Writers block – our nine tips to fight the blank stare
Writing content that converts
Coming up with content ideas and knowing where to start is one of the biggest challenges our clients face. ⠀⠀
And who hasn’t stared blankly at the computer and come up with zilch? ⠀⠀
Whenever we’re feeling stuck, we come back to these nine simple tips to write better content:
1) Mindset is everything. Lessen the pressure. Walk away from what you’re doing, take a moment to focus on your breathing, and reset. And remember you’ll get better with time, and getting it 80% right is far better than procrastinating over the minor details.
2) Come back to your purpose. Why am I doing this? What does the audience need to know, feel or do – and how does it relate back to what I do? Write five core content themes or ideas to educate, inspire or relate to your target audience to meet their needs. This must relate back to your content strategy and goals.
3) Start with bullet points only. Forget nailing it first time, start simple. And write as if you’re writing for a six year old.
4) Keep it short and sweet. You don’t need to write an essay. Sometimes, less is more. What’s important is that it’s engaging!
5) Keep a content ideas bank. Whenever I have brainwaves for content idea [some amazing, others duds] I jot down notes on the iPhone, and come back to this when I’m feeling stuck. I also save content with the save tab on socials, and have a master content document categorised by key content themes
6) Outsource. Can you get to someone to start it off for you, give you some lead questions and you then finesse it? It may just give you the reboot you need.
7) Remember to repurpose content. Not only is it a great time saver, but repetition helps with memory and recall.
8) Plan and batch content. When you’re in the zone and you dedicate time to just writing content for your audience, it’s there ready for you and you don’t have to think about it! ⠀⠀
9) Draw on inspiration. Whether its from likeminded people, businesses, brands, podcasts or news outlets that resonate with your tone of voice, personality, and your target audiences. Hunt out similar but non-competing brand content to help you brainstorm and put your own spin on some great content.
What do you do to stay content inspired? We’d love to hear your tips for creating killer content – or what challenges you face with creating content?
