality images and videos that you can use without paying a dime. Perfect for adding visuals to your blog or social media posts. I use them all the time!
  • Graphic Design Tools: Canva is a lifesaver for creating graphics, social media templates, and even presentations. It’s super user-friendly, even if you’re not a designer. Plus, they have a free plan with lots of features. You can find many content creation tools online.
  • Writing and Editing Assistance: Grammarly is great for catching those pesky grammar and spelling errors. It also helps improve your writing style. Trust me, it’s like having a personal editor.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different platforms and tools. The best way to find what works for you is to try them out. Most offer free trials or basic versions, so you can test the waters before committing.

  • Online Courses and Tutorials: YouTube is your best friend. Seriously, you can learn almost anything there. From video editing to writing killer headlines, there’s a tutorial for everything. Skillshare and Coursera also offer more structured courses, sometimes for free!
  • Sound Effects and Music: Need some background music for your video? Or a cool sound effect? Check out sites like Epidemic Sound or even YouTube’s audio library. Just make sure you’re using royalty-free stuff to avoid any copyright issues.
  • Brainstorming Tools: Sometimes, the hardest part is just coming up with ideas. Try using a mind-mapping tool or a random topic generator to get your creative juices flowing. I find that just messing around with these can spark something cool.

The key is to not get overwhelmed. Start with a few resources that seem interesting and go from there. You’ll be amazed at what you can create with a little help from the internet!

5. Infographics

Okay, so infographics might sound intimidating, but trust me, they’re not as scary as they seem! Think of them as visual stories. They take data and facts and turn them into something way more engaging than just a wall of text. I remember when I first tried making one, I was totally overwhelmed. But once I got the hang of it, I realized how powerful they could be.

Infographics are a super effective way to communicate complex information quickly and clearly.

Like, who wants to read a boring report when you can see all the key points in a cool graphic, right?

Here’s the thing: you don’t need to be a design whiz to create awesome infographics. There are tons of tools out there that make it easy, even for total beginners. Plus, people love sharing them, which means more eyes on your content. It’s a win-win!

Infographics are great because they can break down complicated topics into easy-to-understand visuals. This makes them perfect for sharing on social media and embedding in blog posts. They’re also a fantastic way to showcase data and statistics in an engaging way.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Turn a blog post into a visual guide.
  • Create a timeline of important events in your industry.
  • Compare and contrast different products or services.

And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you could even create an animated infographic! The possibilities are endless.

To create an infographic, start with a clear outline, gather your data, and then let your creativity flow. You got this!

6. Interviews

Interviews are a super cool way to add some serious credibility and insight to your content. Think about it: you get to chat with someone who knows their stuff, and then share that knowledge with your audience. It’s a win-win!

Finding the Right Interviewee

Okay, so first things first, you gotta find someone interesting to interview. This could be an industry expert, a thought leader, or even just someone with a really unique story. The key is to find someone who can offer a fresh perspective on a topic your audience cares about. Don’t be afraid to reach out – you’d be surprised how many people are willing to share their thoughts.

Preparing Killer Questions

Next up, prep your questions. Don’t just wing it! Think about what your audience would want to know and craft questions that will get you some juicy answers. Open-ended questions are your best friend here. Instead of asking "Do you like this?", try "What are your thoughts on this, and why?". This will help you conduct expert interviews and get more detailed responses.

Conducting the Interview

Alright, it’s interview time! Make sure you’ve got a good recording setup if you’re doing it remotely. Be a good listener, and don’t be afraid to go off-script if the conversation takes an interesting turn. Remember, you’re trying to have a conversation, not just read a list of questions.

Sharing the Interview

So, you’ve got your interview – now what? There are tons of ways to share it! You could write a blog post summarizing the key points, create a video with clips from the interview, or even just post the audio as a podcast. Get creative and think about what format will work best for your audience.

Interviews can really boost your content game. They add a personal touch and give your audience access to information they might not find anywhere else. Plus, it’s a great way to network and build relationships with people in your industry.

Interview formats

  • Written Q&A: A classic format, easy to consume.
  • Audio Podcast: Great for on-the-go listening.
  • Video Interview: Engaging and personal, especially on platforms like YouTube.

7. Videos

Okay, so you’re thinking about videos? Awesome! Videos are like, the ultimate way to grab attention these days. People love watching stuff, and it’s way easier than reading a wall of text, right? Plus, you can get super creative with it. Let’s explore some ideas.

Tutorials

Everyone’s trying to learn something new. Why not show them how? Make a video tutorial about something you’re good at. It could be anything from baking a cake to using a specific software. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. People don’t want to watch a 30-minute video to learn something simple. I know I don’t!

