Overcoming Writer's Block for Content Marketers

To overcome content marketing writer’s block, we must first let go of the confines we’ve imposed on ourselves. Without digging deep, and regardless of one’s technical or artistic background, you can become a good writer — and write regularly. But we can’t be held back by the fear of imperfection (or perfection, for that matter). Writers need to write, based on the premise that it’s helpful or entertaining, or both. On that note, a writer’s focus must always gravitate toward what s/he can do for the reader. And there’s plenty.

Identifying Topics of Interest

People (groups of people, more specifically) search for answers, entertainment, and other information/media all of the time. For content marketers especially, then, keyword research tools (such as the one we just linked to, which we use/recommend) play a vital role in scraping the Internet for these topics of interest. Match them with your niche, industry, and/or area of expertise… and you’ve got potential, targeted traffic. That being said, and for profitability purposes, you still need to provide value to these visitors upon arrival. Which brings us back to their original queries. Identify those queries and you have ideas for future content… content that attracts warm leads (because they find you), on top of that.

Another way of identifying something worth writing about is by simply thinking about it yourself; from the perspective of your user base, that is. You’re not that different from your customers in that you, too, were likely searching for what you currently offer. Help connect the two by identifying those topics of interest that originally led you to a life of publishing. The void you filled is a good place to start.

Imposter Syndrome

The amount of competition in your field is virtually irrelevant when you’re focused on being the best teacher possible. We mention this because, oftentimes, writers experience imposter syndrome. And the only way to counteract it is by separating yourself from the pack. You may be doing the same thing on a general level, but you’re not concerned with competitive strategies or any other form of comparison. You’re just writing based on your personal and professional knowledge base (and some keyword tools [that, admittedly, do rely on competitor analysis to a degree]). So, for the most part — no competition, no obstacles.

Now, a handful of competitors will view you in a negative light if your formal education (or experience merit) is inferior to theirs. Whether or not they express this online (publically or privately), it’s important to recognize that their arguments would carry significantly more weight if only they’d concentrate on the endeavor of content creation. Give the people what they want, and they’ll reciprocate. Like it or not, the market itself is the deciding factor.

Practicality vs. Sensationalism

Practical solutions typically win the marathon over sensationalism (i.e., entertainment news/gossip, clickbait titles, negating when there is no debating, etc). But, that’s for you to decide based on the topics covered in your publications. While sustainable content is naturally timeless, it could come off as a bit boring. Still, put out enough quality articles, podcasts, and or videos… and the results will eventually come, and sometimes stay. In other words, the returns on your good work will show; this is a given.