Reviving Your Content Strategy: How to Break Free from a Content Slump in the New Year

Reviving Your Content Strategy: How to Break Free from a Content Slump in the New Year

In the dynamic world of online content creation, maintaining a consistent and engaging presence has always been a top priority for me. However, like many content creators, I’ve faced those challenging moments when inspiration seems elusive and the dreaded content slump takes hold. Whether it’s writer’s block, a lack of fresh ideas, or the feeling of being overwhelmed, these slumps can certainly hinder our progress.

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But as the new year unfolds, I’ve come to appreciate it as the perfect opportunity to shake off the cobwebs, reignite my creative spark, and breathe new life into my content strategy. In this comprehensive guide, I’m excited to share the strategies and practical tips that have helped me break free from those content slumps and reinvigorate my online presence.

Join me as we explore the signs of a content slump, how to rediscover your creative edge, the importance of content planning and organization, and innovative ways to engage your audience. 

Whether you’re an experienced content creator or just starting out, this guide will provide you with the tools and inspiration you need to kickstart your content strategy and thrive in the year ahead.

Together, we’ll embark on this journey, and by the end of this post, you’ll have a clear roadmap for reviving your content strategy and achieving the online success you’ve been striving for. It’s time to turn the page and start anew, so let’s dive into your content revival journey!

The Reason For the Slump or The Fear

Before we even get started about how you can revive yourself from a creative slump, let’s talk about what genuinely got you here in the first place. I want to delve into some factors that can contribute to content slumps or discourage creators from sharing their content, as I’ve been through every single one of these multiple times over!

1. Perfectionism: I’ve been there—I used to obsess over every detail, aiming for perfection in every video. But I’ve learned that imperfections are what make us human, and they can even add charm to our content. Embracing imperfection has boosted my creativity. It allows me to be free and be even more of myself on camera, too!

2. Comparison Trap: I’ve caught myself scrolling through other creators’ content, feeling like I’m not measuring up. I have also heard this one from many of our students in our memberships! It’s essential to remember that we all have unique styles and journeys. Instead of comparing, I focus on my own progress and celebrate my growth. I’ve also learned that that trusting my own gut and my own direction will always make a way for me to win in my own way in the end!

3. Fear of Criticism: It’s completely normal to worry about criticism. I used to fear negative feedback and if we’re being completely honest… It kept me back for a long time! This was one of the bigger issues for me! As a recovering people pleaser, I had to learn that the longer I kept myself back, I wouldn’t accomplish the things that I really desired to accomplish. I’ve come to realize that constructive criticism can be a valuable tool for improvement, and I’ve also learned to decipher and ignore criticism that I know isn’t constructive at all. It’s all part of the learning process.

4. Overthinking Content Strategy: Sometimes, I’ve found myself overthinking my content strategy, trying to plan every detail. But I’ve learned that taking action and adjusting as I go can be more productive. Flexibility in planning keeps the creative flow alive.

Is this you? Focusing too much on strategy can keep you stuck in the worst way! Remember, what you have to say is very important! Someone needs to hear what you have to say, just the way that you need to say it! Take action, and strategy can always come after. Some action is always better than none.

5. Burnout: I’ve experienced burnout firsthand when I pushed myself too hard. Burnout not only affects creativity but also overall well-being. Now, I prioritize self-care and balance in my content creation journey.

6. Lack of Clarity: Without a clear vision or purpose, I felt lost at times. Defining my goals and audience has given my content a sense of direction and meaning.

7. Overemphasis on Metrics: I’ve been guilty of obsessing over likes and views. While metrics matter, they don’t define my worth as a creator. I focus on creating content I’m proud of, knowing that growth takes time.

8. Negative Self-Talk: Negative self-talk used to hold me back. Instead of self-criticism, I’ve learned to be kind to myself and acknowledge my strengths and growth.

9. Isolation: Isolation can drain creativity. Engaging with fellow creators, attending events, and seeking support from my creative community have been invaluable for staying inspired.

10. Lack of Variety: Sticking to the same content format or topics got monotonous. Experimenting with different styles and exploring new subjects breathed fresh life into my content.

11. External Pressures: Balancing creative vision with external pressures hasn’t always been easy. Finding that sweet spot where I stay true to my passion while meeting obligations has been a learning curve.

Addressing these personal challenges and sharing your experiences can resonate with other creators facing similar struggles. It’s about acknowledging the journey, growth, and shared experiences within the creative community.

