Ah, writer’s block—everyone’s favorite creative challenge. You sit down at your laptop, fingers ready to go, and... crickets. No ideas. No inspiration. Just… nothing.

It’s even worse when you’re under the gun to come up with fresh content ideas your audience will actually care about for your editorial calendar.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just rub a magic lamp and summon a genie to deliver endless content ideas? Well, this article might just be the next best thing. 😁

Whether you’re drafting a newsletter or brainstorming YouTube scripts, we’ve got a list packed with ways to spark those fresh ideas and avoid common pitfalls when brainstorming trending topics. Let’s get your creative juices flowing!

Why is new content important?

Let’s face it, in the chaotic world of the internet, people are bombarded with information at every corner. Nothing seems new anymore. 

So, if your content’s not fresh, engaging, and valuable, it’s as exciting as a soggy toast.

Translation: you risk being lost in the noise. 

Here’s a TL;DR on why staying on top of new content creation is so critical: 

• It engages your audience: People crave variety. If you just give them stale content, your audience will get bored and move on to something better. Providing fresh content will keep visitors engaged and coming back for more. 
• It boosts SEO and visibility: Diverse content will improve your search engine rankings. There’s nothing Google loves more than new content, so regularly publishing new pieces helps your site ride high in the rankings, giving you more opportunities to engage your audience. 
• It keeps your brand relevant: When you constantly offer up-to-date content, you position your brand as an expert. It shows that you’re active, always on the ball, and relevant to your niche. 

Creating new pieces of content isn’t just about filling your quota — it’s your ticket to staying top of mind in the overcrowded World Wide Web. 

Now that we’ve established that, let’s get right to it.

34 ways to find new content ideas for your brand

I know you’re eager to dive into these methods for generating great content ideas, so I’m not gonna keep you waiting. 🙂

Here they are: 

1. Analyze SEO and keyword research

Search engine optimization (SEO) is good for one thing: helping the right audience find you in the frenzy of the internet. Kinda like a GPS. 

It ensures your content appears in front of people when they search for a specific keyword. Not only does good SEO keep you competitive but it also gives you an air of authority. 

Think about it: if your brand appears on the front page of search engines (an achievement, to be sure!) people will think you’re trustworthy and have the relevant info they’re looking for. And let’s be honest: you rarely click on page two of Google. 🤭

In order to rank high in search results, you must do your keyword research to find the best data-driven content ideas. 

Luckily, there are tools like Google Trends, Ahrefs, and AnswerThePublic that can do the research for you and help you discover popular search terms and related searches. 

In a nutshell, they help you find fresh content ideas that your target audience will be interested in. 

2. Monitor social media platforms

Social media is like a giant digital water cooler: it’s where all the good gossip is. If you’re out of ideas, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the social media platforms your audience hangs around on because this is where they talk about the latest trends, hot topics, pain points, etc. 

💡 A good tip: always look for what’s trending right now on social media, whether that’s a particular challenge, a viral meme, a hashtag, or something people constantly talk about. 

This is an excellent way to stay relevant and on people’s minds because it shows you care about what they’re interested in. So, if you find something that inspires your people, start creating content surrounding that topic for platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, and X as soon as possible. 

3. Conduct competitor analysis

“The grass is always greener on the other side,” people say. However, the true question is: why is it greener? 

It’s up to you to find out by spying on your competitors’ yards. Don’t worry; it’s not unethical — you’re simply looking to understand what others in your field are doing well, what they’re missing, and how you can stand out. 

First, you have to figure out who your main competitors are. There are two types of competitor: 

• Direct: These are businesses that target the same audience as you and have similar offerings. 
• Indirect: Companies in the same industry with different products than you. 

After identifying your rivals, look at their content game and take notes. What formats do they use? What topics do they usually cover? How often do they post? 

Looking at the different types of content they create and how they publish it will help you identify opportunities to create fresh, valuable content for your audience. 

For instance, you can take a look at the FAQ sections of your competitors and see what questions they get. You can answer these questions more in-depth in a long-form blog post, successfully filling the gap. 

4. Repurpose content across multiple formats

Repurposing content is the definition of working smarter, not harder. 

