Ever feel you are on the struggle bus when it comes to planning or writing content for your social media pages? We know we need to consistently post a couple times a week at least to stay at front of mind, but let’s be honest, “Content Creation Rut” is real.
Yes, yes it is.
As the Content Chick at Grass Roots Media, my goal is to help you get out of this rut, start planning your content, and getting on with your Real Job.
Before we go anywhere - let’s be honest about WHY we find ourselves are in said rut.
This is what I have been hearing:
- Fear you are going to post the wrong thing.
- Uncertainty of where to start.
- The intimidating ‘blinking cursor’.
- Bored of your own content.
- A lack of ideas.
Does any of this sound familiar? All of these are totally understandable. Remember that even the GRM team can get stuck in a rut. So let’s go back to the basics.
Back to the basics: What is Content Creation?
Welcome back to the social media party.
In the past, we’ve discussed how social media is like one big networking party at a pub with lots of tables- Facebook, Snapchat, LinkedIN.
When you first arrive at the social media party, it’s important to take a look around and see how other people are communicating on each platform and decide what’s a good fit for your brand. Then it’s time to jump in and bring your own voice to the table! So you share stories, photos, and tell other peple about what you do.
This is content.
Content is the conversations you are starting, the information and photos you are sharing, and the business cards you are handing out at this pub. It's the images, videos, reels, and stories you’re sharing.
And how do you get people to listen when you’re talking to a crowd at the pub? Find your common ground, their interest points and use it as a challenge to think like your audience and create quality content.
Don’t Be THAT Guy - Be THIS Guy
Here are a few guys you DON’T want to be like and ways you can overcome the temptation.
1. DON’T BE OL’ REPETETIVE ROBERT
Have you ever met that guy speaking at an event who you KNOW you will have the same conversation you had with him the LAST time your paths crossed? He sounds a little bit like a broken record.
On a social media platform, this guy is just one too many uncreative photos of the same dog in a row. His entire newsfeed is full of shares from other pages but he doesn’t share WHY he shared them.
Don’t be like this guy.
Instead, plan ahead and vary your content between using a variety of links, images, and videos. Mix up your content by writing Educational, Entertaining and Engaging pieces.
Let’s meet someone else.
2. Don’t be Tracy Talks-A-Lot
Have you ever met that person at the pub who talks too much but never asks your thoughts or opinions? They over share and simply tell you what they think while you sip your drink in silence.
Don’t be this chick.
Instead, you can use your platform to engage your people in real conversation. Ask authentic questions. Encourage followers to share a photo of THEIR day in your comments and reply back to them. Share an opinion and be open to HEARING what other people have to say.
Here’s our last social media party pooper.
3. Don’t be Hardout Humble Harry
This guy is so humble, he doesn’t us the opporutnity to network at the pub to fullest advantage. He has a lot to offer but ends up leaving the party chatting about everyone else and without ACTUALLY sharing.
Now, as Kiwis we don’t hate this guy. However, don’t let your Tall Poppy syndrome allow you to be like like him. You have something great to offer, a brand you are proud of so use this opportunity to tell others about it.
Over and over we are told to “Tell Our Story” — use the platforms in your pocket to do just that.
This doesn’t have to be boastful but it can be educating. You can invite people to purchase your product, use your services, receive your newsletter, back your industry or join your movement.
Time To Get Started
This is the first step to creating content - thinking about the people who are listening to you: be interesting with varied information, inviting, use the opportunities you are given and be proud of what you offer.
But first, be sure to take advantage of this free downloadable for you to review your current content and create new pieces for your platforms.
Trista Burn is an American-born-Kiwi-by-marriage communications specialist. She studied Communications and Business at Whitworth University and is currently learning the fine art of toddler negotiations.
A dairy farmer’s daughter and a legacy deeply rooted in ag, Trista firmly believes in the value of agvocating for the primary industries and sharing their stories with consumers. In other words - the heartbeat of GRM.
