Where to Find Content Ideas in the “Real” World
Written by Alexis Rodrigo
Previously, I shared two ways of getting content ideas online: through keyword research and through web 2.0 sites. This time, let’s explore how you can find topic ideas offline.
This is going to be lots of fun and, unlike doing research online, won’t make you all flabby 
Are you ready? Grab your purse and go to your favorite bookstore and take a look at…
Books
Books in your niche or market are a good source of content ideas. The table of contents will easily give you at least half a dozen new topics. Also take note of the blurb at the back cover of the book. This is where publishers typically highlight the most attractive parts or angle of the book. Take inspiration from there as well.
While you’re in the bookstore, pick up a few…
Magazines
Magazines are another good source of content ideas. They always strive to stay on top of a particular market, so magazines are a good source of fresh and current topics. Flip through the pages and skim the articles. You can also find topic ideas in advertisements and letters to the editor.
It’s also a good idea to read…
Newspapers
Newspapers are a good source of new developments and latest issues on a variety of topics. You may not always find one that’s directly related to your market or niche. However, you’ll easily find topics that are related to more general subject matter. For example, news about H1N1 can spark a content idea whether your niche is natural health, parenting, fitness, self-development or something else.
Similarly, you can find topic ideas from…
Television, radio and film
Again, the radio and TV news are a good source of content ideas about what’s happening in your market. But so are documentaries, talk shows and even purely fictional programs produced for entertainment. I once used American Idol as a take-off point for a client’s sales page – for a marketing product. Who would have thought?
Now if you really want to dominate a market, it’s time to attend…
Live seminars
Imagine being completely immersed in your niche for at least a couple of days. The seminar topics themselves will give you enough content fodder for a year of blogging. Also take note of the questions raised during open forums. Your readers probably have the same questions, too.
Now that you’ve had a taste of a live event, you should also try to go to…
Industry meetings and trade shows
These can be more serious than a live seminar, but just as inspirational for a content producer like you. The meeting agenda is a good source of content topics. You’ll also find plenty of raw material for your content from the meeting’s resolutions and recommendations.
Trade shows can introduce you to new products and services for your market. They’ll also alert you to emerging trends in your niche.
What Should You Be Looking For?
As you can see, you can mine the world around you for content ideas. It’s easiest to spot specific topics you can create content about. But don’t forget other people’s content that you can respond to. If you find new developments, trends and notable products on the horizon, report about them to your readers.
Even entertainment media can be a good way of sparking new ideas. Use them to find metaphors for something in your niche. Something like, “10 Online Marketing Lessons from the Twilight Saga.” Or, “How Tiger Woods Inspired Me to Become a Better Virtual Assistant.” Content like this shows off your creativity and ability to create compelling and unique content.
I hope this post inspires you to get away from the computer once in a while and engage with the world that’s around you. Remember, before you became a blogger (or online content producer), you were a person with a passion and interest for life. Don’t lose that.
What’s Your Offline Experience?
Have you ever gotten a brilliant idea for content from the offline world? If so, please post a comment below and tell us all about it.
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About the Author
Visit Lexi Rodrigo Online at: TheSavvyFreelancer.com
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