The LinkedIn Black Book for Content

As a LinkedIn creator..

It's critical to make content that resonates with your audience.

The struggle is real when faced with writer's block.

Writer's block is a phenomenon that affects all creators.

The most talented writers have experienced it.

It's crucial to overcome it if you are serious about creating.

In this newsletter, we'll explore writer's block and how to overcome it.

Pulling back the curtains to show you the psychology of writer's block.

Understanding the problem is the first step to solving it.

Plus, I won't leave you standing out in the rain.

You get protips and solutions from an expert and banish writer's block forever.

Result?

Unlimited content ideas + solutions to get you there.

First, let's dive deeper into the psychology of writer's block and explore the best ways to overcome it.

To better understand writer's block, let's define writer's block.

Writer's block is a symptom.

If you do a google search: results will tell you it's a 'condition'

-I disagree.

By definition:

You find it difficult to produce fresh content.

You experience a decrease in the quality of your content.

In 2023, writer's block earns a new name completely.

New decree: 'Creation Block'

There are many potential causes of writer's block.

The popular ones:

stress

anxiety

perfectionism

lack of inspiration

and feeling overwhelmed.

Writer's block has a significant impact on your content creation.

Missed deadlines, low-quality content, and even burnout..

Now that you have a handle on what it is.

Let's talk about why I call it a symptom.

The Psychology Behind Writer's Block

To prescribe you a solution to writer's block, you need to understand its psychology.

Writer's block has 3 pillars of its own.

These include fear of failure, self-doubt, and lack of motivation.

To combat these feelings, you need to adopt a growth mindset.

What is a growth mindset?

It's the belief that you can develop your skills and abilities.

Completely through dedication and hard work alone.

I hear you asking:

'But what does a growth mindset have to do with writer's block?'

With a growth mindset, you can shift the perspective of writer's block.

Rather than a problem, it can be an opportunity to learn.

(Addressing the component of writer's block: perfectionism)

The only problem with shifting to a growth mindset?

It will take time and patience.

To speed up that process here are key solutions to help.

Before I show you tools and resources..

You need to know what content pillars are.

One part of overcoming the symptom of writer's block is using content pillars.

This term gets thrown around so let's talk about what it is.

And, what it isn't.

Content pillars are first, a framework.

The goal?

To help you organize content around specific themes or topics.

Content pillars can help you structure your content and generate new ideas.

But it doesn't end there.

There are different types of content pillars.

Topic, format, and audience are all part of your pillars.

You use them to create a system for unlimited content ideas.

How?

You can establish a clear direction for your content.

Generating unlimited ideas within that framework.

For example:

Your content pillars could be industry news related to artificial intelligence.

Educational resources for copywriters who are health-focused.

Thought leadership on futures and the stock market in 2023.

Or..

Fintech product updates and impact on the genZ marketplace.

Creating content around pillars gives you endless ideas.

Keeps you relevant, diverse, and engaging for your audience.

Now that you know what content pillars are..

(a piece to the puzzle and prescription for inspiration)

Here is what content pillars aren't:

They are not an end-to-end solution.

They are not a content strategy.

They are only a jumping-off point to organize thoughts.

On the note of organization and productivity - time to shift to solutions.

Organization is key to productivity.

Use it to counter another component of writer's block..

(Feeling stressed and overwhelmed)

You might wonder..

'How can I organize being creative?'

It is different than most things you organize.

Your grocery list.

Your to-do list.

Your closet.

Most things you organize, have tangibility.

To organize creativity, you need a special solution.

Enter: Content Calendar + Swipe File

If you need one, I have one for you.

(click the image right below)

Let's talk about why it works (and how).

Content calendars and swipe files help you stay on top of your content.

These tools will help you overcome writer's block.

Creating high-quality content and take your productivity to 100.

So, what is a content calendar, exactly?

It is like any other calendar you might use except.. different.

It helps you plan and organize your content over a certain period of time.

The best ones *ahem* have pre-made content categories.

Monday (Newsletter), Tuesday (Short-Form), Wednesday (Personal)

and so on..

I created ours with Agency work in mind, for freelancers, and creators.

It has approvals (if needed) and 4+ different views to toggle.

Calendar, Master, Approvals, List, etc.

This isn't self-promotion - this product works.

It was one of the biggest impacts of banishing writer's block.

So I felt compelled to share mine. It's underpriced and overvalued.

Another?

My swipe file.

Not selling you anything here.

Actually, I would suggest using your 'notes' app.

It's free, and simple.

Plus - it got updated to copy/paste everything in magical ways.

If the term 'swipe file' isn't familiar..

It's a collection of content ideas.

Images and screengrabs.

Links to favorite content.

Resources that you can use for inspiration.

It's everything, and nothing all at once.

Together, these tools can help you overcome writer's block.

You will always have a steady stream of content ideas at your fingertips.

Use a content calendar to plan ahead and swipe files to have a repository of ideas to draw from.

You can stay ahead of your competition and produce higher-quality content.

I could end the article here.

It's enough to get you from 0:1.

But if you follow SAVAGE, you know we don't stop there.

True to SAVAGE form, next is counter-intuitive advice to keep you on brand.

The most effective way to overcome writer's block is through an unconventional approach.

Have you ever heard the phrase:

"To write better, you need to read more"?

It might sound counterintuitive.

