subject: Article Marketing and Blogging - How to Write Powerful Attention-Getting Posts in Minutes Part 2 [print this page] Author: Wolf Benedict Author: Wolf Benedict
In the last part, we went over several techniques you can use to overcome marketing superstar's writer's block and come up with topics that captivate your audience. Everyone experiences writer's block. Here are the techniques listed so far - we've already gone through numbers 1 through 3:
1) Realize it doesn't need to be a huge posting.
2) It doesn't need to be a thesis or masterpiece.
3) Take a small break.
Again, if you haven't read the previous part, do so now so you understand what is going on here.
4) Look around.
This is a wonderful little tidbit when you are stuck or have run out of ideas. Just take a deep breath and look around. You can even go outside if you want to. Let your mind wander as you start taking note of your environment. Don't have a goal in mind, just be there. Notice.
If you do this for a few minutes, you may find that you become more relaxed and the ideas start to come in. It could be inspired by anything in your immediate environment and you could relate it to your niche.
For example, just now, I looked at a beverage I have on my desk. I've been drinking this type of beverage for years and I'm in love with it. It got me thinking... "What made me buy this drink in the first place?"
I remembered that I hadn't purchased it because someone recommended it to me; I bought it because I was curious as to what it was.
And there is my topic - "why do people buy things?" And I could even make a sub-topic about curiosity and how it affects your marketing. Pretty simple little technique.
It didn't take me long at all to come up with those (two) topics - motivations and curiosity. It took me literally 3 seconds to let it enter my mind. Then again, honestly, I'm not experiencing writers block at the moment, but the technique still works if you let it.
5) Read articles.
Another great little gem in case you become stagnant. Start reading other people's articles. You can branch off in a direction they didn't or take note of what they left out and start writing about it. Reading other people's articles is a great way to get ideas and have your mind progressing in a creative direction.
You can also quote the articles or use their writings in your own (make sure you get permission first, of course). You could make a commentary out of what they wrote, interjecting your own statements as to whether you agree or disagree. There are many things you can do with this as you now see.
6) Write a "twist" topic.
This is similar to number 5 above, but deserves it's own placement. If you have read an article that you feel could use some improvement or alteration, write your own on the same topic or theme with your own "twist" - your own point of view or insights.
For example, if someone writes about how to create a powerful headline, you could follow up with generating "power words" in a headline. While they talked about headlines in general, you are talking more specifically about words themselves and how they affect people.
You're putting your own spin on something someone else has written.
7) One on one.
This is an interview, plain and simple, and people LOVE interviews.
The funny thing is, you don't necessarily need to interview anyone well-known for it to come off as worthy.
An interview all by itself implies the interviewer has credibility as an author or reporter in his or her field and the interviewee gains instant credibility. It's a true win-win situation. Just make sure the interview is informative and not too commercial. Most folks are intelligent enough to see right through that ploy.
Hint: You can use this technique with people you know. "Interview" them and post your interview to your blog, Facebook, etc. You can even do it via email. Very easy, and win-win.
Part 3 will wrap up this series on article marketing and blogging.About the Author:
Wolf Benedict is an established internet marketing expert of 14 years. He successfully runs his own home-based business from Boston's North End. Visit his website for more information.
