Now today we are chatting about something a LOT of us struggle with DAILY: what the HECK to say on Instagram. We get asked this question SO SO SO much.
“I have no idea what to even say on Instagram?”
“What topics are my audience even wanting from me?”
“I don’t know how to write a compelling caption?”
“What do I even post about?”
If you’ve thought ANY of those thoughts regarding Instagram or creating & writing content for your business in general, then keep on listening to this episode, friend. Today Evie and I are going to break down a BUNNNCHHH of different incredible ways to overcome writer’s block and know EXACTLY what to write about in your Instagram captions that will actually compel your followers to be fans and eventually paying customers. In today’s episode we’re sharing SO many tips we use to help not only trigger ideas of WHAT to write but also HOW to actually go about writing them.
Ready to bust that writer’s block and know EXACTLY what and HOW to write captions for Instagram and more? Let’s get to the show.
Before We Dive In
Today we’re going to talk about writer’s block for Instagram captions, BUT these tips can apply to ANY writing you do for your business – be it your website copy, your email newsletters, blog post writing, etc.
Before we even start to give ideas on combating writer’s block, we wanna address this: if you don’t even know WHAT to talk about, not just writer’s block but like content block. Not knowing what topics to write content about in the first place, then that’s where we’d recommend getting crystal clear on who you are, what your brand is about and who your ideal client is. We have MANY past episodes on that so if that’s what you’re struggling with check out Episode 50: How to Speak Directly to Your Ideal Client Online, Episode 108: Why You NEED to Pick a Niche, and Episode 138: How to Find Your Ideal Client & Market to Them.
Voice memo ideas as they come to you
On a walk, in the car, in the shower (shower sticky notes), before bed, etc. You can get the meat out of that idea down before you forget it.
Use your notes app to jot down ideas
Maybe you are in a public place where you can’t voice memos, use your notes app to type out that idea. You can either do bullet points or more fully fleshed out.
Practice writing in areas that aren’t in your business. Sometimes the habit of writing can help and is like a muscle that you are training.
Make SURE you have an Instagram strategy for clear brand messaging
Have content pillars/categories that you are constantly rotating through. Make sure it’s all under your niche, but what pillars of content types fall under that niche. Knowing who you’re speaking to and what your topics are is HUGE. You have to know who you’re talking to or you’re talking to nobody.
Take notes after conversations with friends
Sometimes this is where we’re the most naturally conversational, inspired, and true to ourselves and sharing our thoughts (especially if you’re a verbal processor). Pay attention to those conversations.
Create space for rest and white space/silence
So often we are consuming, every day all day. We’re ingesting all the time and sometimes we need to stop taking things in so we can sit and marinate with our own thoughts. Turn off music, podcasts, tv, etc, and just sit with your thoughts. Actually having space to sit and think. Whether that’s driving in silence to pick up your kids/run an errand. Or getting up early and going for a slow morning walk without anything in your ears. Create space to just be.
Write in an inspiring workspace
Sometimes to trigger that writing juice is to get out of the rut that you are in. Maybe your office or home is not the creative spot, maybe you need a new scene. Go to a coffee shop or any place you feel most inspired. Or simply light a candle, clean your office or desk space, and turn on some inspiring light background music.
Sit down and write without ANY plan to share what comes to mind
Eliminate the pressure or stress of having to share, that’s often the biggest obstacle in our brains! Just start typing. Don’t think that everything you write always has to be published.
Figure out what people are wanting to hear
AnswerThePublic.com – an amazing site pulling from people’s top google searches with those phrases.
Example questions: we typed “wedding photography”
- How to decide on a wedding photographer?
- How long do you need a photographer to shoot your wedding?
- Wedding venues in London?
You don’t have to only look at Google searches, instead poll your audience (Question box, etc). See what their biggest questions are. Pay attention to what content has done well before.
Make sure you’re writing in a way that elicits emotion and/or tells a story. If you want more specific caption-writing tips and strategies. You can take our free caption workshop: 3 Steps To Captivating Captions: https://theheartuniversity.com/captions-workshop
Bottom line
JUST START. Yes, these tips can help you to brew up some creativity, spark some inspiration, and help kickstart the process but at the end of the day, the best thing you can do is just START. Start with a random jumble of words or the barest bullet point list. Don’t worry about perfection. Don’t think about posting it. Just begin to put words to paper and watch the momentum begin.
Show notes
The Caption Playbook: www.theheartuniveristy.com/caption-playbook
Gigi Pip: https://ctgro.com/VUumgWLeq
Use code “heartandhustle” for free shipping when you use the link!
3 Steps To Captivating Captions: https://theheartuniversity.com/captions-workshop
If you want to connect with us and other listeners in the Heart and Hustle community join our Facebook group here.
Follow along:
www.instagram.com/mrslindseyroman
www.instagram.com/evierupp
www.instagram.com/theheartuniversity
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