What to Do When You Have Zero Ideas for What to Post

Because staring at a blank screen while the kids nap is not a content strategy

You sit down to create content. You’ve got maybe 45 minutes before someone needs something from you. And your brain is just… empty.

No ideas. No inspiration. Just the blinking cursor and a vague sense of guilt about how long it’s been since you posted.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing — this isn’t a creativity problem. It’s a systems problem. And once you solve it, you’ll never stare at a blank screen wondering “what the hell do I post today” again.

First: Know who you’re talking to

Before we get into the practical stuff, let’s address the real reason content feels so hard.

Most founders sit down to post without knowing who they’re actually talking to. They write for “everyone” and end up connecting with no one.

When you’re clear on your audience — not just their demographics, but what keeps them up at night, what they’re Googling at midnight, what would make their life easier — content ideas start flowing naturally.

You stop asking “what should I post?” and start asking “what does my person need to hear today?”

If you haven’t done this work yet, start there. Get specific. Give your ideal client a name, a face, a set of problems you can actually solve.

Second: Figure out your content pillars

Content pillars are the 3–4 themes you rotate through in your content. They keep you focused and stop you from posting random stuff that doesn’t build toward anything.

For example, mine are:

• Content creation without overwhelm
• Visual branding for busy founders
• Behind-the-scenes of lifestyle-first business
• Founder mindset and sustainable growth

When I sit down to create, I’m not starting from scratch. I’m picking a pillar and asking: “What can I say about this today?”

If you don’t have your pillars mapped out yet, that’s inside The Busy Founder’s Content Toolkit — along with prompts to generate dozens of ideas from each one.

Third: Use AI to get unstuck (the right way)

When your brain is fried, AI can be a lifesaver — but only if you’re prompting it properly.

I’ve put together a free set of AI prompts specifically for busy founders who need content ideas fast. No generic “write me a caption” nonsense. These are prompts that help you sound like YOU, not a robot.

[Download the free AI Content Prompts here]

Use them when you’re stuck, when you’re tired, or when you just need a starting point to riff off.

When life happens: Your content crisis kit

Real talk — some weeks you’re not going to batch content. The kids are sick, a big order came through, or you’re just bloody exhausted.

Here’s your backup plan for when you still want to show up but can’t do the “proper” content thing.

10 emergency posts you can create in 5 minutes

1. Behind-the-scenes chaos Film a quick story: “This is what today actually looks like” — messy desk, kids in background, whatever. People love the real stuff.
2. Repost a customer win Screenshot a review or DM (with permission), add a “this is why I do what I do” caption.
3. Quick tip from your expertise One single tip. White text on a coloured background in Canva. Post it.
4. Throwback post Grab an old photo from your camera roll, share what you’ve learned since then.
5. Ask a question “What’s your biggest struggle with [your topic]?” Post it to stories, screenshot the best answers, share them.
6. Product or service flat lay Literally just your product on a surface. Natural light. One photo. Caption: what it does.
7. Day in the life snippet 15-second video of you doing literally anything related to your business. “Making coffee before a big client call” counts.
8. Quote you live by Text on screen, post it. Bonus if it relates to your business values.
9. Mini tutorial The absolute simplest version of something you know how to do. Three steps max.
10. Coming soon teaser “Working on something for you guys…” Builds curiosity, buys you time.

Your permission slip: Imperfect content is still content

Here’s what I want you to remember when you’re feeling the pressure:

A slightly blurry photo that connects with someone is worth more than the perfect post you never publish.

Your audience isn’t following you because your grid is perfect. They’re following you because they want what you offer and they like how you show up.

Some of my best-performing posts have been the messiest ones. The ones where I’m clearly exhausted, or the lighting’s average, or I’ve rambled a bit in the caption.

The algorithm doesn’t care about perfection. It cares about engagement.

Your audience doesn’t care about perfection. They care about what’s helpful and real.

So on the days when you can only manage a wonky selfie and a caption that’s basically “hey, I’m still here” — post it anyway.

You’re still showing up. And that’s what counts.

Want the full system?

If you’re tired of figuring this out on your own, The Busy Founder’s Content Toolkit gives you everything in one place — content pillars, caption frameworks, batching systems, and the emergency prompts you just read.

It’s built for founders who don’t have time to waste but still want to show up consistently.

[Grab the Content Toolkit here — $147]