Creating fresh content ideas for social media can feel challenging, especially when trying to keep your audience engaged and excited. Whether you’re searching for video content ideas for social media or wondering how to come up with content ideas for social media in general, this guide has got you covered. As social media managers, finding creative ways to engage your audience is key, and I’m here to share some practical tips to help you do just that.
Key Points
- Using your audio in videos instead of relying on popular clips helps showcase creativity and keep audiences engaged.
- Creating a series, whether educational or behind-the-scenes, offers originality and consistency. It builds anticipation and helps establish deeper connections with your audience by giving them insight into your brand or valuable knowledge.
- Leveraging UGC adds authenticity to your brand. Encourage customers to share their experiences with a branded hashtag and feature this content to strengthen trust and engagement, even if your audience is small.
- Straightforward content like cute animal videos or quick tips can have a high engagement rate.
- Utilizing diverse video types such as customer testimonials, educational videos, and CEO videos can humanize your brand, demonstrate value, and strengthen trust, all while driving engagement and visibility across platforms.
Content Ideas for Social Media
Here are creative social media content ideas:
#1. Use Your Audio in Videos
Credit: Freepik
Instead of relying on popular audio clips, 2024 is all about using original audio. Create your own funny skits or simply answer your customers’ questions. This approach keeps viewers engaged because they won’t know what to expect, and it showcases your creativity. Who knows, you might even go viral!
#2. Make “How-To” Content on YouTube Shorts
“How-to” videos grab attention fast and offer clear results. If you sell products, show people how to use them in interesting ways. Service providers can share quick tips or processes, like writing a top-notch sales email or doing a software tutorial. These videos can help you attract new subscribers and find out what your audience really wants.
#3. Start an Educational or Behind-the-Scenes Series
Create your own weekly or daily series instead of reusing old trends. This makes your content more original and helps you plan your posts in advance. An educational series works well on YouTube, where you can create playlists to keep viewers coming back. A behind-the-scenes series can give your audience a peek into your brand’s operations and build stronger connections.
#4. Invest in User-Generated Content (UGC)
UGC isn’t new, but it’s still powerful. Its content is made by your customers, not your brand, and it feels more authentic. Encourage customers to share their experiences using a specific hashtag and feature their posts on your feed. Even if your audience is small, you can still use UGC by paying creators to make content that looks like it’s from real customers.
#5. Focus on Simple Content
Sometimes, the best content is the easiest to create. Think about what you can make in five minutes or less. For example, the San Diego Zoo shares simple but popular cute animal videos. Find out what “simple content” means for your business, then create and schedule lots of it at once.
#6. Embrace Memes and Trends
Humor never goes out of style, and memes can give your audience a laugh. Look for trending memes or ideas on platforms like TikTok or LinkedIn and adapt them to your brand. Just be careful with spicy content—run it by legal first if needed.
#7. Launch a Challenge
Challenges are fun, engage your audience, and can even subtly promote your brand. For example, Strava’s running challenges for Pride inspire users while boosting engagement. Challenges are also great for filling up your content calendar since you can share your audience’s responses.
#8. Use AI for Social Content Ideas
AI tools can help you brainstorm content ideas quickly so you can focus on creating the original parts of your content. AI can kickstart your creativity and save you time if you’re struggling with ideas or posting regularly.
#9. Run a Contest
People love free stuff, so social media contests are always a hit. You can keep it simple, asking followers to like, follow, and comment or make it more involved with photo submissions or scavenger hunts. The prize should match the effort needed to enter, and contests are a great way to grow your audience and gather user-generated content.
#10. Share Customer Testimonials
The best way to sell your products or services is by showing how they’ve helped others. Share customer testimonials or transformation stories to build trust. A short video interview with a customer, edited into multiple versions, can be shared across platforms for greater impact.
#11. Partner with Content Creators and Influencers
In 2024, even small businesses can benefit from influencer partnerships. You don’t need to hire big names; micro-influencers can be just as effective. Partnering with creators helps you reach new audiences and gather quality content for future campaigns.
#12. Get Feedback from Your Customers
Want to know what your customers think? Just ask them! Engaging with them by asking for feedback not only boosts interaction but also helps you build deeper relationships.
13. Share Your Best Success Stories
Showcase your best case studies to demonstrate what you can achieve. B2B buyers want results, not just promises. Did your customer’s email open rate skyrocket after using your A/B testing tool? Share that!
Take key stats from a case study, create eye-catching graphics, or make a quick video for TikTok or Instagram.
14. Highlight Your Community Involvement
If your business donates to local charities or encourages employee volunteering, share it! Get your team to record short clips during their volunteer work, then compile them into a Reel, TikTok, or YouTube Short.
