30 Fresh Ideas for Social Media Content.

While January often feels like the month that lasts forever, there isn't much time left in the month. Thank goodness, right? There's something quite alarming when exiting the holiday coma that begins to happen in January. The month starts with promise, planning, organization, and execution, but suddenly the realization hits that days are left. What happens in those days is a wild slowdown of time, and usually, by January 31, it seems like the month has lasted for 60 days.

Use the time wisely to plan your content for the next 30 days. Even though the month may feel extra long, it's not. Thirty days from now (roughly), Valentine's Day hits. Now is the time to capitalize on planning.

Planning your content matters whether you are a small business owner or an online influencer. We've talked about the importance of a content calendar here and here. Grab some paper and get your ideas out for the next 30 days for social media. Let's quickly cover three things to consider before posting and dive into 30 fresh ideas for social media content.

·       Content is relevant to your business.

·       Content is purposeful.

·       Content is engaging.

Content is relevant to your business.

The majority of your content should be relevant to your business. If you are new to social media, this is especially true. As you begin generating content, you are in the process of establishing your online presence. Your business is the focus of your social media.

Introductions are important. Pay attention to successful social media influencers. Create an introduction post on your wall and use it to reshare occasionally when you see an influx of new followers. Not all influencers or businesses use an introduction to share their business, but some do, and in a world where connection is valued, this is a straightforward way to connect with a new audience.

·       Welcome, and thank people for following.

·       Share your business vision or mission.

·       Share personal or engaging details as needed.

·       Explain the problem that your business solves.

·       Share something fun that you may otherwise include in the future on social media.

Content is purposeful.

All content aims to connect with your audience and share your business. The goal, in the long run, is to create new customers. Creating new customers is a multi-step process that begins with one interaction where your social media is found. Hootsuite published statistics on social media usage in May 2022, indicating that "Instagram was one of the biggest purchasing decision influences in women under 25." Additionally, Facebook is the better option for older adults, with over 93% of marketers using Facebook ads.

The conversion rate of social media ads hovers between 2-5%. It's important to note that this rate is for ads specifically. Still, you can translate the ideas behind ads to create purposeful social media content to attract new followers. Share your business and services. Share specific instances of helping your current customers. Ask customers for reviews, referrals, and social media tags.

“If social media aims to grow your business, your content must be relevant to that. ”

Content is engaging.

As a business owner, you know your target audience. Effectively engaging with them is the most important way to create new customers. Some simple steps to take for great engagement include:

1. Always reply to comments. If someone stopped into your brick-and-mortar business, you'd thank them. Social media is no different.

2. Post content that engages with other relevant businesses or influencers and tag them on a story. Tagging them allows their followers to see your tag, which is helpful for reach.

3. Comment on other relevant businesses or influencers' social media posts and actively participate in the community.

4. Post-short-form video (reels or other) to draw new followers into your content.

30 fresh ideas of content (including five specific video ideas):

1. Post your logo and briefly summarize your business vision and mission in the comments. Consistent branding matters.

2. Video introduction. Take time to plan what you'll say, but also know that authenticity is highly valued among social media users.

3. Share a customer review or testimony.

4. Answer a question or current event that relates to your business.

5. Share the latest blog post for your business.

6. Ask people to subscribe to your website content.

7. Share relevant industry stats.

8. Offer a discount code.

9. Share another business that helped you tremendously.

10. Video yourself discussing your business goals/dreams.

11. Share about a successful new customer.

12. Post about an upcoming holiday sale.

13. Post your plans for the upcoming holiday (something more personal).

14. Share something funny (a meme or quote) about your business.

15. Video yourself discussing a lesson you've learned in running your own business.

16. Share your favorite thing about social media.

17. Share a product or service you sell and what problem it solves.

18. Post the "Ask me anything" box to generate engagement.

19. Post a regular spot on social media where you pick three people to thank. Thankful Thursday is a great way to engage with people and show what you're grateful for.

20. Share a book you've read, loved, and learned from.

21. Share an event you're attending and invite followers to join.

22. Share an inspirational quote.

23. Share a funny story.

24. Share a win.

25. Share a loss. (What did you learn?)

26. Post about a great vendor.

27. Share anytime your business is featured in print or online with a link.

28. Video yourself and create a tutorial.

29. Offer something free (a download) in exchange for an email address.

30. Video yourself and share a "day in the life."

Flywheel Marketing can help.

We would love to partner with you as you grow your online presence and develop a social media marketing plan. We start by assessing your current online presence and offering several suggestions. We then craft a plan and present it to you. This free, fast and painless process helps you see what's possible with a personalized strategy focused on growing your business. Click the button today to get started with a completely free consultation and assessment.