Sometimes, you don’t have to look into what others do to create new content. Sometimes, it’s as easy as turning a long-form blog post into a short-form video. 

This works if you have pieces of content that are already performing well in one form, but you can squeeze more value out of them. Not only does it help you reach new audiences on different platforms, but it gives the content new life and saves you time. 

And there are so many ideas to try! Turn a podcast into an article, a webinar into an infographic, or a blog series into an e-book. 

What’s more, with Ceros, you can easily repurpose your content into interactive formats such as infographics or presentations, complete with clickable elements and embedded videos. 

What does this mean? You can turn any static content into a multimedia-rich experience. 

The possibilities are endless!

5. Browse forums to discover pain points

Forums are where the real stuff happens. They’re like the unfiltered diaries of the internet, where people vent their frustrations and discuss their problems without holding back. 

So, go to places like Quora and Reddit to get a glimpse into what people are really asking (be wary of trolls!) and identify common pain points, issues, and trends that might inspire you. 

You can check places such as industry-specific forums like Stack Overflow for developers or even community groups on Facebook. It’s critical to read through the comment section thoroughly and find the common issue.

It’s also a good idea to pay attention to threads that start with “How do I fix…?” or “Is anyone else struggling with…?” as these posts usually highlight an issue that your products may be able to fix. 

6. Engage in brainstorming sessions

Two heads are better than one, so if coming up with your own content ideas is rather overwhelming, host a brainstorming session with your peers! The more the merrier. 

You never know what interesting perspective a teammate might have, one that can change everything. 

So, this collaborative process has its benefits, ensuring you get various new ideas, which will help you plan your content calendar better. The good part is that you don’t have to do this face-to-face.

Instead, you can use Ceros, a collaborative solution where you and your team can create an interactive mind map or an idea board and brainstorm for new topics. Moreover, Ceros allows you to vote and comment on content topics in real time, turning brainstorming into a dynamic experience. 

7. Leverage content idea generators

When you find yourself stuck in a creative rut, it’s time to summon the only ‘wizard’ that can help you overcome it: a content idea generator. 

These magical platforms help people jump-start their creativity and produce quality content without hassle. Usually, a simple prompt is all you need to get you going, but there are also tools you can chat with to help you get the right ideas. 

How do they work? These generators analyze trends, keywords, or questions people ask online and provide inspiration based on what’s currently trending in your industry. 

Not only does this save you time, but it also helps you stay consistent. 

Plus, if you want to think outside the box, Ceros is your perfect partner. With it, you can build an interactive content idea generator where users can answer a few questions about their audience and receive personalized ideas based on their responses. 

8. Create case studies

There are three reasons why case studies, customer stories, testimonials — whatever you wanna call ’em — are a great idea. 

One, they showcase how your product or service can solve specific problems for users. 

Two, they prove your authority in the field and build credibility for your brand. 

Three, since people are looking for tangible results, testimonials help users see how effective your product is in achieving success. 

The concept is simple to grasp: when you want to buy a washing machine, you first look at what other people have to say. Or even ask your friends for recommendations. 

That’s how case studies work, demonstrating your capabilities and offering valuable insights to your potential buyers.

9. Curate and share industry news

One surefire way to establish yourself as a credible source of information is to become the gossip guru of your industry by keeping an eye on the juiciest updates and curating the latest trends and industry news for your audience.

Source: Giphy

Why should you do this, though? Sounds kinda boring!

Because it shows your followers that you’re always keeping a finger on the pulse and makes you their go-to source of the hottest tea. Moreover, sharing news about e-commerce or other topics helps you stay relevant and establish yourself as an expert. 

The secret is to: 

• Share only the good stuff and blow minds.
• Put your spin on it and say what everyone’s thinking.
• Choose where you wanna parade your news, such as in email newsletters or Instagram stories. 
• Automate scheduling posts with the appropriate tools.
• Make it interactive and fun! 

10. Leverage influencers for new content ideas

When in doubt, reach out to influencers in your niche. 🤝

No matter your opinion of them, influencers on the same wavelength as you can help you stay connected and even reach like-minded people. Plus, they know what’s trending in the industry, what people care about, and which topics resonate with them. 

