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10 Proven Ways to Beat Writer’s Block
I’m a big proponent of content marketing, not just for the sake of SEO, but more so as a way to start conversations, and to share knowledge. Most people I meet love this – right up until the moment they sit down and start typing.
It’s at this point they realize that their minds have gone blank and they don’t know where to start.
Writer’s block can be a real struggle, especially when you aren’t used to creating content on a regular basis. To help you get past this all-to-common obstacle, in this post, I’ll explore some easy and proven ways to help you get over that initial stumbling block, and get on with creating great, insightful, valuable content.
1. Keep Ideas and Topics in a Notebook
It’s never easy to come up with a topic or theme when you need one most, and we all have times when we feel more or less creative.
Realizing this, it’s a good idea to keep a list of topics or subjects you’d like to address on your blog and in the future. Get into the habit of carrying around a small notebook, and recording your ideas when they come to mind. Then it will be there, ready to use, when it’s time to create your new content.
2. Look at the Calendar
Sometimes the inspiration you need is right in front of you. What would you want your customers or readers to know during the holidays, at the start of a new year, or during the slow summer months (as examples)?
Are there certain times in your business or industry when distinct economic or regulatory issues come up again and again?
Any of these can make for great content topics. If the timing affects you as well, you’ll likely have some first-hand insights to share.
3. Listen to Your Clients, Customers, or Partners
You don’t have to be creative to be a fantastic writer or content marketer. Instead, you just have to keep your ear to the ground and see what the people around you are talking about.
As a rule of thumb, if you’re hearing about something more than once or twice a week, then it’s probably worth addressing in a content piece. You might be amazed at the level of viewership and engagement you can achieve just by hitting on current topics.
4. Highlight a Recent Victory (or Defeat)
Experience is a great teacher. If something has gone really well for you or one of your clients, why not highlight it in your content? You might be able to show off a new feature or idea, for example, while providing a simplified case study that others can learn from.
Conversely, if you’ve had a big setback, you can share what went wrong, what was learned, and how you’ll do things differently in the future. That’s a level of honesty that most marketers never achieve.
What’s more, it can show customers that you’re honest while giving you an opportunity to examine your own business practices.
5. Look for What’s Changing
If things are changing all around you, or your industry is going through major transitions, those are themes you might want to address again and again in your content.
Doing so will show your customers and clients that you’re paying attention, and perhaps even leading. It also helps to prepare them for shifts that might arrive in the near future.
The better you get at looking forward, the more of an authority you’ll become to be to the people you inform.
6. Focus on Themes in Your Content
One small detail that separates the best blogs or social feeds from the rest is that they are consistently on-topic.
While some marketers meander from one idea or inspiration to the next, those who are more committed are able to establish which subjects they’re true experts on, and which ones excite their readers.
By having certain themes you return to, you make it easier to stay on track and create new content, and you make it easier for potential customers or clients to grasp your line of thinking.
7. Talk About Things Your Competition Won’t
There are a lot of things that your competitors probably won’t talk about. Maybe they prefer not to highlight differences in price and service, or perhaps they shy away from explaining the fine print that’s common in your industry. If that’s the case, you certainly don’t have to follow their lead.
Do what they won’t. It’s a chance to be completely transparent. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but once people realize that you’re willing to tell them literally all they need to know – the good and the bad – you’ll begin to stand out.
This can be a great way to make your content more authentic and valuable, and to break through writer’s block.
8. Put Yourself in Your Reader’s Shoes
We have all of our clients create detailed buyer and influencer personas. In creating these, we want them to think about who it is they most need to appeal to with their content.
If you’ve followed through with that exercise, then imagine your ideal customer is sitting right in front of you.
What would you really want that person to know right now? What piece of information or insight could be helpful to them in their journey to find solutions?
Answer those questions and you’ll have the basis for many different pieces of content.
9. Make Writing a Habit
Writing is exponentially easier when you make it a habit.