15. Share Your Research
Do you have a new study or white paper? Pull out some key stats and create social content that links back to the full report. Designed graphics for Instagram carousels or made short videos for TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
16. Showcase Your Company Culture
Spotlighting employees can help with recruiting and show why people should want to work for you. Jump on a popular hashtag to extend your reach.
17. Start a Poll or Ask a Question
Engage your audience by posting a poll or asking a question. It’s a fun way to boost interaction and learn what your followers think, helping you create content they’ll love.
18. Celebrate Social Media Holidays
Join in on social media holidays to tap into trending topics and show off your brand’s fun side. It’s an easy way to make your content relatable and attract new followers.
19. Share the Latest Industry News
Sharing industry news keeps your followers in the loop and positions you as a trusted source. Plus, it can spark conversations and boost your engagement.
20. Partner with Another Brand
Collaborating with another brand can help you reach a wider audience. For example, when Scrub Daddy teamed up with Dunkin’ Donuts, their playful post got much attention.
These simplified ideas are perfect for boosting your social media presence, whether you’re a small business or just looking for fresh content ideas.
Video Content Ideas for Social Media
Credit: Freepik
Here are Video Content Ideas for Social Media:
#1. Authentic, Relatable Videos
Create videos that tell real stories and show genuine experiences. This helps connect with your audience on a deeper level. People value authenticity, with 86% saying it influences their brand choices. To achieve this, focus on sharing your brand’s unique stories in a straightforward way that your audience can relate to. Use everyday language and avoid overly polished content. Instead, keep things natural by featuring employees, customers, and real events.
#2. Company Newsletter Video
Why stick to text for your company newsletter? Try creating a video version instead. A monthly 3-5 minute video can cover company updates, employee spotlights, and upcoming events. Start with a warm introduction, then highlight key news and product updates. You can also include behind-the-scenes content to show your company culture. A short Q&A session with leadership adds a personal touch. Share the
https://youtu.be/ltNEDHbbKU8?si=lgoMmG4N9d617zh0se videos regularly on social media to boost brand awareness and cross-channel engagement.
#3. Job Opportunity Videos
Attract top talent by creating job opportunity videos. These can showcase your company culture and values while highlighting open positions. Videos in job postings can increase views by 12% and applications by 34%. Include testimonials from current employees and details about your company’s mission and benefits. End with a clear call to action on how to apply. Sharing these videos on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram can strengthen your HR strategy.
#4. Customer Testimonials and Case Study Videos
Customer testimonials and case studies make powerful videos. Show how your products or services solve real problems through your customers’ stories. Start by introducing the customer and their challenges, then demonstrate how your offering helped them overcome these obstacles. Use visuals to show the product in action. Whenever possible, feature your clients in the video and wrap up with a call to action, encouraging viewers to learn more.
#5. Customer Video Contest
Running a customer video contest is a great way to engage your audience and create user-generated content. Encourage your customers to create videos showcasing your brand, such as unboxing videos, product reviews, or creative content. Set clear rules for video length and content requirements, and create a unique hashtag to boost discoverability. Reward the most creative and relevant entries to encourage participation.
#6. Videos with Your CEO
Featuring your CEO in videos can enhance your brand’s credibility and visibility. Keep these videos informal and authentic. Social media audiences prefer a down-to-earth approach. Your CEO could share industry insights and company updates or participate in Q&A sessions. Regularly incorporating CEO videos into your social media strategy can humanize your brand and build trust with your audience.
#7. Videos with Your Brand Mascot
If your brand has a mascot, use it in your video content to enhance brand recognition and add fun to your marketing. Your mascot can showcase products, tell brand stories, or embody your company’s values. Creative use of mascots in videos can make your brand stand out.
#8. Short Videos with Valuable Tips and Tricks
People on social media don’t just want entertainment; they’re also looking for value. Share quick tips and tricks in short videos to showcase your expertise and help your audience solve everyday problems. Identify and address common customer challenges in a weekly video series on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
#9. Long-Form Educational Videos
Educational videos are key for B2B marketing, offering in-depth knowledge about your industry, trends, or products. These videos position your brand as an expert and guide potential clients through the buyer’s journey. While shorter videos are great for social media, consider creating longer educational content for platforms like YouTube to build trust and credibility.
#10. Thought-Leadership Video
Thought-leadership videos are a great way to demonstrate expertise and share innovative ideas. Feature company leaders or industry experts discuss trends, offer deep insights, and position your brand as a leader in your field. These videos help establish your brand as a valuable partner in the industry.