In addition, influencers are known for being relatable and authentic. When they share their personal experience with your product or service, it comes off as genuine, not an advertisement. 

If you partner with a trusted influencer in your niche, followers are more likely to trust the endorsement because it comes from someone they admire. 

So, what are you waiting for? Find your new partner! Or are you considering collaborating with Ceros? 

No problem! Ceros can help you create an interactive influencer collaboration showcase, such as interactive polls or behind-the-scenes content, inviting people to explore different perspectives. 

11. Create tutorials and step-by-step guides

“Ugh, tutorials and how-to guides are so boring,” you might say. You’d be jumping the gun, though, because if there’s one thing people interested in your product or service can’t get enough of, it’s step-by-step guides. 

They hook people’s attention fast because they show how to use your products or services to achieve the desired result. Include cute graphics and visuals, and you have the recipe for success! 

These guides work so well, whether they take the form of a long YouTube video or a thorough e-book, because they help the audience navigate complex topics. In addition, they’re an excellent way to provide value to your readers, who can always return to them when they need help. 

12. Host webinars or live sessions

Want to make people feel like they’re special? Host a webinar or live session to engage with your audience in real time. Imagine this: it’s like you’re a rockstar, performing live on center stage, and you give your fans a backstage pass to hear more of your expertise. 

Webinars are the perfect place for people to learn more about a company or its products and ask questions about them directly. Choose a topic you want to explore in greater detail, select a platform where you’ll host it (like Zoom or Skype), and don’t forget to record the session! 

Why? 

Because you can repurpose it later into a blog post or podcast to increase your reach. 😉

13. Review content analytics

Reviewing your content analytics isn’t just about seeing numbers go big. It’s also about finding your way to your audience’s heart. 

Here’s how it works: imagine you’ve written a blog post that went viral. Your audience loves that topic in that format. Why not try and replicate it somewhere else? 

First, check your content metrics, such as shares, comments, and page views, to see which topic resonates the most with your people. For example, maybe a short Instagram reel titled ‘5 Quick Tips for Making the Best Pasta Sauce’ got insane views — it might mean people love pasta. 🤷

It’s safe to say that people prefer quick and simple videos over long-format text. So, also look to see which format gets the most engagement from your audience. 

PS: Google Analytics is your friend here. Use it to find topics that your people want to see more of and start expanding on them.

14. Create a content calendar

Source: Giphy

Look, till now, you’ve scraped by when it came to publishing your content. A meme today, a well-researched blog post in two weeks — some days, you even forget to post! 

This chaos, however, is only gonna do more harm than good. I’m not saying you shouldn’t post whatever you want, but you should plan your content because it’s the only way to stay sane. 😅

Imagine the peace of mind when you know exactly what’s going out, when, and where. 

Creating a content calendar, a written schedule of when and where to post upcoming content, ensures you deliver quality content on schedule. 

Consistency is king, as some say, so posting regularly keeps you on your audience’s radar. A content calendar can also help you post your content exactly when your followers are most active. 

15. Solve writer’s block using content templates

You’ve been staring at a blank page, brain empty of ideas, for hours. Nothing comes to mind, and you’re tired. 

Your secret weapon? Content templates!

Now, you have a starting point instead of a blank page. These valuable documents are the blueprint for your next post, a pre-designed framework that guides you through content creation. 

Usually, a template already contains a post’s structure, like the intro, body, and call to action, so all you have to do is fill in the details. 

The main advantage of templates is that they save you time. Instead of having to reinvent the wheel whenever you write, you dive straight into the good stuff, whether creating a newsletter, a tweet, or a LinkedIn post.

16. Use Google search for content inspiration

Google it! Seriously! 

That search bar isn’t just for figuring out how to make pancakes but also a goldmine for finding ideas. Think of Google as your smart friend that you can bounce ideas off, whether it’s for a viral video or social media posts. 

Start by typing something into Google and see what it suggests. You know how besties finish each other’s sentences? Google will do the same! Or you can check out the ‘People Also Ask’ box, where real humans ask questions that often plague them. 

