...or how to stop worrying about creating blog content!
There is an activity that goes on in the houses of women business owners around the world on a regular basis - it involves staring into space, wringing of hands, chewing of nails and various expletives and I'm pretty sure it's been the cause of a fair few grey hairs.
You know you have to do it, but it feels like a necessary evil. You'll even go and do the washing or tidy the kitchen to get out of doing it, but it's still there looking at you when you get back.
Really, girls, writing your blog does NOT have to be that hard!
But I know you're struggling. I hear it from my Girls Mean Business ladies ALL the time.
"It's like pulling teeth, Claire!"
"I never know what to write about, Claire."
"I just get writer's block, Claire!"
So I thought I'd give you a few little suggestions to help you come up with ideas for your blogs and e-newsletters, get your creative juices flowing and stop you frittering hours of your time away in a state of frustrated angst.
What Should I Blog About?
Here are three tips to get you started:
- Look at what people are asking or saying on your Facebook page. If you're a business coach, then ask them some questions about where they're struggling and then tackle one per newsletter. If you're a crafter, go on some crafting FB pages or forums and see what people are dying to know. If your FB page isn't very active, find one that is and watch to see what people need help with.
- Google your topic and see what comes up - what are other people writing about? What's in the news? What are the magazines saying? If you see a good idea, put your own spin on it and write a new version for YOUR customers with your opinions and advice (do NOT just copy and paste, that would be plagiarism!)
- Look for ideas in your own life. If you are out and about, keep an eye out for things that inspire you - use an app like Evernote to snap a photo and save it to write about later in a 'blog' file. I take inspiration from things around me all the time - whether I'm blogging, or using them as examples in my lessons, it's amazing what you can find when you start looking.
Keep your ideal customer in mind while you're writing and imagine you're talking to them as you would a friend. Don't sweat about sounding 'professional' - who wants to read a blog or newsletter from a 'professional'? I'd rather see your passion and personality shining through, helping me, inspiring me and showing me how you can help me.
Now off you go, you creative genius, you. I really want your next blog to set your ideal customer's heart a-flutter because you've just pushed all their buttons and made them realise how much they love you. Mwah!