Busting Writer's Block for Blogs, Facebook, and Other Media

Make it easier on yourself!

4.5 minute reading time

You started strong with the New Year, but now the first quarter is ending and you’re running dry on what to write about for your small business or not-for-profit organization. Before you quit in frustration, we have two words for you: Content Calendar.

Studies – and experience! – show that staring at a blank screen makes the mind go blank as well, even for folks with good writing skills. But once given a prompt, most of us can whip out a couple of paragraphs with relative ease. By creating a content calendar ahead of time, you will never have to face that blank screen again. So let’s talk about how to put one together. 

Formats vary from grids of boxes to spread sheets. There are many free content calendar templates available online with a wide range of complexity. For example, some calendars map out content across multiple media outlets while others are designed to work with teams of content creators. For the small biz owner or NFP manager, however, it’s perfectly fine to begin more modestly. 

Start by noting obvious holidays like Memorial Day or the first day of Summer. Next, note your own special days such as your incorporation and chamber of commerce membership anniversaries, employee birthdays, and all of your planned events. 

Next, consider how the seasons affect your business and your customers. Think: holiday shopping, warm-weather activities, back-to-school, graduation, and so on. Decide on the Call To Action you want to make for driving business, plan when to start making those CTAs, and consider how often to repeat them. 

Social media platforms are intended to get people’s attention so obviously you want to post eye-catching content. More importantly, you’ll want to refocus that attention by sending readers to your own website where everything is all about you and there is no competition with cat videos. That’s why it’s best to write articles and blog posts on your website and then link to them from your social media platforms. 

Unfortunately, most small businesses can’t afford writing teams to churn out original content every day. To keep your audience engaged between your original posts, you might repost content from other sources such as industry associations, local community organizations, or complementary businesses. Maybe you could feature a post from a neighborhood “Small Biz of the Month” or share a weekly “Newsday Tuesday” item about your industry. 

By now, your calendar should be filling up with content suggestions and you should have a list of writing prompts for the days when you are writing original articles. If there are still gaps, search online for inspirational quotes or little-known Days of the Year you can celebrate. And don’t be afraid to repost your older original content for those who missed it the first time. 

With this content calendar prepared, you should never have to face a blank screen again. You’ll know exactly what the topic is before you start and, optimally, will have been thinking about it and gathering the info you need before it’s time to start writing. 

When it becomes obvious that your time is better spent elsewhere and you’re ready to hand off the content creation and social media posting, we have a team who can take over for you. Keep us in mind and just give us a call to learn more. 

Image “White and Black Weekly Planner on Gray Surface” by Bich Tran, licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Pexels

Kate GingoldKate Gingold

I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.

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Full biography

I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.

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