A Genuine Article

Conquer your website writing mental block with this quick exercise

By Marc Carson · Monday July 2, 2012

I’ve been noticing this for years now: In website marketing and design, people confront the same problems over and over. I’ve learned how to correct a lot of those problems, and you can learn to correct them, too.

Today we’re going to do a simple exercise to correct a problem called the website writing mental block. This exercise should help you start to reinvigorate your website with better content and more interested visitors.

Here’s the exercise:

Log into your website. Start a timer. Time how long it takes you to type two short paragraphs into a new article. Write about something that people want to know about your business or field.

Keep it simple—don’t overthink it. For example, what do people commonly ask about when they get in touch with you?

The exercise ends when your two paragraphs are done.

Stop the timer. How long did that take? Write the number down on a sticky note. Stick it to your screen or desk or cabinet so you’ll remember. Next time you don’t think you have time to write, the sticky note can provide a helpful reminder that it doesn’t have to take long.

Then click “Publish” or “Save Draft”—this depends on the website software you use, but do whatever it takes to get it ready for the public to read it as soon as possible.

I was surprised. I tried this exercise and it took me four minutes. In four minutes I wrote a very short article that could be useful for my website visitors, increase my SEO a bit, and help my customers understand how I can help them.

It’s no masterpiece, but I could easily flesh it out later if I want.

Sitting down frequently and writing simple things that are helpful or informative is crucial in building a website that gets results. For many, creating successful online content turns out to be easier than they thought.

Perhaps you’ve just discovered something that will help you become more successful online.

Don’t forget:

• This is not free-form blogging about any random topic. We’re trying to build your business by creating helpful resources.
• When you’re writing a helpful article, don’t tell people what they should know. Tell them what they want to know. Don’t go into theory.
• Leave out specialized terminology. Use simple, direct writing.
• Share your writing on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social media outlets.

Follow up:

• Are you a sprinter or a marathoner? Can you see yourself doing this a couple times a week throughout the month, or are you more likely to jot out 10 quick articles in one evening?
• Did this exercise stimulate your creativity? Is it time to start a website on another topic you’re interested in? Or take a new, more informative direction with an existing website?