Scratch 'write content' off your to-do list

Writing can be a hard thing; we all know the term 'writer's block' and we know that another block can be involved if you get it: the chopping block.

If you rely on your web site for bringing in an income you have to make sure that your CONTENT IS WORTH READING. Of course what I think is worth reading might not be the same as what you think is worth reading so let me broaden it up a little bit: make your content worth reading for your reader base. If you sell cotton candy machines, write about them so that fellow cotton candy machine lovers/buyers/repair men are hanging on to your every word!

I didn't start blogging with any real desire until about 6 months ago. I had tried blogging on and off for years, but all those blogs just took up server space somewhere and I let them die quietly. That was until about 10 months ago when I started writing more often about things that interest me. And finally, web design really interests me so I thought it about time I actually wrote about it. :) But I know, you don't want me to blab on about my writing, but yours.

The #1 hump that I have clients trying to get over almost every single time is their site's content. This is especially true for sole proprietors and Mom and Pops who are the jack of all trades and they are spread really thin by the time 'writer' gets added to their list of roles.

So, how can you easily scratch 'write content' off your to-do list when you so badly need to get your sales blurb out on the web? The best way, the most painless way time-wise, is to hire someone else to do it. Often that copy writer will begin by just doing what you can also do: seek out other web sites in your field, see what they have written about, read it, digest it, and serve up your own content from the smörgåsbord.

I am not telling you to PLAGIARIZE any one - let's get that understood!

But if you are just blocked beyond belief, have no idea where to start or just don't know if you want to say is good business etiquette, then reading other people's work can help you get over the hump - for free.

One of my pet peeves [should I write a post just solely on my pet peeves and not pepper them throughout my posts? Let me know via comment... one of my PPs is that sometimes prospective clients come forth and everything is wonderful as we discuss the design and development, but as soon as I let them know that the time frame for getting the site up is really reliant on them [i.e. how quick they can get me the fully edited content they require] then the umming begins.

I can set any client up with a very good copy professional as and when needed, but here I am talking about going the free/limited budget route. Many are under the impression that a web designer will also write about what the client does for business, when the web designer doesn't have a clue about building custom homes or tennis coaching, for example.

You know your business best. If you are on a tight web budget use your people resources to look over your text, ask family and friends, 'does this make any sense?' and if not keep editing.

You don't have to have pages of text on a web site, so if that fear is stopping you from getting one, don't let it. Go for a more arty looking site - more aesthetic to keep the eye busy while taxing the brain less. :)