Why Creating New Content Feels Like Trying to Herd Cats
If you’ve been feeling like standing out in the crowded universe of online content is harder than finding a matching sock in a dryer, trust me, you’re not alone. Consumers today have an avalanche of choices—articles to read, videos to stream, courses to enroll in, and of course, about a thousand types of pumpkin spice products to buy (because who doesn’t need pumpkin spice motor oil?).
As entrepreneurs, we’re bombarded with tips, hacks, and unsolicited advice on how to cut through the noise. Most of this advice involves “content marketing”—a fancy way of saying, “Create consistent content until your fingers cramp or your keyboard begs for mercy.” Sounds exhausting, doesn’t it?
But hey, take a deep breath. I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve to help reduce the stress of continually churning out fantastic content for your audience. Spoiler alert: You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes, all you need to do is slap on a fresh coat of paint and call it new!
How to Create New Content Using What You Already Have
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to be a creative genius 24/7. Instead of constantly inventing, try this wild idea—repurpose your existing content! Dust off those forgotten blog posts, videos, or articles and give them new life. Here’s how:
- Take a blog article and transform it into a video. (Or, go the other way around if you’re camera-shy.)
- Expand on an idea from old content. Dive deeper into a specific point to create something fresh and more detailed.
- Jazz up your title and introduction to catch the attention of a whole new crowd. First impressions win hearts!
- Turn that 2,000-word post into a quick, snappy “listicle”—just number your key points and cut out all the fluff.
- Make your article shine like a PowerPoint presentation; add some jaw-dropping visuals for extra pizzazz.
- Flip your free offer (or lead magnet) into a blog series or even a mini-course. Heck, why not go the other way and turn a blog post into an exclusive freebie?
- Upgrade those tired paragraphs by replacing them with clear and visually arresting article images.
You see, it’s all about the remix! Now, let’s take a look at how to put this recycling plan into motion without breaking a sweat.
A Simple 4-Step Plan for Creating New Content From Old Gems
I know what you’re thinking: “Great, now I have to dig through my dusty archives.” But trust me, it’s worth it. Here’s a foolproof four-step plan to help you extract gold from your existing content:
Step 1: Trash the Junk
Start with some tough love. Scroll through your old posts and ruthlessly toss out anything that’s irrelevant. Did you write a cringe-worthy post years ago about your now-defunct love for avocado toast? Yeah, it’s time to say goodbye to that one.
Step 2: Update the Good Stuff
Find articles or posts with potential and give them a facelift. Add current statistics, update any broken links, or expand that brief paragraph into an in-depth article. Use one of the ideas from earlier to make it shine again.
Step 3: Sprinkle New Ideas
Add a couple of fresh insights, tweak the title, and repackage the content to make it look brand new. It’s like flipping a house but with words (and way less drywall).
Step 4: Design Jaw-Dropping Visuals
Let’s face it—people love visuals. Sometimes, they love visuals so much that they forget to read the words. Create modern, engaging graphics that are so good, they stop viewers mid-scroll. Better yet, make your images the main attraction of the content! Who says words have to do all the heavy lifting?
Why Featured Graphics Are the Secret Sauce
Imagine opening a restaurant and forgetting to put out a sign or menu. That’s what it’s like to post an article without a prominent “featured graphic.” A strong graphic does multiple jobs: It grabs attention, communicates your topic at a glance, and sprinkles in some SEO magic by helping Google index your content better. The brighter and bolder, the better. Think of it as your content’s opening act, setting the stage for a performance your readers won’t forget!
Creating New Content: Why It’s Easier Than You Think
So, what’s the moral of our story? Creating new content doesn’t have to mean working until your keyboard files a restraining order. Sometimes, you just need to use what worked before and make it work even better now. Here are a few quick reminders:
- Find old blog posts that resonate with your audience and build on them.
- Update content based on what has changed in your industry, or cater to your evolving audience’s needs.
- Experiment with new styles and formats. Who wouldn’t love a throwback article turned into a snazzy infographic?
If It’s Not Eye-Catching, It’s Not Working
Visuals aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re essential. And I don’t mean slapping on some generic stock photos that scream, “I Googled this in two seconds.” I’m talking about unique, attention-grabbing custom graphics made easily with tools like The Graphics Creator. Trust me; your readers and search engine rankings will thank you.
FAQs About Creating New Content
Can I reuse old blog posts without hurting my SEO?
Absolutely! In fact, updating and republishing old posts can boost your rankings. Just make sure the information is fresh, and you use updated keywords and links.
What if my old content is terrible?
Well, not to put too fine a point on it, but trash it or overhaul it. If it’s beyond saving, start fresh. Otherwise, revive it with new edits and engaging visuals.
How do I know which old content is worth updating?
Check your analytics for posts that once performed well but haven’t seen much traffic lately. If it’s still relevant to your audience, it’s a keeper!
Do visuals really make a difference?
Oh, honey, they don’t just make a difference—they are the difference! People are visual creatures. The more appealing and relevant your visuals, the better.
Can I do this all myself?
Of course! Tools like The Graphics Creator make it easy to whip up professional-looking designs in no time. Or, you could bribe a talented friend with cookies—your call.
The Bottom Line
So there you have it—your golden ticket to creating new content that doesn’t drain your energy. Take a deep dive into your archives, polish up those hidden gems, and don’t forget to pair them with irresistible visuals. Now, go out there and wow your audience without breaking a sweat or overdosing on coffee. You’ve got this!
