Content creation isn't new. There is rarely such thing as brand new ideas; a lot of them are recycled, repurposed, or reused. And that's okay. Anything you post is going to be unique because it comes from YOU and your perspective.
But are you having trouble coming up with stuff to post?
First of all, consider your audience. Don't just post something because you think it will get likes, post it because it's something of value to your audience.
Not sure what that is? Ask them!
Use Instagram's Built-In Features
Instagram stories are equipped with some great interactive polling tools. The opinions of those who answer are the most important anyway: it's better to have 5 active and supportive people telling you what they think than 1000s of followers who don't care enough to answer.
That brings me to my second point. Utilize Instagram stories and reels to introduce yourself and share video content. Ya ya, video is more engaging, etc., but again, instead of focusing on what could make you go viral, remember that showing your face helps your community get to know you, learn your quirks, and support your journey. [Stay posted for tips to get over camera shyness on the blog!]
Tell a Story
Next, if you don't know what to say, tell a story. Whether it's part of your feed caption or you're sharing on video, it's one of the first skills we learn in school for a reason. Your story should have a beginning, middle, and an end. Don't leave your reader or listener hanging! Try to make it funny, educational, or entertaining.
Use Social Media to Build Your Community
Finally, instead of thinking about Instagram as a means to get thousands of followers and likes or a chore that you just have to check off your to do list, shift your attitude and consider it as a means to create your community. Just as you would approach actual human beings as potential supporters of your craft, everyone on the Instagram app could be a supporter, just online! (Safer for COVID times, anyway) Consider every interaction in this weird and wooly online world as a way to genuinely connect with others and utilize it as a tool to grow your community.
So, you get the gist. Valuable content, use videos, tell stories, nurture your community. We get it. But you came here for some super specific ideas to integrate onto your Insta or Facebook feed, so here you go!
28 Content Ideas to Use for Your Small Business
1. Meet your pet or studio assistant (Maybe your pets are actually plants! Also fine)
2. Studio before and after cleaning (or re-arranging, or day to night)
3. Out the studio window
Don't have a window or a studio? Then what does the wall you constantly stare at look like? What adorns your walls?
4. Your favourite tool to use or your least favourite
5. A maker hack - using an everyday product as a tool or something you learned that helps you through your day
6. What music or shows or podcasts do you listen to or watch while you work? Better yet, share your Spotify playlist! Or take a video of your record player going round and round - so satisfying.
7. Throwback, but not your typical #ThrowbackThursday- what were you doing this day last year? Two years ago? Ten years ago? Can you make a carousel to compile what you were doing?
8. Play would you rather!
9. Talk about your academic background and what you thought you were going to do after you graduated versus what you're actually doing now.
10. Tell a story about your childhood best friend growing up, maybe some ridiculous antics you got up to.
11. Post a review you received - 81% of people read reviews and check ratings and they consider these the same as a review from someone they trust. Don't have any reviews or testimonials? Ask for some!
12. What is your morning routine? Night time routine? If anyone is like me and super nosey, they'll appreciate learning more about your habits.
13. A favourite local shop or restaurant and the last thing you got there
14. Your guilty pleasure. This could be a product you bought, something you like to eat, your favourite item of clothing. Whatever comes to mind!
15. Sketchbook tour - either your current sketchbook or past sketchbooks
16. Start your own trend and nominate 5 people to participate
17. Processsssss. Maybe even a time lapse or a variety of pictures illustrating your process. This one isn't anything new, but it's a good reminder to keep sharing!
18. The first thing you ever made versus the last thing you made
19. Your first job and how horrifying it was
20. Do you volunteer anywhere?
21. A glow up #tenyearchallenge
22. A story of a grandparent, neighbour, teacher, or other relative who was a mentor and changed your life in some way
23. A hobby you like to do or have recently started doing
24. Two truths and a lie
25. Your collection of whatever (I collect salt & pepper shakers!)
26. What are you reading right now? This could also be an audiobook you're listening to.
27. One of your pet peeves
28. The oldest thing you possess or the most valuable or the weirdest
Now, Go Forth & Create Great Content!
I hope this list has equipped you with some ideas you can implement on your own or your small business' social feeds. Remember, you are creating content for your audience first! They are the ones that consume your content, and ultimately, your amazing creations! So always keep your user front of mind.
As always, reach with any questions or ideas of your own @allywaymarketing on IG & FB.
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