Have you ever sat down in front of your computer to write a newsletter or blog article, Facebook post or Twitter update and found that your mind had drawn a total blank? This is one of the most common problems I hear from people once they find out that I am a professional copy writer and editor.
"How do you know what to write about everyday?" they ask.
Honestly, even I have this problem occasionally, but I don't worry about it too much because I have the following handy topics I can always fall back on to get me through those "blank" spots.
I suggest you print this out and keep it on your desk.
By sharing these no-fail ideas for valuable articles for any type of business or message, I'm going to help you write fearlessly and without worrying about that blanked out feeling again.
I suggest you print this out, cut out this section and keep it on your desk or close to the computer where you do your writing.
1.
Lists: Everyone loves a list.
Take your knowledge and experience and turn it into a valuable or entertaining read for your readers by giving them a list.
For example, if you are a florist, list your top picks for a summer bouquet.
Or maybe you are a beauty product representative.
Share with your audience a list of morning or evening activities and/or products they can use to kick up their beauty routine.
Just remember to make it simple and make it valuable.
2.
How-to's, tips & tricks: I'm not advising you to give away the store here, but I know that you all have a massive amount of information for how-to's at your fingertips.
Share instructions for projects, activities, and more that your audience can use and that will build their trust in you as 1) a person who really knows what they are talking about and 2) someone they know will provide them with value and knowledge.
Ideas and examples include: If you are an event planner, give instructions for making homemade invitations that are better than store-bought.
Cupcake makers can share instructions on how to pipe that cool frosting swirl like the professionals do at the bakeries.
3.
Reviews: Did you read a good book that relates to your business? Or maybe you recently attended a fantastic event featuring a great speaker? Then be sure to tell people about it in your articles.
Describe the event, the audience, the setting and the value you gained from it.
Share some of the speaker tips with your audience that really resonated with you.
Recommend future attendance if you really liked the event.
And be sure to mention organizers, locations and featured speakers or guests, especially if you are connected to them through social media.
They will appreciate it, and good karma is always a good thing.
4.
Current Projects: If it's not top-secret, share what you are working on.
Maybe you are developing a new product - share highlights and even ask questions of your community that will help you develop a better product that effectively meets their needs.
Have you been asked to speak at an event in the future? Then let your readers know what you are doing and what you'll be talking about.
Are you an artist? Share the steps of your creation - you can get a multitude of posts out of doing this in the long run.
5.
Answers: If you are still stumped, take 10 minutes to surf around and read what others are talking about online within your field of expertise.
There are bound to be some questions others are asking or talking about.
Write a post that addresses one of these questions and provide your answer.
Share your brilliance and help others to find resolution to their problems, all in one.