Here are ten tips to help you create exciting content ideas for even the most boring niches.
1. First, change your perspective before you write anything. If you think it’s boring, your readers will, too. Everything is interesting if presented interestingly. It’s simply a matter of finding the right angles to submit your content. And the first step is to get fascinated by your topic so your enthusiasm will show in your writing.
2. Find the golden number nuggets. Dig out the industry statistics and find the fascinating bits that pull people into your story. Do you sell nails? How many pins go into building the typical house? Is your niche floor coverings? If you took all the carpet made in one month, how big of a city/state would it cover? Numbers fascinate when used in a way people can quickly grasp and share with others.
3. Use stories and anecdotes. Let’s say you sell instructions on how to refinish furniture. “14-year-old Annie was always shy, afraid to speak up, and withdrawn, lacking the confidence to do even the simplest things. Then she got our beginner’s instructions for refinishing simple antique chairs. Within a month, she’d finished her first project, and now a year later, she’s refinished over a dozen pieces, resold 9 for substantial profit that she’s put away for college, and kept or given away the rest of the pieces. Most importantly, she’s gained a new sense of accomplishment and confidence, which has spilled over into other areas of her life.” Wow, that’s pretty exciting!
4. Do a daily question and answer. Each day creates an “ask an expert” blog post or video in which you answer one question. Create interaction, likes, and shares by getting real people to ask questions through social media such as Facebook.
5. Talk about what’s wrong in your niche. Maybe legislation is pending that could hurt your industry, or someone in your place is ripping people off. Be the leader and speak up about it. You’ll capture your readers’ attention and likely get links from other sites as people join the conversation.
6. Promote a cause. Sometimes when you run out of things to say about your business and your niche, it’s time to look outside your business and find a reason to make your own. For example, a personal injury lawyer helping homeless puppies and kittens find new homes – that’s not only unexpected but also even warm and fuzzy – literally. And if your business is strictly virtual, you can still choose a cause and make it your own. Put real faces on it – furry or human – and tell why you and your business strongly support this cause. If you can choose a reason aligned with your business, so much the better. For example, a food niche might choose a program to feed the hungry, while a remodeling/building/decorating business might select something like Habitat for Humanity.
7. Hold content contests. Get your readers to create content based on your chosen keywords. The better the prize, the more entries you’re likely to get. Pick the top entries and then get them to get their friends to vote for the best one with retweets and Facebook shares. Publicize the contest to get more access, press, and backlinks.
8. Become a hub for industry content. Who says you need to write all of your website’s content yourself? Ask other industry leaders to contribute if they like.
9. Use images. I’ve said it before and will repeat it – people stay on your blog or website longer when you use interesting, compelling, and relevant photos.
10. Stretch. Okay, so your niche is car accessories – why not do an article on the top most fantastic cars in movies? Or maybe your niche is math tutoring – again, find a film that uses math and talk about it. It’s an excellent way for your audience to relate to your products.
Even the most mundane topics can become interesting – you must find the right angle to write about.
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