Rekindling Your Creative Spark in Video Content

As a video content creator and coach, there are times when my creative spark flickers and I find myself in a content slump. It happens to the best of us! The good news is that there are ways that have personally worked for me to reignite that spark and get back to making awesome videos. 

Here’s what I’ve found helpful:

1. Explore New Ideas: Whenever I’m feeling stuck, I like to explore new ideas by watching videos from other creators. It’s like going on a creative adventure. Reading books or just taking a walk in nature can also provide a fresh perspective that sparks new video concepts.

2. Rediscover Your Passions: I’ve realized that creating videos about topics I’m truly passionate about is a game-changer. When I tap into my passions, my enthusiasm shines through in my videos, making them more engaging and enjoyable to create.

3. Keep a Video Idea Journal: This is a habit that I swear by. Whenever I have a cool idea or a sudden burst of creativity, I jot it down in my video idea journal. Then, when I hit a content slump, I can turn to my journal for a treasure trove of inspiration.

4. Engage with Your Audience: I’ve learned that my audience is a fantastic source of ideas. I ask them what they’d like to see in my videos or what questions they have. Their input not only gives me content ideas but also strengthens my connection with my viewers.

5. Experiment with Different Styles: Stepping out of my comfort zone and experimenting with different video styles, formats, or editing techniques has often injected new life into my content. It keeps things exciting and encourages me to keep learning and growing as a creator.

6. Collaborate with Others: Collaborations have been a game-changer for my creativity. Partnering up with fellow video creators, brainstorming ideas together, and creating something amazing as a team can be incredibly inspiring.

7. Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care: It’s essential not to burn out. When I’m feeling overwhelmed or stuck, I take breaks, do things I enjoy, and practice self-care. It’s amazing how stepping back and recharging can reignite my creative fire.

Remember, experiencing content slumps is entirely normal, and it’s all part of the creative journey. By exploring new ideas, engaging with your audience, and taking care of yourself, you can rekindle your creative spark and get back to making awesome videos.

In the next section, I’ll share how I plan and organize my video content to stay on track and inspired.

Content Planning and Organization

Planning and organization are the backbone of a successful video content strategy. Over the years, I’ve discovered that having a well-thought-out plan not only keeps me on track but also fuels my creativity. 

Here’s how I approach content planning and organization:

1. Create an Editorial Calendar: One of my go-to strategies is creating an editorial calendar. It’s like a roadmap for my content journey. I plan out my video topics, release dates, and any special themes or events in advance. This helps me stay consistent and ensures I always have fresh content ideas on the horizon.

I show the exact planner I use in this video below:

2. Set Achievable Content Goals: Setting realistic goals for your video content is essential. I define clear objectives for each video or series, whether it’s to educate, entertain, or inspire my audience. These goals guide my creative process and keep me focused. It helps me to create content that attracts the people that I desire to service in my business, even with a smaller YouTube channel or instagram account.

3. Break Down Large Projects: Sometimes, tackling a big video project can feel overwhelming. That’s when I break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. It not only makes the process less daunting but also allows me to maintain a steady workflow. When this became overwhelming, along with all the other things that go along with running a business, I hired help for aspects of my content creation as well.

4. Schedule Dedicated Creation Time: Consistency is key in the world of video content creation. Do you know what changed the game for me years ago? Making time to create content. I used to set aside dedicated time for scriptwriting, filming, editing, and other production tasks, and I want to be even more intentional with this process in this coming year. Having a schedule ensures I make progress on my content regularly, and it’s one of the things that can completely change the game for you and your business.

5. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: While consistency is crucial, I’ve learned that quality should never be compromised. Honestly, I’m also seeing this in the general conversations with creators online who are tired of creating short form content. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that there isn’t quality short-form content out there, but a lot of content creation became only about getting views. This ended up diluting the quality of content because of the desired outcome. I’d rather create fewer high-quality videos than rush through many mediocre ones, searching for views only. Quality content resonates with your audience and builds trust. When creating content, always keep in mind who you are creating for.

6. Stay Flexible: While planning is essential, I also leave room for flexibility. Sometimes, last-minute ideas or trends emerge, and it’s important to adapt and seize those opportunities. This is where I use live streaming as a way to connect and communicate with my audience as well!

7. Revisit and Optimize Old Content: Revisiting and optimizing older videos can breathe new life into your channel. I periodically review my older content, update information, improve thumbnails, and add new insights or perspectives. I did this with a studio tour recently (link to studio tour video), and it’s exciting to see! People always want updates and such!

