Feeling Stuck? Try These Content Ideas for Small Businesses.

July 15, 2024

Content helps you connect, right? It gives insights into your business, your personality, and your culture. But boy, can it be draining. And as awesome as AI is there are only so many times you can ask it for blog ideas for the exact same audience before it starts to sound the same.


So where do you get new content ideas and inspiration to attract and retain customers? And how do you keep your content fresh and relevant? Let’s dig into some sources and strategies to generate, curate, and hybridize content for your blog posts, articles, videos, and social media.


Ideas for Generating Original Content


One of the most reliable sources for original content ideas is customer feedback and questions. By monitoring your customer service emails, social media comments, and online reviews, you can gain valuable insights into what your audience cares about and what issues they need help with.


Content created this way is extra valuable because it:


  •         helps you address their concerns directly
  •         builds a sense of community and engagement around your brand (if it’s a great question, you can call them out on a video or podcast thanking them for the idea)
  •        provides rich material for SEO
  •        gives you an opportunity for your brand to provide value

Talk to your sales team about what potential customers need to know, where they get confused, and what they most often ask. Then look at the most frequently asked questions to your customer service team. Go through social media inquiries and emails. Answer the most popular questions through a variety of mediums including video, audio, blogs, articles, and social media posts. Depending on your industry and the depth of the questions, you may even consider creating a report from them.


Questions can also be a great source of humorous content just make sure when you are creating your own comedy that you’re not hurting someone’s feelings or making fun of them for asking a question. If you want to poke fun of anyone, make sure it’s at your own expense, not theirs.


Staying updated with the latest news in your industry is another effective way to generate content ideas. Following industry blogs, subscribing to newsletters, and joining relevant forums and social media groups can keep you informed about current trends and developments. This knowledge allows you to produce timely and relevant content that positions your brand as a thought leader. Don’t just parrot their stuff, give your take.


Consider creating listicles such as “10 Ways to Improve Your [Industry] Skills” or how-to guides like “Step-by-Step Guide to Using Our Product.”


Additionally, sharing a behind-the-scenes look at your business can create a more personal connection with your audience. Consider creating a day in the life of your team, the making of your products, or how you maintain quality. Again, it can be funny. Authentic behind-the-scenes content can humanize your brand and build trust.


Customer success stories and case studies are also powerful sources of content. Highlighting how your products or services have helped your customers provides social proof of your brand’s value and can serve as persuasive testimonials for potential customers.


Ways to Curate Valuable Content


You don’t have to do it all on your own. Curating content from other sources is an excellent way to keep your audience informed and engaged without having to produce everything from scratch. When you share something, make sure you explain why. It will give an added richness to the content.


Tools like Feedly, Pocket, or Flipboard can help you collect and share relevant articles, blog posts, and news stories. By curating content from reputable sources, you can position your brand as a knowledgeable and reliable resource in your industry.


Your social media feeds are another source of content for curation. By following influencers, industry leaders, and competitors, you can find and share posts that resonate with your audience. Create roundup posts with the best content from your feed to further enhance your brand’s credibility.


User-generated content is another valuable resource for curation. Encouraging your customers to share their experiences with your products/services on social media provides you with free, authentic content. Reposting their photos, videos, and testimonials (with proper credit) not only fills your content calendar but also builds a community around your brand.


Using Hybrid Content Strategies


Hybrid content strategies, which blend original and curated content, can be particularly effective. One such strategy is conducting interviews or inviting guest posts from industry experts, influencers, or satisfied customers. This not only brings fresh perspectives to your content, but also taps into the contributors’ audiences. Collaborating with industry influencers brings new perspectives, points of view, and personalities to your content. Look for influencers who align with your brand values, target audience, and industry niche.


Collaborating with other brands for co-branded content is another hybrid strategy worth exploring. Joint blog posts, videos, or social media campaigns with complementary businesses can expand your reach and introduce your brand to new audiences.


