Saturday, December 6, 2008

Brain Sparks for Content Ideas

By Julie Johnson

Some companies have people on staff that are so prolific with the writing and ideas for content on their site, they are channeling Stephen King without the creepy horror. But so often the content tapers off, even for us. I have been jotting down ideas that I come up with or collect from reading all over the next and looking at other sites, this is a list we pull from when clients, or even our own writers, get stuck.

Announce any new product or special offer. List the reasons your clients do business with you: this should provide a very long list of blog entries. Every single selling point about your company will make at least one article. Why small business is better, a price comparison (even why it is not worth it to go cheap), describe a new higher quality source you found for your product/service, or the reasons your products/service are higher quality (imported or made in USA, you buy in bulk and pass the savings on), all your work is done in house and not outsourced, and on and on.

Include employee profiles and product reviews, listed one at a time. Have buying guides for items or how to find a provider. Get personal buy telling funny office or customer stories. put up customer testimonials. You can also answer questions in an FAQ format.

Any kind of news is good content. This can be news related to your industry. Or news about or within your company. You can write about events you took part in or awards you may have earned, as well as new larger clients that you have added.

Things to avoid, products to avoid, the negative spin on What Not to Do. Recommendations of companies you do business with: your web designer, your cellphone service. Look at your competitors. It is allowed and will spark your mind for ideas. also look at related sites that are not competitors but complementary. Make lists. Make Top Fives. Top Five mistakes you see. Top Five Sellers and why. Top Five trends. - 15478

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