Every writer, novice or best-selling author, has faced the intimidating expanse of the blank page. It stands as a silent challenge, waiting for the first words to be inked(or typed) upon it. If you’re trying to start a blog, that blank page can be crippling. And even once you have a blog up and running, or a business you know inside and out and want to start blogging about, it’s tough. 

What the hell do you write about?

And even when you know the topic you’re looking at, how do you do the starting thing? Like…there are thoughts in your head, sure, but how are you supposed to translate that into words on a page?

As a writer with over a decade of blank pages under my belt, I thought it might be helpful to do a deep dive into avoiding the curse of the blank page with some easy tips for writing the first draft of your blog. Let’s jump in…

Absolute Clarity Before You Start

Getting started writing a blog post is a lot like setting out on a journey. You wouldn’t just hop in your car and drive aimlessly, hoping to reach a meaningful destination. Similarly, before you embark on crafting your blog, there’s some map reading and preparation to do. Here’s how to ensure you start with purpose and direction:

Tip #1: Choose Your Blog Topic With Precision And Purpose

Deciding on your blog topic isn’t just about indulging your latest enthusiasm. It’s about aligning with a bigger picture. Whether you’re aiming to monetise through affiliate marketing, ad revenue, or simply striving to amass an audience for the sheer joy of it, your topic is the magnet. Think of it as the beacon, shining brightly for a specific audience you want to attract.

For this reason, your topic needs to be chosen with a clear objective in mind. Perhaps you aren’t pushing a product or service, but you’re looking for subscribers to your email list, partnerships, or even just engagement. The content you put out must resonate with the folks you’re trying to reach, ultimately driving towards your end goal. Even if you’re not explicitly ‘selling’ something, you’re still selling an idea, a perspective, or a community. Every piece of content should, in some capacity, serve this overarching objective. Taking this into account when choosing your topic is essential to creating content that converts, and achieves your desired goals.

Tip #2: Research Your Keyword Before Writing

Your primary keyword isn’t just an SEO tool; think of it as your blog’s compass. By understanding the keyword that resonates with your audience, you ensure that your content is not only relevant but also answers the questions they’re genuinely asking.

Tip #3: List Relevant LSI Terms

Beyond the main keyword, there are related terms that enrich your content. Dive into LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) terms which are phrases related to your main keyword. They help flesh out your content, giving your readers a comprehensive understanding and improving your blog’s SEO depth.

Tip #4: Do a Quick Competitor Recon

Get a lay of the land. Peek at what others are writing about your topic. It’ll give you insights into gaps in the conversation, potential angles, or simply ensure that you’re bringing a fresh perspective. Plus, it’s a good barometer for what’s resonating in the market. Competitor research is also a good way of gauging how long your blog should be. Generally speaking, long-form content will perform better where SEO is concerned. If you’re trying to out-rank an existing piece of content on the same topic, adding greater value to make your post longer than your competitors is a good way to go. Talk about all they discuss, and add your own unique spin and more details. 

Tip #5: Plot Out Your Call to Action (CTA) From the Get-Go

Before you’re deep into crafting your masterpiece, take a step back and think about its grand finale. What action do you want your readers to take once they’ve soaked in all your wisdom? An impactful CTA isn’t just an afterthought; it’s the crescendo of your content piece.

Whether it’s nudging readers to sign up for a newsletter, pushing for a purchase, encouraging them to connect on social media, or simply stirring them to dive into another blog post, your CTA is the bridge between engagement and action. By locking in your CTA at the start, you can weave your content in a way that naturally guides your audience to that endpoint. It’s like writing a story but knowing the climax beforehand, ensuring every word and paragraph drives the narrative towards that pivotal moment.

Key Takeaway

Laying this groundwork before you even type that first word ensures a few things. Firstly, your content will attract the right audience—those hungry for what you’re serving. Secondly, it’ll bolster your blog’s chances of shining in a crowded digital landscape, not just as a well-optimized piece but as a competitive, valuable resource. In essence, preparation is the unsung hero behind a stellar blog post. So, prep well and watch your content soar.