Repurposing your content is a practical hybrid strategy that maximizes the value of your existing content. For example, a well-performing blog post can be transformed into a video, infographic, or a series of social media posts. This allows you to reach different audience segments across various platforms without having to create new content from scratch. Additionally, if you got good traction on a piece from several years ago, look to how you might freshen it up. Don’t have the time? AI can help.


Creative Places for Content Ideas

You don’t have to be all business in your content inspiration. Try these ideas.


Finding Inspiration in Pop Culture


Your audience are people first and foremost. They listen to music, watch movies, binge TV shows, and may even play video games. Tapping into pop culture helps you find common ground and relate on a human level (as appropriate for your target audience). One way to do this is to tap into what’s current right now — the latest TikTok craze or hot news story. That’s a good tactic for social media posts, where you can make a quick reference before the fad passes. For blog content, look for topics that are more evergreen. Pop culture titans like Taylor Swift, Star Wars, and Tom Brady have inspired plenty of colorful content that has a little more staying power than Chewbacca mom or a colored dress.


When It’s About You, Make It About Them


Interactive social media posts such as polls asking “Which of Our Products Do You Love the Most?” or contests and giveaways can drive engagement and increase your reach. Posting quotes and tips related to your products can also keep your social media channels vibrant and engaging.


Tapping into Internal Resources


Employees are a treasure trove of knowledge, expertise, and unique perspectives. Encourage them to contribute to your content creation efforts by sharing their insights, experiences, and ideas. Seek out your social-media-savvy employees and come to them with specific asks. Show appreciation by recognizing and rewarding their contributions to your content marketing efforts. Whether it’s through public recognition, incentives, or professional development opportunities, acknowledging the value employees bring to your content strategy will encourage continued participation.


Leveraging AI for Brainstorming


In case you missed the last two years of headlines, AI is already changing the way marketers work. It’s ideal to jumpstart your creative brain if you’re feeling stuck. Ask a program like ChatGPT to help you brainstorm ideas for your blog, social media, or other medium. Tell it who your audience is, the type of content you want, and any themes you want to include. Goals help too. For example, you could ask, “Help me come up with creative ideas for blog posts to get more readers. My company sells biscuits, and our target audience is 30-50-year-old business professionals with a weight problem. Include pop culture references that would resonate with that demographic.” This kind of prompt can generate unique and relevant ideas that you can further refine and develop.


By using a mix of your own content, curating from others, and creating hybrid work, you can keep your audience engaged and your brand relevant. Remember, the key is to provide value, be authentic, stay consistent, and occasionally make them laugh.


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Christina Metcalf is a writer/ghostwriter who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She loves road trips, hates exclamation points, and is currently reading three books at once.

