Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Flipboard 0 This topic popped into my mind one morning at 4:00 a.m., as I was thinking about how to help our clients feel comfortable with blogging and writing posts, especially when time seems to be the biggest problem. Ironically this was my problem this week when it was my turn to write our post, so I took my own advice and wrote about what I know. As marketers, we partner with our clients to develop online content strategies for creating highly targeted and relevant topics for blogs, videos, e-books, etc., not only for their current clients, but also geared toward their potential clients, in order to generate new business leads and expand their online reach (through social media as well). The trend is all toward online content nowadays – that’s where people (myself included) go immediately when they’re looking for information and answers to specific questions. It’s easy, immediate, and primarily free access to valuable content. When we initially meet with clients to brainstorm blog topics and develop them into a content matrix and timeline with rotating blog authors and deadlines, we usually end up with some excellent ideas and interesting perspectives. Everyone is on board and eager to get started. Yet, when the time comes for them to initiate that first blog post, what happens? No typing fingers are heard; crickets chirping are the only sounds. And this is where things get stuck. When we’ve provided best practices and tools for crafting blog-worthy material, why does this happen? Is it writer’s block, procrastination, or fear of the written word? We find that most clients initially dread having to write a blog post. They feel burdened and daunted by this assignment, and often they avoid it. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. We want clients to feel empowered through their blogging efforts (successfully creating valuable content) and know the joy of reaping the benefits (getting feedback, comments, “likes” and potentially leads!). While writing that very first blog post can oftentimes be the biggest hurdle, here are four easy ways to help you get over it once and for all: Use a teamwork approach or get a ghostwriter. Don’t have the time to invest in writing a blog post? You don’t have to do it alone; find a co-author. Consider tapping into an associate or junior level person at your firm to help with initial light research and getting the blog post started. Then work together on the drafting and editing; this approach is often much more efficient and allows for creative collaboration. Alternatively, consider having a colleague or internal marketing person interview you on the topic, and have them ghostwrite a post for your review and feedback. Repurpose your existing articles and presentations. Most people don’t think of reusing other materials and developing them into blog posts; however, this is a huge timesaver as it’s so much easier than starting from scratch. Existing material can also provide a terrific starting point for a fresh look at a topic; look through some of your existing content and see if there’s a particular angle you can focus on. Maybe there’s an update or timely news hook, or perhaps it’s an “evergreen” topic. Write about what you know best. Remember, a blog post is not a research paper. You should be writing about what you know and injecting your personal thoughts and opinions into your post. People want to read authentically genuine content with your specific and expert take on a certain subject. You likely have clients who ask you commons questions, so why not write about one of those questions, as you already know there is someone interested in knowing the answer. Manage your time / stay ahead of your deadline. Everyone writes at a different pace. Some people can bang out a quick blog post, while others will mull over the information and spend time crafting their post and finessing the language, making minor tweaks before it’s ready to go. If you’re the latter type of person, manage your time wisely, so you don’t fall too far behind schedule. You can’t keep avoiding it, as your empty blog beckons you. Why not make use of the time you brainstormed and set up an online content strategy and schedule, and follow through? With these tips, and a little dash of motivation, you’re all set. Sometimes you just have to take the plunge and get your feet wet. Blogging gets easier after your first post. You might even find that you – gasp – start to like it! Twitter Tweet Facebook Share Email This article originally appeared on Marketri Blog and has been republished with permission.Find out how to syndicate your content with B2C Join our Telegram channel to stay up to date on breaking news coverage Author: Alan Draper Based in the United Kingdom, Business 2 Community editor Alan is part of the team that’s responsible for ensuring all the content on our site is accurate, relevant and up-to-date. In addition to editing, he is also a writer and an expert on the stock market. Alan has previously written … View full profile ›More by this author:Get Free Bitcoin and Earn Interest on Crypto with ZenGo5 Best Cryptos to Buy on the Dip in the May Crypto CrashEuroswap EDEX: Last TokenSale phase before listing – team announces the list of exchanges