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Nothing’s more frustrating than staring at a blank document without a clue what to write. As the seconds turn to minutes, the blank page taunts you, making you question your ability as a writer.

No matter how prolific a writer you are, no one can always know what to say. That’s why being prepared is the easiest way to combat content block. On those days when the idea generator is out of fuel, all you have to do is pull out your gas can.

There are plenty of places to go online to look for inspiration, but you need a system that saves you from spending hours on the internet getting lost in random posts every time you want a new idea.

Come Up With Ideas BEFORE You Run Out

Instead of waiting until your idea well runs dry and panicking when there’s nothing left, the best way to prepare is to prep yourself with topics when you’re already in the groove. Looking through high-performing old posts is another way to come up with ideas.

Instead of creating a never-ending list when you’re feeling inspired, start with a master file. This file contains three columns that you can combine to come up with new topics when you’re not feeling inspired.

Creating Your Topic Master File

Setting up a file to help generate ideas is simple. Create a new spreadsheet with three columns. The columns work together to come up with your topics. Label the first column Emotion, the second Solution, and the third Angle/Audience.

Start With a Calendar

We’re actually going to start with the last column. One way to come up with a unique angle is to anchor it around some type of obscure holiday. Choose twenty of your favorites and include them in the third column.

Who Are You Writing For?

Some of the highest-performing content is often written for very specific audiences. Think of your ideal clients or readers. Are they dentists or marketers? List job titles in the third column as audience types. The more specific the better. Don’t worry about leaving anyone out.

What’s The Outcome?

Continuing with our master file, let’s fill in the middle column. Since your audience is fresh in your mind, now’s a great time to think of what problems they need solutions for. Knowing your audience is crucial, and you should already have an idea of what you can do for them. List it in this column.

How Should They Feel About Your Topic?

The most successful marketers understand the role emotions play in marketing. Logic has very little to do with buying behavior. Motivation comes from emotion. Make a list of all the emotions you can think of and place them in the first column.

Using Your Master File

Now that every column is full, all you have to do is combine the three to create a post idea. Keep in mind that some problems won’t apply to your chosen audience. In that case, try tying it to a holiday instead.

Other Places to Find Inspiration

If you’re still having trouble coming up with topic ideas, try the following:

• Portent’s Content Idea Generator
• HubSpot’s Blog Ideas Generator
• Build Your Own Blog: Blog Post Ideas Generator
• Tweak Your Biz Title Generator

Don’t let a brain freeze keep you from creating great blog posts. By preparing for topic dry spells with an idea file, you’ll knock out the competition in no time. Happy blogging!