Cover art for How to come up with content topics that incite connection? | Mo Ismail (3 of 5)
Season 2, Episode 18··12:45

How to come up with content topics that incite connection? | Mo Ismail (3 of 5)

Video strategist Mo Ismail breaks down how to create content that fosters belongingness and social connection. He shares two actionable techniques — leading with relatable stories and using inclusive language — that turn generic advice into content people actually engage with.

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Show Notes

In This Episode

Mo Ismail, a video strategist helping digital entrepreneurs and thought leaders create impactful video content, answers the question: how do you come up with content topics that incite belongingness and social connection? Mo explains that social belonging is a fundamental human need — research shows that being ostracized is as painful as physical pain — and shares two concrete communication techniques creators can apply immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the story that led to the how — share the catalyst, the pain, or the experience that brought you to a lesson, rather than jumping straight to a tutorial or advice
  • Use inclusive language ("we") instead of exclusive language ("you should") — this puts you on a level playing field with your audience rather than positioning yourself as a guru talking down to them
  • People searching for your content are experiencing something you can help resolve — by sharing your own journey, they feel seen and acknowledged rather than lectured at
  • The content that gets the most engagement is often deeply inclusive and personal — Mo notes that his longest, most vulnerable videos outperform polished short-form content

About Mo Ismail

Mo Ismail is a video strategist helping digital entrepreneurs, course creators, digital product sellers, and thought leaders explode their video content, create fans, and make money through banger videos.

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