When you’re managing a packed editorial calendar, nothing derails your flow quite like a big, gaping hole in your publishing schedule. Whether it’s a missed deadline, lack of inspiration, or a sudden shift in priorities, content gaps happen to even the most seasoned content marketers and bloggers. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to let them sink your strategy.
This guide breaks down smart, sustainable, and SEO-friendly strategies for dealing with content gaps like a pro. From quick wins to long-term solutions, let’s dive into how you can stay ahead—even when life (or your calendar) gets chaotic.
Why Do Content Gaps Happen?
Before we patch the holes, let’s talk about what causes them in the first place. Some common culprits:
- Burnout or resource limitations – Your team (or you) is stretched too thin.
- Last-minute changes – A campaign shifts or a product launch is delayed.
- Lack of fresh ideas – Creative blocks can sneak up fast.
- Over-ambitious planning – Too much content, too little time.
- Poor calendar management – No buffer or flexibility built in.
If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But with a little planning and some handy tactics, you can easily turn things around.
1. Revisit and Repurpose Existing Content
One of the fastest ways to fill a gap is by reworking what you already have. Got a high-performing blog post from last year? Update it. Turn a blog into a video. Chop a video into quote graphics or short clips.
Ideas to Repurpose Content:
- Convert a how-to blog into a step-by-step infographic
- Bundle related posts into a downloadable guide or eBook
- Record a podcast episode based on your blog content
- Create a LinkedIn carousel or Instagram Reel highlighting key tips
This not only saves time but also boosts SEO by breathing new life into older content. Win-win. To create an inventory of all blogs, use tools like ScreamingFrog or SEMRush for a comprehensive crawl of your website(Source: blog.hubpost).
2. Lean into Evergreen Topics
Evergreen content is your secret weapon when the calendar looks sparse. These are topics that stay relevant all year round, drive long-term traffic, and are easy to batch-produce.
Example Evergreen Topics:
- “How to Start a [Your Niche] Blog”
- “Top Tools for [Your Industry] in 2025”
- “The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to [Topic]”
- “FAQs About [Service/Product/Topic]”
Create a list of go-to evergreen ideas you can tap into anytime a content gap arises.
3. Use AI Writing Tools
Stuck in a content rut? AI writing tools like ChatGPT can help you brainstorm blog ideas, write outlines, and even generate full drafts in minutes. They’re especially handy when time is tight and inspiration is MIA.
How AI Can Fill Content Gaps:
- Generate quick blog intros or conclusions
- Suggest headline variations
- Turn outlines into readable drafts
- Refresh outdated content
Just make sure to add your personal voice and edit for accuracy—AI should assist, not replace. Consider using content gap tools to analyze your previous and current blogs. Content gap analysis tools reinforce your manual efforts with data. They offer deeper insights into your content performance, visibility, and how well it caters to its target audience (Source: Penfriend.ai)
4. Invite Guest Bloggers
Bringing in fresh voices not only diversifies your content but also gives you breathing room on your calendar. Guest posts can fill the publishing gaps while adding new insights and value for your audience.
How to Do It:
- Set up a “Write for Us” page
- Reach out to influencers or industry peers
- Host a guest blogging week or theme
- Offer backlinks or exposure in return
Make sure to provide clear guidelines and maintain quality control.
5. Curate Content From Around the Web
If time is really tight, why not become a curator instead of a creator? Share valuable, relevant content from trusted sources and add your commentary or spin.
Curated Content Ideas:
- Weekly or monthly roundups
- “Best of the Web” lists
- Tool or product comparisons
- Reactions to industry news
Curated posts are quicker to produce and can still position you as a thought leader in your space.
6. Tap into Your Audience
Sometimes, your next piece of content is sitting right in your DMs, comment sections, or emails. Use audience questions, feedback, and common pain points to generate posts that hit the mark.
Try This:
- Poll your followers on what they want to read
- Create a Q&A-style blog post
- Turn a popular comment thread into a topic
- Ask your audience to share guest posts or success stories
User-generated content is authentic, engaging, and SEO gold.
7. Build a “Gap Filler” Content Bank
Think of this as your emergency content stash. Set aside a few flexible, non-time-sensitive posts that can be published any time a hole appears in your calendar.
Great Candidates for the Bank:
- Listicles (“Top 10 [Niche] Mistakes”)
- Quick Tips (“5-Minute Fixes for [Problem]”)
- Templates or checklists
- Beginner’s guides
Aim to build a bank of 3–5 posts that you can slot in without breaking a sweat.
8. Short-Form Content Counts Too
Not every blog post has to be 2,000 words. If you’re short on time or ideas, publish a short-form post with just one key insight, tip, or resource.
It could be:
- A short tutorial
- An industry update
- A myth-busting opinion
- A behind-the-scenes look
These posts are easy to digest, highly shareable, and still offer SEO value when optimized correctly.
FAQs About Handling Content Gaps
What’s the best way to avoid content gaps?
Plan ahead, build buffer time into your calendar, and always have a few evergreen or filler posts on standby.
How can I fill a content gap fast?
Repurpose old content, curate resources, or use AI writing tools to create short form posts quickly.
Is it okay to skip a blog post if I can’t fill the gap?
Yes, quality trumps quantity. But consistently missing posts can impact SEO and reader trust, so aim for alternatives first.
Does repurposed content hurt SEO?
Not if done right. Updating or reformatting existing content can actually boost SEO by keeping things fresh and relevant.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Gap Derail Your Game
Look, content gaps are part of the game. They don’t mean you’ve failed—they mean you’re human. The trick is to have tools, strategies, and backup plans ready to go. Whether it’s repurposing a gem, calling in a guest post, or publishing a short and sweet tip—you’ve got options.
Keep your blog machine running smoothly by staying flexible, planning smart, and leaning into the many ways you can still create value—without burning yourself out.
Sources:
“How Content Gap Analysis Bolsters Your Marketing Strategy.”Hubspotblog, 13th October 2025,https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/content-gap-analysis
Hanson, Tim.”How To Find Content Gaps: 2024 Guide On Where To Look.”Penfrien.ai,14th November 2024, https://penfriend.ai/blog/how-to-find-content-gaps
Ahrefs. “How To Do an Effective Content Gag Analysis for SEO.” YouTube, uploaded by Ahrefs, 18th October 2018, (12) How to Do an Effective Content Gap Analysis for SEO – YouTube
#ContentStrategy #HowToPlanYourBlogContent #ContentPlanning
How to Do an Effective Content Gap Analysis for SEO
Looking for more content on this topic? These posts pair perfectly with what you just read:
How To Build A 12-Month Content Plan You’ll Actually Stick
The 4 Things You Should Do If Your Content Calendar Falls Apart
Simplify, Automate, Succeed: Tools For A Stress-Free Social Media Calendar