Got a Case of Writer’s Block? Tips & Tactics to Keep Your Blog’s Content Fresh
It’s realistic that if you’re committing to writing in your blog at least 3 times per week that there will be days when you sit down to write and you find your mind is a total blank.
Nobody likes writer’s block, but it’s especially painful to bloggers!
It’s completely normal, BUT the key is to not let it put you off blogging altogether. There are lots of different types of blog posts you can write, and many ways to come up with ideas for new material.
Tip #1 Keep a folder for blog post ideas
Keep a folder where you can store material to be used in blog posts. This might include simple ideas that you have during the week, a link to a good website you have found in the course of your work, or an interesting post on another blog or message forum. You can also include information on any product you have used during the week so you can write a simple review in your blog.
When you are stuck for ideas delving into this folder for inspiration can give you some much needed inspiration. Clear it out regularly and get rid of out of date information, otherwise searching through your ideas folder can be as difficult as coming up with a post topic from scratch.
Tip #2 Keep spare posts or stub posts
On some days you may find you have more time and inspiration than others. When this happens write an additional post or two to be used on days when you have writers block.
If you are writing a full post, make it generic and not time sensitive, otherwise it may be out dated by the time you want to use it. Alternatively write stub posts, or short summary posts, that can be expanded or fleshed out with topical information when you want to publish them.
Tip #3 Expand upon content from previous posts
Don’t be afraid to keep telling a story from your previous posts. If one post has generated a lot of interest and comments you can pick up threads from these to write a new post.
By doing this you are addressing your community’s concerns and telling them what they really want to know. Make sure you link to previous posts so that new readers know what you are talking about.
Tip #4 Vary the type of posts you write
If you are having trouble coming up with fresh ideas, you may need to take a new look at the format of your blog posts. The most successful blogs have a variety of post types.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
• Your posts can be different lengths. Some readers may prefer a short punchy entry from time to time.
• A longer formal article can make a good contribution to your blog occasionally.
• Publishing an interview with an expert in your field can really add to your blog. If you don’t want to include the whole interview, use extracts in your blog with a link to the full transcript.
• ‘How to’ posts are popular as your readers gain practical information, and they are not very difficult to put together.
• A product review can make a great blog post if it is something that will really benefit your audience. These types of blog posts are perfect for including affiliate links.
• Don’t be afraid to include personal anecdotes, particularly if you have a lot in common with your target audience. For example if your customers are all parents, you can write about your own children from time to time.
• You can include video posts. This is a nice way to communicate more personally with your community and let them connect with you in a different way.
Your blog is your personal creation, so nobody is going to tell you what you can or cannot write as a blog post. Don’t be afraid to be a little creative and experimental and if certain posts attract a lot of traffic or positive comments, include these more regularly in your blog.
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Tags: add video to your blog, create content for blog, new material for blog, what to write in my blog, writer's block