Product Reviews

Got a new gadget? Tried a cool new product? Share your thoughts! People trust reviews, especially from regular folks. Just be honest, and don’t be afraid to point out the pros and cons. It’s all about building trust. Think about doing a product review for something you recently bought.

Behind-the-Scenes

Give people a peek behind the curtain. Show them what a typical day looks like for you, or how you create your content. It’s a great way to connect with your audience on a more personal level. People love seeing the human side of things. It makes you more relatable, you know?

Vlogs

Just talk to the camera! Share your thoughts, experiences, and adventures. Vlogs are super popular because they’re real and authentic. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Just be yourself, and let your personality shine through. It’s like keeping a video diary, but for the world to see.

Animated Explainers

Got a complex topic to explain? Animation can make it way easier to understand. There are tons of tools out there that make creating animated videos super simple, even if you’re not an artist. It’s a fun and engaging way to get your message across. Plus, they look really professional!

Videos don’t have to be perfect. In fact, sometimes the more raw and authentic they are, the better. People connect with realness. So don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!

Live Streams

Go live and interact with your audience in real-time. Answer questions, do a Q&A, or just chat about whatever’s on your mind. Live streams are a great way to build a community and get instant feedback. It’s like having a virtual hangout with your fans. Just make sure you have a good internet connection!

Compilations

Got a bunch of short clips? Put them together into a compilation video. It could be anything from funny moments to travel highlights. Compilations are easy to create and can be super entertaining. Plus, they’re great for sharing on social media. Who doesn’t love a good laugh?

Time-Lapses

Show something happening over a long period of time in just a few minutes. It could be anything from a flower blooming to a building being constructed. Time-lapses are visually stunning and can be really captivating. It’s like watching magic happen before your eyes.

Challenges

Participate in a popular challenge or create your own. Challenges are a fun way to engage with your audience and show off your personality. Just make sure the challenge is appropriate and safe. You don’t want to end up on the news for the wrong reasons!

Reaction Videos

Watch a video and share your reactions. It’s a simple and entertaining way to create content. Just make sure you’re adding something to the conversation. Don’t just sit there and stare at the screen. Give your honest opinions and insights. People want to know what you really think!

8. Stories

Okay, so stories. Everyone loves a good story, right? It’s like, our brains are wired to pay attention when someone starts telling a tale. And guess what? You can totally use that to your advantage when you’re trying to create content. Think about it – instead of just listing facts, you can weave them into a narrative that people actually want to read or watch. It’s way more engaging, and honestly, it’s a lot more fun to create, too.

Turning Products into Characters

Ever thought about giving your product a personality? It sounds kinda weird, but hear me out. Instead of just saying "Our widget is the best!" you could tell a story about how the widget helped someone solve a problem. Make the widget the hero of the story. It’s all about showing, not telling. Think of it like those old commercials where the cleaning product saves the day from a messy spill. Same idea, just updated for today’s content.

Customer Success Stories

These are gold, pure gold. Get your customers to share their experiences with your product or service. It’s like free advertising, but way more authentic. Plus, it gives potential customers a real-life example of how you can help them. You can even turn these into case studies, which are basically super-detailed customer success stories. Here’s a few ideas to get you started:

  • Video Testimonials: Short and sweet, straight from the customer’s mouth.
  • Written Case Studies: Go in-depth about the problem, solution, and results.
  • Social Media Shout-Outs: Encourage customers to share their wins on social media.

I remember this one time, I was struggling to understand a new software. Then, I found a blog post that told a story about someone who had the exact same problem and how they solved it using the software. It was a total game-changer. That’s the power of a good story!

Behind-the-Scenes Narratives

People are curious. They want to know how things work, who’s behind the scenes, and what goes into making something. So, why not show them? Take them on a journey through your company, your process, or even your daily life. It makes you more relatable and builds trust. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your company culture. Think about doing a series on easy content creation to show your audience how you work.

The

9. Articles

Articles are a fantastic way to share what you know and reach a wider audience. Seriously, don’t underestimate the power of a well-written piece! They can be anything from how-to guides to opinion pieces, or even just sharing your experiences. Let’s get into it.

Crafting Compelling Headlines

A killer headline is your first (and sometimes only) chance to grab someone’s attention. Think about it: people are bombarded with content all day long. Your headline needs to stand out. Make it clear, concise, and intriguing. Use numbers, ask questions, or promise a solution to a problem. For example, instead of "Content Ideas," try "10 Content Ideas That Will Blow Your Mind!"

Structuring Your Article

Think of your article like a house. It needs a solid foundation (your intro), strong walls (your main points), and a roof that ties everything together (your conclusion). Use headings and subheadings to break up the text and make it easy to scan. Nobody wants to read a wall of text! And don’t forget to use bullet points or numbered lists to present information in a clear, digestible way. Prioritize clear headings to make your content more accessible.