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Medium: @christinametcalf

Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking

Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor

LinkedIn: @christinagsmith

The Smarter Way to Grow Customer Value

April 15, 2025
Growth isn't about getting more leads—it's about making more of the customers you have. Alex Hormozi's Four R's—Retain, Review, Refer, Resell—focus on post-purchase impact. Traditional marketing builds attention. Hormozi's model builds revenue. Combine both strategies for stronger loyalty, social proof and long-term profitability. Focus on what happens after the sale—it’s where the real growth begins. 623 words ~ 3 min. read You’re working harder than ever to win new customers—but revenue still feels flat. The problem isn’t reach. It’s what happens after the sale. That’s the insight behind entrepreneur and author Alex Hormozi’s approach to business growth. While traditional marketing focuses on building awareness and brand image through the classic Four R’s— Reach, Reputation, Renew and Refer —Hormozi shifts the focus to what drives real revenue: Retain, Review, Refer, Resell. Don’t Just Fill the Funnel—Squeeze It Traditional marketing strategies are built to attract leads. They’re critical, especially for new or growing businesses. But without a strong back end, you’re pouring new leads into a leaky funnel. Hormozi’s model aims to fix the leak and turn one-time buyers into long-term profit centers. Here’s how each step works: Retain: Loyalty Is the Real Growth Hack Customer retention is one of the most reliable ways to increase profitability. A Harvard Business Review study found that improving retention by just 5% can boost profits by up to 95%. Businesses often overinvest in attracting new customers while underinvesting in the ones they already have. Retention means strengthening relationships and solving problems before they cause churn. Review: Let Your Customers Sell for You Social proof sells. According to BrightLocal, 98% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses. Reviews build trust, shorten sales cycles and improve conversion rates. Hormozi’s advice? Make it easy for customers to leave reviews, and make sure those reviews are visible. Refer: Turn Fans Into a Growth Engine Referral programs aren’t new—but most aren’t executed well. A structured, incentivized referral system brings in leads who already trust your brand. Referred customers typically convert faster and stay longer, making them more profitable over time. Resell: Serve More, Sell More It’s easier to sell to an existing customer than to a new one. Yet many businesses stop after the first transaction. Hormozi emphasizes the importance of upselling, cross-selling and solving additional customer needs. Your warmest leads are already in your pipeline—keep serving them. A Real-World Example Consider a local fitness studio. Instead of spending thousands each month on paid ads, they focused on automating reviews and rewarding referrals. Six months later, their revenue had doubled without increasing lead volume. The secret? Maximizing the value of their existing customer base. Combine the Old and the New This isn’t about ditching traditional marketing—it’s about completing the strategy. Use Reach and Reputation to build awareness, then activate Hormozi’s Retain-Review-Refer-Resell loop to drive repeat value. Here’s a quick comparison: Marketing R's: Reach → Reputation → Renew → Refer Growth R's: Retain → Review → Refer → Resell Together, these models form a full-circle approach: Attract, deliver, retain, and expand. Try This: One R at a Time This week, choose one of the Four R’s and put it into practice. Start with Retain: What would make your best customers stay three months longer? Growth doesn’t just come from new eyes—it comes from deeper relationships. It’s time to stop chasing leads and start growing value.  --- The Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.

How to Turn Small Talk Into Big Opportunities

April 15, 2025
Let’s be real. Elevator pitches can feel like a late-night infomercial–a robotic recitation of what your business does with an added exclamation point at the end. But for business owners and sales professionals, every interaction is an opportunity. A truly effective elevator pitch transcends mere information delivery. It's about forging genuine connections that can blossom into leads, partnerships, and lasting relationships. It's about making those precious few seconds count, not just for what you say, but for how you make the other person feel. What most people get wrong in their elevator pitch is that they make it sound like a commercial and all about them, when it should be about your audience. Forget the rigid templates and the pressure to cram every detail into a thirty-second spiel. This isn’t about broadcasting; it’s about initiating a conversation. The key lies in shifting your focus from simply explaining your business to creating a spark of interest and establishing a human connection. If you take nothing else from this article know that: the pitch must ignite interest The Psychology of Connection in Brief Interactions Humans are wired for connection. Even in brief encounters, we subconsciously seek common ground, shared values, and genuine interest. Your elevator pitch should tap into this innate desire. Instead of launching into a list of features and benefits, start with a relatable problem you solve or a shared passion that drives your business. Think about your ideal client or contact. What are their pain points? What are their aspirations? Craft an opening that acknowledges their world and subtly positions your business as a potential solution or a valuable resource. This approach immediately makes the interaction less transactional and more empathetic. Storytelling Elements That Resonate While quick is crucial, weaving in a concise narrative “elevates” your pitch. Instead of saying, “We offer marketing solutions,” try something like, “I help small business owners who are overwhelmed by social media finally find a consistent way to connect with their customers and grow their brand. I saw my own sister struggle with this, and that’s why I started [Business Name].” This personal touch and the hint of a story make your pitch more memorable and relatable. Focus on the why behind your business. What motivates you? What impact do you hope to make? Sharing a sliver of your passion can create an emotional resonance that facts and figures alone can't achieve. Tailoring Pitches to Different Personality Types Not everyone responds to the same approach. Observe the person you're speaking with. Are they direct and results-oriented? Focus on the tangible benefits and your track record. Are they more relationship-focused? Emphasize collaboration and shared values. Having a few variations of your pitch allows you to adapt to different personalities and contexts. Practice delivering each version so it feels natural and authentic, rather than forced. The Importance of Active Listening Post Delivery Your elevator pitch isn't a monologue; it's the opening line of a potential dialogue. Pay close attention to the other person's reaction. Are they asking questions? Are they nodding in understanding? Are they looking over your shoulder to be bailed out of the conversation the moment they see someone they know? Use their cues to guide the conversation. Be prepared to elaborate on specific points that pique their interest. This shows you're genuinely engaged and interested in their needs, not just delivering a pre-rehearsed script. A thoughtful question in return can further deepen the connection and open doors for future interaction. Ultimately, a successful elevator pitch is less about perfection and more about authenticity. It's about conveying your passion, highlighting your value, and making a genuine connection in a short amount of time. By focusing on building rapport and leaving a lasting impression, you transform a brief encounter into a potential steppingstone for long-term growth and meaningful relationships. So, ditch the robotic recitation and embrace the art of the connection – and your pitch will get you all the way to the top floor. ------------ Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle , rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Medium: @christinametcalf Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinagsmith

