Do you ever get stuck figuring out what content to create? Can’t think of a thing to say? It happens to all of us - especially if you write in a particularly small niche! It seems there is just no new territory to cover. This presentation shares some tips I use myself when I come down with a case of writer's block.

1. Tricks I use to get unblocked
TEN THINGS
TO DO
When you’re all out of
topic ideas

2. Do you ever get stuck?
Can’t think of a thing to say?
It happens to all of us -
especially if you write in a particularly small niche!
It seems there is just no new territory to cover .
Not to worry – Here are some ideas to get the juices flowing again
I’VE INCLUDED JOB-SPECIFIC TOPIC IDEAS FOR YOU IN THE LAST FEW SLIDES

3. 1. Interview Someone
Profile a customer, partner, consultant, author, etc. Tell your
audience a little bit about them and how their work can have an
impact on the reader’s life or business.
2. Figure Out What’s Hot
Read blogs, LinkedIn, and trade publications. What topics are
sparking the most comments and discussions? Take a position or put
your own spin on the ideas that people in your target audience are
finding interesting.
SUPER EASY IDEA

4. 3. Start With a Survey
Share some key points from an industry study or survey. Be sure to
include your interpretation and relate the content to your audience’s
interests. Don’t just repeat the survey results.
4. How Do You Do That?
Give some tips and hints about how to do something that shows off
your relevant talent or experience.
SUPER EASY IDEA

5. 5. Harvest Internal Sources
If you work for a company go talk to customer service or technical
support. Find out what kinds of questions they’ve been getting lately
and then write about those subjects.
If you don’t work in an environment that has such resources, visit
blogs or FAQ pages of relevant hardware or software vendors to pick
up on issues they are probably hearing about from their customers.
6. It’s the Best (or Maybe Not)
Review a product or service. Provide an honest opinion about
something you have used.

6. 7. Tell it Like it Was
Tell your audience about a problem you had to solve, how you
evaluated the possible solutions, what you did to address the issue,
and how it turned out. Make sure you don’t violate any privacy or
non-disclosure agreements.
8. Making a List
Make a list of recommended resources and information for your
audience. Include a brief description or examples of why you think
each resource is useful.

7. 9. Keep Your Finger on the Pulse
Set up automatic searches on sites such as Google Alerts to receive
notices of news or events matching a set of key words you define.
10 What You Will Learn…
Read session descriptions at industry events or conferences, even if
you can’t attend, to find out about industry trends or challenges. For
more in-depth information contact the presenter, visit the
presenter’s company web site, or check out sites like SlideShare.
Write about those topics.

8. If you are a Programmer/Technical person:
• Responsive design
• Describe differences of print description/programming languages
• Data security
• Techniques for reducing web site page load times
• Data transfer between popular software systems
If you work in Document or Mailing Operations:
• Quality control procedures
• Increasing throughput
• Migrating to inkjet
• Production floor management
• Mailing address quality
• Comment on post office policy or postage changes
JOB-SPECIFIC TOPIC
IDEAS FOR YOU

9. If your expertise is in Marketing Communications:
• Measuring the effectiveness of multi-channel campaigns
• Marketing automation
• Triggered communications
• Lead scoring
If your role is Executive Management:
• Improving the customer experience
• 360 degree customer views
• Communicating with millennials
• Migrating to paperless communications
JOB-SPECIFIC TOPIC
IDEAS FOR YOU

10. If Sales is what you do:
• Consultative selling
• Meetings with the C-suite
• Lost-sale post mortems
• Planning and forecasting
If your job is with Forms Development or Creative:
• Smart forms
• Digital asset management
• Effective headlines
• Photo/image use
JOB-SPECIFIC TOPIC
IDEAS FOR YOU

11. If you’re still stumped, get in touch with me.
I’ll help you out!
There are lots of other approaches of course. Remember to
write about what your audience thinks is important and be
genuine.
Mike Porter
PMC Content Services
info@pmccontentservices.com

12. Would you like more information about creating and distributing content?
Want more tips about raising awareness or establishing an online reputation?
Sign up for my free newsletter, “Customer Retention NOW!” which covers
these areas.
www.pmccontentservices.com