Having a consistent and engaging online presence is important for online creators, especially when selling products on platforms like Selar. But with so many content ideas to explore, it can take time to develop a content system to keep your feed balanced, and engaging. Enter content buckets — a system that helps you organize your content around specific themes or topics so that you can plan better. 

Whether you are marketing your digital products on Instagram, TikTok, a blog, or a newsletter, content buckets are useful because they simplify content creation and help you grow your audience and drive product sales. Here are ten essential content buckets to keep your audience engaged, build brand loyalty, and boost sales on your Selar store.

1. Educational content

Educational content provides value by teaching something new and helping your audience understand the expertise you’re trying to offer. By sharing insights and knowledge, you position yourself as an authority in your niche, solve problems your audience might be facing and keep them engaged.

Examples:

• Step-by-step tutorials: If you’re a digital designer, creating tutorials on basic design skills, for example, “How Tto Create Stunning Social Media Graphics” could show potential customers the value of your design templates.
• Instagram lives/webinars: Bringing in experts to share their knowledge in real time is a great way to educate your audience and also foster a sense of community.

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2. Promotional content

Promotional content is focused on driving conversions. By highlighting your products and their features, you remind your audience about what you offer and create urgency with limited-time offers. It’s typically recommended that at least 30% of your content should be promotional. A good way to do this is by tying promotional call-to-actions to other content buckets.

Example of promotional content:

• Product launch announcements: Post about new products when they’re added to your Selar store, like a course or printable worksheet, to spark excitement.
• Discounts & flash sales: Highlight special discounts to encourage quick sales. Phrases like “50% Off This Weekend Only!” can motivate customers to take action.

The post below is a good example of promotional content. It announces Selar’s ticketing feature, promoting awareness to the audience.

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3. Behind-the-scenes content

Behind-the-scenes content builds a stronger, more personal connection with your audience by showing the person or people behind the brand. It lets followers see your process and feel closer to your creative journey.

Examples:

• Production process sneak peeks: Share photos or short videos of you creating a product. This gives your audience an exclusive look into how much effort goes into your work. For example, a video of you waking up to write late at night can be just what inspires someone to get your e-book.
• Workspace tour: Show off your workspace to give followers a glimpse into your creative environment. This can be especially effective if your workspace has unique elements that inspire you.

The post below is a funny real that shows Lydia, our social media lead at Selar and Sogo, our creative director. It’s a good way of showing that Selar is a company run by people for other people.

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4. User-generated content (UGC) and testimonials

User-generated content and testimonials build trust with your audience. When customers share positive experiences, it reinforces the quality of your products and increases the likelihood of new purchases.

Examples:

• Customer reviews: Post screenshots or videos of customer testimonials. A happy customer talking about how much they love your e-book or course can be very persuasive.
• UGC features: Share content your customers have created with your products. For example, if you sell design templates, showcase how your customers are using them creatively.

The post below is a good example of UGC content, as it uses social media testimonials from affiliates on the Selar Affiliate network.

See the post here

5. Engagement-focused content

Engagement-focused content is all about interaction. By encouraging your audience to participate, you not only boost engagement but also learn more about their interests and preferences.

Examples:

• Polls and quizzes: Polls are a quick way to learn more about your audience’s preferences, such as what types of content they want to see next or which product features they’d like.
• Q&A sessions: Live or story Q&A sessions where your followers can ask you questions they have about your products or get advice on topics in your niche, are also a great way to encourage engagement and strengthen your community.
• Games and memes: games and memes are entertaining and also encourage your audience to engage with your content.

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6. Inspirational or motivational content

Inspirational or motivational content helps create a positive, uplifting brand image. It keeps your audience encouraged and connected to your vision, especially if your story resonates with theirs.

Examples:

• Creator journies: Share personal milestones or challenges you have overcome on your journey to becoming a creator. For example, if you sell products on Selar, sharing how your sales are growing can motivate others to not only buy from you but become creators themselves. Showing the real-life highs and lows can be very motivating to others. Ps. The stories can also be those of your customers as in the example below.
• Motivational quotes: Post quotes that reflect your brand’s values or goals. These resonate with followers who are also pursuing creative goals and can be what they need to keep going.

This post about Millicent Bundi, a merchant who uses Selar, is a good example of content that seeks to inspire or motivate others.

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7. Storytelling content

Storytelling is a powerful way to connect emotionally with your audience. Sharing personal stories or the story behind your products can make your brand more relatable and memorable. However, stories don’t always have to be deep or meaningful before they do the work of creating an emotional connection. Lighthearted stories can also be really endearing.

Examples:

• Product stories: Share the origin story of specific products. For example, explain how a personal experience inspired you to create an e-book on productivity hacks.
• Founder stories: Share why you started creating content or selling digital products on Selar. This builds connection and loyalty as people resonate with the mission behind your brand.

The post below is a lighthearted storytelling post that connects being a business owner, to making quality valentine’s day products.

See the post here

8. News and trends

By sharing relevant news about your product, or your industry you not only establish yourself as an informed and connected creator who stays up-to-date with trends, you also are able to position yourself as an authority in your niche.

Examples:

• Press releases: Distribute news reports about your business on your socials. They are an excellent way of positioning your brand as an authority.
• Trend reports: Provide updates on popular trends within your industry, like “Top 5 Trends in Affiliate Marketing” if you’re creating for affiliate marketers.
• News commentary: Offer your thoughts on recent industry news, whether it’s a new tool or technique relevant to your audience’s interests.

The post below is one of many of Selar’s press releases that were shared on Social Media. 

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9. Tips and hacks

Practical advice and quick tips offer immediate value and help you build trust with your audience. Tips and hacks also show that you’re knowledgeable and invested in helping others succeed.

Examples:

• Quick tips: Share practical, bite-sized advice. For example, if you’re a productivity coach, share “3 Quick Tips to Stay Organized” for busy professionals.
• Tool recommendations: If there are tools you use regularly, share your recommendations. For instance, list your top apps for content creation.

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10. Community building content

Building a community around your brand goes beyond just selling products. Community-building content is also great for fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging interaction among your followers.

Examples:

• Customer spotlights: Share stories or posts about your audience. For example, spotlight a follower who shared how they’ve benefited from your product.
• Creator community events: Host or announce virtual or physical events, where followers can ask questions, interact, and feel more connected, then create content showing these gatherings.

The post below is an example of a community-building post.

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DISCOVER: Effective Content Ideas for Growing Your Online Community in Kenya

For creators who use Selar, using these ten content buckets can significantly boost engagement and help you reach your sales goals. By mixing up your content across these categories, you’ll provide your audience with valuable, varied content that educates, entertains, and inspires, while keeping your products top of mind.

A good way to start is by apportioning a certain percentile of content to each bucket. Note that not all content buckets will suit your brand and business, but it’s great to have at least three that you regularly use to plan content, chief among them, promotional.