Brainstorming Techniques for Expert Authors
Brainstorming is a technique many Expert Authors use to cultivate ideas and tap into creative sources to keep their articles informative and laser-focused.
Try the following brainstorming techniques to unlock the power of your articles!
Mind Mapping
Mind maps help you organize your thoughts by being able to see them visually. This technique also taps into the creative and resourceful part of your mind. This in turn helps you write better and more engaging articles!
Begin a topic, which we will refer to as "the root." Then start writing ideas that stem off from that root, and then write more ideas that stem off that root, and so on!
For example: Let's say I'm dog groomer and I'm stumped for article ideas. So I focus on my root "dog grooming tips" to get started and I let everything naturally flow from this root idea as it comes to me.
Mind Map - Dog Grooming Tips
Involves: dog nutrition for a healthy coat, brushing, and bathing. (Bathing! This reminds me that flea season is upon us with all the wet weather we had...)
Flea Season
- treatment indoor/outdoor
- prevention
- hiring a professional to get rid of fleas (Professionals! Groomers and exterminators…)
How to Hire/Find a Professional
- dog groomers
- exterminators
- check credentials
- products professionals use (Products! Safe for home use and heavy duty…)
...and so on!
The 5 Ws and the H
Outlining the 5 Ws and the H (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How) creates an intuitive checklist and background for you to reference while writing. This helps you target your audience's needs! Aiming your articles engages your audience, which builds loyalty to you and your site.
Here's an example:
- Who is your Audience?
- What are their needs or wants?
- Where do they go to get it?
- When do they need it?
- Why do they need it?
- How can you over deliver on it?
Pump Up Your Brainstorming Routine
Grab a stopwatch and try these 15 minute brainstorming sessions:
- Stream of Conscious Writing: Begin by writing the first idea that pops into your head and keep writing wherever your mind takes you. It can completely change from the original topic, but keep writing! This technique helps unlock any article ideas you never knew you had!
- The Power of Lists: Pick a topic and begin creating a list of all the attributes of that topic. It could be a Pros or Cons list, best or worst, etc. Share your results in an article!
- Read Up: Pick an article and read it. After reading, set your stopwatch and begin writing everything you can remember about the article, any impressions, and how the article's topic impacts your niche. This technique helps build your repertoire by gathering new information and you can share your impressions and the impact the topic has on your niche with your audience!
What methods or techniques do you use to brainstorm and stay motivated while writing articles? Share your story about how brainstorming has gotten you results in your article writing efforts.
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