Hunting Down Content Inspiration

Content ideas hide behind bushes and under rocks. It takes cunning and ingenuity to find the right idea at the right moment. Many writers feel that writing content requires a hunting license, but the truth is that most of us just struggle to see the ideas for the trees.

There are ideas for articles and posts everywhere you turn. Learn to look past the obvious and expect to discover the next, great content idea for your website.

Unexpected Idea Locations
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Keep Procrastination from Deflating Content

Last week the focus was persistence with some suggestions for getting content moving. The discussion led to the question of what tips work for beating back procrastination (which can be one of the greatest hindrances in the life of a writer).

Procrastination and I go way back. Most of my younger life was spent perfecting the art of procrastination. Hopefully the lessons I have learned from many procrastination related stumbles will prove beneficial for all those that struggle with getting started or keeping the momentum going.

Although the ways to defeat procrastination are as numerous as the stars, the key lies in one simple step. Just do it. The only way I know to break the habit of procrastination is to start doing things right now – this instant – no matter how small. Action begets action and action forces procrastination to run for cover.

Practical Tips for Pushing Back Procrastination…

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Habits of a Persistent Content Writer

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent.” – Calvin Coolidge

This saying has pushed me through most of my life. It gave me the courage to pursue diving in high school. It bolstered that same courage to step out into a ballroom dancing career in college. But I still struggle to find that same persistence and determination when it comes to writing content. Tomorrow always looks like a better time to write.

The time must be now. Great content does not come from the mind of a talented writer, a smart writer, or even an educated writer. The only content you will ever read will come from an active writer. Waiting until tomorrow almost guarantees that the words will never be written.

Making a Habit of Persistent Writing Read more…

Make Them Feel… Make Them Act

We all want our writing to mean something. We want people to read our words, hear our message and then do something great because we inspired them to.

But how do you get people to take action?

{prepare yourself for a little name dropping}

Heard of Dr.Oz? He’s a doctor who got very famous as a result of the Oprah show.  Now unless you haven’t owned a TV in the last 25 years I’m sure you know Oprah. She’s the lady that moves people to action, that makes people cry, that builds schools for children in Africa, that helps authors sell millions of books, and on and on and on. Read more…

Embracing “Write Fast Edit Later”

In a few posts I’ve talked about editing later as a means to write more quickly but also more effectively.

When you pause to edit your spelling and/or grammar you interrupt the thought process. It slows you down and has the potential to disrupt your flow and affect your content.

I’ve had many people mention that they struggle with this “Write fast, edit later” rule. It’s just too tough to implement. Editing as you write has become a habit. Consider, if you’re looking for more clarity in your writing and you want to write faster, trying this experiment.

How to Embrace the “Write Fast, Edit Later” Rule

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Build a Better Mousetrap

The internet makes finding information easier than ever in history. The internet also creates a mass of competition never experienced before.

Getting readers to choose YOUR content can be a challenge. Alice talked about some ways to draw new prospects to your website. Building a better (or at least a unique) mousetrap will aid in the draw and help keep them around once they find you.

Five Steps to Make Your Content Stand Out

1. Voice – many writers carry a specific voice with their words. Some writers tend to be more casual and chatty. Other writers swing to the opposite side with articles that follow the formal structure of a journalist or English class. A unique voice will set you apart from other websites and even give you the ability to write about the same thing as other websites in your niche without writing the same thing.
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