Never Run Out of Social Media Ideas: Hacks for Community Leaders by Jono Bacon

Creating social media content can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to start. But fear not! By organizing your content into logical categories or "buckets," you can streamline your process and generate ideas quickly and effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on a video by Jono Bacon to help you master this technique and keep your social media game strong.

Identify Your Social Media Content Categories​

The first step in this process is identifying the main categories, or "buckets," for your content. Think about your audience’s interests and what types of posts they engage with the most. Here are a few examples to get you started:

• Product News: Updates and announcements about your products or services.
• Tips and Tricks: Helpful advice and how-tos that your audience can use.
• Event Promotions: Build anticipation for upcoming events.
• User-Generated Content: Share posts from your audience to build community.
• Behind-the-Scenes: Give a peek into your team’s daily activities and processes.

By defining these categories, you create a clear structure for your content, making it easier to come up with ideas.

Create a Content Table​

Next, you’ll want to organize your buckets into a content table. Tools like Coda, Notion, or Google Docs are great for this. Create a table with columns for each bucket and add rows for individual post ideas. This way, you can see all your potential posts at a glance.

Example Table:

Focus on Generating Ideas​

When brainstorming content, focus on one bucket at a time. This allows you to dive deep into each category and come up with specific, relevant ideas. Tools like ChatGPT can be incredibly helpful in this phase. Instead of drafting full posts right away, jot down a few words or a sentence to capture each idea.

Example:
For the "Tips and Tricks" bucket, you might write:

• "Quick tutorial on tool setup"
• "How to maximize efficiency with our product"
• "Troubleshooting common issues"

Develop and Schedule Posts​

Once you have a list of ideas, it’s time to develop and schedule your posts. Write the social media copy for each idea and attach any relevant images or videos. Use scheduling tools like SocialPilot to organize your posts and ensure they go live at the optimal times.

Example Workflow:

1. Develop the copy: "Excited about our new feature? Here’s a quick guide to get started!"
2. Attach a screenshot or tutorial video.
3. Schedule the post for a specific date and time.

Iterate and Improve​

Creating social media content is an ongoing process. Regularly review and refine your buckets and content ideas to keep them relevant and engaging. Don’t hesitate to share your buckets and ideas with team members for feedback and accountability. This collaboration can lead to even better content.

Tips for Improvement:

• Monitor engagement metrics to see which posts perform best.
• Adjust your content strategy based on feedback and analytics.
• Stay updated with trends to keep your content fresh and interesting.

Conclusion​

Using the bucket strategy for social media content can significantly streamline your process and enhance your productivity. By organizing your ideas into clear categories, generating focused content, and regularly reviewing and improving your strategy, you can create a steady stream of engaging posts that resonate with your audience. Remember, the key to successful social media content is consistency, creativity, and staying attuned to your audience’s needs.

Questions for Reflection:​

1. What are the primary interests of your audience, and how can you create buckets that cater to these interests?
2. How can you use tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm more effectively within each content bucket?
3. What metrics will you use to measure the success of your social media posts, and how will you adjust your strategy based on these insights?