For some bloggers, it isn’t the lack of ideas holding them back, it’s finding the motivation to get them finished.
People leave blogs in draft mode for all kinds of reasons – they run out of things to say, they’re not sure how to end the post, they know it needs something added but don’t know what, the post needs more research, it needs an image, or maybe it’s just that attention just goes elsewhere.
I’m always amazed at how many bloggers have a stash of half-written posts, even though my own record is 93 unfinished posts sitting in my drafts folder!
Today’s episode of the ProBlogger podcast is the next in our series on blogger’s block, and tackles the issues we face when we just can’t finish our blog posts properly (you can find earlier posts here, here, and here).
One of the main reasons I couldn’t make it to the finish line on a blog post seemed to revolve around having too many ideas and getting distracted – I would sit down to write one post and have ideas for five more instead!
I also know that the quest for perfection holds many of us back. We don’t want to send our work out into the blogosphere if it isn’t the best work we can do right now.
Sometimes it’s that we’ve lost interest in the topic, we’re bored with what we’ve written, and we just want to move onto something else even though we’ve spent so much time trying to make this post work.
And on the flip side, some of us might be too casual with our approach – I’ve definitely seen posts published that need a little extra attention paid to proofreading, depth of information, providing value, and writing a suitable headline. If that is your problem, that you push posts out before they’re quite ready, then that really will limit the impact of your content and your ability to reach your blogging goals. There are a few things I think are non-negotiable in a post, and without them, your post just won’t really be complete.
If you’ve seen yourself in any of these familiar blogger’s block issues, then this episode is for you!
How to Complete Your Blog Posts to Make Them the Best They Can Be
I have a few solutions to provide that have helped me finally get those posts out of draft mode, and also for stopping me from collecting such a huge amount of half-done work to start with! Sometimes it does just mean knuckling down with willpower and determination to see it through, but I’ve got a few more tips up my sleeve to get you to the finish line.
I’d love to hear what you struggle with the most when it comes to getting your posts finished. Is it time? Is it overwhelm? Feel free to leave a comment, or reach out to me on Twitter.
Earlier, blogging was creative writing for me; however, writing a lot for a single industry has led me to repetitive ideas. I am losing creativity and have 43 unfinished blogs. I wish to complete them with a unique touch, which both my audience and search engines would like.
Thanks can be tough Lora – particularly if you have a narrow niche. I hope something in this episode helps!
Hi Darren,
All well in this department. At least now ;) Old me would churn out thin posts. Newer me churned out REALLY in depth posts which were darn good but felt heavy to me. Like, I did not enjoy writing such posts and promoting them. 7,000 words was too much. But I found the sweet spot at 2K or less, and publish 3-4 posts weekly at 2K in 3 posts and the 4th is a video.
Some posts may be 1500 words or a bit less. That’s OK.
Funny you note perfectionism. I read a quote from Rika Zimmerman how perfectionism is protectionism. All posts sitting in back offices on WP blogs around the globe are often forms of protection. If it’s not live, you feel safe. No critics. No failing. No problems being exposed. Perfectionism roots itself in fear. Going live or shipping roots itself in faith. Hands down, I did much better by publishing even crappy posts than by sitting on the sidelines. I got over the fear of hurting or losing my reputation. I accepted criticism. I accepted failure.
Ship those posts guys. Doing so gives you greater clarity and increases your fun factor. Shipping or publishing helps you feel more whole and complete, and that energy increases the quality and depth of your posts like mad. It’s like, feeling rich helps you move into rich-feeling, detached actions, and you won’t be held hostage by fears which scare you into leaving posts uncompleted.
I never do the deadline bit but before starting a post I decide to finish it. Not same day. Not because I need to finish it. But my initial intent was meant to finish the sucker, to have fun, and to enjoy the process. So if it’s 2 or 7 days, or even 2 weeks, or longer, I’ll get it done.
You’ve quite the record Darren at 90 posts ;) I sat at like 10 or so….BUT….I have 1 eBook chock full of travel photos which begs my attention. I had fun with it, backburnered it, and now am ready to complete that guy and get it online.
Thanks for the share, as always.
Ryan
Perfectionism = Protectionism – never heard that one but I think that’s a great way to look at it. Thanks for chiming in Ryan!
This is absolutely true -_-
My problems is exactly what you’ve said in this article.
First, It is easy for me to come up with some more ideas while I’m still working on something and thus made me not focusing on completing my blog post. Even worst, I finished it, yet deleted it later.
Another huge problem on me, as you said, is that I always look for the best article to publish. I could spend 24 hour only to make one post and it’s in one sit.
This post is so true so I can’t read this without reflecting to myself.
Thank you for this priceless article. you’ve just woke me up from the death
you’re welcome Zai – I hope this helps get you publishing!
I have never blogged before and don’t really know how and where to start. Please help direct me. Thank you regards diaane
We’ve got an article on this coming in the coming weeks but in the mean time Dianne… check out this summary page of articles for those wanting to start a blog
Blogging is good to those who wanted to add blog and get traffic to their sites. its an effective way in growing your site.
When you’re writing think more “people to people”. There is a person behind the screen. Doesn’t hurt to put your heart into your writing either. When you write from the heart and a topic you love it gets easier.