You know you need to create content in order to make it in the online world. Content is king, right? But when it comes to the act of content creation, actually sitting down to construct something tangible and valuable for your audience, do you freak?
Does the blank computer screen taunt you with it’s flashing cursor until you move “create content” further and further down your to-do list? This procrastination can terrorizes your plans to make lots of awesome things for your peeps.
I have excellent news, friend. It doesn’t have to be so hard.
The Problem with Your Current System for Content Creation
The problem that a lot of us have when it comes to creating content is that we attempt to plop our butts in our work chairs and write out that sucker from start to finish. Wham, bam, done.
If we’re in the zone and feeling inspired, sometimes that system will work. But if we rely on inspiration alone, we’re likely to sacrifice consistency.
Is that your system?
Do you feel overwhelmed by the idea of sitting down and writing an entire blog post, ebook, or presentation from start to finish? I certainly do.
If your lack of “motivation” to create content is getting you down, know this:
It’s not you that sucks, it’s your system.
You can make content creation a simple, no-hair-torn-out experience in just 3 steps.
Below I’ve mapped out those steps to remove the overwhelm from this equation and get you creating consistently, not just whenever the mood strikes you.
You can also download my free worksheet that breaks the process down even further and gives you a template to start creating like a mofo. Look for the teal box further down the post to snag that freebie.
Now, onto the good stuff.
The 3 Step Process to Make Content Creation 1000x Easier
Step 1: Outline
Before you do any real writing, it’s essential to understand what you’re writing about.
Start with the title of your piece, so you know what promises you must fulfill with your writing. As I discussed in this post on headlines, they can make or break your work. They’re the hook that either draws in readers or makes them scroll on by, so give your headline some serious thought.
Next create your subheadlines. Think of these like chapters of a book. What are the main points you’re teaching or sharing? Getting clear on this first will help with the flow of your content and keep it on point.
Your outline does not have to be fancy. I’ve included a template in the free worksheet available further down the post to make this a no-brainer for you.
Step 2: Fill In
The next step is to fill in the outline with your brilliant knowledge. This is the writing part of the process, and it can now be done in sections since you have your outline.
Don’t feel like you have to start at the beginning. Choose whichever part of the content excites you most to write, and begin there. Get into the groove, and then go back and tackle the intro or whatever section you normally feel hung up on.
Step 3: Edit
The final step of this process is to edit what you’ve written. This could include rewriting to make your work cohesive and clean, or simply checking for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
It can be helpful to let your work sit for 24 hours before coming back to it for a final check. Perception can change a lot overnight. You might also pass it on to an editor or colleague for this final step to make sure your work is on point.
And you’re done! You’ve just created some amazing content without losing your sh*t.
Use this 3 step process for any kind of content creation and watch your productivity explode. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a good writer, mastering this process might make you change your mind.
Now I want to hear from you. Do you struggle with content creation? Do you have a system in place to make it a breeze?
Tell us in the comments!
