After working in online marketing for 13 years I find that I am still a very low tech kind of person. I use actual clipboards, physically write notes on real paper, and I also keep a content log.
My content log is a real bound notebook; a small Moleskine actually, but the brand or type is not important. I like the ability to grab a pen and jot things down without worrying about batteries, or screen resolution, or compatibility or any of that. Much of what I write in the little notebook consists of memory joggers. I might see or read something and I’ll write a note for later so I’ll remember it. I’ll just write a short bit to provide the scene or what the general idea was. It’s fascinating to read this book in a sitting and look back over a month’s worth of notes. I don’t say that to pat myself on the back; I don’t think my ideas are much better than the next person’s; but I think it is instructional and kind of amazing to see what a person notices throughout the day, and then leaf back a few days and reminisce or re-connect with stuff the conscious mind has forgotten.
Lots of the ideas in that little notebook evolve into articles, press releases, blog posts, client strategies, etc. And some are just fun.
The takeaway: Buy a little notebook and keep a pen handy. And it’s okay to doodle in it and write nonsensical things; enjoy yourself. I like the no electricity or batteries freedom
Here’s the notebook I have: Moleskine Ruled Notebook Pocket
Need more content creation ideas? Who doesn’t!! Here are some fresh resources for you in a neatly presented Copyblogger infographic: 22 Ways to Create Compelling Content When You Don’t Have a Clue