Harness the Power of Storytelling

Stories are humanity’s age-old tool for connection, emotion, and engagement. They’re not just for fiction; your blog can and should lean into storytelling to captivate and resonate. Here’s how you can seamlessly integrate this ancient art into your posts:

Tip #6: Dive Into Personal Anecdotes

Everyone loves a good story, especially if it’s genuine. Start by anchoring your topic in a personal experience or tale. This does two things: Firstly, it stamps authenticity onto your content—readers sense the realness, the lived experience. Secondly, it acts as an icebreaker for you, the writer. No more staring at that daunting blank page; you’re just recounting an event, an emotion. It’s intimate, relatable, and draws readers in from the get-go. It can also be a great way of making your blogs funny (if that’s what you’re going for), as personal tales of misadventures and antics can be hilarious.

Tip #7: Seamlessly Transition from Tale to Takeaway

You’ve laid out a narrative, but where to from there? Use your story as a springboard, leaping gracefully into the meat of your content. This narrative transition ensures your blog post has a natural flow. Your anecdote acts as an introduction, setting the tone and context, while the subsequent content builds upon that foundation, delving deeper into insights, advice, or analysis. You’ve not only shattered the blank page curse but done so with flair and connection.

Tip #8: Set the Scene Visually

Before diving into the details, paint a vivid picture. Describe the setting, the atmosphere, even the feelings surrounding your story. This sensory approach immerses the reader, making them feel like they’re right there with you.

Tip #9: Use Relatable Characters

Whether it’s you, someone you know, or a composite of various individuals, introduce characters that are relatable to your audience. These characters help humanise your content and make abstract concepts more tangible.

Tip #10: Incorporate Dialogue

Interspersing your narrative with actual (or recreated) dialogue can bring dynamism to your content. It breaks up long chunks of text, adds authenticity, and provides readers with varying perspectives within the story.

Tip #11: Build Suspense and Deliver the Payoff

Craft your tale with a sense of anticipation. Begin by laying the groundwork in your introduction, setting up the scenario and hinting at the challenges or curiosities to come. But don’t give everything away upfront. As you navigate through your content, drop subtle hints or insights that build towards the story’s climax. By saving the poignant revelation or the ‘aha’ moment for the conclusion, you not only retain reader engagement throughout the piece but also leave them with a lasting impression and a compelling takeaway.

Psychological Readiness

Writing isn’t solely a game of words and grammar; it’s deeply intertwined with one’s psychological state. To truly harness your creative energy and ward off the paralysis of the blank page, both cognitive and emotional preparation is crucial. Here’s how you can foster an optimal mindset for writing:

Tip #14: Embrace the Power of Mind Mapping

Traditional brainstorming often remains surface-level, but mind mapping takes you deeper. It’s about understanding the interconnections between thoughts, themes, and subtopics, visualising a roadmap of your content. By laying out your ideas in a spatial manner, you can see relations and hierarchies, helping to organise your thoughts more coherently. For this, you don’t need to stick to pen and paper. Tools like XMind or MindMeister provide digital platforms that can enhance this process, giving you a dynamic space to flesh out your thoughts.

Tip #15: Cultivate Emotional Resilience for Writing

Starting a blog post often brings to the fore our deepest insecurities and the lurking fear of judgment. What if it’s not good enough? What if no one reads it? It’s essential to understand that these feelings are common amongst writers, novices and veterans alike. To conquer this, firstly, internalise that your first draft is just that—a draft. It’s not about perfection, but about getting your thoughts out. With time and editing, it will evolve. Embrace the process, and remember that every word you type is a step forward, a defiance of that intimidating blank page.

Key Takeaway

By preparing both mentally and emotionally, you equip yourself with the tools and mindset needed to approach writing not as a daunting task but as an enriching journey.

The Environment Matters

Where you write can be just as crucial as what you write. A conducive environment can either spur creativity or quash it. It’s not merely about comfort; it’s about crafting a space that resonates with your creative frequencies. Here’s how to mould your environment to boost productivity and inspiration:

Tip #16: Designate Tech-Free Sanctuaries

In our hyper-connected age, distractions lurk everywhere. And while it’s easy to blame that pesky notification ping, often, the mere presence of multiple devices can fracture concentration. Create tech-free zones—spaces where the sole purpose is to write. By physically distancing yourself from unrelated tech, you’re making a commitment. It’s just you, your thoughts, and perhaps good old pen and paper. This cocoon can drastically reduce the temptation to stray and can help keep the flow of ideas uninterrupted.