AI Isn’t Replacing SEO—It’s Redefining It

April 7, 2025
Google's AI-generated search summaries shift SEO from rankings to relevance. Local businesses must prioritize clarity, context, and authority in their content. Structured data, featured snippets, and site experience now influence AI visibility. Building topical depth helps businesses become the trusted source AI turns to. Winning SEO in 2025 means answering questions—not just attracting clicks. 581 words ~ 3 min read The SEO landscape is changing—and fast. But contrary to what you may have heard, SEO isn’t dead. It’s getting smarter, thanks to AI. Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) is a prime example. Instead of simply listing websites, Google now displays AI-generated summaries in response to user queries. These summaries pull from what the algorithm sees as the most trustworthy and relevant content—and that means your business needs to think differently about how it shows up online. This evolution is especially important for local businesses . A potential customer may never scroll down to your link if Google’s AI answers their question up top. But if your content is included in that summary? You’re not just visible—you’re the answer. What’s Changing?  Traditional SEO focused on keywords, backlinks, and meta tags. Today, search engines use AI to understand intent , not just terms. That means creating human-first content that clearly answers questions, reflects authority, and builds trust. Instead of writing for algorithms, businesses now need to write for clarity. AI doesn’t reward keyword stuffing—it elevates content that solves problems. Think of it this way: SEO used to be about getting found. Now, it’s about being useful. Case in Point A local HVAC company in Texas revamped its FAQ and service pages to clearly address customer pain points like “Why is my AC leaking?” and “How fast can you repair an AC unit in summer?” They added schema markup and structured headers. Within weeks, their content began appearing in AI-generated summaries. Bookings rose 22%—and their brand authority grew along with it. Your AI-Ready SEO Checklist Here are four moves your business can make today: Optimize for Featured Snippets Structure your content to answer common customer questions clearly and concisely. Use headers, lists, and direct answers. Build Topical Authority Group your content into clusters—blogs, FAQs, videos—that cover a topic deeply. This signals to AI that your site is a credible source. Enhance User Experience Fast load times, mobile optimization, and easy navigation aren’t just good UX—they’re now ranking signals. Use Structured Data (Schema Markup) Help search engines understand your content. Schema tags tell AI what your page is about—and how it fits user intent. Why This Matters for Your Business AI is changing the way customers find and choose businesses. If your content isn’t being surfaced in AI summaries, you risk losing visibility—even if your site ranks on page one. But this isn’t a threat. It’s an opportunity. Businesses that provide clear, trustworthy answers to common questions will not only stay visible—they’ll become the go-to experts in their space. And for Chamber members , this shift is a competitive edge. Most small businesses aren’t yet adapting to AI-driven search. By moving early, you stand out. What to Do Now ✅ Review your website’s top-performing pages. ✅ Ask: Do they clearly answer your customers’ most common questions? ✅ If not, update them with clarity, structure, and supporting content. ✅ Add schema markup where possible. ✅ Improve mobile speed and user experience SEO isn’t just about being found. It’s about being trusted. In the AI era, businesses that earn that trust—through clear, quality content—will lead the way. --- The Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.