In short, don’t dismiss Google search — it can be a free source of inspiration if you know what to look for and it can spark new content ideas based on user intent. 

17. Poll your audience

What better way to find out what ails someone than asking them directly? Yeah, you can do that. 

And polls are the perfect conduit for this. All you have to do is create a poll on your audience’s favorite social media platform and let the answers pour in. 

Fortunately, most platforms, like LinkedIn, have built-in polling capabilities, so you don’t have to use coding to create one from scratch. In addition, polls can be fun and interactive (if you make them with Ceros 😉) and very effective in engaging your audience. 

Not only will you learn more about what your followers like to see more of, but maybe they’ll also offer suggestions on how to improve your content in the future. 

18. Look at comments on social media posts

The comments section on any social media platform is where the real gold lives. If you want the tea, check to see what people say about a post in the comments since it’s where your audience is seeking more info from you. 

Okay, but why? Because people get raw in the comments and tell you what they think and want from you. Maybe they have a question about your product that you can expand on in a blog post. 

Just scroll through them and see for yourself. Also, don’t be deterred by negative comments. If people are frustrated or confused about something, this is the best opportunity to create content that solves their problems and clears misunderstandings. 

And don’t stop at only your comment section. Check to see what people are saying to your competitors, which may pinpoint gaps in their content. 

19. Research podcast ideas

The secret to podcast success? Research! 

Or, in broader terms, look for podcasts in your niche and get inspired by the topics presented there. See what people usually want to talk about and who they invite as guest experts (maybe you can interview them, too?) and listen to these podcasts thoroughly to gain an understanding of what interests your audience. 

By exploring popular topics tackled in podcasts, you can gain inspiration for your content, from social media posts to Instagram stories. 

20. Tap into content marketing strategy

When ‘winging it’ doesn’t work, develop a content marketing strategy based on your audience’s interests and latest trends. Yeah, you might get lucky once or twice if you go by instinct, but a solid strategy is what you genuinely need for real success, let’s be honest. 

So, dive into what your audience cares about and make sure it aligns with your broader digital marketing objectives. As a result, you’ll be able to craft content that increases engagement and drives conversions.

Be warned: audience interests aren’t static and evolve. Keep your strategy flexible, be open to change, and stay tuned to what’s happening in your industry. 

21. Answer FAQs with in-depth content

Frequently Asked Questions aren't just a dusty section of your website. Or, at least, they shouldn’t be. Because they can be a goldmine for content ideas, not just a section you have to add.

After all, they’re called FAQs for a reason: people wanna know how to reset their passwords or when the shipping is due. So, if people are asking these questions, they clearly want an answer. 

This is your chance to go above and beyond and create comprehensive blog posts or video tutorials that answer these FAQs. Besides, this type of content is valuable and highly shareable, which means more engagement for you! 

22. Create interactive content

What if you take your content further and make it so people actually play with it? Sounds otherworldly, I know, but it’s a great way to get your audience to react like this…

Source: Giphy

Interactive content, like quizzes, polls, or infographics, has the power to engage your audience and encourage them to become active users rather than passive consumers of your content. 

For instance, instead of telling people that they should use this formula to calculate their retirement funds, you can create a calculator they can use directly on your site. 

See the difference? Well, you’d see it better if you tried Ceros. 😀 This tool is an expert at creating interactive quizzes, polls, and surveys (whatever you want, really) that not only wow users but also persuade them to convert. 

Here’s a TL;DR of its key features: 

• No-code platform: Without writing a single line of code, you can craft complex animations and interactions easily. 
• Real-time collaboration: Work alongside your team members simultaneously to enhance productivity. 
• Analytics integration: Gain insight into how your content performs to unlock more data-driven decisions. 
• Template library: Ceros gives you access to a wide range of customizable templates so you can quickly start your projects. 

23. Test social media posts for engagement

Social media is your content’s playground. You can quickly test and see which idea engages people the most, what makes them comment, and what they like to share. 

So, put on your coat because it’s time to do some science — not with beakers and chemicals but with GIFs and hashtags. 

