If you publish an ezine regularly, inevitably there are
times when you get stuck and can't quite come up with the
perfect article for your issue. Sometimes just taking a
break and coming back later will give you a fresh start.
But other times you need more of a "writing prompt" to get
you going.
The following 7 ways should help you get unstuck and get
writing:
1. Write a Tip Sheet
Sometimes it's easier to get started by creating a list of
tips: How to _______; The 5 Ways to ____________; Top Ten
Tips to _______________; Write a couple of sentences for
each tip, and before you know it, you have a completed
article full of practical information for your readers.
2. Answer Your Most Frequently Asked Questions
As your clients interact with you, you'll likely get the
same kinds of questions over and over. Take one or two of
your most frequently asked questions and answer it in an
article.
3. Use a Client's Scenario
Protecting your client's privacy (or not, if they give you
permission), use their scenario as a case study. Explain
the client's situation and what recommendations you gave,
as well as what the results were. This will help build your
credibility in your prospect's eyes as well, as this gives
them the chance to see you "at work."
4. Comb Through Your Reading Box
Do you have a Reading Box (or tray, file, pile)? If you're
like me, I get a ton of info via email everyday that I
really do want to read, so I have a box where I toss all
the stuff I print into (actually, it's now two boxes!). Go
through your own pile, and see what ideas pop up for you
from there. (I do this often when I'm trying to switch from
mommy-mode to businesswoman-mode.)
5. Learn Something New and Pass It Along
Did you learn something new recently that you can share
with others? Or is there something you want to learn more
about? Go and do some preliminary research and share your
findings with your readers.
6. Interview an Expert
I love this one, but don't overdo it. Your readers want to
hear from you, which is why they are reading YOUR ezine.
But once in awhile, having an interview as an article, as
long as it provides valuable content for your readers, can
be a nice change and even fun.
Send your expert 3-5 questions to answer, and turn the
interview into an article by adding an introductory and
concluding paragragh. (I enjoy giving these kinds of
interviews myself, so if you'd like to interview me for
your ezine, shoot me an email at alicia@clientabundance.com
and let me know.)
7. Get Back to Basics
Think back to when you were just starting out in your
business. What were the things you found most challenging?
Choose one or two and offer your advice on how to get
beyond those stumbling blocks.
Any of these ideas should get you started, and then the
words will start to flow. I know when I'm writing
sometimes, I'm thinking "ugh - not in the writing groove
today at all" but once I get going, I'm usually pretty
happy with the end result (but I do LOVE to revise, and
revise, and revise... :)).
----------------------------------------------------
Alicia M Forest, MBA, Multiple Streams Queen & CoachT,
founder of ClientAbundance.com and creator of 21 Easy &
Essential Steps to Online Success SystemT, teaches
professionals how to attract more clients, create
profit-making products and services, make more sales, and
ultimately live the life they desire and deserve. For FREE
tips on how to create abundance in your business, visit
http://www.ClientAbundance.com .
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