As a social media strategist, I spend my days immersed in the world of content creation, helping businesses like yours thrive on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. But for those of you who prefer a hands-on approach to social media management, fear not! I’ve compiled a list of my favourite tools to streamline your content creation process and boost your online presence.

1. Google Trends

Before creating any social media content you need to spend time to understand WHAT you are going to create. What does your audience want to hear? What is your business message and what value are you giving the reader? Google Trends is a powerful tool to help with this process! It allows you to explore the popularity of search terms over your chosen length of time in a selected geographic area. By analysing trending topics and search queries, you can gain valuable insights into what your target audience is interested in and tailor your content accordingly.

Start by entering relevant keywords or topics related to your industry or niche. Google Trends will provide data on search interest over time, as well as related queries and topics. Use this information to identify emerging trends, brainstorm content ideas, and optimise your SEO strategy. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the results page showing related queries and related searches which might just give you some other gems to work with!

Benefits

• Stay ahead of the competition by capitalising on trending topics and search queries.
• Gain insights into your target audience’s interests and preferences.
• Identify seasonal trends and take advantage of timely opportunities for content creation.
• Improve your SEO strategy by targeting high-volume keywords and topics.

2. cANVA

Sign up for a free Canva account or upgrade to Canva Pro for access to additional features and premium templates (highly recommended and only $12.95 a month). Explore Canva’s extensive library of design elements, including fonts, graphics, and stock photos. Use drag-and-drop functionality to customise templates and create professional-looking designs in minutes.

Benefits

• User-friendly interface makes it easy to design eye-catching graphics and visuals.
• Extensive library of templates and design elements for every occasion.
• Collaboration features allow for seamless teamwork and feedback.
• Integration with social media platforms simplifies the process of sharing and publishing content.

3. pEXELS

You do not have to shoot all your own content! There are amazing options out there offering free stock images and videos like Pexels. Whilst you do not want to fill your feed with generic stock images it is a brilliant tool for stories and reels when you just need some background media.

Pexels is a popular platform for finding high-quality stock photos and videos for free. With a vast library of royalty-free media, it offers content creators a wealth of resources for enhancing their social media posts and marketing materials.

Explore Pexels’ collection of images and videos by searching for keywords or browsing through categories. Download assets directly from the website or use the Pexels app to access content on the go. Customise images with text overlays, filters, and other editing tools to create engaging visuals for your social media channels.

Benefits

• Extensive library of royalty-free stock photos and videos for commercial use.
• User-friendly interface with easy search and download functionality.
• High-quality media assets suitable for a wide range of social media platforms and marketing campaigns.
• Regularly updated content library with new images and videos added daily.

4. ChatGBT

Unless you have been living under a rock, you have heard of this one! ChatGBT is an AI-powered tool that offers a range of features many uses. But should be used with caution! With its intuitive interface and versatile functionality, ChatGBT is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to streamline their content creation process. Get started with ChatGBT by signing up for a free account and exploring its various features. Use the tool to brainstorm ideas, analyse industry trends, organise your data, help with copy and create data-driven content. The uses are extensive!

Benefits

• Versatile tool with multiple features for language checking, brainstorming, and data analysis.
• Intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate and use effectively.
• AI-powered algorithms provide accurate results and insights.
• Integration with other tools and platforms enhances workflow efficiency

Experiment with different settings and customisation options to tailor ChatGBT to your specific needs and preferences. Learn how to train your ChatGBT assistant with useful prompts to tailor it’s output to be better alligned with your business goals and messaging. And please, don’t just copy and paste, it’s over use of emojis and format is very evident when used. More tips on how to use AI in your marketing strategy here.

5. Capcut

Capcut is a comprehensive video editing tool that offers a range of features for creating professional-quality content. Whether you’re editing short clips for social media or full-length videos for your website, Capcut provides all the tools you need to bring your creative vision to life.

Download the Capcut app or access the desktop version to start editing your videos (both free!). Use the tool’s intuitive interface to trim, crop, and enhance your footage, add text overlays and captions, and apply visual effects and filters. Experiment with different editing techniques to create engaging content that resonates with your audience.

Benefits

• Wide range of editing tools and features for creating professional-quality videos.
• User-friendly interface with intuitive controls and customisable settings.
• Compatibility with various file formats and social media platforms.
• Regular updates and enhancements to keep pace with industry trends and user feedback.

While DIY social media content creation can be rewarding, it’s also time-consuming and complex, and this is just one part of it, we haven’t touched on strategy here. If you ever feel overwhelmed or ready to take your online presence to the next level, don’t hesitate to reach out. As a seasoned social media expert, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Contact me today to learn more about my social media management services and discover how I can help you achieve your business goals.