The One Tool You Need for Content Creation

Content creation is a must for growing your coaching business, but let’s be real, coming up with fresh content ideas can feel overwhelming. If you’re a coach in your “second act,” you might juggle client sessions, family, and a million to-dos, wondering when inspiration will strike.

Ever had a brilliant idea for a blog post while waiting in the Starbucks drive-thru, only to forget it by the time you got your latte? Or maybe a client asked an insightful question on a Zoom call that absolutely deserved a follow-up post but you didn’t write it down and it vanished from memory. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and there’s a simple (even old-fashioned) habit that can save the day: carrying a notebook with you at all times.

This practical guide will explore how a humble notebook can become your secret weapon for better content creation. Grab your favorite pen and let’s dive in.

The Content Creation Struggle Is Real

Creating content consistently is hard. You know content creation is crucial for attracting clients and showing off your expertise, but staring at a blank screen thinking “What do I post now?” can be intimidating. Many coaches feel overwhelmed by the pressure to churn out engaging blogs, videos, and Instagram posts nonstop. It can seem like younger influencers have a magic tap of endless ideas, while you’re stuck battling the blinking cursor.

Here’s a secret: even experienced creators struggle with idea droughts. The difference is, they’ve learned how to capture ideas whenever and wherever inspiration strikes. The truth is, your best ideas probably won’t show up when you schedule them. They tend to pop up at odd times, in the shower, during your morning walk, in the car pickup line at your kid’s school. If you don’t snag those ideas the moment they appear, they may slip away forever.

Inspiration Strikes Anywhere – Be Ready with a Notebook

Since genius can strike at any time, the key is to be prepared. That’s where carrying a notebook comes in. Yes, an old-school, paper notebook , the kind with actual pages. It might sound almost too simple, but this little habit is a game-changer for content creation. Whenever an idea, insight, or question pops into your brain, jot it down immediately. Don’t assume you’ll remember it later. Our busy brains have a way of moving on.

Why a physical notebook in the era of smartphones? Here are a few reasons this low-tech tool supports your content creation better than any app:

• Always at the ready: A pocket-sized notebook doesn’t need Wi-Fi, a charger, or boot-up time. It’s ready whenever you are even on a plane or at the park. Simple and accessible means you’ll actually use it.
• No digital distractions: Ever open your phone to jot an idea and get derailed by notifications? With a notebook, there are no pop-ups. You can capture your thought without falling down a social media rabbit hole.
• Boosts clarity and memory: Writing by hand forces you to crystallize your thoughts into words, helping you clarify fuzzy ideas. Research backs this up; writing notes by hand engages more of your brain than typing.
• It’s brief and freeing: You don’t need to write a novel in your notebook, just a quick phrase or outline. A small notebook encourages short, punchy notes that capture the essence of an idea without overthinking.

Carrying a notebook can even become part of your coach persona. It signals to you and others that you’re a constant creator. In fact, many successful leaders and creatives are known for carrying notebooks everywhere they go. If it works for them, it can work for you.

Your Audience’s Questions = Content Gold

Now that you’ve got your notebook ready, let’s talk about what to write in it. One of the richest sources of content ideas for coaches is your own audience. Every day, your clients, prospects, and followers are handing you topics through their questions, comments, and challenges.

Start writing down the questions people ask you in coaching sessions, webinars, social media DMs, and emails. Big or small, every question is potential content gold. For example, if a client asks, “How do I stay motivated when I feel stuck?” you’ve got a perfect blog post or video topic. Jot it down. If multiple people keep mentioning they struggle with work-life balance, note that pattern. It’s telling you what your audience wants to learn.

Need ideas? Try these:

• Frequently asked questions: Anytime you catch yourself answering the same question more than once, write it down.
• Common pain points or fears: Your clients’ struggles are fuel for valuable content.
• Success stories and wins: Did a client share a big win or breakthrough? Jot it down and consider how you might share the story.
• Exact words they use: Write down phrases or quotes your clients use. This helps you speak their language and build content that resonates.

When you mine your audience’s questions and experiences, you’ll never run out of relevant content ideas that connect deeply.

Capture Your Insights and “Aha!” Moments

Audience input is fantastic, but many of your best content ideas will also spring from your own insights and experiences – often when you least expect them. Maybe you’re on a morning jog and suddenly an analogy between running and entrepreneurship pops into your head. Perhaps you’re cooking dinner and a coaching tip comes to mind.

These little moments are gold for content creation, if you catch them. This is why keeping your notebook close is crucial. It encourages you to be an always-on observer of life, ready to write down inspiration before it fades.

Treat your notebook like an extension of your brain. Anytime you have a personal epiphany, scribble it down. It might be a lesson learned, a quote from a podcast, or even a random idea. Don’t judge the idea, just get it on paper. You can refine or expand on it later.

You can also elaborate on your notes during idle moments. Waiting at the doctor’s office? Doodle a quick framework for a new idea. Sitting in the car during practice? Flesh out a story about a challenge you overcame. The simple act of journaling ideas often leads to more ideas.

From Scribbles to Content: How to Turn Notes into Posts

You’ve been jotting down audience questions, insights, and ideas in your notebook. Now what? Here’s how to turn those scribbles into real content pieces:

• Review your notebook regularly. Set aside time each week to revisit your notes. Highlight or star ideas that still resonate.
• Pick one idea and develop it. Choose a note and build it into a piece of content. Outline it, brainstorm talking points, and give it structure.
• Look for patterns and themes. Notice recurring topics in your notes. Combine related ideas into a content series or lead magnet.
• Move from paper to publish. Use your notebook notes as a starting point to draft blog posts, social content, videos, or podcast outlines. You’re never starting from scratch.
• Keep the habit going. The more you capture, the easier content creation becomes. You’ll have a bank of ideas to pull from anytime.

When you follow this process, your scribbles become powerful content that builds your brand, connects with your audience, and helps you show up consistently.

Ready to Turn Notebook Insights into Content?

You’ve got the ideas. You’ve got the notebook. Now it’s time to put those insights into action. Challenge yourself to carry your notebook everywhere and jot down at least one new idea or question each day. No idea is too small.

At the end of the week, pick one entry and turn it into content. Whether it’s a short LinkedIn post, a quick video, or a blog article, just start creating. This simple habit will boost your creativity and help you stay consistent with your content creation.

Instead of feeling stuck, you’ll feel in control. Your notebook becomes your personal content library; filled with blog topics, powerful stories, and client-centered insights. Let it guide your voice, clarify your message, and simplify the content creation process.

You don’t need more hacks. You need a notebook. It’s your most powerful (and portable) content creation tool.