How to Start Any Writing Project
By Chris Allsop

Thanks for joining me again in The Writer’s Life. This week I’m sharing some of the lessons I’ve learned on my journey to a freelance business – so you can use them in yours.

On Monday, I shared a better way to deal with fear.

Yesterday, I outlined an easy way to get your first clients.

Today, I’m going to cover the step that follows after you’re hired … writing.

Sounds easy, right?

Well, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat down at my computer and looked at blank Word documents with thoughts racing through my mind … “Where do I start? How can I get the ‘big idea’ I need to make this promotion a success?”

Fortunately, over time, I learned a valuable lesson …

Whether you’re writing a one-page article, a blog series, or a full-blown sales letter … research is the best way to ensure your words flow.

I follow three steps to kick-off every project.

Step 1: Talk with your client, whether by email, on the phone, or in person. This will give you a clear understanding of the project, the audience and your client’s goals.

Here are some questions to get you started:

• What is your goal for this project? What do you want to achieve?
• Who is the target audience? What is the number one problem they are facing now? Are they angry, fearful, or upset?
• What makes your product or service unique? What problem does it solve?
• Why are you the best person or company to provide this service or product?
• What message do you want your audience to know?

Of course, there are other questions you may need to ask. For example, if you’re writing a sales letter, you’ll need to discuss the offer and pricing. But answers to these questions will help you write copy that resonates with your audience, whether you’re working on one article or an entire website.

Step 2: Take your conversation with your client a step further with thorough research. This gives you a better understanding of your client’s audience and industry. And, chances are, you’ll probably unearth a great idea for your headline and lead.

If you want a list of what to look for, read this article on “Research Tips for Web Writers.”

Step 3: Study successful promotions, websites, and content in the topic or industry you’re working in. Ask yourself how each promotion got your attention. Note what you like about each one, so you can apply these techniques in your project. Then, write the first two pages of your favorites by hand.

When you take these steps, you’ll find it easier to organize ideas. Better yet, your writing will flow. And you can tailor this process for any project, including your own blog or website.

So, try this with your current project. If you’re not working for a client right now, apply this process to create a sample promotion that you can show potential clients.

And, if you have tips on beating the blank page blues, share your advice with everyone here.

Tomorrow, we’ll look at what to do if, while you’re writing, your gut tells you something is wrong.