For one thing, your brain is like a muscle that gets better with repeated use. The more you put your writing skills into action, the sharper they become. Additionally, when you develop a writing habit, you’ll be able to break huge content creation projects down into small, achievable parts.
This, in itself, will make the job of writing posts seem ten times easier.
10. The Reality of Writer’s Block
When you get down to it, struggling with writer’s block is usually more about inspiration than it is information. By that, I mean that we fight it because we feel tired, burnt out, or unenthusiastic about the topics in front of us, not because we simply don’t know what to write.
Let’s flip that script. Is something making you mad or exciting the heck out of you? Write about then, in the moment, or simply jot it out any way you can. By capturing that emotion while it’s raw, you have something very powerful in your toolkit.
Once you understand that distinction, it gets easier to find a better way forward – instead of simply looking for words to put on a page or screen, you can search for the ideas that mean something to you and the real-life people you want to reach.
Bonus tip: Don’t worry about being perfect. Draft it out and ask someone else to be the editor. Copyeditors exist for a reason. They can take our scribbles and turn them into coherent messaging. As I look back, only about 5% of my written work has been done without running it past an editor.
It’s just smart – plus, they’re more likely than us to spot the typos.
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12 Proven Methods to Make Money Blogging in 2024
This is a contributed article.
The world of blogging continues to thrive in 2024, offering a compelling avenue for creative minds to share their knowledge, build an audience, and even turn their passion into profit. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or just starting, there are numerous effective strategies to monetize your blog and achieve financial success. Here, we delve into 12 proven methods to make money blogging in 2024:
1. Embrace Niche Expertise:
Standing out in the vast blogosphere requires focus. Carving a niche allows you to cater to a specific audience with targeted content. This not only builds a loyal following but also positions you as an authority in your chosen field. Whether it’s gardening techniques, travel hacking tips, or the intricacies of cryptocurrency, delve deep into a subject you’re passionate and knowledgeable about. Targeted audiences are more receptive to monetization efforts, making them ideal for success.
2. Content is King (and Queen):
High-quality content remains the cornerstone of any successful blog. In 2024, readers crave informative, engaging, and well-written content that solves their problems, answers their questions, or entertains them. Invest time in crafting valuable blog posts, articles, or videos that resonate with your target audience.
- Focus on evergreen content: Create content that remains relevant for a long time, attracting consistent traffic and boosting your earning potential.
- Incorporate multimedia: Spice up your content with captivating images, infographics, or even videos to enhance reader engagement and improve SEO.
- Maintain consistency: Develop a regular publishing schedule to build anticipation and keep your audience coming back for more.
3. The Power of SEO:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) ensures your blog ranks high in search engine results for relevant keywords. This increases organic traffic, the lifeblood of any monetization strategy.
- Keyword research: Use keyword research tools to identify terms your target audience searches for. Strategically incorporate these keywords into your content naturally.
- Technical SEO: Optimize your blog’s loading speed, mobile responsiveness, and overall technical aspects to improve search engine ranking.
- Backlink building: Encourage other websites to link back to your content, boosting your blog’s authority in the eyes of search engines.
4. Monetization Magic: Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products or services. When a reader clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you get a commission.
- Choose relevant affiliates: Promote products or services that align with your niche and resonate with your audience.
- Transparency is key: Disclose your affiliate relationships clearly to your readers and build trust.
- Integrate strategically: Don’t just bombard readers with links. Weave affiliate promotions naturally into your content, highlighting the value proposition.
5. Display Advertising: A Classic Approach
Display advertising involves placing banner ads, text ads, or other visual elements on your blog. When a reader clicks on an ad, you earn revenue.
- Choose reputable ad networks: Partner with established ad networks that offer competitive rates and relevant ads for your audience.
- Strategic ad placement: Place ads thoughtfully, avoiding an overwhelming experience for readers.
