As a business owner I’m sure you’re aware that you should ideally be creating regular new content for your website. It helps you communicate with your audience (what you’re up to and demonstrating your expertise) and also does wonders for your Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). If you don’t already have one, I highly recommend that you add a blog to your business website where you can easily add new content.
If you find yourself struggling to keep your website updated with fresh content, believe me you’re not alone. It’s a common challenge for many business owners. But fear not, because today we’re diving into the top five hurdles that might be holding you back, and more importantly, how to leap over them like a content creation champion.
1. Lack of Time
Argh, time! Where does it go? It’s a problem, isn’t it? Between juggling clients, meetings, and the never-ending to-do list, finding time to sit down and write a blog post can feel like an impossible feat. Do you find that content creation constantly gets pushed back down your to-do list?
Solution: The key here is to prioritize. Set aside dedicated blocks of time each week (or each month if that’s more manageable) for content creation. Treat it like any other important task on your list. You can also repurpose existing content or delegate some tasks to freelancers or team members to lighten your load.
2. Perfection Paralysis
Ever found yourself staring at a blank screen, paralyzed by the fear of not getting it “just right”? Or maybe getting 80% through something and then never completing it because you’re not sure it’s good enough? Perfectionism can be a major roadblock, causing you to procrastinate or abandon projects altogether.
Solution: Remember, done is better than perfect. Embrace the idea of progress over perfection. Or as I’ve heard it described “imperfect action”. Set realistic goals for each piece of content and give yourself permission to iterate and improve over time. And remember, your audience values authenticity over flawless perfection.
3. Lack of ideas
Content creators get writer’s block too. Coming up with fresh ideas for blog posts or social media updates can sometimes feel way too hard. Particularly when your head is full of everything else that you need to get done.
Solution: Start by listening to your audience. What questions are they asking? What problems are they facing? Use their feedback and insights to fuel your content ideas. You can also look to your own experiences for inspiration. What have you been working on that you can write about? Have you found a solution for a problem you came up against? Think about keeping a list of ideas as they occur to you so that you can refer back for inspiration when you need it.
4. Resource Constraints
Limited resources, whether it’s budget or skills, can hinder your ability to create and manage website content effectively.
Solution: Get creative! There are some great free or low-cost tools and resources out there that can help your content creation process. Consider outsourcing tasks that require specialized skills, such as graphic design or SEO, to freelancers. And don’t forget to invest in your own skills through online courses or workshops.
5. Lack of Accountability
When you’re flying solo, it’s easy to let deadlines slip and content creation fall by the wayside. Without someone holding you accountable, it’s all too tempting to put things off until tomorrow (or the next day, or the one after that). Yes, I do that too…
Solution: Find yourself an accountability partner or group! Whether it’s a fellow business owner, a friend, or a mentor, having someone to keep you on track can work wonders for your productivity. Set regular check-ins or deadlines to keep you accountable and motivated to stay on top of your content game.
“How do you get accountability for your content creation, Emily?” I’m so glad you asked! I’m in an amazing membership called The Ultimate Blog Membership where I get a weekly blog template and regular online sessions where I learn new techniques and get to try things out. You know what? I’m writing this blog post in the monthly implementation session! So not only am I getting accountability in a supportive group, I’m also finding it allows me to set aside blocks of time to work on content creation. Go check it out!
So there you have it, five common obstacles standing between you and regular website content updates, along with some practical strategies to overcome them. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to building a strong online presence, so don’t let these obstacles hold you back any longer. With a bit of planning, creativity, and determination, you’ll be creating engaging content like a pro in no time.
