When it comes to creating content, nothing is more intimidating than the big, blank, white canvas of an empty page. You have an idea of what you want to say, but how do you start?
Follow these tips to create content from scratch:
Ask Questions. Start by asking: What is the topic at hand? Who is my audience? How can I add value to my customers’ experience? Now write down your answer.
Don’t Think; Just Write. As your ideas begin to flow, don’t worry about making sure they make sense on paper. Whether you use bullet points, fragments or run-on sentences, simply write your thoughts as they come.
Step Away. Once you’ve written down your initial thoughts on the subject, take a break. Let the information sit for awhile and new ideas may form.
Refine. When you come back to your content, you will no longer be staring at a blank space. This is when the real writing begins. I like to think of it as a puzzle, and my job is to assemble all the pieces in the best possible way to form a complete and coherent vision. Another writer I know thinks of it a sculpting. All the rough ideas are written down—you just need to shape them into headlines, sentences, paragraphs and calls to action that add value.
Edit. Finally, when you feel that your content answers your initial question in the best possible way, it’s time to make sure it’s readable. This means checking for grammar, punctuation and making sure any needed links are present. Is the content too long to keep your audience’s attention? Consider breaking it into two pieces of content—two blog posts, two emails, two social posts, etc. It’s also a good idea to have someone else on your team read it to make sure your point has hit home.
Where’s that blank space now? Filled with useful information your customers will appreciate!