User-generated content (UGC) can be a powerful way to boost your brand’s authenticity and engage your audience. Follow this UGC Engagement Checklist to create, encourage, and effectively use UGC in your social media strategy:
How to Come Up with Content Ideas for Social Media
Simple Ways to Come Up with Content Ideas for Your Website and Social Media:
#1. Use Content Idea Generators
Content idea generators are tools that help you quickly brainstorm content topics. Just enter a broad topic or keyword related to your business, and the tool will give you a list of popular and trending ideas. For example, Semrush’s Topic Research tool is handy for this. You simply type in your topic and select your target location, and you’ll see potential content ideas. Save your favorite ones, and you’ll have plenty of ideas that resonate with your audience.
#2. Conduct Keyword Research
Keyword research helps you understand what your audience is searching for. Start with a broad term related to your business, like “sales CRM,” and you’ll discover people’s specific questions and interests. Tools like Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool can show you keyword suggestions, helping you find topics that your audience is actively seeking. Focus on keywords with high search volume and low difficulty for content that can rank higher and attract more traffic.
#3. Look at Your Competitors’ Content
Check out what your competitors are doing by exploring their websites and blogs. Look for topics that attract a lot of traffic to their sites. The goal isn’t to copy their content but to find gaps or new angles that you can cover. Tools like Semrush’s Organic Research can show you what content performs well for your competitors so you can create something unique and valuable for your audience.
#4. Analyze Your Most Popular Posts
Review your website’s analytics to see which posts are getting the most views, shares, or comments. This shows what topics your readers love. If a post like “5 Essential Tips for First-Time Home Buyers” is popular, consider creating more content around home buying tips. This keeps your content aligned with your audience’s interests.
#5. Try ChatGPT
ChatGPT is a tool for brainstorming new content ideas. Simply give it a prompt related to your field, like “10 content ideas for solo travelers,” and it will generate ideas for you. You can refine or combine these ideas to create fresh content that engages your audience.
#6. Use ContentShake AI
ContentShake AI is a tool that generates content ideas and helps you write the content. Enter a keyword and select related tags. The tool will suggest article ideas categorized by search intent. Once you choose an idea, ContentShake AI can even draft the article for you, complete with optimization tips.
#7. Join Social Media Conversations
Social media is full of content ideas. Join conversations in your industry or niche on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to see what topics are trending. For example, if discussions about budget-friendly investment strategies are popular, you can create content directly addressing these interests.
#8. Talk to Industry Experts
Engaging with thought leaders in your industry can give you valuable content ideas. You can interview them, write Q&A sessions, or create expert roundup posts. This not only provides your audience with fresh insights but also strengthens your network.
#9. Read Interviews with Key Opinion Leaders
Key opinion leaders often share valuable insights in interviews. Pay attention to what they discuss, and use their insights to create content that stays ahead of industry trends. For example, if an industry leader talks about AI’s impact on employment, you can write about how AI will change the job market in the next few years.
#10. Explore Google Search Suggestions
Google Search suggestions give you a real-time look at what people are searching for. When you start typing a topic into Google, it suggests related search terms. These can be great content ideas because they reflect what people are currently interested in. For instance, if “healthy eating for kids” is a suggestion, you could create content around kid-friendly healthy recipes.
Content Ideas for Social Media Managers
Here are content Ideas for social media managers:
#1. Token Giveaway
Give them a small token after a customer’s appointment to ensure they remember you. Snap a photo and share it in your post to catch their attention.
#2. Give a Referral
Referrals aren’t just for receiving. Why not give one, too? Share a referral for someone on your list, and include a photo of them or their business to make it more personal.
#3. Highlight What Makes You Unique
Let your audience know what sets you and your business apart. Share a picture of yourself or your business to help people connect with your brand.
#4. Offer Help to Your Customers
Show your customers you care by asking how you can help them, even if it’s not business-related. This can open up conversations that lead to future sales.
#5. Share a Case Study
Talk about a customer who has benefited from your product or service. Sharing their success story helps others see how they could benefit, too. Include a picture of the customer or the product/service.
#6. Create a Free Giveaway
“Free” is a word that always grabs attention in marketing. Consider offering something for free to engage your audience today!
What Is Good Social Media Content?
Good social media content is engaging, valuable, and tailored to your audience. It should capture attention quickly, provide useful or entertaining information, and encourage interaction, whether through likes, shares, comments, or other forms of engagement. The best content is visually appealing, easy to understand, and relevant to your audience’s interests or needs. It also aligns with your brand’s voice and goals, whether you’re looking to inform, entertain, inspire, or persuade your followers. Consistency in posting and quality is key to building a strong online presence.
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The Evolution of Social Media: A Journey Through the Changing Digital World
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