Content writing: thawing a brain freeze
Some days, content writing is hard. You have writer’s block. Words don’t flow. Content makes no sense. Or what’s in your head as a concept isn’t translating onto the page. It’s one big brain freeze.
We talk a lot about setting yourself up for success and establishing a consistent communications schedule you can keep. It could be three social posts a week, two blogs a month or a quarterly newsletter. Whatever it is, it needs to work for you. You, the small business owner who is juggling any number of balls at a given moment and trying to get through the week.
It’s a great system...until you can’t form a sentence to save your life.
Today is one of those days at MLC. We know what we want to say. We want to help illustrate to our community how much vital communications happens offline. Away from social media and public facing platforms. We are exploring the diverse nature of MLC clients and how many we support don’t have an Instagram account — they don’t need it.
But the words just aren’t there.
So instead, we’re writing about writer's block. Clearly a winning strategy. 😂 But since these words seem to be easier to find right now, let’s highlight some of our favourite tricks for dealing with a brain freeze when you’re developing content.
Change the topic. It doesn’t mean you don’t meet your deadline and you ignore this topic completely. It might be required for your business. However, at this moment in time if you’re struggling — change it up. Write about something else to get the juices flowing. It could even be an email to your mom. Once you find a bit of a writing rhythm, go back to the original piece and see what happens!
Go for a walk. Sometimes you may have a piece of an idea, but can’t quite formulate it into the larger concept you’re after. A 30 minute blast of fresh air not only gets you a mental health break, but you may also be able to map out your social caption, blog or newsletter intro in your head. Back at your desk, it’s a quick typing job and you’re golden.
Phone a friend. Sometimes writer’s block is more of a confidence block. You’re not quite sure whether what you’re putting together makes sense and works for your goal or your target audience. That’s why we have friends! Pick up the phone and share what you’re trying to say. Added bonus? Sometimes verbalizing it first makes it easier to write.
If none of that works, cut yourself some slack and walk away completely for the rest of the day. Do something you feel successful at and try again another day.
That’s our current plan. So if you’re looking for an insightful piece of content on offline communications this week, you may have to wait a little longer…