1. Use the time frame – What day is it? A little word association can boost your brainstorming for content calendar ideas. For instance, the word “refresh” might inspire ideas about making a new start. January and the springtime are appropriate occasions for that theme.
2. Check an almanac – Consider how important times connect to certain events. Does your industry follow traditions during the year? Do your patrons? If you’re stuck, an almanac can tell you what happened today in history and about upcoming holidays. Daysoftheyear.com offers trivia on little-known national days, weeks, and months. For example, for National Pizza Day (February 9th), you could offer facts about the pie.
3. Get informed – For timely content calendar ideas, consider what’s affecting your industry now. Trade association publications often feature the latest news. Otherwise, search Google Trends or scan hot topics on social media for ideas.
4. Go undercover – Visit forums related to your industry or topics you cover for ideas. Quora, Reddit, and similar forums include questions people have posted.
5. Listen – To see what lies ahead, find out about upcoming events at the water cooler or on Slack. Ask questions in meetings or at the dinner table. Make small talk at the grocery store or chat with neighbors.
Lack inspiration? Contact me for help creating your content calendar.
How do you compile your content calendar? Feel free to comment below.
Quotes
“One thing is certain: if you don’t keep an editorial/content calendar, the content doesn’t get done.” ~ Joe Pulizzi, Founder of Content Marketing Institute
“For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.” ~ Anonymous
Comments? Suggestions? Need help with your communications? Contact me.
