Your company’s next big marketing idea might not come effortlessly, but that doesn’t mean it has to be frustrating. The ideation phase often gets overlooked or rushed, yet it’s one of the most crucial steps in crafting memorable, effective campaigns. Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to reinvigorate a tired strategy, strong brainstorming is key. Below are three tried-and-true techniques to help take your process from daunting to dynamic.
Brain Dump
The goal here is quantity over quality (at least at first). A brain dump helps release surface-level thoughts so you can dig deeper and find more meaningful ideas. Start with a blank document, whiteboard, or notebook. Set a timer and write anything that comes to mind, without editing yourself. The “bad” ideas often pave the way to the great ones. After the timer’s up, review what you’ve written. You’ll often find hidden gems or surprising angles to build on.
Collaborative Ideation
Start individually—each team member should jot down short ideas, keywords, or phrases. Once everyone’s ready, go around the room and share. As each idea is presented, the group can riff off it, sparking new directions. This “idea pinball” helps uncover unexpected connections. Once all ideas are on the table, work together to highlight your collective favorites. From there, either refine the top ideas or repeat the process to further develop them.
Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is ideal for campaigns with layered messaging or many moving parts. Use a whiteboard, large paper, or digital tools to create a visual web of ideas. Start with your main concept at the center, then branch out into subcategories. This method allows you to clearly organize ideas, see how everything connects, and spot gaps early on. Plus, it’s easy to rearrange or expand as the campaign evolves.
Jumpstart with AI
When you’re stuck at the beginning or having trouble connecting ideas, AI can be a powerful brainstorming partner. Tools like ChatGPT can help generate fresh angles or spark connections you hadn’t considered. Think of AI as a springboard; it can accelerate the early stages of ideation so you can focus more of your energy on refining and developing your best concepts. Just remember: AI is a starting point, not the final product. Adding your own voice and insight is what transforms an idea into something truly original and meaningful.
Let the Experts Help
Big ideas take more than luck—they come from curiosity, collaboration, and a solid creative process. Brainstorming is where real innovation starts, and the more you embrace it, the stronger (and more fun) your ideas will be. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your strategy, launch a new website, refresh your branding, or boost your digital presence, our team is here to help. We live and breathe creative problem-solving. Reach out and let’s build something great together!