Creating quality content is crucial for growing your small business, but finding the time to do so can be challenging. Between managing daily operations and serving customers, your schedule is likely already packed. Add to that the struggle of coming up with ideas and handling production without a team, and it might seem like an impossible task.
Hi, it’s Adrian from Numero Uno Web Solutions and I know firsthand how challenging it can be to create content while running your business.
Today, I’m going to reveal 7 tips that I use that help me create content within my busy day. And keep reading to the end because I have a bonus tip that is probably the most valuable!
1. Look for Inspiration – Everywhere!
I get inspiration sent to me. So, I opt into a lot of other content. I subscribe to e-letters from Google, Search Engine Land, HubSpot, and a lot more to get daily inspiration. I also listen to a lot of quick podcasts like The Hustle. (FYI, this is not a paid promotion). These little daily doses sometimes give me enough inspiration to get a topic created for a blog post or a short video.
I also keep notes on my phone whenever something inspires me that could become content. For example, a few months ago, I was talking with a friend of mine who was interviewed about how he helps sales teams and marketing teams get along better. That simple idea became the topic of one of my videos later that week.
But one of the best ways to get inspired for content is to do an imaginary interview with yourself. Ask yourself questions that an interviewer who wants to know more about your business might ask you. It might be what’s new in the industry, what kind of challenges have you been experiencing recently, what new products are you planning on launching, etc. This kind of exercise can knock out a bunch of different content ideas quickly.
2. Create a Schedule
I like to create a schedule for when I write content or record videos. I dedicate specific blocks of time each week to content creation. In fact, I like to block out two content creation “sessions” per day. One is in the morning, usually 8:30 to 9:30 and the second is in the afternoon between 3:00 and 4:00 pm. I’ll explain these times later, but usually, it’s just enough time to get some brainstorming in and to get the initial outline of the content done. I can generally have 1,000 words done in a few days that are good enough to post online either on socials or on the website blog.
There are a lot of calendars you can use. I use MS Teams personally to help with my scheduling as it shows my coworkers when I’m busy creating content.
Remember to try and stay consistent. Establish a routine by creating content at the same time each day or week. Consistency helps form a habit, making it easier to stick to your schedule.
3. Batch Content
Batching content means creating multiple pieces of content in one sitting. This method allows you to focus on one task at a time, reducing the mental load of switching between different activities. Spend one day creating all your social media posts for the week, or draft several blog posts in a single afternoon. It might feel like a big commitment upfront, but batching will save you time and stress in the long run.
A couple of tips on this: Designate certain days for specific content types (e.g., Monday for blog writing and Tuesday for social media planning). This will help you know what kind of content you need to pump out for the day.
And have a few wardrobe options for video content so that you’re not wearing the same thing for multiple videos that are getting posted at the same time!
4. Work When You’re Naturally Creative
Remember earlier I said that I like to work on content between 8:30 and 9:30 in the morning and then again between 3:00 and 4:00? That’s because it’s those times that I feel the most energized with creativity. We all have times of the day when we’re more alert and productive. Some people are morning people, while others hit their stride in the afternoon or evening. Identify when you’re most energetic and try to schedule your content creation during these peak times. You’ll find it easier to concentrate and get creative when you’re naturally at your best.
Some tips:
- Track your energy levels throughout the day for a week to identify patterns and optimal work periods.
- Create an environment that boosts your energy during your peak times—this might include playing music, having a tidy workspace, or working in a well-lit area.
5. Fight Procrastination
Procrastination is a common obstacle, but there are ways to fight it. Break down your content tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of thinking “I need to write a blog post,” start with “I need to outline a blog post.”
Using tools like timers can also help. Work for a set amount of time and then take a short break to recharge.
6. Focus on Key Content Types
When you’re strapped for time, focus on the types of content that provide the most value for your business:
- Blog posts establish expertise and improve SEO.
- Social media posts engage with your audience and build brand awareness.
- Videos showcase your products or services in an engaging format.
- Static pages ensure your website’s key pages (like your Home and About pages) are informative and up-to-date.
- Google Business Profile updates keep your business information current and relevant.
7. Leverage Tools and Resources
To maximize efficiency, leverage tools and resources that can simplify the content creation process:
- Use pre-designed templates for consistency and speed—Canva offers templates for social media posts, infographics, and more.
- Automate repetitive tasks such as posting on social media using platforms like Buffer or Hootsuite.
- Try AI like ChatGPT or Jasper to give you outlines that you can expand on.
- Do some competitive intelligence and see what your competitors are doing. It’s okay to take some of their ideas and repurpose them into your own.
Now at the top, I mentioned that I’d have a bonus tip for you that will help you really maximize your content creation for your business. So here it is:
Bonus: Repurpose Old Content
Don’t let old content go to waste. Repurpose it into new formats or update it with current information. Not only does this save time, but it also helps increase your content’s lifespan and reach.
Here’s what I mean:
- Upcycle Content: Turn a series of related blog posts into an e-book or guide that you can offer as a lead magnet on your website. You can also take a blog post and turn it into a YouTube video or an Instagram carousel.
- Refresh Old Posts: Update old blog posts with new statistics, images, or perspectives. Go back into your archives and see what is relevant for a new post.
Final Thoughts
By implementing these strategies, you’ll be able to budget your time effectively and consistently create content that resonates with your audience. Remember, content creation is about quality over quantity. Focus on creating valuable and authentic content that reflects your brand and engages your customers.
At Numero Uno Web Solutions, we can help you create top-notch content that captivates your audience. Struggling to reach your target market? Reach out to us and we’ll help you design a successful content marketing strategy to boost your revenue and online visibility.
