When I start researching an article, I'm never quite sure where I want to begin or what I want to say.
As ghostwriters, we speak for our clients but we are driven by our own imagination and the research that must be done. To prime the pump and find inspiration, I adhere to the following:
1. Become a New Person
Well, that's not completely true, but I do try to understand what voice to speak in based upon the keywords, industry, and the content of the client's website, when available.
Before I even begin to research the keywords, I look for the language and vocabulary used within blog posts and About Us pages to determine the level of authority, or even whimsy, that is appropriate.
2. Dig Deep Into Keyword Research
Occasionally, I'll get keywords that write the article for me. However, most of the time I do a series of keyword sweeps to locate interesting and readable twists on the obvious.
This isn't as difficult as it may seem.
After entering the keyword into a search engine, I scan the first two pages of results. Generally, an interesting and pertinent fact pops out at me. Once my interest has been gained, I feel confidant that other readers will want to know more about this as well and build the article from there.
3. Prime the Pump by Writing
I've been at this long enough to know that the best way to get started on an article is to simply start writing. When I'm not sure what the beginning should be, I'll start writing the middle.
When a clear story line presents itself, I rush to outline before I forget the details and conclusion. Even if the first draft isn't the greatest, I've discovered that the actual process of writing is a self-fueling pump of inspiration.
That is something that I never would have believed when I first started on this writing career.
What about you? How do you find inspiration for the articles that you blog? If there is a genie with magic typing hands for sale in a discount store, please fill me in so I can run out and pick one of those up this week.
Until then, I'd love to hear your tips and tricks.
