If you want to be a great content marketer, you have to deliver a lot of great content. But sometimes staring at a blank Word document can make you feel like a nervous high schooler about to take the timed essay on the SAT test. Here are a few tips to help you escape the writer’s block rut.
1. Don’t be afraid to start over.
Sometimes something that originally seemed like a great idea starts to feel a lot more frivolous when you actually begin writing about it. Instead of trying to make it work, it’s sometimes better to just start over with a different approach.
2. Find the process that works best for you.
For example, I hate to use an outline when I’m writing. I think of the big idea, then fill in the details as I go. But outlines work great for many writers, who like to use them as a roadmap directing them through the story. If you keep hitting roadblocks with your current process, then try a few different approaches to find what works best for you.
3. Stop caring about what other people think.
It’s easy to become paralyzed by the fear of what your editor, manager or coworkers are going to say about your writing. But the only people you need to worry about writing for are your current and potential customers. If there are mixed opinions among your team about how you should be communicating to this audience, then it’s time to sit down and discuss the best approach for telling your company’s story.
4. Be patient.
In a busy work environment with tight deadlines, this advice is easier said than done. But if you want to make sure you’re producing high-quality content, this is the best advice you can follow. The right ideas and words don’t always come right away and often need to be triggered by inspiration and time. Becoming angry with yourself for not being able to write that blog post in the hour of time you allotted for it won’t make your article any better. Give yourself a break and come back to it later.
Want to learn more about how companies are using content marketing to help their customers — and their bottom line? Check out this free data showing how thousands of organizations are providing content to generate business.