You can start by posting different types of social media content every day. The secret is mixing it up and seeing what sticks. 

For example, you can post a bold statement one day and a meme the next. Play with CTAs and with the timing, too. Maybe your audience likes scrolling in the morning more than after an honest day’s work, so use that information to your advantage. 

Don’t forget to measure each post’s performance and use this data to adjust your content strategy accordingly. 

24. Identify new product features

Your product is the most fascinating thing on Earth but your audience doesn’t know that if you don’t tell them. And the best way to create intrigue around your new product is (no, not a scandal 🤭) to craft engaging content around it. 

Think of tutorials, feature highlights, or customer success stories — anything that demonstrates the product’s value to your followers is welcome. 

For example, you can create a short video guiding people on how to use a complex feature they don’t understand. Not only will it clear their confusion, but it’ll also create buzz around this feature once they get a good grasp of it. 

25. Curate UGC (User-Generated Content)

Sometimes, you don’t have to lift a finger to create some of the best content around. It can be as easy as letting your audience do it for you! 

Hence user-generated content, which is brand-specific content created by customers for free and published on social media channels. UGC can come in many formats, such as images, videos, reviews, or testimonials, and they all do one thing: convince people to buy your product. 

After all, people trust people. If many say that a research tool is excellent, you’ll be more willing to listen to them than to the brand itself. 

So, whenever you get the chance, share content created by your customers. It not only builds social proof that you’re fantastic but it also engages your community. You might also discover nuggets of information that will serve as fresh content ideas. 

26. Analyze blog content performance

You have a blog. It has lots of content that’s doing so-so. However, are you satisfied with that? How do you know if this is your blog’s true potential? Unless you put on your detective hat and analyze its performance, you won’t uncover the truth. 

So, do just that! 

Review the performance of your blog content through metrics such as time on page or bounce rate. These metrics help you identify which topics resonate most with your audience. 

Use this information to expand on these themes in future posts. 

27. Research on LinkedIn

You might think LinkedIn is just a place to find a new job or see other people’s careers. So you might be surprised by what else this platform offers: insights into your industry, its audience, or the next big thing. 

Grab your magnifying glass and hit up your feed because you might find precious information about what professionals in your industry are sharing and discussing. 

Moreover, you can use LinkedIn polls to research what your audience wants to see or what they think about a hot topic. Oh, and another thing: you can peek at your competitors' posts and see which topics are getting traction. 

Overall, LinkedIn is a valuable tool for discovering trending topics and it can also connect you with potential collaborators. 

28. Post social media content on multiple platforms

So what if your loyal followers are only on Instagram? 

Don’t make the mistake of only catering to them — you’re throwing a party and only inviting half of the people you know. This translates into: you might miss out on engaging people who don’t know about you yet but might be interested in your brand even if they’re on a different platform.

In a nutshell, try to branch outside your comfort zone and tackle other social channels. But be wary — different platforms may mean different vibes. 

While Instagram or TikTok is more fun and cheeky, LinkedIn is more like a business casual coffee chat. Make sure you play by a platform’s rules and use its best practices to get the most out of it. 

29. Review email newsletters for ideas

It’s not illegal to subscribe to the newsletters of other companies (mainly your competitors) and see what they’re sharing with their followers. 

I definitely recommend you do that if you’re ever out of ideas! You’ll get a front-row seat to what’s trending in your industry, what works for your potential clients, and who knows, maybe it’ll spark your next great idea. 

Here’s what you need to look out for: 

• Subject lines.
• Opening scenes.
• Content formats.
• Engagement hooks.

30. Check related searches on Google

Google can be your unofficial brainstorming buddy because it is so easy to snatch ideas. All you have to do is start with a seed keyword, such as “how to write a podcast,” and scroll all the way down. 

Yeah — do you know that little section at the bottom of every search result page that says, “People also search for…?” You might skip it because you find your answers at the top of the page, but exploring related searches can be a fruitful endeavor. 

Returning to our example, you’ll find related searches like “best podcast equipment for beginners” or “how to promote your podcast.” These ideas are practically begging for you to turn them into content gems. 

31. Attend webinars and conferences

You don’t only have to be the one hosting webinars and conferences. 

