In order to keep your content marketing engine humming along, you have to fuel it with an uninterrupted stream of high-octane material. That’s an easy statement to make, but sometimes more challenging to put into practice. Often when you’ve been practicing content marketing for a period of months or years and the list of great topics is thinning, writer’s block can stymie you as you sit down in front of your keyboard.
Strategies for Saying “Bye Bye” to the Block
Writer’s block is not only frustrating, it can also throw a wrench into your efforts to stay on track with your content calendar. I’ve blogged before about tips for beating the block, but here are a few more strategies for getting the creative juices flowing:
Exercise. Get away from your desk and get a vigorous workout in! A fitness training program heart rate, increase blood flow to your brain, and release endorphins that will help you shake off that “I’m stuck!” feeling. Even if you don’t have time to really work up a sweat, a short walk and some fresh air can do wonders.
Doodle. While what you’re searching for is the right words, sometimes playing around with lines and shapes and stick figures can be the ticket. Engaging a different part of your brain can take the pressure off your writing center, allowing it to work behind the scenes to put ideas into words. So, grab a sheet of paper and a pen, and free your mind. Be loose and uncritical. You’re not looking for a work of art here, just some release that will help you work.
Change your routine. Do you tend to write in a particular place or at a certain time of day? If so, switch things up. Get after it at the crack of dawn or late at night. Take a laptop into a different location at your office or even away from the office. New stimuli are a proven way to perk up your brain.
Vent. If you’re working in an office, you probably feel the need to remain calm even when writer’s block has you wanting to scream. So, find a place to scream! In your car, in an empty field, wherever. Expressing your frustration can keep it from festering. Even if you don’t have an opportunity to get some high-volume relief, find a good friend that you can talk to about your struggle. Simply acknowledging the problem can put you on the road to getting past it.
Start in the middle. As a writer you probably address a piece sequentially, from intro through conclusion. Try starting a piece by working on the middle section. It may feel “wrong” at first, but it can be the kind of challenge that shakes your brain out of its funk.
“Can Do” Content Creation
The key to beating writer’s block is knowing that it is a temporary condition not a terminal illness. With some time and experimentation with creative “cures,” it will pass. As a leading content marketing firm, we help our clients develop comprehensive content strategies and aid them in putting out engaging and informative materials on a regular basis to generate leads and increase sales. Let’s talk about your next project.
