We all can agree that adding fresh content and blogs to your website is a great way SEO tool that can then drive potential customers/clients directly to your site. Let’s be honest, infusing creativity and interest into writing day after day can be a challenge. Some days the content simply flows from your fingers and other days getting words onto a page is like extracting that last bit of shampoo from a bottle. No matter how much you squeeze, shake or shimmy; nothing’s coming out. The good news…we've all been there, staring blankly at the computer screen waiting for brilliance to strike with no avail. The better news…with a plan, there are simple ways to get out of that funk and keep your content fresh.

Preparing for the writing rut is a little like preparing for a natural disaster (Let's face it, sometimes writer's rut can feel like a natural disaster). Depending on where you live, most of you have a disaster plan, a stockpile of supplies and know what to do if the occasion should strike. As writers, we need the same thing; a plan and a stockpile of ideas that are easy to execute in case of an emergency.

Here's the plan: On a good day create your stockpile. This is a list of ideas/ subjects that you can refer back to in the face of disaster (suggestions below). Remember, no idea is a bad idea. Even if an idea seems a little weird or off at the time, write it down and save it for a rainy day. Keep a small note pad with you at all times. If inspiration should strike in the produce section of your local grocer, write it down and use it later.

When writer's rut strikes, don't panic. Take a deep breathe and stick to the plan. The key is to try something different. Mix it up a little. Step away from the same content, voice, opinion and/or look that you’ve always used and do something unique that will surprise readers. Refer to your already created stockpile of ideas or use the ones below:

• Switch voices - Try writing in the 3rd person or from the prospective of your dog or cat. Sounds weird but it might work and infuse some untapped creativity into a piece.
• Expand your topic for the day - If you usually write on a specific topic or niche, expand for the day. Try writing about current events or even yourself.
• Use a metaphor - No one would really compare a natural disaster to writer’s block but it works to creates interest and relate-ability.
• Be controversial - depending on your topic of choice controversy can mean different things to different people. None-the-less, make a bold opinion and back it up.
• Use interesting photos - We’ve all heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” This is true. Posting several photos on your writing topic is an easy way to take your content from blah to beautiful.
• Introduce a different medium - Podcast, videos, music and pictures are create interest and show variety on your topic.
• Make a joke - Everyone loves to laugh. Nuff said!

These are just a few ideas you can use to help you get away from the dreaded writer's rut. Don't worry, we've all been there. Use these suggestions and put a system in place to get your wacky ideas in black and white. Keep a dedicated note in your phone, an open document on your computer or carry a small notebook with you. No ideas is a bad idea.

What are you waiting for? Start writing already!