Writing is one of those tasks that looks much easier from a distance. There are blogs everywhere, so that means there are bloggers everywhere, too. Nearly every business has a website, and most of those sites are packed with content. How hard could content development be, when everyone is doing it? The answer to that question often comes, quite forcefully, when you sit down to write the first blog post for your website.
Writer’s block is a thorny little challenge, even for people who write for a living. It’s the unwelcome guest that always seems to show up at the least opportune time… like when you’re trying to start a new blog off on the right foot. You’re not the first to encounter it, and you won’t be the first to overcome it. Beating writer’s block to produce great content requires planning, organization, and sometimes a little help from your friends.
Creating Structure for Content Management Success
One of the big myths about writing is that it requires inspiration, usually of the intangible variety. The truth is that building up your content is like building anything else worthwhile, so preparation and organization are key. You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, after all. Begin your content development preparation by planning the structure of your website.
- First, you’ll need to pick which pages you plan to include. Every business website should include a homepage, a contact page, an about us section, and pages to showcase your products or services.
- You can add value by including a blog with helpful information related to your business, and by providing resources to help potential customers learn about your industry, products, and services.
- The next step is navigation, and it’s an important one. The navigation bar at the top of your homepage should include your most important links, and the links you most want customers to click on.
- Choosing the right amount of categories can be a challenge, especially if you offer extensive products and services. In general, simple is better when possible. If you need to include a large list of links, organize it logically so related pages “live” in the same area of your navigation.
Now that you’ve got everything organized, the writing part should be easy, right? Well, not quite. There’s still work to be done. If you’re planning to write your own blog posts, give yourself a leg up by creating an outline for each post. That means more organization, yes, but it’ll also help you beat writers block in the long run.
- Maybe this blogging thing is starting to look like a bit more than you bargained for, at this point. The good news is that you can still get quality content, without pouring your own time into creating it.
- The simple solution is to hire an expert for your content development. Your preferences for tone, style, and topics will still help shape your blog and website, but you won’t have to worry about the nuts and bolts of creating content.
- Expertise isn’t just for beating writer’s block, either. Professional writers also understand search engine optimization, how to reach a targeted audience, and how to format your content so that readers can enjoy it on all of their devices.
- You can find very cheap content online, but its price reflects its quality. You won’t have to break the bank to lure talent, and offering a fair rate to writers will help ensure consistent quality.
- If you’re committed to generating your own content without outside assistance, consider a few basic tips to beat writer’s block. Set aside dedicated writing time to limit distractions, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice when you’re stuck. There are plenty of online communities where you can find a friendly word from someone who’s been there before.
Whether you create your own content or bring in the professionals, blogging is one of the most important platforms you have for connecting with your customers. It’s a way to build trust, show off your expertise, and establish meaningful relationships before you even speak with a customer directly. Battling through the occasional bout of writer’s block is small payment for the bottom-line rewards your blog will provide.
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