Here are some questions that a business should ask before writing a blog: What does the customer want to read? What is it that the customer would find interesting or valuable? How can I help the customer? Good blog posts are helpful for the customers and give them advice that they cannot find elsewhere. A good blog also has a fresh voice.
However, it isn’t easy to keep producing consistently high-quality and unique content. It is helpful to put a system in place to generate good content. Here are a few ideas businesses can use to create innovative blogs for their website.
Idea 1: Invite submissions from guest bloggers.
To ensure that you remain on top of your game and constantly create unique experiences, invite more voices to the stage. Guest bloggers expand your reach and get more traction on the blog. Likewise, guest bloggers can bring their innovative style to the plate, and they keep your blog fresh and new.
Idea 2: Scout for ideas from the comments section.
Sometimes the best blog ideas can come from your audience’s responses. If you find a comment that merits a lengthy response, or a request for a blog, take a screenshot, and use it as the base to build a new blog post around. This way, customers are aware that you are listening and that you’re putting out content that matters to them.
Idea 3: A picture is worth a thousand words.
Take a snapshot of something on the street or something in your office, and feature it in a blog post. Find inspiration on the street and connect with your audience through the lens. Using stellar images can enhance a business’s visual aesthetic.
Idea 4: Take a seemingly unrelated topic and connect it to your field.
List out a content marketing strategy as if it were a recipe. Describe what fashion can learn from great artists. Reimagine fairy tales with gadgets manufactured by your company. Have you seen The Guardian advertisement which played on the story of The Three Little Pigs? The award-winning film is a must-watch. It is also an example of two seemingly unrelated topics being put together! This is an excellent strategy for blogs.
Idea 5: Experiment with writing formats.
Listicles and infographics are popular formats for blogs, and they will fetch you due engagement. Focus on surprising your audience and use a different format. Write an open letter to your consumer, draft a script, or you can even design a comic strip – the possibilities are endless. Add a bit of humour or an emotional touch, and you’re good to go. An unexpected format once in a while can spice up a blog!
Conclusion
Freshness and innovation are priorities when it comes to content creation. However, the blogs that a business publishes should fit in with the overall tonality of the brand. Finding the right balance between different and familiar is key. The in-house content team should be motivated to always think outside the box. Encourage brainstorming and bounce ideas off each other. When in doubt, outsource your content so that it remains fresh.