- Track your performance: Monitor ad clicks and conversions to measure the effectiveness of your ad placements and optimize for better results.
6. Offer Premium Content:
Providing exclusive, in-depth content behind a paywall can generate additional income. This could be premium blog posts, ebooks, online courses, or webinars.
- Deliver exceptional value: Ensure your premium content offers significant value that justifies the price tag.
- Multiple pricing options: Consider offering tiered subscription plans to cater to different audience needs and budgets.
- Promote effectively: Highlight the benefits of your premium content and encourage readers to subscribe.
7. Coaching and Consulting:
Leverage your expertise by offering coaching or consulting services related to your niche. Readers who find your content valuable may be interested in personalized guidance.
- Position yourself as an expert: Showcase your qualifications, experience, and client testimonials to build trust and establish your credibility.
- Offer free consultations: Provide a limited free consultation to potential clients, allowing them to experience your expertise firsthand.
- Develop clear packages: Outline different coaching or consulting packages with varying time commitments and pricing structures.
8. The Power of Community: Online Events and Webinars
Host online events or webinars related to your niche. These events offer valuable content while also providing an opportunity to promote other monetization avenues.
- Interactive and engaging: Structure your online events to be interactive with polls, Q&A sessions, or live chats. Click here to learn more about image marketing with Q&A sessions and live chats.
9. Embrace the Power of Email Marketing:
Building an email list allows you to foster stronger relationships with your audience and promote your content and offerings directly.
- Offer valuable incentives: Encourage readers to subscribe by offering exclusive content, discounts, or early access to new products.
- Segmentation is key: Segment your email list based on reader interests to send targeted campaigns that resonate more effectively.
- Regular communication: Maintain consistent communication with your subscribers through engaging newsletters or updates.
10. Sell Your Own Products:
Take your expertise to the next level by creating and selling your own products. This could be physical merchandise, digital downloads, or even printables related to your niche.
- Identify audience needs: Develop products that address the specific needs and desires of your target audience.
- High-quality offerings: Invest in creating high-quality products that offer exceptional value and user experience.
- Utilize multiple platforms: Sell your products through your blog, online marketplaces, or even social media platforms.
11. Sponsorships and Brand Collaborations:
Partner with brands or businesses relevant to your niche for sponsored content or collaborations. This can be a lucrative way to leverage your audience and generate income.
- Maintain editorial control: While working with sponsors, ensure you retain editorial control to maintain your blog’s authenticity and audience trust.
- Disclosures are essential: Clearly disclose sponsored content to readers, upholding transparency and ethical practices.
- Align with your niche: Partner with brands that complement your content and resonate with your audience.
12. Freelancing and Paid Writing Opportunities:
Your blog can serve as a springboard for freelance writing opportunities. Showcase your writing skills and expertise through your blog content, attracting potential clients.
- Target relevant publications: Identify online publications, websites, or magazines related to your niche and pitch your writing services.
- High-quality samples: Include high-quality blog posts from your site as writing samples when pitching to potential clients.
- Develop strong writing skills: Continuously hone your writing skills and stay updated on current trends in your niche to deliver exceptional work.
Conclusion:
Building a successful blog that generates income requires dedication, strategic planning, and high-quality content. In today’s digital age, there are numerous opportunities to make money online through blogging. By utilizing a combination of methods such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and selling digital products or services, you can leverage your blog’s potential and achieve financial success.
Remember, consistency in posting, engaging with your audience, and staying adaptable to trends are key to thriving in the ever-evolving blogosphere. Embrace new strategies, refine your approaches, and always keep your readers at the forefront of your content creation journey. With dedication and the right approach, your blog has the potential to become a valuable source of income and a platform for sharing your knowledge and passion with the world, making money online while doing what you love.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos
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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?
In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.
The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.
According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.
Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.
Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.
The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.
This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.
Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.
As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?
Only time will tell.
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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach
While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.
When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.
“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.
Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.
“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.”Â
“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.
“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.
Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.