Research shows that reading can be a powerful tool to overcome writer's block.

Here are a few notable books that help generate new ideas:

"The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield

This book explores the resistance that keeps you from creating.

It also offers actionable strategies for overcoming it.

"Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott

In this classic book, Lamott shares her personal experiences with writing. Also gives her key insights into the creative process.

"Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert

Gilbert's book encourages readers to embrace creativity as a joyful, fulfilling pursuit. Also touches on cultivating a creative mindset.

"On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King

King's book is part memoir, part writing guide.

It offers practical advice on the craft of writing.

Read these books and learn from the experiences of other writers.

Share your favorite book in the comments!

When you gain new insights into the creative process - you also find inspiration to try new ways you might enjoy.

Want counter-intuitive advice that works?

Then read on.

Game changer number 1..

Write for yourself first and then for your audience.

Everyone and their Mom say, 'Write to one person.'

The truth is, I am guilty of this too.

But, first..

You must focus on what you're passionate about.

You have also heard me say,

'Build the house you want to live in.'

When you write for yourself, you tap into your creative energy.

The unexpected result?

You also generate unique content ideas.

Another counter-narrative?

Limit your options.

Having too many choices is overwhelming and leads to indecision.

When you limit your options and use content pillars or themes:

You can focus your energy on creating high-quality content.

Embrace the struggle.

Writing can be challenging and often requires hard work and dedication.

Understanding it's a natural part of the creative process helps you stay motivated.

Think of your content creation process as a garden.

You are a gardener planting seeds.

Watering them and watching them grow.

Be patient.

Now before you exit in SAVAGE fashion..

(leaving comments + sharing + subscribing)

Let's take a quick look back at what you have learned:

1) What is writer's block (or content block)

2) The psychology of writer's block

3) Content Pillars

4) Content Calendar + Swipe File

5) Resources for Inspiration

6) Counter-Intuitive Advice

But..

Something is missing.

How about some strategy before we conclude?

Along with the advice and strategies we've shared, here's a list of tools and resources.

From free writing prompts to paid content strategy services, we've got you covered.

Paid options include content ideation tools:

Buzzsumo

SEMrush

SAVAGE 365+ Hooks That SLAY (click image below)

SAVAGE Content Library (Coming Soon)

Free options include platforms:

Quora

Reddit

LinkedIn Groups

6-12 months writing, you will have unlimited content.

But don't stop. Do this instead..

Learn what the pros aren't telling you (and how to do it better)

Repurposing.

Repurposing content is an essential strategy to save time and effort.

You might have heard me say - I unfollowed Justin Welsh.

I am tired of the repurposing.

It's cringe. I said it.

Louder for those in the back - 'do better.'

But rather than leave it there - lets provide solutions to problems.

My issue with repurposing is..

the biggest creators copy + paste.

They start off by giving you gold to follow them + get your email..

And then pivot to posts like:

'If your content isn't performing, do better'

If you are reading this Mr. Purple - you know I said it to you first.

They leverage their fame. I don't like it.

So..

here is how to repurpose, but better.

Full disclosure - I don't repurpose.

My strategy is finding problems to solve for my audience.

But, if you are going to repurpose, keep reading.

Disclaimer:

Important to note.

Reposting the same content can become stale and boring for your audience.

In this section, I give you counter-narrative approaches to repurposing content. Helping you build upon existing content and generate new ideas.

Instead of reposting the same content, try to build upon it.

Creating related content that adds value to your audience - things move fast.

For example, change the format.

This is the easiest way to repurpose. It takes zero effort.

If you have a blog post that performs well, consider turning it into a video.

Try a podcast or social media post that expands on the topic.

You can also break a newsletter down into smaller pieces.

Use them as social media captions or graphics.

Another approach is to..

take a different angle on the same topic.

Doesn't take much time and gives more than the zero effort above.

For example, if you wrote a blog post about:

"10 Ways to Increase Your Productivity"

You could create a related piece about:

"10 Productivity Myths Debunked"

or

"10 Unconventional Ways to Boost Your Productivity."

This way, you..

provide your audience with fresh insights.

New information - while still building upon existing content.

You can also consider repurposing content across different platforms.

For example, you can take a popular Instagram post and turn it into a longer-form blog post or a YouTube video.

This helps your reach and gives your audience different formats to consume content.

The key to successful repurposing is to stay creative.

Avoid reposting the same content.

Big creators: Do Better.

Counter-narrative approach and building upon existing content, you can generate unlimited ideas.

Grab a consult.

Keep your audience engaged and interested in your content.

They deserve it.

Finally, remember that writer's block is a common experience that we all face. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Experiment with different strategies to find what works for you.

By understanding the psychology behind writer's block you are halfway there.

Using this newsletter + effective tools and resources:

You can overcome this challenge.

And you can generate unlimited content ideas.

Use your content pillars.

Grab our content calendar.

Make your swipe file.

Embrace counter-intuitive approaches.

Unleash your creativity.

Explore resources such as books on writing.

You will continue to grow and develop as a writer.

Most important, be patient with your growth.

Want to make it happen faster?

Get a consult from an expert.

If you mention this article, I will give you a huge discount.

With this strategy in your toolkit, you will create quality and engaging content.

Don't forget where you came from and send me a shout-out from the top!

Want to get the writing done-for-you?

I have the best solution out there. DM me!