Between 2014 and 2020, the number of bloggers in the United States increased by 10 million. Over 409 million people view more than 20 billion pages each month. Content marketing is predicted to be an industry worth $412.88 billion by the end of 2021. Semrush
What does all this mean for you? Well, it means that it’s not too late for you to begin creating content more regularly. Blogging is a low cost way to reach a wide audience of people who want what you have to offer and are happy to pay for it.
Whether you’re trying to figure out how to increase traffic to your website or how to build a bigger following on your social media platforms, thought-provoking, sincere and dynamic content is necessary. Not just SEO optimized buzzwords, but value-based insight that only you can offer about the topics that resonate with your ideal audiences. The right message at the right time can help position you as an authority in your field, help you reach your ideal clients, and improve your Google ranking. And the best way to create a wave with Google and without collapsing into a puddle of tears is through blogging.
I know that blogging regularly can feel super daunting. Especially when you have a full schedule and know that there’s already so much content that your future customers have access to. The pressure of comparison and the worry that what you have to say is good enough are the two biggest factors that lead to overwhelm and writer’s block.
Some of the worries that come to mind can sound like:
"Will they care about what I have to say about that?"
"Am I giving them enough content?"
"What if everyone ends up hating me and my ideas?”
"But I don't want to give away too much of my knowledge."
If any of the thoughts above have ever crossed your mind, it's because you're thinking of blogging in the traditional sense and letting it freak you out and keep you stuck.
In this post, I’m going to cover the three areas that are most important in clearing writer’s block and procrastination so you can blog regularly. I know you’ve read this many times but it truly is about your mindset and well-set expectations.
Let’s dive into the three steps that are most important in banishing writer’s block and producing content regularly.
I. Honor YOUR Creative Process
We’re done with the negative self-talk and comparisons. It blocks your inspiration and writing is ALL about inspiration. And, I’ll tell you a secret. Your inspiration is different from anyone else’s. If you attempt to use a process just because you “should,” you can lose what makes your writing special. Maybe you need to start at the end and work backwards or create an outline and fill it in as it comes to you. Maybe your creative juices only start flowing if you’re in silence and seated or blasting music and dancing. There’s no wrong answer. If you feel most creative in a bookstore or coffee shop, go! It’s important to follow your instincts and build your routine around what works. When you are being your most authentic self, your writing will radiate with it and your audience will be drawn to that light.
II. Capture Your Ideas as They Come
Great ideas come at the most inconvenient times. I get many of my best ideas while driving, taking a shower, or lying in bed right before I doze off. Do I just let them go? No! Good ideas are fleeting, we have to grab on to them. You can record a voice memo, carry a notebook, or just open up the note feature of your device to store them in the cloud. Whatever your choice, make sure you get your ideas out right away because you won’t remember them later. Capturing your thoughts in the moment will not only ensure nothing is lost, it will also help you relax so your next brilliant idea can come through. A clear mind and a full notebook is one of your most powerful tools.
III. The Power of a Microblog
Once you have a good grasp on what feeds your creative flow, it’s time for the hard part. Just kidding! Blogging doesn’t have to be hard or time consuming. In fact, the simplest way to get into the writing habit is to write a microblog.
A microblog tells a story, teaches something new, or provides a solution - just like a traditional blog, but with less words and less pressure. The added benefit is that a microblog can be repurposed to use as content for a video, podcast, email, or even a long form blog post when you’re feeling up to it.
Here’s the microblog formula that you can use for any ONE of your brilliant ideas at a time:
1) State the issue: Ex. My writer’s block is creating angst and frustration while costing me money.
2) Provide your thoughts or experiences: Ex. Here’s how or why writer’s block affected me
3) Offer a solution and/or question: Ex. Learn my 3-Step process for busting through writer’s block so that you can create authentic and awesome content on a regular basis without stressing out.
I have used this exact microblog formula to help build credibility and grow my audience for years and the payoff is incredible. My people find me and they trust me because I meet them where they are and create content that helps them get where they want to be. And I don’t only talk about topics I have mastered.
Consistency is the key to standing out online and developing a lasting connection to your audience. Practice means progress and switching up your blog writing process relieves pressure.
Remember, just being a few steps ahead of your readers adds value. Lean into that journey.
I’m cheering you on! <3
Keasha Lee is a Personal Branding Coach, Copywriter, and is CEO & Founder of Striking Statements. Through her business, she helps conscious and driven entrepreneurs, creatives and brands get NOTICED, REMEMBERED & PAID through the steps of her Embodied Branding Blueprint. You can learn more about her on Instagram and at her website: https://strikingstatements.com