I’m sure we’ve all been there: you need to create a blog post, but the words just won’t flow.  The blank white screen stares at you, mocking your efforts.  Grabbing a coffee or listening to an inspiring song doesn’t help.  The white goes on for miles and miles…

I understand.  I was there two minutes ago.

Then I realized that the very struggle I was going through would become my article!  “What to write when the words won’t come”, a practical list of tips and suggestions for helping others happen upon a topic that would result in a spark of creativity and yield content!

Here goes:

1.  Keep it simple

All too often in life we complicate what should be simple.  Blog posts don’t need to be feature-length articles.  They can be short and sweet tips that would be beneficial for your clients.  An example: When preparing the house for a showing, remove all personal photos, drawings, and effects from the rooms.  An elaboration as to why and how this benefits the seller would add to the topic, but you get the idea.  What is the one sentence point you wish to communicate?  Having that foundation may help the words flow.  Check out the Education Team blog for some examples.

2.  Create a list

As a self-confessed list-aholic, blog posts that offer lists for anything from renovating a kitchen to preparing a house for walk-throughs intrigues me.  Lists are so convenient!  Anybody can print it off and use it as a guide for their own reference.  Check out an article regarding blog posts that contains a list.

3.  Draw from other sources

Especially with blog posts, your content can be about something you just read or your reflections on something in the media or on television.  It might be wise to avoid topics that might be seen as offensive, but that’s your call.  It’s your blog and website, after all.  Sometimes what might be seen as a passing thought can be the basis for some interesting discussion.

4.  Share your struggles

Nobody is perfect…that is what makes us human!  Sharing your struggles with others is sometimes very therapeutic and helpful.  A few minutes ago, I indicated that I was struggling against a sea of white screen…suddenly it is full of text!

When all else fails, supplement your content with a big picture!  (but you didn’t hear that from me!)

>>Tanya Spilchak is Education Coordinator at Point2 Technologies, Inc.