Content Writing 9+ Effective Brainstorming Techniques To Ace Every Stage of Writing Process

Do you struggle with writer’s block every now and then? Is sourcing good ideas for your next blog becoming too much of a hassle for you? If that is the case, all you need is some help from science-backed brainstorming methods. Content ideation, organization and writing requires a great deal of innovative thinking. It is recommended that you take help from popular brainstorming techniques to overcome your idea block. 

What Is Brainstorming and its Importance for Writers?

Brainstorming techniques refer to the methods used to explore creative solutions for addressing complicated problems. In brainstorming techniques, the first step is problem identification followed by idea generation from as many viewpoints as possible. 

Brainstorming is a non-judgmental process that urges individuals to free up their mind from any bias and come up with fantastic, strange or even commonplace ideas to solve complicated problems. 

Therefore, effective brainstorming techniques can help writers through content ideation, content planning, outlining and writing. Additionally, it has been reported that brainstorming encourages creative thinking and innovative problem solving. ^[1]

Rules of Brainstorming

Here are some of the best brainstorming techniques to help you during every stage of your writing process:

Stage 1: Brainstorming Techniques for Content Ideation

Content ideation requires free thinking and idea generation without any structure. Here are some brainstorming techniques to help you with this stage:

1. Rapid Ideation or Free storming

Rapid ideation is one of the most commonly used brainstorming tools and techniques. In this method, you will assign yourself or your team members a time limit. Every individual must come up with as many ideas for content as possible. Write down all the ideas on sticky notes or shareable e-documents. Assign the role of a “decider” to someone who knows your writing niche better than others. The decider then picks the most suitable topics for covering in writing. Thus, this technique speeds up idea generation.

In free storming, contrary to rapid ideation, there is no set time limit for idea generation.

2. Pros and cons

Pros and cons is one of the effective brainstorming methods excellent for argumentative or persuasive writing. This technique can help you identify the weight and value of different content ideas. Thus, you can assign priority to different ideas you collect and cover them in an organized manner. To follow this technique, you need to pick an idea and list down its strengths and weaknesses. Thus, this type of brainstorming techniques helps you in deciding which angle you shall adopt to cover selected topics. 

3. Reverse Brainstorming

Human beings are better at identifying problems than solutions. Reverse brainstorming, contrary to actual brainstorming, helps you identify problems that can arise with a process. Therefore, reverse brainstorming helps you identify the loose ends and prevent disasters during team coordination. 

Use reverse brainstorming techniques to identify the problems that are yet to be covered in writing. Recall your collection of potential trends you will follow for content writing and dig through the content to find out existing, unaddressed problems. Write solutions about those problems that you identify and create authority in untouched niches.

4. How Now Wow

The How Now Wow is a brainstorming matrix which allows you to organize your ideas based on ease of implementation and uniqueness. 

• How: Describe content writing ideas that are innovative. However, make sure that those ideas have not been covered yet or not feasible yet.
• Now: This part refers to identifying content writing ideas which are easy to implement, proven to give results and easy to cover. 
• Wow: Filter ideas that are NEW as well as EASY TO IMPLEMENT

Stage 2: Brainstorming Methods for Planning Your Work

Awesome! You have successfully prepared a list of content topics that you want to cover. The next step is to plan your content writing workflow. Here are some brainstorming techniques to help you at this stage:

5. Five Whys

When you are trying to identify your “why” for writing about a topic, the Five Whys method will come in handy. This framework helps you get to the root of any problem. In this technique, you choose a content writing theme or a problem that you want to address via content writing. In the next step, you ask yourself “Why did i Choose this topic?” or “Why did this problem occur?”. Moving on, you simply need to ask the same question at least 4 more times. This will offer you a deeper understanding of the content themes you are willing to cover.

6. Figure Storming

Figure storming is perhaps the most effective brainstorming technique to identify what your readers will like to read. In this type of brainstorming, you put yourself in someone else’s shoes (in case of writing, you put yourself in the reader’s shoes). Thus, this type of brainstorming process helps you align your content ideas with your audience’s expectations.

Stage 3: Brainstorming Techniques for Content Outlining 

Content outlining may look like a tedious task. However, when done right, it can save you from loads of additional work. Here are some useful brainstorm session ideas for content outlining stage:

7. Mind Mapping Clustering/idea mapping

Mind Mapping, Idea Mapping or Clustering is a technique that allows you to organize similar content ideas in specific groups. Thus, you can organize your list of content ideas under different categories and subjects. This technique is helpful when you want to establish relationships between associated topics. Moreover, it helps you to better present the cause behind your content writing. Additionally, it helps you see the consequences it will deliver for your readers.

Simply write your idea at the center of the page. Draw different branches and connecting lines between secondary and tertiary content ideas for a specific theme. Supplement the flowchart with problem statements, facts and other supporting details.

Suggested Read:  Why Do You Need to Organize Your Content Creation Process?

Stage 4: Brainstorming Techniques to Overcome Writer’s Block

Having a blank page is worse than any other problem. The following brainstorming techniques can help you overcome writer’s block: 

8. SCAMPER

SCAMPER helps you view a content idea or writing process from various angles. The acronym is a sum of 7 different angles you can adopt to refine or renew your content ideas, given as:

• Substitute: What will happen if I substitute topic X with Topic Y?
• Combine: What will happen if I combine Topic X and Topic Y? 
• Adapt: Is there a way to adapt my topics under a different context?
• Modify: Can I modify my content ideas or topics to bring more value?
• Put To Another Use: Can I use the same content for other purposes?
• Eliminate: Do I need to eliminate some topics from my content?
• Reverse: Is there a way to reorganize my content to bring more value?

9. Brain Writing

Brain writing is an excellent way to silently jot down ideas on a page. This technique is very effective when done in a silent space. Moreover, brain writing is ideal for introverted people who like to think in silence.

This helpful acronym allows you to improve ideas by poking at them from different angles. It works great when combined with a brain writing session. 10. Word banks/Random Word Picker

Word banks help you keep a catalog of words and phrases that best resonate with your brand or content writing theme. If you want to adopt a consistent voice and tone throughout your writing, word banks are the way to go. You can also add synonyms of words in your word bank to diversify your selection. Pick any word and attempt to explore new ideas about it.

Bonus Tip: Automate Content Ideas Brainstorming using AI

AI Content idea generator is a powerful content brainstorming assistant that can help you get new ideas. Moreover, you can save tons of effort and time. 

Brainstorming Techniques – Frequently Asked Questions

What are the characteristics of brainstorming?

• It is an intellectual process
• A single person or all team members can participate
• Every individual shall give personal views/ideas
• There is no need to label an idea as right or wrong
• It comprises upon divergent thinking

Wrapping it Up

Content creation is a creative process which requires an imaginative and active mind. Brainstorming techniques can stimulate the creative centers of your brain. Thus, you can streamline your content process effectively.

References:
[1] Brainstorming – NIU