Tip #17: Craft Your Personal Muse

Your surroundings play a silent yet pivotal role in the writing process. Personalise your workspace with elements that inspire you—be it art, photographs, or keepsakes. Beyond the visual, curate an auditory experience. Some find solace in the rhythmic hum of a cafe, while others may be inspired by the gentle pitter-patter of rain. Tools like Noisli can recreate these ambient sounds, allowing you to customise a background that sets the mood for your writing. By crafting an environment that speaks to you, you invite creativity and banish writer’s block.

Tip #18: Sensory Stimulation for Enhanced Focus

We often underestimate the power our senses have over our cognitive abilities. While sight and sound are most associated with a conducive writing environment, our sense of smell can be an equally potent tool. Engaging the olfactory sense can be an indirect yet effective means to evoke particular moods or memories, propelling you into a desired state of mind for writing.

For instance, I’ve found a burning candle on my desk to be profoundly focusing. But it’s not just any candle—it’s about selecting a scent that resonates with the sentiment I’m trying to invoke. Writing something uplifting? I opt for a scent that inspires me. I’m obsessed currently with Yankee Candle’s Ocean Air, and how it mirrors the vastness of the ocean and its limitless possibilities.

Seeking a comforting undertone? I find solace in the spicy warmth of a Cinnamon Chai candle that crackles as it burns, enveloping me in a cocoon of warmth.

And on the days when anxiety attempts to overshadow my writing, I resort to a therapeutic Amethyst and Lavender candle from Lia Chahla London, bringing a calming energy to my workspace. By tapping into sensory elements that personally resonate, you’re not just setting a mood; you’re creating a holistic experience that fosters creativity and reduces mental barriers. The flame is also a great focusing point when you’re trying to get your thoughts in order; stare at it for a bit while you think.

Honestly it really helps!

If you’re a fan of manifesting and the law of attraction the other thing you can do is write an objective into your candle while you work. I’ve been doing this for years, long before I knew about the law of attraction, but once I started learning about it I realised I’d been subconsciously doing it all on my own. When I was taking my A levels I used to carve the grades I wanted in a big fat church candle over and over again, then let it burn as I did my revision.

I got my grades!

Key Takeaway

When your environment is in harmony with your creative spirit, the challenge of the blank page diminishes, making way for an outpouring of ideas and narratives.

Shake Up Your Order

Beginning an article can often be the most challenging part. While it’s essential for setting the tone, it can also be a major stumbling block if you’re unsure where to begin. An effective strategy is to dive right into the heart of your content. This unconventional approach can not only get the words flowing but can also offer a clearer perspective on how you should introduce and conclude your piece.

Tip #19: Bypass the Beginning

Perfectionism can be a writer’s Achilles heel, especially when crafting that all-important introduction. Instead of letting the weight of the perfect start stall you, leap into a segment you’re enthusiastic about. It could be a part where you have the most knowledge or perhaps a section where your passion shines brightest. By beginning in the middle, you bypass the initial hurdle, allowing for a smoother transition into the flow of writing.

Tip #20: Pen the Conclusion First

This might sound counterintuitive, but by defining your endpoint, you’re creating a target to aim for. This clarity can be invaluable, providing both direction and purpose. When you know where you’re headed, the journey often becomes more straightforward. Starting with the conclusion can set the stage, ensuring your content remains focused and cohesive.

Key Takeaway

Tackling the core content before the introduction can eliminate the paralysis of the blank page. It can offer clarity, direction, and a rejuvenated zeal for the topic at hand. Once the body of your content is in place, crafting a compelling start and end becomes a less daunting task. Remember, the first draft is about getting your thoughts down, not perfection. It’s a playground where structure can be fluid, and innovation is encouraged.

Use Templates and Structures

The canvas of a blog post, much like a painting, often benefits from a bit of structure. Without it, ideas can sprawl uncontrollably, resulting in a piece that’s more chaotic than coherent. Leaning on established structures not only provides a framework but can also significantly speed up the writing process. While it’s essential to infuse originality, starting with a template doesn’t equate to stifling creativity. Instead, it’s about using a reliable foundation and then building upon it with your unique flair.

Tip #21: Utilise Proven Blog Frameworks

Some blog structures have stood the test of time due to their inherent effectiveness and reader appeal. The popularity of formats like “The List Post,” “The How-To Post,” and “The FAQ Post” stems from their clear and organised presentation of information. Starting with one of these tried-and-true structures can provide a solid foundation. However, the magic lies in taking these templates and infusing them with your distinct voice, perspective, and insights. It’s not about reinventing the wheel; it’s about customising it to suit your journey.

