Blogging – What to Say When You Have Nothing to Say
Do you ever get to the end of the week and think, oh no, I haven’t posted on my blog yet this week, what am I going to say?
Most of us who blog, blog at least once a week and have dreams of blogging more. However, you know, we all do it – Friday rolls around and we remember the thing that hasn’t been checked off our to-do list. Yes, that’s right, posting a blog article.
The benefits to using blogging as a way of marketing have taken off these past years. Marketing through blogging is one of the cheapest and most cost effective ways to advertise your business. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits to blogging, check out this article:
“The Secret to Growing Your Online Influence”
For some reason though, we all “forget” or try to “get to it later” because we run companies, have families, and live lives. But, blogging is the backbone to our social media body. It sets us up to promote our influence everywhere. Our blogs are where we gain our future customers trust and it’s where our future custom will come back again and again for more information.
What do you say, when it’s Friday at 4:30 pm?
I remember when I worked in an office and how quiet it would be on a Friday (especially a sunny one) at 4:30 pm. It was almost completely quiet accept for the one person who was rushing around to complete their last project so they could go home and be with their family.
If I’m honest, I will admit that I have those moments too. I’m a ghost writer. I make my living at writing about other people’s expertise. Sometimes I get to my computer and I think, “oh no, what am I going to say now?”
So today, I wanted to share with you a few ways to jump start the creative juices. This way, when that sun is shining on that Friday before spring break, you’ll have some way to say something, when you have nothing to say.
- Heroes
You’ve heard me say it before. Have heroes for each of your blogs. Have a source that you know and love that you can easily curate from. - Plan Ahead
Every once and a while, take some time and create a list of potential titles of articles. I usually have a list of titles and one source. Sometimes I’ll even add bullet points. Put this list away in your desk drawer and pull in out when you need it. - Getting Back to Beginning
Why did you start this blog? What experience did you have that inspired you to become a published writer?Blogging seeks and honors authentic vulnerability. I always say that whoever reads your blog should feel like that just went out for a good cup of coffee with the writer. What I mean is that you should add personal flare.
When I’m Feeling Real Writer’s Block
I am a coffee addict. It started when I was 15 in the back of a Caribou Coffee Shop and has always stayed with me. So, when I’m feeling really stuck, I go and get a cup of my favorite coffee, which is,
A grande, 1 inch breve, 3 pump white mocha, with whip, Americano.
If you get that drink next time you’re at Starbucks, you will thank me. It is truly amazing.
What is your go-to when you feel stuck? How do you break up your writer’s block?
Great advice in the article Christine. Creativity goes in cycles with me. If I get “stuck” and a deadline is coming up, I pull out my idea journal and put on some music. Love your coffee recipe for added inspiration!
Nancy,
Having good music to help jump start those creative juices is a great idea. What’s on your playlist? I know, I have been obsessed with Toro Y Moi.
Great article. Had to read it as yes, of course, this has happened to me, too! I wrote a post about finding ideas that I refer to if stuck, but I also have a bunch of “draft” articles on my blog that I just enter as a title and maybe some notes when an idea hits. Then when I have time I go back and finish. I never lose them that way.
I especially liked your third suggestion. Think about why you started the blog. I would add to that, think about the pain points of your readers and how you can help.
Also, that coffee sounds amazing. Especially the whipped cream part 🙂
Alisa,
What great suggestions! I especially love focusing on the pain points of your readers. Pain points is such a great descriptor. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks, Christine! Glad to join the conversation.
Thanks for these tips! What I find works best is to plan well in advance. When I take the time to sit down for 1 hour and come up with all possible ideas about a certain theme on my blog, that’s when I would come with up to 20 ideas for blog posts.
Depending on your blogging schedule, this can really keep you all covered for 5 months, if you are blogging weekly, or for 6 weeks if you are blogging 2-3 times a week 🙂
Delia,
It really pays to plan ahead, doesn’t it. I’m going to try your suggestion. Sit down for a hour and just brain storm ideas. Thank you so much.
Great suggestions in your article! When I get stuck, I also turn on the music…something soft…and make a great cup of my favorite coffee. If it is sunny out, then I go for a walk….that works well!
Alexandra,
Going for a walk, I love it! Now that it is nice outside again, I will be joining you when I get stuck. Thank you for that great suggestion.
It IS a great idea to have a list of headlines or bullet points handy to spark new blog posts. I’m a designer, so I like looking at inspiring graphics. Lately, I’ve found that browsing Pinterest can help fuel my creative brain.
Rob,
I love Pinterest! Thank you for sharing.
Music is my muse when I’m feeling stuck! There are some great ideas here – even in the comments! Great post, thank you for helping us (b/c I think we ALL get stuck!).
Brooke,
I’m glad you found the article and comments helpful. I with you, music is so helpful for getting unstuck. Thanks for the comment.