[And other write right advice, to help beat blogger’s block]
Collectively, the copywriters at Attract & Engage have written 100s of thousands of words. From blogs to brochures, and everything inbetween. So, it’s fair to say we understand how hard it can be for business owners to not only find the time, but also the brain space, to write for their business.
Writer’s block, procrastination, blogger’s block, avoidance. Whatever you call it, it’s a topic that features regulary in client catch-up meetings – and not a week goes by when we’re not asked for advice to help frustrated business bloggers write efficiently.
So, to help we got the copywriting team together and collated 5 top tips for business owners who want to write.
Tips to help you write – right
1. Take a break
As writers we’re all for putting an assignment aside and coming back to it another time.
A coffee break works for most of us, as does a quick power walk around our local park. Louise, copywriter and PR lead often opts for 20 minutes flicking through inspirational magazines, and Jill A&E head copywriter prefers 30 minutes in the gym. If you’re lucky enough to have an office dog, even better!
2. Get a change of scenery
We often de-camp to another room or head out for a team lunch. Julian, copywriter and Digital Lead works from home so he likes to de-camp to the garden. We also head to the sofa area, a client’s office or shop. If it works, why not.
3. Do something other than writing
Do something other than try to FORCE words. Roll out a massive piece of paper and think about your topic visually or graphically.
Draw your concept instead… we LOVE mind maps. Flick through a thesaurus or discover on Pinterest.
4.Plan ahead
You’re not making life easy for yourself if you sit down to write without a plan.
A simple editorial schedule, housed in Excel, will make your weekly business blog far easier to create. If your content calender is packed full of key dates, events, annual ‘this&that’ days, product launches, anniversarys related to your business and the industry you operate within, then coming up with ideas will be so much simpler.
Throughout the month drop in ideas, not fleshed out, but an initial concept. That way when you do sit down to write there’s plenty of great content to get you started.
We’ve recently discovered a smart note-taking app called Otter. It’s a great tool for ‘brain dumping’ ideas, helping you to remember, search, and share your voice memos with other team members.
5. Don’t write on Mondays
OK, this one is rather personal. It might be that Thursday is your notoriously unproductive day. The point here is to be honest with yourself, and only write when you know you’ll achieve something of worth.
The other days can be set aside for research, planning and inspiration capture.
Best of luck people!