I've got no idea how many blog posts, articles and pages of content I've written for the Internet. I've been doing it for years, so if you're wondering if there are ever times when I sit in front of the computer and wonder what I can write about today, the answer is...
Yes.
Sometimes I get stuck. I'm sure you do too. In fact, I'm sure it happens to everyone; that's when experienced publishers turn to one of their old standards.
That's right, there are some tried and trusted types of content that you can shoot out when you can't think of anything else to write. They're the sort of articles that always go down well and they can give you a breathing space until you get hit by your next burst of inspiration.
The first is "How To" articles.
You know the type: "How To Change A Light Bulb Without Electrocuting Yourself." or "How To Get To Clear A Dungeon In WOW Without Getting Squished By A Dragon." The article has a clear goal and offers practical tips to help the reader complete the task.
The other type of standard article is almost the same. You can write "5 Ways..." posts.
You've seen these before too: "5 Ways To Build A Deck." Or "7 Ways To Buy A Cheap Computer." You don't have to stick with the same number of ways. You just have to promise a short list of easily digestible tips. Readers love these sorts of posts and they're very easy to write.
The third option is similar but tougher. You can go for a really long list. Instead of five, seven or twelve ways to do whatever it is you want to do... you can offer 72 or 113 or whatever it may be.
Sure, that's a lot of work but it brings a lot of rewards too. Posts like these are exactly the sort to be passed around and recommended. You'll have gone from scratching your head and wondering what to say, to churning out a post that brings in users from all over the Web.
The only downside is that standard posts like these can get old if there are too many of them on a site. So try not to get stuck too often.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
September 12, 2008 09:13 AM
Hey, look, you wrote a "How To" article! Slow day? hehe.
September 12, 2008 09:59 AM
Great suggestion..I know people love lists of things..It does make it easier to follow instructions, ideas etc. carol stanley author of For Kids 59.99 and Over.
September 15, 2008 10:35 AM
I hear ya Joel, many people refer to these as "pillar" posts. And you are right, they are the ones that people recommend, link to, and share with others.
September 16, 2008 03:39 AM
My Mother is a professinal book writer and when she gets a "writers block" she dosen't fight against it. She just start to do something else,like a walk in the park or going to see movie, after that the writing flows like running water down a river!
September 16, 2008 08:05 AM
You are absolutely right about the really long lists. I see these types of list get a lot of attention through social media sites. They are link bait gold, but they are very, very hard to do if you are trying for a long list for a small topic. Its important to choose your topic wisely... or get extremely creative. Very well put!
September 20, 2008 09:33 AM
You can always write about something,problem is with the way on how you express your self and how to make a point on that stuff that you write..my 2 cents.
November 25, 2008 12:47 AM
Hey Joel, thanks for the quick and refreshing tip... how to, or 5 ways to or a really big list usually makes me want to read (look i just read this article).. so ill keep that in mind for my future posts.
thanks again
Paul