Welcome to the fourth installment of my Build a Blog series where I teach you how to create a blog specifically for Salesforce Admins.
If you’re just getting started with this series and want to catch up, check the links at the end of this post to get up to speed on defining your audience, centering your content focus, and for an overview of the series.
Last month, we started a positioning statement as a roadmap for this series. A positioning statement is a description of how a product or service—in this case, your admin blog—meets the need of a particular market or segment. This month, we’ll take a break from the positioning statement and dive into the actual content creation process. I’ve included our positioning statement below so that it’s easy for you to catch up.
This whole series is based on building a blog for Salesforce Admins, so in the “For” line in the positioning statement, we’ll put that. The second line defines who our blog audience is. For example, you might write “beginner admins” or “admins learning security”. The third line is how you want the audience to consume that content–it could be text, video, or audio. This month, we’ll tackle the fourth line which expands on your answer for last month as to where they will consume that information.
Blog Positioning Statement | |
For | Salesforce Admins |
Who | |
And consume information | |
Via | |
And want new content every | |
Whether it’s writing, video creation, or podcasting, there are plenty of platforms through which you can share your content with the world. However, if you’re new to content creation, it can be challenging to know where to start. It’s easy to have this false idea in our minds that every writer just sits down, starts typing, and—voila—creates a perfectly drafted post. Or a video creator grabs a camera, presses record, and—poof—makes a perfect video. I’m sorry to tell you it’s not that easy. But like with every skill, it gets easier the more you do it.
The best way to approach content creation is to start with what you know. Whether you’re writing, creating videos, or recording a podcast, choose a topic you’re familiar with and passionate about. This will make it easier for you to create content that’s engaging and informative.
For your first few pieces of content, start with products, features, and services you’re familiar with or have built out before. I think my first blog post was about page layouts, because at the time I had spent a few weeks reimagining all of our page layouts. By starting with something familiar, you don’t have to juggle learning the skill of content creation and learning about a product or feature. As time goes on, you’ll be able to tackle both, but at the beginning, make it easier on yourself.
A blank page is daunting. A blank page is full of possibilities but has nothing to show you. And no matter what you’re trying to create, a blank page can lead to writer’s block. Writer’s block can be a frustrating experience for anyone who loves to write. Whether you’re a professional writer or just starting, it can be challenging to come up with new ideas and put them down on paper. If you’re struggling with writer’s block, don’t worry. Here are some tips and tricks you can use to overcome it and get back to writing.
One way to get hung up when starting to write is when you feel the need to write the title first. While having a title helps, it can quickly serve as a blocker to getting information going. If you must, put something on the page like “Video about Flow Builder” and move on.
Sometimes the best thing you can do when you’re stuck is take a break. Step away from the page and do something that relaxes you. This could be anything from taking a walk to listening to music to watching a movie. Give yourself time to recharge so you can clear your mind and gain a fresh perspective when you return to your writing.
A change of scenery also helps to break up the monotony of writer’s block. If you’re used to writing in the same place every day, try moving to a different location. Whether it’s a coffee shop, a library, or even just a different room in your house, a change of scenery can often stimulate your creativity and give you new ideas.
Setting achievable goals is a great way to overcome writer’s block. Instead of trying to write a whole book or article at once, break it down into smaller goals. This could be writing a certain number of words each day or completing a specific section of your writing. Setting achievable goals will help you feel a sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated to keep writing.
Freewriting is a technique used by many writers to overcome writer’s block. The idea is to write whatever comes to mind without worrying about grammar, punctuation, or structure. This can help you get your thoughts down on paper and often leads to new ideas and inspiration.
When you’re starting out with content creation, it’s essential to set realistic goals. This will help you stay motivated and focused on your content. We’ll cover this more in depth next month, but start by being honest with yourself. It may take a month or more to write your first blog post. And it may easily take that much time to write, record, and edit a video or podcast. Track your time so that you know how much to set aside when creating your content. Set small goals that are achievable, such as writing one blog post or recording one podcast episode a month. As you become more comfortable with content creation, you can increase your goals and produce more content.
As a new writer, finding your voice can also be daunting, but it’s essential to create your unique style and engage your readers. Your voice is the essence of your writing, and it represents your personality and worldview. The first step in finding your voice is to experiment with different writing styles and genres. Read extensively, write regularly, and try different techniques to discover what works for you. Don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes; it’s all part of the process.
Another way to find your voice is by being honest and authentic. Write from your heart and share your experiences and perspectives. Don’t try to mimic other writers or conform to what you think readers want to read. Instead, trust your instincts and write what feels natural to you. Your voice is your unique perspective, so embrace your individuality and write with confidence. Remember, it takes time and practice to find your voice, so be patient and persistent.
Finally, the world of content creation is always evolving, and it’s essential to keep learning as a creator. Whether it’s writing techniques, video editing skills, or podcasting tips, there’s always something new to learn. Stay up to date with the latest trends and tools in content creation, and use this knowledge to improve your content and grow your audience.
Creating content can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it’s essential to start with what you know, set realistic goals, be consistent, engage with your audience, and keep learning. By following these five tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating compelling and engaging content that resonates with your audience.
Doing something new can entail many starts and stops. My goal is that by August you’ll have found your passion for sharing.
The goal of the Build a Blog series is to inspire you to create your own admin blog by Dreamforce 2023. You can catch up on the series with these posts:
And you can join the previous conversations in the Admin Trailblazers Group:
Also in the Admin Trailblazers Group, I’ve started a discussion about this post—you can join in here. Let’s talk about your worries, concerns, or things you’d like me to address. We’re in this together.
Next month, we’ll tackle how to set your publishing schedule.
I want to see what you’re building and help where I can, and I want you to feel like you’re part of a group of new bloggers who are building something special—because you are! You’re building a channel to share your most valuable asset—your voice and your perspective.
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