How to blog when you’re ‘not a writer’: 5 tips for beginners
“But I’m not a writer.”
That’s the response I usually hear when I suggest blogging as part of a content marketing strategy.
For some, it’s a fear of not being good enough. For others, it’s the assumption that blogging is only for the naturally talented wordsmiths of the world. But here’s what I tell my clients every time…
“You don’t need to be a writer to create a blog.”
Blogging isn’t about perfect grammar or poetic prose - in fact, we content writers often break many of the ‘rules’ of writing intentionally. What it is about is sharing what you know and connecting with your audience.
I’ve seen clients go from total disbelief in their abilities to producing blogs that require little more than a light edit. They just needed the right tools and direction to get started.
If you’ve been holding back because you think blogging isn’t for you, here are 5 practical tips to help you get started.
1. Talk through your ideas first
You’ve got that fresh document open in front of you and ideas whirring through your mind. But for some reason, those ideas aren’t flowing into words and the page remains empty, no matter how hard you stare at it.
Many people feel paralysed by the blank page. It’s not that they don’t have ideas - it’s that translating those ideas into written words feels daunting.
I’ve had clients who are regarded as experts in their fields, who can talk about subject matters for days and articulate their expertise with clarity and passion in conversation, yet freeze the moment they try to type it out.
If that sounds familiar, the solution it to take writing out of the equation to begin with. Grab your phone, hit record, and talk through your ideas. Pretend you’re explaining your topic to a client or colleague. Speak freely, without worrying about how it sounds, and let the ideas flow naturally.
My clients often find this useful. After transcribing their voice note they realise they had the foundation of a blog the whole time. From there, it becomes about simply refining the text. The end result? A piece of content that is clear, authentic, and completely your own.
2. Use AI tools (but remember to add your personal touches)
Sometimes, the biggest hurdle to blogging is figuring out where to start. What should you talk about? How should it be structured?
This is where AI tools like ChatGPT can be incredibly helpful. They can outline your ideas, expand on points, or even generate a rough draft to get the ball rolling.
But here’s the catch: AI-generated content can feel generic if left unedited. One client of mine used AI to draft their first blog and sent it to me for feedback. While the structure and content were solid, it lacked their unique voice and was riddled with generic AI phrases that made it stick out for all the wrong reasons.
Together, we reworked it to include personal anecdotes and a conversational tone, transforming it into something that felt authentic and engaging.
AI is a great tool, but it’s not a substitute for your perspective. With a little editing, it can be a fantastic way to overcome writer’s block and produce content that reflects you.
3. Start small: Break your blog into sections
Hands up, who’s sat there completely put off by thought of having to write 400+ words?
It sounds like a lot, but it really isn’t. In fact, to give you an idea of how much content that is, I underlined the words ‘This is where’ in point 2 above. This is where we hit the 400 word mark in this blog (and there’s still plenty more to say).
The idea of writing a full blog can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to look at the blank screen and think, “Where do I even begin?” Clients often tell me they feel stuck because they’re trying to tackle everything - intro, key points, conclusion - all at once.
The solution is to break it down into smaller, more manageable parts.
Start with an outline and two or three bullet points for your main ideas. Then, take it one section at a time. Focus on writing just the introduction, then move on to the first key point, and so on. Come back to create a headline last once you have the content in place and you’re able to summarise exactly what it is that you’ve written about.
I often follow this approach. Even as someone who loves writing blogs, I’m not always in the mood to be creative.
By focusing on small steps, I’m able to build momentum. By the time I’ve worked through each of the sections, I’ve climbed a content mountain, without ever thinking I left basecamp.
It’s all about tricking the mind into thinking its doing something easier and less stressful than it is.
4. Learn from blogs you already enjoy
You’ve probably been told once or twice that competitor research is a core principle of marketing. A lot of people assume this means you need to keep track of all the ways you can outdo or undercut your competitors.
But competitor research doesn’t always have to be about being competitive.
It might sound counter-intuitive, but if you’ve seen someone doing something well and it’s getting results, it’s ok to try and replicate that in your own way. I’m not saying you should copy them, but taking inspiration from your competitors’ successes can help to feed your creativity and inspire you to take action in the right ways.
One of the biggest challenges clients face is figuring out what their blog should sound like. When I ask, “What blogs do you enjoy reading?” I often see a lightbulb moment. The answer is always there - it’s just a matter of recognising what draws you to those blogs.
I’ve seen clients discover their voice by using this approach. Once they start applying techniques they’ve picked up from other blogs - like short sentences, clear subheadings, or personal anecdotes - they begin to develop a style that feels natural to them and that resonates with their audience.
Over time, this not only boosts their confidence but also helps them connect with their audience more effectively.
5. Turn ideas into blogs with help from a professional writer
For some clients, even with the best tools and advice, blogging still feels like an uphill battle. And that’s okay. Sometimes, the smartest move is to focus on what you do best and let someone else handle the writing.
When clients work with me, they often come to the table with raw ideas - maybe a voice note, a list of bullet points, or even just a rough concept. My role is to take those ideas and craft a blog that feels true to their voice while being polished and professional.
The outcome? Blogs that not only connect with their audience but also free up time and energy for other areas of their business.
If this sounds like what you need, you can explore my content and copywriting services here.
Ready to give blogging a try?
Blogging isn’t about being the perfect writer. It’s about sharing your ideas in a way that connects to your audience and demonstrates your expertise. With the right tools, guidance, and a little practice, you’ll find your rhythm - and who knows, maybe you’ll even learn to enjoy the process.
If you’re ready to take the first step, I’ve put together a free resource to help you. Download my Blog Breakthrough Guide for practical tips, exercises, and advice to kickstart your blogging journey.
Whether you’re looking to refine your ideas, plan your content, or finally get that first post written, this guide will give you the clarity and confidence to make it happen.
