Seth Godin famously stated that content marketing is the only marketing left. This idea continues to hold weight, as content marketing, when done right, can be incredibly useful.
Content is the bridge that takes your audience from awareness to trust.
Yet, the path to producing compelling content is fraught with challenges, notably writer’s block — a daunting barrier that intensifies under pressure. This common struggle can immobilise even the most skilled writers, turning the task of writing from a creative endeavour into a heavy obstacle.
Strategies to help overcome writer’s block:
Refresh Your Mind: Sometimes, a break is all you need. Step away from your work, take a walk outside, and allow the fresh air to clear your thoughts. This can help reset your mental state and spark new ideas.
Observe Your Audience: Take some time to reflect on your audience’s needs, pain points, and aspirations. Understanding what resonates with them can inspire relevant and impactful content.
Eliminate Distractions: Create a focused writing environment by identifying and removing distractions. Turn off email notifications, put your phone on silent, and find a quiet space where you can concentrate fully on your writing.
Change Your Environment: A change of scenery can do wonders for your creativity. Consider writing in a different room, at a local café, or even outdoors. A new environment can provide fresh perspectives and stimulate your imagination.
Outline Your Ideas: Organise your thoughts by creating an outline. This can provide a clear roadmap for your writing, making the process more efficient and less daunting.
Embrace Imperfection: Remember that your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. The goal is to get your ideas down on paper. You can always refine and edit your content later.
After overcoming writer’s block, it’s time to generate fresh content ideas.
Strategies to help create new content ideas:
Brainstorming Session: Engage with your team to brainstorm ideas that resonate with your audience’s needs and interests. Think about their challenges, desires, and what solutions you can provide.
Keyword Research: Utilise tools like Moz SEO or Wordtracker to identify the phrases and topics your audience is searching for. This helps ensure your content aligns with their interests and queries.
Explore Forums: Dive into forums (e.g. Reddit) related to your industry to discover what your audience is discussing. This can provide valuable insights into their questions and concerns.
Look Beyond Your Niche: Sometimes, inspiration can come from unexpected places. Explore content in different sectors to see what others are doing well and how you can adapt those strategies to your niche.
Leverage Tools: Use tools like BuzzSumo and Answer the Public to uncover popular topics and questions in your industry. This can help you create content that is both relevant and engaging.
Review Customer Communications: Analyse emails and conversations with your team to identify recurring questions and topics. This can provide a direct line to your customer’s interests and needs.
By following these steps and staying open to inspiration from various sources, you can continually develop new and compelling content ideas that resonate with your audience.
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If you liked this article, check out our Guide to Content Marketing.
