Anybody who has been in the world of content creation for some time knows that difficulties arise from time to time. Whether it be a classic case of writer’s block or a simple exhaustion of new angles and topics to cover, this frustration is more often than not the result of a lack of creative supply.

Being able to draw inspiration from a wide variety of places, ideas, people and platforms is essential for long-term content creation; those who fail to maintain these sources quickly burn out. To help you avoid this fate, we’re going to look at some of the sources from which the best content creators draw their inspiration and find new ideas for content.

Their Followers

It almost goes without saying, but any content relationship should be a two-way street. As you provide valuable information, insight and/or perspective to your audience, they too can provide you with a variety of new ideas and opportunities.

The best content creators know that listening to their followers is crucial for long-term stamina, community building and inspiration for new ideas. While it almost seems like a cliché to say “we care about what you think!”, pinging your website or social media presence with opportunities  for audiences to engage isn’t just about metrics: it helps motivate creators.

Their Competitors

When in doubt, take a peek. This rule is absolutely essential for content creators who are stuck in a rut or who otherwise feel like they’ve exhausted their creativity. We all have different perspectives and it is no different between rival content creators.

While plagiarizing is absolutely wrong and should never occur, spying on your competitors for new ideas and angles for content can be quite productive. You might discover a new way to cover a particular topic after analyzing your competitors’ blogs, or find a new opportunity for a marketing campaign. Whatever the case may be, great content creators do not let the competition’s hard work go to waste.

Their Networks

Content creators understand that the creation process is dynamic. Human interaction is also dynamic, and presents many chances to pick up on new ideas, angles, topics and projects. Through personal networks and more expansive networks such as social media, content creators are able to absorb different perspectives both within their own niche and across the spectrum.

Whether the content is evergreen or based on late-breaking news, the bombardment of unique content within their networks – while perhaps overwhelming for some – constantly keeps the creative juices flowing. As such, the best content creators understand the value of consistent immersion within their personal networks.

Their News Sources

Last but not least, content creators know that inspiration can strike anytime, anywhere. Even if your niche or topic has nothing to do with current events, pinging your website with fresh content can be stimulated by staying abreast of the latest news.

In some cases, content format may be where inspiration first begins. In other situations, a unique perspective on a news story may provide a comparable opportunity to discuss events within your own niche. There is no specific thing to look for when immersing yourself in a broad swath of news; it is the sheer amount of information and content that presents opportunities for all types of inspiration.

Inspiration seems to come and go for most people, and even the best content creators aren’t immune from that. Fortunately, you can tap into their resources for inspiring new ideas – and the best part is that everybody has these resources available to them!