Content Writer's Block

You have just been hired as a content writer and given free reign to write about, well, pretty much anything.

After the initial excitement wears off, you sit down with your laptop. The first few pieces come easily, but after awhile the freedom of your assignment starts to wear on you.

Welcome to content writing, where one of the biggest benefits can easily turn into one of the biggest hurdles. Many content writing hubs (Suite 101, Demand Studios, Associated Content and eHow, to name a few) allow you to generate your own article ideas.

However, freedom can have a drawback: Writer’s block. You may soon find that writing about “whatever you want” is harder than it seems.

Before you become discouraged, consider these tips for inspiration:

* Media reviews. Many content writing sites allow critical reviews of books, movies or music, especially when it is a new release. Watching a new kids’ television series with your children? Craft a short review and episode guide. Just finished your book club book? See if the site for which you write needs a short biography of the author.

* Buying guides. If you are in need of a new vacuum, cell phone or mini van, chances are you are doing some research before you buy. Write that research into a thoughtful buying guide with tips and first-person experiences so others can learn from your research. Strollers and other baby product guides can be sought-after online content.

* Your next vacation. Online travel blogs and web sites advertise frequently for first-person accounts of your journeys. Search your content-writing hub to see if your latest trip has been chronicled.

* Your hobbies. Tutorial articles can be broad (i.e. “How to sew”) or specific (i.e. “How to Hem a Skirt.”) Accompanying photos or videos can make your how-to piece more marketable.

* Your everyday struggles. If you have an illness in your family, chances are you are an expert of sorts. Put your knowledge of medications, treatments and symptoms into a story that others can learn from. In addition, first-person parenting stories can lead to powerful and popular online content.

Posted:Monday, April 13, 2009