I talk to people every day who struggle with how to create unique and compelling content. It’s all around you – you just have to tune in. Here are some more ideas that I share with my customers regularly:

1. Follow Industry trends and hot topics – Being able to add relevant content on timely subjects is a huge advantage and mistake if you are not on top of things. If you are in technology then write about tech trends, if you are in entertainment write about the superbowl, if you are local then write about events, news whatever you can. You have to watch and listen and there are plenty of tools to do it for you…you don’t even have to go our hunting for it.

• Google Insights – so cool. Best insider tip – use this! Enter your keyword and it shows you trend wise what is going on, and you can see and follow what new “breakout” terms may be on the rise.
• Google Alerts – it doesn’t get easier. This sends you all the information you need and filter by topic.

Take what you read and summarize, rebuttal or general response to what you read. Simply copying what you read is not impressive, anyone can do that. Your readers can get that anywhere, provide people some insight, resolution or glimpse of knowledge other than what they can find somewhere else.

2. Use Social Media tools – If you have the luxury of using a tool to track conversations online, great…there is no reason not to listen in. At the very least use some of the free resources out there and you can even use wordpress plugins like Zemanta to give you ideas.

• Search.twitter.com – Using social media does not have to be complicated or expensive. This was probably the first search tool and it gives you plenty of information. Tip: Track your brand and name and subscribe to the RSS to track what people say. Additionally track your competitors and industry to stay abreast of developments.

3. Go old school – Hint: this requires actual human interaction. Attend an event, tweetup, conference, continued education classes, interview someone etc. And write about it.

Like I said, there is lots to write about. As you think of ideas write them down, use a sticky note pad or access your computer and keep a list by saving blog posts as drafts and then continue writing when you feel inspired or have time. Use what you’ve got!

image source: blog.mindjet.com

Ever find yourself in a pinch to create new content. You know that best practices dictate to write on a weekly basis, but you just can’t find the time or have enough resources to get it done…or so you think. Here are a few quick tips to get you back on track and adding content in no time:

1. Use your internal resources – Have other people at your company write content. It doesn’t have to be just you. If they are not writers then have them put together ideas and pass them along to you that you can that masterfully incorporate into a blog post.

2. Revamp and recycle – (Re)Use old blog posts and (re)purpose them. Content, especially stats and timely pieces quickly become irrelevant. Compose articles to show a history time line or give readers and update on facts and figures and show how things once worked, were used, viewed, valid etc and show the relevancy it has today.

3. Look at your competitors – Challenge them on content that they put out. Write a rebuttal, or complimentary commentary and continue to establish that authoritative voice from your point of view.

5. Use your keywords – You’ll hear me and most SEO consultants say this time and time again. “Incorporate your keywords”…in your page title, header, URL, content etc. You can also use your keyword list – the longtail – for ideas on what to write about. Find a tool to help you with the research on what to target, make a list and tackle one at a time each week.