8. Keep an Idea Bank: I maintain an idea bank for those moments when inspiration strikes. It’s a digital or physical space where I store content ideas, resources, and even potential collaborations. This way, I always have a pool of ideas to draw from. While writing this remembered that I need to make a video on how my husband and I learned to run a business together! I’m excited to make a video about that because I feel like it can be super helpful!

9. Stay Organized: Organization is a time-saver. I keep my files, assets, and resources neatly organized to minimize distractions and streamline the creative process. This also helps when you are working with others so that you’re able to easily hand off parts of the project as well! I recently created a whole folder of photos so that we can have options when getting our thumbnails made on fiverr!

Effective content planning and organization not only help me stay inspired but also ensure I deliver valuable content to my audience. By creating an editorial calendar, setting achievable goals, and maintaining flexibility, I can keep the creative juices flowing while staying on track.

In the next section, we’ll explore the concept of content refresh and repurposing—how to breathe new life into your existing video content.

Content Refresh and Repurposing: A Creative Lifeline

As video creators, we all encounter those challenging moments when inspiration seems elusive and the content well runs dry. But what if I told you that your solution might be hiding in plain sight within your existing video library? 

Enter the powerful world of content refresh and repurposing—a lifeline for creators in the midst of a content slump. In this section, I’ll share how you can not only reinvigorate your video content but also create depth and relevance that captivates your audience. 

By taking a fresh look at your previously created content, you can uncover untapped potential, build a stronger foundation, and discover new pathways to creativity. 

We’ll explore strategies to breathe new life into your videos, transforming them into valuable assets that keep your viewers engaged and eager for more. From crafting insightful follow-up videos to repurposing content for different platforms and formats, we’ll explore the tools and techniques that can help you not only overcome creative blocks but also build a lasting connection with your audience. 

So, let’s dive into the world of content refresh and repurposing and unlock the boundless possibilities it holds for your content journey!

Unlocking the Power of Content Refresh and Repurposing

In the dynamic world of video content creation, I’ve often faced those challenging moments when inspiration seems elusive and the content well runs dry. Content refresh and repurposing have been my secret weapons to combat content slumps and build a stronger foundation for my viewers. 

Here’s how I make it happen, along with some real-life examples:

1. Content Assessment: I kick off by reviewing my existing video library. For instance, I once had a video about “How I Use Clockify Time Tracker to Make More Money $$$ By Managing My Time” that performed well a year ago but needed an update. I noticed new time-management techniques, so I planned to refresh the content with the latest strategies, improve the video quality, and update the thumbnail to make it more appealing. 

2. Create Sequels and Follow-Ups: Building on the success of my existing videos has been fruitful. For example, I had a video on “How to Make a Workbook In Canva” that garnered lots of views. To capitalize on its popularity, I created a follow-up series diving deeper into specific tutorials like “How To Use Video In Canva” and “How to Use Canva for Webinars Using The New Presentation View.”

3. Repurpose Across Platforms: Repurposing content across platforms has expanded my reach. After creating a video tutorial on “Create, Edit, and Repurpose Video Content with Descript!!” I transcribed the content and turned it into a detailed blog post on my website. This allowed me to reach both video enthusiasts and blog readers.

4. Explore New Formats: Experimenting with different content formats has been eye-opening. I transformed a popular video tutorial on “COMPLETE Guide to Creating VIDEOS For Your Online Course Business | FULL MASTERCLASS” into a searchable guide with complete step-by-step instructions and visual references on how to find the best equipment for video recording. This provided my audience with a downloadable resource they could reference anytime.

5. Engage Your Audience: Engaging my audience has been crucial. After sharing an Instagram reel on “Why I had to stop being a people-pleaser,” it inspired me to create the Brave Creator Secret Podcast, where I could dive deeper into topics like this. The podcast has now been added as a special bonus to the Brave on Video Membership to further nurture their growth. Where I can encourage them to share their own productivity tips through comments and emails. Their feedback led to more content ideas and enriched discussions.

6. Monitor Performance: To refine my approach, I closely monitor the performance of my refreshed and repurposed content. For instance, I track engagement metrics for my repurposed social media clips, adjusting the content based on which formats resonate most with my audience.

7. Stay Consistent: Incorporating content refresh and repurposing into my overall strategy has been key. I consistently revisit my content library, seeking opportunities for improvement and expansion. This approach ensures that my audience receives valuable, evergreen content.

By following these steps and applying these examples, I’ve not only breathed new life into my existing videos but also created a strong and engaging foundation for my viewers. It’s time for you to unleash the full potential of your content library and reignite your creative spark. Let’s dive into each of these strategies in detail in the sections that follow!

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