Content creation, blogging, social media and online marketing…
You know that you need to create ‘quality content’ for your business and brand to be noticed.
You know that regular blogging will help you with SEO.
You’ve read blogs, attended events and conferences and have seen what others are doing.
And if you’re like a lot of other small business owners, you’ve started the year with a resolve to write more blogs and post more on social media.
But deep down, you feel stuck.
The idea of ‘creating compelling content with a unique voice to attract your ideal audience’ makes you break into a sweat.
So what can you do to unravel yourself from this maelstrom of emotions – after all, you want to grow your business!
Step 1 Step away from your screens
When my clients get frustrated or confused about what what to write about I advise them to step away from all their screens.
Why?
If they’re not sure what they want to write about, they’ll end up looking at what ‘everyone else’ is doing.
They’ll bounce around from website to social media post and back to another website – wasting time and energy.
And let’s face it, after an hour or so of looking at what everyone else is doing, you will always come off second best…
“They’re posting up to date and interesting content…their photos and images are so pretty…wow, they’ve forecast a new trend…OMG their content is so good, how can I compete?”
Step away from your screens and grab a journal / notebook and pen. Head to a cafe and while you enjoy your favourite coffee and snack:
- doodle,
- make thought bubbles,
- write phrases and questions down, and
- jot down random ideas.
The aim of this is to release the expectation and stress that you’ve placed on yourself – to invite your creativity to return.
Step 2 What do you really want to write about and share?
If you’re not feeling excited about writing things for your clients (and prospective clients) you’ll either:
- not get around to it, or
- write something that doesn’t sound like you and /or represent your brand and business in a great light.
Here’s a little ‘fill in the blanks’ exercise to help you work out what you want to write about and how often:
I like to read blogs and social media posts about _____________________
The blogs and posts I read regularly make me feel ____________________
Outside of my industry I love reading __________________________
People in my industry usually write about __________________
I really want to write about __________________________
I hold back from writing about this because _______________________
I’d love to write and publish the following each week ___________________________
Step 3 Write and review
Now you’ve isolated what you’d like to write about, it’s time to put your butt down and write it.
But here’s the thing – sitting down in front of a blank screen can ‘kill off’ any creative inspiration you’ve got!
Which is why a lot of bloggers and writers, don’t do this – they use journals, notepads and Post-It notes as prompts.
Once you’ve written your content, it’s time to review.
Ask yourself:
- is it something I would want to read?
- do I feel proud / happy / excited that it’s on my website and /or social media pages?
- is the content a fresh take on something or does it sound like everyone else?
Gone through these steps and still aren’t convinced you can write great content?
I help small and medium businesses with ghost writing – click here to find out more.
Or why not email me here and let’s set up a time to chat about how I could help!
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