Hint: You’ll find a list of 50 tried and tested blog frameworks and what to use them for in my book, Divine Blogging

Tip #22: Forge Your Unique Template

As you delve deeper into the world of blogging and familiarise yourself with your audience’s preferences and your own writing style, it’s worthwhile to craft a personalised structure. This template, born out of experience and feedback, can serve as a tailored guide for future posts. With each iteration, refine this blueprint, making note of what works and what doesn’t. Over time, this custom structure can become an invaluable tool, aiding in consistent output and quality.

Tip #23: Leverage AI for Streamlined Outlining with ChatGPT

The digital age presents innovative tools to aid the writing process, and ChatGPT stands out in this arena. If you’re overwhelmed by a sea of ideas and struggling to structure them, ChatGPT can be a game-changer. By simply feeding the AI a brain dump of your thoughts, aspirations, and objectives for your blog, ChatGPT can swiftly organise them into a comprehensive outline. This not only saves time but also provides a well-thought-out roadmap for your writing. For those keen on diving deeper into the wonders of AI optimisation, especially in refining your content for search, don’t miss out on this detailed guide: Optimise Your Blog with AI.

Key Takeaway

While innate creativity is the heart of any blog, structure is its backbone. Using proven formats, developing your unique template, or harnessing the power of AI like ChatGPT, ensures your content is both captivating and organised. Embrace these tools to craft content that resonates and engages.

Time-Boxing and Productivity Techniques

Time is of the essence, especially when it comes to writing. While the allure of the blank page and the vast stretches of unfettered time seem ideal, they can quickly become daunting. Without a clear structure, the expansive canvas of time and space can hinder productivity. But with time-boxing and proven productivity techniques, you can harness the ebb and flow of creativity, ensuring you make the most of every writing session.

Tip #24: Embrace The Pomodoro Technique

Inspired by a tomato-shaped timer, the Pomodoro Technique is all about working in focused sprints. The concept is simple: Dedicate 25 minutes to undistracted writing, then reward yourself with a 5-minute break. This rhythm not only keeps the mind fresh but also imbues a sense of urgency, spurring quicker ideation and writing. The brief respites are a chance to recharge, making sure you don’t burn out.

Tip #25: Adopt The Two-Day Drafting Method

Instead of wrestling with creation and perfection simultaneously, spread the process over two days. Day 1 is purely about uninhibited writing. Let your thoughts flow, unburdened by the need for precision. On Day 2, come back to your draft with a fresh perspective, focused on refining, restructuring, and editing. This separation ensures you don’t stifle your creativity with immediate criticism and gives you clarity during the editing phase.

Key Takeaway

Writing is as much an art as it is a discipline. By integrating structured techniques like time-boxing into your routine, you ensure that creativity doesn’t become a daunting task. Instead, with the right balance of focused sprints and calculated pauses, you can maintain a steady momentum, producing content that’s both prolific and profound.

Feed Your Creativity

At the heart of every writer lies a reservoir of creativity, a wellspring of ideas and inspiration. Yet, like any reservoir, it requires replenishment. To ensure a consistent outpouring of innovative thoughts and narratives, it’s imperative to feed your creative mind. Here’s how you can stoke the fires of creativity and keep your writing fresh and engaging:

Tip #26: Embrace Routine Exploration

As writers, it’s easy to become siloed within our chosen niche, churning out content that, while relevant, might lack a certain freshness. To combat this, make it a routine to read outside of your immediate sphere. Explore unrelated fields, dabble in different genres, or even dive into the depths of history. By expanding your horizons, you introduce your mind to new patterns of thought, diverse ideas, and unique narratives. These fresh perspectives can invigorate your content, infusing it with a vibrancy that keeps readers engaged.

Tip #27: Engage in Expert Interviews

One of the most potent sources of fresh content is insights gleaned from industry leaders. By interviewing experts, not only do you access a wealth of knowledge, but you also gain unique viewpoints and experiences that can serve as the backbone of your content. Such interactions breathe life into your blog, offering readers first-hand insights and actionable advice from those at the forefront of the field. Additionally, featuring industry leaders can elevate your blog’s credibility and reach, as their insights and endorsements can attract a wider audience.

