In this post, Cori shares how busy bloggers can implement 10 proven good practices to create blog content.
Keeping up with creating a steady stream of blog posts can be difficult for many bloggers. For a long time, I struggled with this. Creating blog posts regularly proved to be a bit of a stressful process. That is until I began to learn and integrate these practices.
Here I offer steps to help you develop your own content creation system. Let’s get started!
1. Using an idea bucket system.
What is an idea bucket?
A place where you can easily write down your thoughts for future posts as they come to mind.
The great thing is you’ll never run out of topics to write about!
With your idea bucket full, you have the beginnings of countless blog posts!
I use Evernote to enter my post ideas while on my computer.
For those times when I’m not at the computer, I have a little notebook to write them in.
I then transfer those thoughts over to Evernote. You can use Evernote for free.
To determine what system works best for you simply try a few methods out first. I promise you’ll find this practice to be invaluable to your blogging experience. When you release thought to paper or keyboard the ideas don’t get lost!
2. Write at least a little every day.
It is so important to practice writing as often as you can. If possible write every day. Keep writing! Even if you don’t want to. Consistency is the key to better blogging and writing. Let your thoughts on the subject you are writing about pour out of you. Keep doing this for at as long as it takes to write a minimum of 500 words. By writing every day you’ll quickly become comfortable with creating content for your blog.
3. Free write
This is where you just write. No need to edit or correct anything yet! It’s a way to get the writing juices flowing. For me, this is my pre-writing stage. When a bunch of raw written work comes out. Once I stop I’m left with lots of content that doesn’t make much sense. Out of doing this potential blog posts are born! Free writing is great to do when you’re stuck on what to write. It helps penetrate through writer’s block many of us bloggers and writers experience.
4. Batch produce content
To batch produce blog content is to write a series of advance posts. With WordPress, you can easily
schedule your posts for publication ahead of time.
Doing this helps to be prepared for those times when life gets too busy.
Maybe you get sick or go on vacation.
Whatever happens, you’ll be content ready!
5. Develop a blog posting schedule you can manage.
This step helps with creating a regular posting tempo your readers will appreciate.
They will rely on those days when your new content is published.
You’ll develop trust with your audience.
Better to start with what is manageable for you.
If inconsistent they will often not come back.
Many start a blog with the intention of posting multiple times per week.
Sometimes even daily. What happens next is the consistency diminishes
along with the readers.Remember what you offer consistently is what your audience will come
to expect from you.
Having a posting routine that is followed consistently takes the stress out content creation!
Try this for 3 weeks and you will have developed a habit that makes your blogging life much easier!
6. The benefits of creating a blog post template.
What is a blog post template?
It’s simply the beginning framework that creates a foundation to what later becomes a completed published blog post.
A starting place. This is where I usually begin writing my posts.
I created a simple blog post template to suit my blogging needs. Why did I feel the need to create a blog post template?
I spent many post creation attempts staring at a blank computer screen. I’d struggle with where to begin. Finally, I discovered the power of using a blog post template to create content. This idea was first introduced to me by Michael Hyatt in one of his webinars.
Example: This is the simple blog post template structure I often use; topic, introduction, post body content, conclusion, and call to action.
- Topic: You don’t have to decide on your title just yet. Later you can revisit this and craft a title for your post. Once I write the content the addition of a working title soon follows.
- Introduction: Here are just a few lines introducing your reader to a brief description of what your post is about.
- Post body content: If the post is ‘How to do something in a number of steps’ write out the headings and numbers.
Once you get the basics in place you can begin filling it up with rich content. - Conclusion: Wrapping it up here with a brief conclusion. One paragraph or two short paragraphs is good.
- Call to Action: Here you can encourage conversation via comments. Ask a question based on the topic of your post.
To read more about creating and using a blog template see Michael Hyatt’s Anatomy of an Effective Blog Post.
7. Write it in a free from distraction place.
Create an environment that enables you to concentrate on what you’re writing about. Distractions can be creativity killers. Nobody can write well in the super chaotic scenario. Having a clear mind helps in buckling down to the task of writing content for your blog.
I like to write posts with minimal distractions. Social media notifications are off as are other online activities.
8. Come out of isolation.
A wise teacher of mine ‘Jeff Goins’ says “Creativity never happens in isolation.” I’ve personally discovered this
to be true.
- The less isolated you are when writing the freer your thoughts will flow.
- Move around and change the scenery. If you have a laptop it’s nice to write outside.
You’ll be amazed at how much better your content becomes! - Join communities. It’s great to be a part of what other writer and bloggers are doing. Do this and I promise you’ll enjoy connecting with others. You help them and they’ll be a support to you.They will share your work and help you get known.
9. Write simple sentences.
- Develop and master the art of brevity.
- Write less wordy shorter sentences.
- Staying on point without the fluff and filler words.
10. Create a pleasing writing environment.
Have you ever heard the saying “If you look better you’ll feel better”?
The same could be said about our work area.
- Add some energizing color to your office space. Doing this is known to create an inspirational work environment.
- A cluttered office area will clog up the mind. This can complicate the process of creating content efficiently.
- Having a pleasing area to write from ignites and inspires a creative blogging mindset.
Conclusion
There really is no one size fits all method for writing blog posts. Everyone has their own writing style.
With practice, this process of content creation does get easier the more you do it. Keep writing and creating content
that matters! Enjoy a wonderful blogging experience!
Further reading
- The 7 Facets of Confident Writing
- 10 Mistakes New Writers Make When They Want to Go Pro
- Create an eBook: Everything You Need to Publish Your First eBook
Helpful free takeaways
Three free downloadable eBooks bundle. These eBook products can help you create blog content for free! How often do you get three free eBooks with one click?! Click on the image of the eBooks to download yours.
Join the conversation;
Let us know in the comments below what helps you to consistently create content for your blog.
Do you struggle to come up with new blog content each week?
Do you find that some weeks you write more great content than others?
What strategies have you learned from other bloggers that have helped you in creating quality content?