As a small business owner, you have to keep in mind that standing out from the crowd often comes down to one crucial factor: creativity. Generic just can’t cut it, and copying what other people are doing will make you look like a fool at the end of the day.
It doesn’t even matter what type of content you’re focusing on for your small business; whether you’re crafting blog posts, designing ads using product photography, or curating social media content.
Whatever it is, injecting creativity into your efforts can capture attention and engage your audience effectively. But, what do you do when the well of ideas feels a bit dry? It’s totally understandable because you want to do something out there, but at the same time, what exactly? Well, when it comes to getting your “groove” back, it’s not really one-size-fits-all or anything like that, but it’s about reinvigorating. So here’s exactly why you need to know!
What are Usually the Common Hurdles in Finding Creativity within Content Marketing?
Creativity is the heartbeat of effective content marketing, but even the most successful marketers sometimes hit creative roadblocks. It’s common, honestly, it’s really common. But if you just focus on recognizing what hinders creativity, this alone usually helps out, it’s basically that first step towards overcoming these challenges and revitalizing your content strategy. But again, what are some of the hurdles? Well, do any of these ring a bell?
Fear of Failure
One of the biggest creativity killers is the fear of failure. There are a lot of marketers and business owners out there who hesitate to try new ideas due to the risk of them not working out, especially when budgets and reputations are on the line. Overcoming this fear starts with fostering a culture that values experimentation and learning from missteps. No one can get it right the first time, truly.
Lack of Resources
Limited budgets, time constraints, or insufficient staff (especially if you’re the only one and you’re wearing multiple hats) can severely restrict your ability to create fresh content. This can lead to recycled ideas or subpar execution that fails to capture attention. You don’t necessarily need the best of the best- but it helps. So, where exactly is the lack of resources?
Is it a lack of money to buy amazing equipment like the Avata 2? Do you think you only need your iPhone when in fact you actually need full-on camera gear? Are you hesitant to make any financial investments (products, tools, software, etc)? Do you lack time due to personal life and time focusing on other parts of your business? Is it due to a lack of staff to help out? What’s getting in the way?
Content Fatigue
It’s a lot of work, no matter what people say, and it’s not always as easy as a click of a button and a few hashtags- it really doesn’t work that way! Producing content at a constant rate can lead to burnout, making it difficult to come up with new and exciting ideas.
This is especially true if you’re trying to operate in niche markets where topics may feel limited (basically the more niche the more limited). Do you have a team? Do you have anyone you can rotate with?
Echo Chamber Effect
To a degree, it feels nice being in an echo chamber because it can feel fairly supportive, right? It’s easy to get stuck in an echo chamber, where you’re only exposed to ideas and perspectives that mirror your own. This can stifle creativity and prevent you from realizing the full potential of your content. Again, it can be nice, but it’s just not going to work for creativity.
So, it’s a good idea to focus on breaking free from this. Try and seek diverse perspectives by actively looking for ideas outside of your usual network, which might include attending conferences, participating in different industry forums, or collaborating with creatives. It can be uncomfortable, but it’s worth it!
Are You Overly Relying on Data?
This is really where businesses hurt their own business. Yes, analytics are important but you can’t always focus on just what the numbers say. Sure, it’s great for understanding what works and what doesn’t, but being too reliant on analytics can curb creative risk-taking. If you only stick to what the data says works, you may miss out on innovative opportunities.
Think of it this way; use data as a guide, not a rulebook. You have to allow room for intuition and creative hunches in your content strategy. Data doesn’t allow for experimentation, but you can.
How to Get That Spark Back
So, did anything mentioned above remind you of yourself? Are you afraid of failure? Thinking too much about data? Maybe you’re far too into your comfort zone. Whatever it is, just know there’s a way to fix it and get that creative spark back!
Take Some Inspiration from Your Community
Your local community and your customer base are rich sources of inspiration- you have to remember that! You’re going to have to engage with local events, trends, and discussions to spark ideas that resonate on a personal level with your audience. Why not focus on participating in community activities? This not only provides content ideas but also boosts your business’s local presence.
Keep an Idea Journal
Alright, so this might sound slightly childish, but it works! Singers do this with music, so why not do the same with your content ideas? Just think of it this way; inspiration can strike at the least expected moments. So that’s why you should think about keeping a journal or digital note-taking app handy to jot down ideas as they come, no matter how small or raw they seem.
Learn from Other Industries
Sometimes, the best creative ideas come from outside your own industry. Look at what companies in completely different fields are doing to engage their audiences. It might be a good idea to consider adapting their strategies to fit your niche can lead to surprisingly innovative content and open up new ways to engage your customers.
Is It Possible to Collaborate?
It might not always be possible, but if it is, just try and do this! Two heads are better than one, and a whole team brainstorming together is even better! This is why regular brainstorming sessions with your team can lead to a flurry of ideas, as different perspectives can spark thoughts you might not have considered on your own. Again, if you have a team, do this, if you don’t, then you can still do a brainstorming session alone.
Look for Diverse Prospectives
Depending on your niche, this could be a potential idea you could look into trying. So, why not consider inviting thoughts from people of different backgrounds, ages, and experiences that can dramatically widen your creative horizon? This diversity leads to a richer pool of ideas and experiences to draw from, ensuring your content resonates with a broader audience. Again, this isn’t going to work for all businesses, so it really depends on what you’re doing.
Are You Getting Enough Breaks?
Overworking is the nemesis of creativity. Never, ever try to do this! Seriously, you have to ensure that you and your team (if you have one) take regular breaks to refresh and recharge. Activities like walking, meditating, or engaging in a hobby can reset your brain and foster creativity. But it’s not just short breaks. Maybe take a break from work for a couple of days if you can.