Key Takeaway

Creativity is not a static entity; it’s dynamic and ever-evolving. As writers, our role is to nurture and fuel it, ensuring it doesn’t wane. By constantly seeking new sources of inspiration, be it through diverse readings or enlightening interactions, we ensure that our content remains fresh, relevant, and resonant. In the grand tapestry of blogging, these threads of external inspiration weave patterns of unparalleled richness and depth.

Procrastination: The Silent Saboteur

Procrastination is a familiar foe to many creatives. It’s not merely the act of delaying; it’s a form of self-sabotage. Instead of penning your thoughts, you find yourself lost in inconsequential tasks, pushing the writing further down your to-do list. Recognizing and addressing procrastination is paramount to ensure consistent and effective blogging. Here’s how:

Tip #28: Self-Reflection Moments

When you catch yourself drifting from the task at hand, pause. Ask yourself: “Why am I avoiding writing?” This brief moment of introspection can help identify underlying anxieties or fears that might be holding you back.

Tip #29: Set Clear Writing Intervals

Allocate specific blocks of time strictly for writing. For example, “From 10 AM to 11 AM, I will only write.” By establishing clear boundaries, you safeguard your writing time from potential distractions.

Tip #30: Accountability Checks

Share your writing goals with a friend or fellow blogger. Knowing that someone else is aware of your intentions can motivate you to stick to your commitments. Regularly check in with each other on progress.

Tip #31: Visualise the End Goal

When procrastination strikes, visualise the satisfaction of having a completed blog post. This mental imagery can be a powerful motivator to push through the inertia.

Tip #32: Eliminate Digital Distractions

Use tools like Focus@Will or Forest to minimise digital interruptions. These apps can help you cultivate a dedicated writing environment by blocking distracting websites or rewarding sustained focus.

Key Takeaway

Procrastination is more than just a delay; it’s a manifestation of underlying hesitations or fears. By confronting it head-on and implementing strategies to combat it, you’ll find yourself navigating the writing process with greater ease and efficiency.

Procrastination: The Silent Saboteur

Procrastination is a familiar foe to many creatives. It’s not merely the act of delaying; it’s a form of self-sabotage. Instead of penning your thoughts, you find yourself lost in inconsequential tasks, pushing the writing further down your to-do list. Recognising and addressing procrastination is paramount to ensure consistent and effective blogging. Here’s how:

Tip #28: Self-Reflection Moments

When you catch yourself drifting from the task at hand, pause. Ask yourself: “Why am I avoiding writing?” This brief moment of introspection can help identify underlying anxieties or fears that might be holding you back.

Tip #29: Set Clear Writing Intervals

Allocate specific blocks of time strictly for writing. For example, “From 10 AM to 11 AM, I will only write.” By establishing clear boundaries, you safeguard your writing time from potential distractions.

Tip #30: Accountability Checks

Share your writing goals with a friend or fellow blogger. Knowing that someone else is aware of your intentions can motivate you to stick to your commitments. Regularly check in with each other on progress.

Tip #31: Visualise the End Goal

When procrastination strikes, visualise the satisfaction of having a completed blog post. This mental imagery can be a powerful motivator to push through the inertia.

Tip #32: Eliminate Digital Distractions

Use tools like Focus@Will or Forest to minimise digital interruptions. These apps can help you cultivate a dedicated writing environment by blocking distracting websites or rewarding sustained focus. There are also plenty of writing tools available that can help you streamline your processes so you get things done faster and are less likely to procrastinate!

Key Takeaway

Procrastination is more than just a delay; it’s a manifestation of underlying hesitations or fears. By confronting it head-on and implementing strategies to combat it, you’ll find yourself navigating the writing process with greater ease and efficiency.

Just Start Writing The First Draft!

The first draft is the foundation upon which great content is built. It’s not about perfection; it’s about starting. With the strategies we’ve discussed, navigating the blank page becomes less daunting and more an exercise in creativity and exploration. As you continue your blogging journey, remember the value of that first draft, and let it guide you toward more compelling and engaging content.

For more insights, tips, and practical advice on crafting compelling blog content, sign up below for a sneak peek at my book, Divine Blogging. Dive deeper into understanding your audience, choosing the right topics, and refining your writing process…

Divine Blogging

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