Adding Visual Appeal

Okay, so articles are mostly text, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring! Adding visuals can really spice things up. Think about including relevant images, charts, or even embedded videos. Visuals help to illustrate your points and keep readers engaged. Plus, they make your article more shareable on social media.

Proofreading and Editing

This is crucial. Before you hit publish, take the time to proofread and edit your article. Typos and grammatical errors can make you look unprofessional and damage your credibility. Read your article out loud, or even better, ask a friend to read it over for you. A fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes that you might have missed. Trust me, it’s worth the effort!

10. Pictures

Okay, so you’re not a professional photographer, and that’s totally fine! Pictures can still be a fantastic way to create content, even if you’re just starting out. Think about it: everyone loves a good visual, and you don’t need fancy equipment to capture something interesting. My phone’s camera is my best friend, and it’s probably the same for you. Let’s explore some ideas.

Behind-the-Scenes Shots

People are curious! They love seeing what goes on behind the curtain. Snapping some casual photos of your workspace, your tools, or even just your coffee mug can make your content feel more personal and relatable. I mean, who doesn’t love a peek into someone else’s life? It’s like a mini-reality show, but in picture form. Plus, it’s super easy to do. Just grab your phone and snap away. Don’t overthink it; authenticity is key. You can even edit visuals to make them more appealing.

Product Photos

If you’re selling something, high-quality product photos are a must. But even if you’re not, you can still use product-style photos to showcase something you’re talking about. Maybe you’re reviewing a book, or highlighting a cool gadget. A well-lit, nicely composed photo can really grab attention. You don’t need a fancy studio; natural light and a clean background can work wonders.

"Mood Board" Style Collages

These are fun and easy to create! Gather a bunch of images that relate to a certain theme or topic, and arrange them into a collage. You can use apps like Canva or PicCollage to make it super simple. These are great for sharing on social media, or even embedding in a blog post to add some visual interest. Think of it as a visual summary of your thoughts. I find that these are great for brainstorming too!

Before-and-After Pics

These are always a hit! Whether it’s a home renovation project, a fitness journey, or even just a simple decluttering effort, before-and-after photos are incredibly satisfying to look at. They show progress, transformation, and tangible results. Plus, they’re a great way to inspire others. Just make sure you take the "before" picture before you start, because you’ll definitely forget later (I’ve been there!).

Pictures are a great way to break up text and add visual appeal to your content. They don’t have to be perfect, just authentic and relevant to your message. So grab your camera and start snapping! You might be surprised at what you can create.

Wrapping Things Up

So, getting good at making content is a journey, not a race. It takes some patience, you gotta keep trying, and be okay with new stuff. If you get into the creative flow, set up a good workspace, plan your steps, and use the tools out there, you’ll be making cool stuff in no time. Just remember to stay curious, be open to new ideas, and learn from what you do. With these simple tips, you’re on your way to being a content maker who really stands out online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is content creation?

Content creation is making and sharing information or media, like blog posts, videos, or pictures, to connect with people online. It’s how businesses and individuals talk to their audience and show what they know.

How can I come up with new content ideas?

You can start by thinking of lots of ideas, even silly ones. Then, look at what others are doing and try to make it your own. Don’t be afraid to try different things like writing, drawing, or making videos.

What should I do if I can’t think of anything creative?

If you’re stuck, take a break! Do something fun or relaxing. Sometimes, just stepping away helps new ideas pop into your head. You can also look at what’s popular or ask your friends what they’d like to see.

Are there any easy tools to help me create content?

Tools like Canva can help you make cool designs, Grammarly can check your writing, and Audacity is good for sounds. Many free or cheap tools are out there to help you make your content look and sound great.

What are some simple types of content I can create?

You can try making infographics (pictures that show facts), doing interviews with interesting people, creating short videos, telling personal stories, writing articles about things you know, or taking great photos.

How can I keep improving my creativity?

The best way to get better is to keep trying! Learn from what works and what doesn’t. Don’t be scared to try new things and always be open to fresh ideas. The more you practice, the more creative you’ll become.

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Published by Regina Floyd

a marketing consultant and founder of Simple Online Business Development. Based in Hawaii, she helps businesses nationwide grow with effective online marketing strategies, marketing education, tools & resources and specializes in website design, social media content creation, video editing, and Google Business optimization.When she's not boosting brands, Regina enjoys playing the piano, caring for her cats, and capturing the beauty of Kauai through photography. Passionate about empowering DIY business owners, she's also creating courses to help them thrive. For more insights, tips, and resources, subscribe to the SimpleOBD Newsletter.

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