How to come up with content ideas when you’re feeling uninspired
Sometimes, life happens. And when it does, it usually happens hard.
We’ve all been there - staring at a blank screen, waiting for inspiration to strike, for the content ideas to hit, but it doesn’t, and they don’t. When life gets busy or overwhelming, it’s easy for content creation to slip down the list of priorities.
Recently, I’ve faced this myself. With my attention pulled in different directions, keeping up an online presence has felt like a chore. But in organic marketing, consistency matters. Even when inspiration is lacking, showing up - however minimally - can help maintain momentum and keep your efforts working for you.
So, how do you come up with content ideas when your creativity feels dried up?
Here are a few simple strategies to keep your content marketing ticking over without compromising your need for a breather.
Repurpose what you’ve already created
You don’t always have to reinvent the wheel. Some of your best content ideas might already exist - you just need to frame them in a fresh way.
Turn a blog into social media snippets: Break down a longer post into short, digestible tips or quotes for Instagram or LinkedIn.
Update an old post: Add new insights or context to a popular blog or social post and re-share it with your audience.
Create a round-up: Highlight your top-performing content in a single post, like “Our Most Helpful Tips for [Your Topic].”
Repurposing not only saves time but also maximises the value of your hard work.
Share a quick win
Not every post needs to be long or detailed. When time or inspiration is tight, focus on simplicity.
Answer a frequently asked question: Think about the common queries you get from clients and provide a concise answer.
Offer one actionable tip: Share a quick “how-to” that your audience can implement immediately.
Reflect on your day: A short post about something you’ve learned or observed can feel authentic and relatable.
These quick wins are easy to create and keep your audience engaged.
Let your audience create the content for you
Sometimes, the best content comes directly from your community.
Repost a glowing testimonial: Celebrate your clients’ successes while subtly reminding others of what you offer.
Share user-generated content: If someone tags your business or mentions your work, repost it with a thank-you.
Ask a question: Encourage engagement by asking your audience something relevant, then share the best responses.
This approach not only saves you time but also strengthens your connection with your audience.
Be honest about the pause
Transparency can go a long way. If you’ve been quieter than usual, acknowledge it - but frame it positively.
Write a short update: Let your audience know why you’ve stepped back, whether it’s to regroup, recharge, or focus on something important.
Focus on reflection: Share a lesson learned during your time away or a shift in perspective that’s shaping your business.
Honesty humanises your brand and reminds your audience that behind the content is a real person.
Keep it simple and keep it consistent
Feeling uninspired doesn’t mean you have to disappear (even though you might want to). By repurposing old content, sharing quick wins, engaging with your audience, or even acknowledging the pause, you can maintain consistency without overloading yourself.
Remember, organic marketing isn’t about being perfect - it’s about showing up in a way that works for you and that keeps you connected with your audience.
Whether it’s a simple post or a thoughtful update, every small step keeps your momentum alive.
So, the next time you’re staring at a blank screen, start with one of these content ideas. You might just surprise yourself with what you can create.
Need help finding clarity in your content marketing? Book a 1:1 marketing clarity call and solve those marketing headaches once and for all.
