The dreaded blank page. All that white space. It’s the stuff of nightmares.
Whether you are a content creator, community manager or author, it is your job to transform all that white space into a spellbinding, revenue machine.
Easy, right?
No. This is what turns my hair gray. Why do we put ourselves through this? Simple–the light bulb moment is unbelievably satisfying. This moment isn’t always going to happen at your desk or your usual writing spot at your home. Time to pack up and head out in search of your next ah-ha moment.
1. Hit the Gym
This could actually be going for a run, using the elliptical in your house or lifting weights at the gym. Fresh oxygen will flow through your noggin and breathe new life into your ideas.
TIP: Keep your phone handy with a notes app open or bring a notepad and pen, so you don’t forget any of your ideas.
2. Visit an Animal Shelter
This may seem like an odd choice, but hear me out. All those furry babies have a story that is usually written on an info card or you can ask an employee or volunteer. Their history, attributes and quirks can be thought provoking for authors to big brand copywriters. If you’re looking to get away from a clinical or traditional approach to brainstorming, this option could be for you.
TIP: Be sure to leave a donation before you go! Better yet, if you’re a responsible human being, take a pet home and love them forever and forever.
3. (Nerd Alert) Go to the Library
Remember those big structures with shelves of books? Those are libraries and they are filled with light bulbs just waiting to be turned on.
TIP: Don’t immediately go to your genre. If you write for a realty company, hit up the fantasy section. Write romance? Grab a few pop culture magazines. This will force your brain to really think outside the box.
4. Word Race at a Coffee Shop
Grab a buddy for a fun brainstorming session over a cup of Joe. Come prepared with 8-10 questions related to the content you need to write on individual note cards. Let’s say you need to create content for a rental car company for a summer road trip campaign. Here are some sample questions you may ask:
- What do people love about road trips?
- How could things go wrong on a road trip?
- Where did you travel as a kid?
Put your note cards face down on the table, set your phone to a 30-second timer, and flip over a card. You both write as many answers as possible per card. The person with the most answers at the end of the game gets a drink on the loser. Either way, you walk away with a stack of content ideas.
5. Go Camping
Ah, the great outdoors. Relaxing, but it also forces you outside your normal routine. You have to build a shelter, start a fire, and cook a meal on a stick. Think about your content needs and ask yourself how your brand could be used to help or what trouble your characters could get into while alone in the woods.
TIP: Take lots of photos. Take photos of your campsite and things you see when you go for a hike. You can reflect upon these images later for more ideas.
Get your butt out of your chair and go find your next light bulb moment. Be sure to share it with me when you do!
Kristina Kelly Creations 