Top Tips for Finding Quality Content
When it comes to social media, content is still king. But not just any content: quality content. So how do you ensure that you are creating and posting quality content?
To answer this question, first let’s look at why quality content is so important. And then I will share with you my favorite places to find quality content.
Why does quality content matter?
What you post matters. People are watching what you post and forming opinions of you and your brand based on what you are posting. Your goal is to position yourself as a trusted expert in your field. Quality content builds trust and eventually that trust leads to relationships. This is why it is so important to be mindful of what you post. If you haven’t already done so, develop your brand and post intentionally around your brand values.
The best way to ensure that you’re posting quality content is to ask yourself, “would I share this if I saw it on my feed?” If the answer is yes, post it! If the answer is no, find a better topic! Don’t just post to post - post to share valuable information with your audience. Quality content doesn’t have to be flashy, it just has to be meaningful.
Different types of content
There are two different types of content: original content and curated content.Original content is anything you create yourself with your own original ideas. (Think blog, video or infographic.) Original content is powerful and you should aim for at least 1-2 posts of original content a week. Curated content is content that you find and share. This may be a meme or powerful graphic or a news article. You don’t have to create your own original content every time you post. There is power in becoming a trusted source of great curated content that speaks to your audience.
How to find quality content
Isn’t is a relief to know you don’t have to come up with all of this content on your own? There are already people around you sharing information about topics you and your audience are interested in. You don’t have to know it all - you just need to be able to find and become a source of quality content.
Here are some places to find quality content that you can either simply share or use as inspiration for your own original content.
Your inbox. Check your text messages, Facebook inbox and email. Look for FAQ’s and common topics, and use those to guide your posting. It’s what people are interested in, and they already see you as an expert on those topics. Make the most of it!
Industry sources. Turn to news sources, organizations, associations and bloggers to get the scoop on the latest trends that align with your brand. For example, if you are in real estate, you can turn to the National Association of REALTORS®, your state association, online forums and news sources like Inman Connect. Personally, I love health and wellness, so I always keep up with EWG, Wellness Mama and “I Read Labels for You.” I constantly get ideas and inspiration from them, and I enjoy sharing their content as well.
Social media. Use your feeds for inspiration! If you are looking for an article to share on Facebook, take a look at your Twitter or Linkedin feed. Instagram and Pinterest are both aspirational sites with inspiring images. Facebook Groups are great places to find popular topics among your peers and likeminded friends.
Your library. I am not talking about your local library (although that is probably another great source of ideas) but I am talking about your personal library. What books are you reading? What podcasts are you listening to? What conference or webinar have blown your mind lately? Share what you’re learning. If you’re finding value in it, chances are your audience will to. People love book and podcast recommendations, so sharing what you’re currently reading is a great way to start conversations. I have a stack of books on my nightstand and a long list to listen to on audible. How about you?
Personal experiences. Don’t underestimate the power of your journey. Sharing your own experiences encourages others to share their stories with you and builds deeper relationships. This is something I’m personally trying to do more of because it always leads to new connections and meaningful conversations.
Once you start to get your “sources” for quality content, save them! Bookmark them, put them on a Google Sheet, write them down - make it easy to find them again and again. Next, develop a system. Start a Google Sheet of curated ideas and ideas for original content. Then, once a month, move them over to your content calendar. This way you will never be trying to come up with an idea of what to post and you will always have a running list of quality content. You will end up with more ideas and sources than you have time to share – which helps ensure you are posting the best of the best. You may find inspiration or ideas in the most unexpected places – so get ready – and adjust your system as you go.
Remember, quality content is content that speaks to your audience. Ask yourself, is this post attracting the kind of person I want to work with? And remember, quality over quantity!
Where are your favorite places to find quality content that speaks to your audience? Let me know In the comments!