Tips on How to Cure Writers Block for Content Marketers

If you are a content marketer or someone who needs to create and distribute content regularly, then I am willing to bet that you've experienced the dreaded "writer's block" at some point.

Have you ever had the feeling that there is nothing left to write about? That you have already said everything, and all your content ideas have been used up? It is a terrible feeling, and it can be challenging to break out of. But there are ways to get back on track when this happens. The good news is there are ways to overcome it.

Here are some tips to help cure your writer's block.

• Switch gears - if your creative juices have dried up, try brainstorming about something completely different. Maybe making an infographic or video is more your style than writing a blog post?
• Take breaks - do not force yourself to whip out a blog post in one sitting. Set aside some time every day, work on it for 30 minutes, and then do something else for the next hour or two.
• Write about what you know - If writing about something specific is not coming naturally, try looking within yourself instead. Consider blogging about your thoughts, feelings, or experiences
• Get up from your desk and go for a walk around outside. This will clear your head of all those worries about what to write next.
• Change your environment - find somewhere else where you can focus better and be free from distractions (such as coffee shops).

• Drink tea or coffee while reading your favorite book, magazine, or blog post about writing.
• Take an article break; this means taking time off writing for an hour or two before returning refreshed.
• Take on another project if it's not too close in subject matter so that it helps stimulate new ideas for content marketing projects.
• Research the topic of interest and read about it from other sources. Read other people's posts or articles about the issue of interest – this can help you get inspired.
• Setting a word limit can be helpful; if you're not going over that number, then it means your writing isn't flowing well, so keep trying sentences until they sound right or take a break.
• Writer's block can be an absolute beast, especially when you are on a deadline and need to get your work done fast.

What do you do when you're sitting alone at your desk, and the words just aren't coming?

Do you panic? Do you start to doubt yourself and your abilities as a content marketer?

Here are some more ways that will help overcome writer's block.

• Keep a notepad on hand while you write so that if an idea comes up, it's available for later use.
• Avoid distractions like social media and other internet sites by blocking them with software (or just turning off the wifi).
• Write about something else for a while - or brainstorm ideas in another place before coming back to the project at hand.
• Talk out loud as though someone was sitting next to you who would listen attentively - say what needs saying.
• Put yourself in the shoes of your reader and ask questions you'd want to be answered.
• Writing out loud and actually talking to someone can help create ideas.
• Read a book.
• Write something else for a while to clear your head.
• Take a break from writing and do something that you enjoy.
• Change the way you're sitting, perhaps stand at your desk or working environment.
• Ensure your desk is clean and organized, so it's easier to focus on writing when you return to it.
• Create an outline of what you want to write about, then start with the most specific part first- this will help get the words flowing again!
• Ask yourself why you have writer's block- is there anything, particularly, holding back your creativity? If so, try addressing that issue before returning to writing!
• Put together some prompts or topics for inspiration (e.g., "What would happen if I did X?") and see where they lead as they may provide new ideas for what to write next!
• Try writing in the first person instead of the third-person point-of-view.
• Set aside time every day to write, even if you don't feel like it at first. I like to write first thing in the morning because then I feel like I accomplished one of my most important goals for the day.
• Get some fresh air by going outside or walking around your neighborhood for 10 minutes before coming back inside and starting work again.
• Talk to someone about what's going on in your life.
• Look at your content marketing plan - are there any topics you have yet to cover?

• Create an editorial calendar that includes themes for your posts and any other information such as deadlines, topics, or particular days of the year. You should also make sure to have time for brainstorming sessions to find new ideas and inspiration.
• Write down all the ideas you have floating around in your head, even if they're not fully formed yet.
• Read through old entries in your journal or blog, which may help you see things from another perspective and find inspiration there as well as out of it!
• Permit yourself to write poorly at first- get everything out onto paper so that it can be edited later on (or not!) and then move on to the next step! It doesn't matter how bad it is because nobody will ever read it but you unless you want them to! You might be surprised by how much better this makes you feel about writing again!
• Write about anything and everything that comes to mind, even if it doesn't seem relevant or coherent at first.
• Get away from the computer for a while and do something else; this could be anything from going for a walk to cooking dinner.
• Permit yourself not to write - you don't need to produce content every day of your life!
• Set realistic goals and deadlines so you know what you're aiming for (and when).
• Find an accountability partner who will keep you on track with your goals, whether that's someone in person or online via social media/email/etc...
• Listen to music that inspires you (or listen to nothing at all). Listening to Mozart will help get your creative juices flowing.

• Do something creative instead of writing: paint, draw, make music, etc...whatever makes you happy!
• Make sure that you're not too tired when working on your project- try taking regular breaks throughout the day so that you can stay focused and energized during the times when you are working on your project; also, make sure that you're getting enough sleep each night so that your body is well-rested and able to function optimally during the day;
• Take care of yourself by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, drinking lots of water, taking vitamins/supplements as necessary(e.g., vitamin D), etc.; get enough restful sleep each night - set an alarm clock if needed!
• Write a list of all the things you can think of that make you happy.

Okay, so now we've discussed ideas on overcoming and curing writer's block for content marketers - what are your favorite strategies? Leave a comment below!