Developing A Writer’s Mindset, So You Get More Writing Done In Less Time
In the world of marketing, publishing articles or blogs has become an absolute must if you want to actually have regular traffic to your website. But it’s not the only way to do it. In fact, there really are two schools of thought here: rent your traffic or own your traffic.
Renting your traffic is when you spend money on ads (Facebook or Google AdWords are a few popular choices), that send traffic to your website when your ads are running. On the good side of this decision, you can target your dollars to bring in “the most qualified” traffic you can get your hands on. The challenge is that even qualified traffic isn’t guaranteed to bring a new client to your doors. Clients only become clients when they are ready, not when you offer your services!
On the bad side of this decision, when you stop spending money on your ads, your traffic goes away. Thus, renting can work for a while, but it’s not a long-term solution to grow your business. But in a pinch, it can help.
Owning traffic is when you publish articles or landing pages on your website that live on Google forever. Those pages can bring in new visitors to your website for as long as they are relevant.
Content marketing is the process of regularly producing new articles that you share across the Internet with the intention of getting the right people to read your articles and click on your marketing links/offers inside the piece. The topics are tailored to your business and the solutions you offer clients. That makes writing easier because the topics you address in your articles are the same ones you discuss day in, and day out with your clients.
Once you have decided to write articles and own your traffic, it’s critical that you hone a writer’s mindset. Without one, your inner critic can harm your progress.
Let’s begin with what a writer’s mindset is.
First, let’s define it. The writer’s mindset is the mental and emotional space you get into when you sit down to produce an article. Think of it as your headspace or your attitude about the process of writing.
Does that mean you have to like writing? No.
But you do have to accept the purpose it serves in your world and for your greater good. You may never fully LOVE writing. That isn’t surprising.
If you loved writing so much, don’t you think you would have tried to make a living as a writer versus a healer?
Possibly so.
Rather, accept it for what it is: a means to an end. And that end is a less stressful practice.
Next, let’s look at what a strong writer’s mindset includes – what it doesn’t.
On the good end, when you’re in your writer’s mindset, your thoughts are clear and purpose-driven. They are thoughtful, critical but kind, focused on production, and detached from results. Your thinking is decisive, action-oriented, and a process that is inherently imperfect in its perfection.
Most importantly, a writer’s mindset appreciates that writing is an exercise that you will do again and again, so it’s pointless to be overly attached to the results of just one piece.
Does that mean you don’t care how your article does when it’s published?
Not at all. It means that you develop a healthy attitude around wins and losses by appreciating that when you hit submit, the game isn’t over.
You will write again tomorrow.
You can edit and correct your articles.
There are always new and interesting things to talk about with potential clients, so you always have things to discuss.
And your opinions can change, evolve and grow as you and your practice do the same.
When you have a healthy writer’s mindset, you know that there will always be another opportunity to share your thoughts with the world, so it’s pointless to put all your eggs in one basket. That detachment goes miles in terms of letting you off the hook for being perfect.
Many of the writers we work with struggle so deeply with “getting it right” that they never publish a thing. The blame things like technology, time, and other “more important things” and never really get to the root of what stops them. The need to be perfect is more of a hindrance and can literally stop you in your tracks.
The wise business owner knows and accepts that writing is a required step in his or her marketing process. Therefore NOT getting it done is the issue, instead of being perfect.
What if you really just hate writing?
You’re not alone here. And again, that’s why your career isn’t in the field of journalism or marketing. However, that doesn’t excuse you from marketing your business. You still have to do that part. But do you actually have to be the one who does it?
No, that’s where ghostwriters come in. There are many options for hiring out your blogs and asking others to step in and speak for you. If you take that route just remember, you’re the subject matter expert and getting the details, facts/stats and data right does fall on your shoulders. Make sure you take a keen eye to the editing process and be very careful that the words expressed under your byline are truly your thoughts.
In this realm, ghostwriting can be a great way to jumpstart your ideas, but you have to finalize the articles before you publish them. (If you need help with ghostwriting options and who is a credible source to work with, ask us. We have referrals for ghostwriters for everything from blogs to books.)
A great writer’s mindset isn’t just about getting it done, it also includes tools to help when your motivation is low or you’re having an off day.
As you work towards cultivating your writer’s mindset, take these 6 steps:
- Be an imperfect writer. What matters is that you write no matter what. Afterward, praise yourself for getting the job done — NOT for a job well-done
- Be curious about others are doing. Your ideas are not the only ones out there. Some of your peers have adopted this model to market their practice. What are they writing about?
- Identify your role models. These can be sites you love, writers you admire or content you want to write your own version/spin on. When you’re stuck or unmotivated, let the zeitgeist guide you.
- Set your goals and be realistic.
- Identify your ideal writing time. This is the time of day/day of the week that works best for you when you have the following formula: high energy + low distraction + good brain waves + positive mood + clear thinking = maximum output.
- Create your writing schedule, and commit to executing it Be rigorous about your schedule- don’t let interferences, distractions or other issues stop you from writing.
If you find that you’re regularly pulled away from writing, figure out why and deal with it. If it doesn’t end, dig deeper. Is it your feelings about writing? Your belief about marketing? Or some other mindset that sounds like, “It’s not fair”?
Here’s the rub … life is not guaranteed.
No one ever agreed that it would be easy. Or fair. Or simple. You wanted to help the world, and this is the action required to connect and build relationships with people looking for the help you offer.
In life, you’re guaranteed the soil, but not the seeds. Some seeds are bad and don’t take root. Some take a long time to produce fruit. Some like bamboo can take 5 years to show anything above the ground. While others, like a fern, can blossom in a few weeks.
And some, produce inedible food.
Your mindset towards growing your business is the root of your success. Cultivate your mind. Nurture your garden and all kind of wonderful things can happen. But neglect it, and you get what you get. Deciding what you want to grow and nurturing that environment is the way to create a healthy business. In fact, it’s the only way.
Need help learning the tricks of the trade to market your counseling, coaching or healing practice? We have the answers you need. Let us help you by scheduling a free consultation with our team to explore the best ways to help your business grow.