The beauty of these events is that they’re like an all-you-can-eat buffet for content inspiration — and everyone’s invited! 

So don’t be afraid to grab a seat at the next event. They can provide fresh content ideas based on current trends, challenges, and new opportunities in your field. 

Yes, these events are usually great networking opportunities. They’re usually packed with experts with lots of knowledge, panels sharing hot takes, and attendees with thousands of questions that need answering. 

In short, they can be your next creative breakthrough. 

32. Follow industry news

It’s easy to create content that will stand the test of time years from now but you shouldn’t settle just for that type of content. 

People crave the latest gossip, and they want to stay informed about what’s new in the industry. So, you might as well make yourself the single source of info for these breakthroughs.

This means you need to keep an eye on the latest industry developments and write content that responds to or builds on this information. Something different happens in your niche daily, such as new trends or bold claims — it’d be a shame if you didn’t react to it.

By doing so, you not only stay relevant to your audience but also prove yourself as a trustworthy source of information. 

33. Create product or service roundups

Let me tell you a little secret. 🤫 Roundups = SEO gold. People love to look for the ‘Best x and y’ and you can prove yourself as an expert on the subject by creating pieces of content that round up top products, services, or tools. 

Whether it’s the ‘Best Fitness Apps of 2024’ or ‘5 Must-Have Tools for Remote Work,’ providing recommendations for your audience in the form of lists is a good way to engage a ‘starving’ audience. 

Kudos if you thoroughly research, test, and compare these tools yourself, adding value to your content. 

34. Discover content ideas on social media marketing blogs

Woah, we’re at the last idea already? I didn't even notice how fast time flew. 

The last tip is about visiting trusted social media marketing blogs packed with insights, trends, and creative strategies that are waiting to be picked up by you. 

You can try sources like Neil Patel’s site or Backlinko to find your next spark of inspiration, whether that’s new content ideas, research tool suggestions, or tips for creating effective marketing strategies. 

***

It’s all fun and games — till you make a mistake.

Let’s see what errors you must avoid in the following section. 

Common mistakes to avoid when brainstorming new content ideas

Brainstorming is a walk in the park, but you can still slip up and make errors that might cost you in the long run.

Source: Giphy

Before you reach the worst-case scenario (doing it all for nothing!) let’s see which mistakes are avoidable: 

• Lack of clear objectives: Researching new topics without considering how they fit into your overall marketing strategy is a big no-no. You must align the new topics with your target audience’s needs and your business objectives. 
• Dismissing ideas too early: It might seem trash initially, but that one idea could be refined into a diamond later. Try not to judge incomplete or unconventional ideas so easily without exploring their potential first. More importantly, don’t let your fear of failure stop you from taking risks that might pay off in the future. 
• Ignoring customer feedback: Focusing solely on what you find interesting and neglecting your audience’s needs might harm your digital marketing efforts. Try to get fresh viewpoints whenever you can through feedback, surveys, or analytics to create unique content. 
• Focusing on quantity over quality: It’s true that posting often catches people’s attention. Posting too much of — pardon my French — le trash, however, will do more harm than good. Brainstorming isn’t about generating many ideas and using them all without a second thought. First, you must assess their feasibility and relevance for your target audience and cull them until you remain with only the good crops. 
• Neglecting research: Research is the bread and butter of any fruitful brainstorming session. Chasing outdated trends or skipping the research part will make your content feel too generic and you might even unintentionally duplicate your competitors’ content. Oops! 

Avoid these mistakes and you’ll set yourself up for more productive and creative brainstorming sessions. 

Well, that’s all I have to teach you, but I have one more parting gift for you. 

Over to you!

So, there you have it — 34 exceptional and inspiring ways to keep your content fresh and kickstart your creativity when you need it the most. 

Just one question: when it comes to actually creating the content, where do you turn? 

If you don’t know, I have a solution for you. It’s called Ceros and it’s a tool that enables all creatives to craft interactive digital content easily, without hassle. 

Presentations, white papers, infographics — Ceros does them all. 

You’ve got to see it for yourself, so schedule a demo today!