Do you struggle with finding things to write about on your blog?. I’ve been posting here since July 2006 and just like everyone else, I often struggle to find something to write about. Here are the top 5 things that help me when I’m struggling with writing:
Stick to a schedule – I try to write something everyday. I don’t post everyday, but I do make myself write. Sometimes I only come up with a few sentences. Other times it ends up being a rant that serves me better to write and delete than to publish. I write everyday but over the long term I probably post ~3 times per week. The reason I write something everyday is because I know how easy it is for me to fall out of the habit of writing – and how hard it is to start back up again once I do.
Read More – I find that when I’m struggling to find something to write about, it’s usually because I have been doing a lot of talking (and writing) without listening (reading). I find it very helpful to read and to think about how to apply what I am reading to the things my audience care about. One of my favorite books to turn to when I’m feeling blocked is The Daily Drucker – I always feel I learn something or can a new perspective on my business.
Read Different Stuff – I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like I’m always reading the same old stuff – the same authors, blogs, topics, etc. When I’m in a writing rut, I’ll usually try to read something other than marketing literature. You may find it helpful to look outside of your general industry for inspiration as well.
Read your own stuff – but with a new eye. If you have been blogging for a while, take a look at some of your older posts. Things are always changing. How have you changed? How as your industry changed? What lessons have you learned that you can share with others.
Listen More – get out and talk to people. Listen to what they have to say. Learn to ask questions rather than make arguments or give canned responses. Really try to look at what you do from the other person’s point of view. I always learn something new and am frequently surprised whenever I do this.
Photo credit: dolmansaxlil via Flickr
