Writer’s block sucks. And it doesn’t help that it often hits right then, when deadlines are looming. So what do you do when you’re supposed to write a top-notch piece of content within the next four hours but have zero clue where to start? Well, as someone regularly haunted by the big WB let me tell you, there are some fantastic tools and tricks to keep you inspired, creative and ready to create an outstanding piece in no time. Here are my top 5 strategies to get you out of the creative rut and on a roll.
Ahrefs Content Explorer
Ahrefs Content Explorer is one for those needing to stay relevant and topical with their content creation. No matter if you are writing about make-up, content marketing or cars, once you type in your topic Ahrefs creates a list of most shared content across the web, so you’re always in the know and can ensure your content can compete with the rest. Ahref Content Explorer is also a great source of ideas.
Stop trying to write, sit back, relax and brainstorm
It might sound so simple but sometimes the pressure to write stops us from actually writing. So take a deep breath, maybe make a cup of coffee or tea, grab a piece of paper and note down ideas and things you’d like to write about. Try and relax while you brainstorm, if you can rid yourself of pressure you’ll do much better.
HubSpot Blog Topic Generator
Surprisingly, I only discovered this little gem not long ago. Hubspot’s Blog Topic Generator lets you input three words, preferably nouns, that you would like to write about. Once you hit the “Give Me Blog Topics” button it spits out five relevant blog topics for you. As the disclaimer says, the algorithm isn’t perfect and some of the topics might need a bit of work, but it’s a fun tool to use and it’ll definitely get your creative juices flowing.
Head to a bookshop or a library
This might seem a bit old school, but bookshops or libraries can be great places to get inspired for many reasons. You can do the obvious and find the aisle that covers your field, then check out book titles. You might just find an interesting angle or topic to get you started.
If you’re lucky your bookshop may even have a café with Wi-Fi, so you can start writing your masterpiece then and there. The change of location and the journey there might just do wonders for you.
And let’s not forget the biggest benefit of writing in a public space, you’re inevitably surrounded by people, which to me is always a source of inspiration, even if you’re not a fashion blogger. The human species is a fascinating one.
That little notepad app in your phone
If you’ve got an iPhone like me, the app is called Notes and it’s saved me many, many times. Whenever a genius content idea strikes, I note it down so I always have at least five topic ideas on hand when I feel creatively drained. And because it’s on my phone I can add and access it wherever I am - the office, at home or out and about.
And if all of this doesn’t help then the master himself, Mark Twain, has a few wise words for you, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”
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