How to overcome The Pain of a Blank Page. A common issue as you try and decide what goes into thecontent you want
Post by Peter Hanley, coachhanley.com
Let’s be honest: starting a blog is exciting—until you try to write that first post. You sit there, staring at the blinking cursor, wondering what to say, how to say it, and whether anyone will even read it. The pressure to be perfect or to write something “worthy” can stop you before you even begin.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, you’re not alone. Many new bloggers give up before they even publish their first post. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The secret? Start simple, write with purpose, and follow a proven plan.
Let’s walk through the best way to start your blog content—even if you’ve never written a word before.
Step 1: Know Who You’re Talking To
Before you type a single sentence, identify your audience. Who do you want to reach? Are they retirees looking for extra income? Stay-at-home parents? Tech-savvy entrepreneurs? When you know who you’re writing for, everything becomes clearer.
Example: If you’re helping retirees earn online, your tone might be friendly, patient, and focused on real-world solutions rather than tech jargon.
Tip: Imagine one specific person from your audience and write directly to them.
Step 2: Start with a Problem (and Solve It)
People don’t search for information randomly—they’re looking for help. That’s why great blog posts usually begin by identifying a problem your reader faces. This creates a connection and gives your content a clear direction.
“Struggling to find legitimate ways to make money online after retirement?”
“Feeling overwhelmed by all the affiliate marketing hype and don’t know where to start?”
Once the problem is stated, offer a clear solution. Make it your goal to provide one valuable takeaway your reader can act on today.
Step 3: Use Simple Structure
Even a short blog post can feel long if it’s a wall of text. That’s why structure matters. Use:
- Subheadings to break up topics
- Short paragraphs for easy reading
- Bullet points and lists to highlight key information
- Bold text to emphasize important points
Your blog post should be scannable. Many readers skim before committing to reading the whole piece, so give them visual clues to follow.
Step 4: Share Personal Stories
You don’t have to be an expert—you just need to be real.
“When I first started blogging, I had no clue what I was doing. I joined Wealthy Affiliate, and their step-by-step training gave me the roadmap I desperately needed.”
Sharing your own experience builds trust. People relate to stories, not textbook advice. Even if you’re just one step ahead of your reader, that step is valuable to them.
Step 5: Use Transition Words to Keep Readers Engaged
Words like “however,” “next,” “more importantly,” and “on the other hand” act like road signs, guiding readers through your ideas. These transitions create flow and make your writing smoother.
Example:
“You might think blogging is only for experts. However, with the right tools and training, anyone can do it—even if you’re starting at 65.”
Step 6: End with a Clear Call to Action
Now that you’ve helped your reader, tell them what to do next. A confused reader won’t take action. You need to guide them.
“If you’re ready to finally learn how to blog the right way and turn your writing into income, join Wealthy Affiliate. You’ll get all the training, support, and hosting you need to get started—no tech skills required.”
Make your CTA specific and benefit-driven.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Grow Big
Starting your blog content doesn’t have to be scary. Focus on helping one person solve one problem. Use structure, add personality, and include a next step.
And remember—you don’t have to do it alone. If you want a full platform with training, support, and a community of like-minded bloggers, Wealthy Affiliate is where to begin. It helped me, and it can help you too.
The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is now.