When you sit down to write, ideation can feel like staring at a blank canvas with infinite possibilities.
But sometimes, the usual brainstorming methods don’t cut it.
That’s where these five unique ideation techniques come in.
They’ll not only fill your idea bank to publish an article every day but also elevate the quality and originality of your content.
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1. Obstacle Mapping
Imagine a marathon runner stuck at the starting line because of a hurdle in their path. They don’t need a cheerleader; they need a coach to remove the hurdle or show them how to leap over it. This is what obstacle mapping does for your readers—it identifies their challenges and provides actionable solutions.
How to Use It:
1. Identify a Core Obstacle: Think about what’s holding your audience back. Use surveys, reader feedback, or your observations.
- Example: Writers often feel overwhelmed by the thought of starting long-form content.
2. Break It Down: Divide the obstacle into smaller issues: mindset, tools, time, etc.
- Example: Mindset could be fear of failure, tools could mean lack of templates, and time could mean poor planning.
3. Provide Solutions for Each Piece: Write content that addresses these bite-sized issues.
James Clear’s book Atomic Habits became a bestseller because it tackled a specific obstacle: how to build good habits. He didn’t just say, “Habits are important.” He broke down the problem (why habits fail) and provided small, actionable solutions (habit stacking, triggers, etc.).
Content Idea: “Overcoming the Fear of Starting: A Step-by-Step Guide for Writers.”
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