Inevitably we’ll all wind up on a Sunday night with a pang of guilt as we head into Monday morning, and the looming realization that we have not a singular idea what to write on this week.
Perhaps you blog more than weekly, and your panics set in more frequently.
Whatever the case may be, even the best of us fall off the editorial calendar wagon from time to time.
So when you find yourself in such a predicament, here are a few hard and fast rules to get the juices flowing.
Ask a question and then answer it.
“How many people use Facebook and why?” “What’s the best way to drive engagement on Instagram” “What should I make for dinner?” The possibilities are endless. Asking aloud and answering a question is one of the easiest prompts to get started.
Respond to an article that’s already been written.
Writers loooove when you respond in the comments section of their blog. Take that one step further and dive deep with your analysis, but post it on your site…and then link your new blog in their blog. Voila.
Crowdsource.
This is a tip I learned from Mark Schaefer and its saved my heinie a few times. Of course, you should start with a well respected group from which to glean advice. But yes, posing a question to a trusted colleague, or five (better yet, utilize your favorite professional social PR group) can help you create a well-rounded post with minimal editorial effort!
Keep it light.
Not everything we write needs to be earth shattering. If you’re having a particularly strenuous week (or even if you’re not), give yourself a break and keep the topic airy. Your readers might want a break too.
What are your best tips when writers block strikes?