What do you do if your copywriting ideas are feeling stale?
Hitting a creative wall can be quite the conundrum when you're tasked with crafting compelling copy. It's a common challenge in the copywriting realm, where fresh ideas are the currency of a successful campaign. If your copywriting ideas are starting to feel stale, it's crucial to reinvigorate your creative process. There are several strategies you can employ to breathe new life into your work and ensure your content remains engaging and effective.
Sometimes, all it takes to refresh your copywriting ideas is to see things from a new angle. Step away from your usual workspace or routine and immerse yourself in a different environment. This could mean working from a coffee shop, taking a walk in nature, or even just rearranging your office. New stimuli can spark new ideas, so consider consuming content that you wouldn't typically look at, such as magazines or books outside your industry. These changes in perspective can lead to breakthroughs in your writing.
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Abhimanyu Singh
Copywriting for founders & brands | Certified brand marketer | Top performing salesman
My world becomes narrow when I sit in front of my screen for too long. Ideas stop flowing, and I end up thinking surface level. Changing my activity for example going out in nature or playing a sport allows thoughts to percolate in my subconscious mind. Ideas shape up and easily flow when I'm back at my desk. Quality and depth in my thinking. Low effort, no anxiety, consistently great output. Sometimes I write at my desk and edit in my garden on another day. In what seems a 100% piece of content while writing, I find loopholes to fill while editing. That's what this simple shift does to my brain.
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Everson Dahwa
Researcher and Lecturer- Wildlife and Livestock ecology @ Great Zimbabwe University
Refreshing ideas when writing is a critical step to ensure your output is always compelling to the target audience. here is what you need to do. 1. Read and understand the contemporary issues surrounding the target audience. 2. Brainstorm ideas and choose the best to follow. 3. Write and revisit the ideas after a while. * Always keep stories simple and engaging.
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Karen Ormerod Ford
Strategy | Partnerships | New Business @ Thread
Here are a couple of things to try if your ideas are getting stale: 1) Change your routine. This applies to when you write, how you write, where you write, and the tools you use to write. 2) Add play to the beginning of your writing session. Set a 5-minute timer to free-write with no agenda. Or choose a photo you are drawn to and draft a quick persona or back story for that person or scene. No judgement! 3) Inject creativity by adding art supplies to your writing table, like a small watercolor pallet and journal or a doodling pad with a favorite pen or pencil. 4) Nature always inspires. Get outside!
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RAJIB PATRA
copywriter and marketer
Refreshing your copywriting ideas can be as simple as gaining a fresh perspective: 1. Change of Environment: Break from routine by working in new settings like coffee shops or nature walks. 2. Variety in Consumption: Explore diverse content beyond your industry to stimulate new ideas. 3. Rearrange Workspace: Even small changes in your office setup can inspire creativity and spark breakthroughs in your writing.
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Victoria Onyeje, PharmD
Pharmacist turned Direct Response Copywriter for experts, coaches, consultants, and course creators who are launching or relaunching an offer and want to make more sales | Emails |Ads |Sales/Landing pages |
Here are 3 things I do... 1. I read and dissect winning copy from legendary copywriters like Dan Kennedy, John Carlton, David Ogilvy, etc. 2. I also take a walk in nature or engage in a hobby so as to give my brain a break. 3. I do a bit more research to see things from fresh perspectives.
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Rajat Chauhan
Marketing Strategy II Data & Analytics II Content Marketing II Brand Building II Team Leadership II🚀
If you want to get a fresh perspective, start consuming content that’s totally outside your usual sphere. Pick up a magazine you wouldn't normally read or dive into a book far from your comfort zone. Why? Because new stimuli can trigger fresh ideas. Suddenly, you're not just seeing things the same old way—you've got a whole new angle on the world. And that's the key. When you break out of your usual patterns, you open yourself up to inspiration from unexpected places. The next thing you know, you're writing with more energy and creativity than you've had in ages. It's like a breath of fresh air for your brain. Step back, mix things up, and watch how a fresh perspective can lead to real breakthroughs in your writing. Trust me, it works.
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Blessing Nwabueze
Copywriter | Delivering Outstanding Copy and Captivating Content that Inspires Action & Leaves Audiences 10x More Engaged 🎯 | Social Media Manager | Script Writer | Digital Strategist
When you’re stuck with your writing ideas, it’s time to switch things up. First off, take a break. Look around for inspiration in everyday stuff. Books, movies, or even chatting with friends can spark new ideas. Don’t be shy about chatting with fellow writers. Brainstorming together often leads to cool ideas you wouldn’t have thought of alone. Change your surroundings. Try writing in a park or coffee shop instead of your usual desk. Experiment with different writing styles or techniques. You might find a new way of expressing yourself that feels just right. Lastly, don’t forget to get feedback. Sharing your work with someone you trust can give you valuable insights and help you see things from a different angle.
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Damjan Vasojevic
Mapping out a Path to Raise $1 Billion with CGW and CGC in Five Years → Posting What I Learn Along the Way
"Steal Like an Artist" is a must read for this. Being creative isn't about being a genius, it’s about being a scavenger -> finding connections between existing ideas and making them your own. In order to do that, you have to have a rich variety of inputs that will lead to more unique outputs! Also during the process, be authentic! -> Nobody will do a better job at being you then you!
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Aristos Panteli, MBA
Senior Institutional Manager at MultiBank Group | Providing Industry Best Partnership Deals
If your copywriting ideas are feeling stale, try refreshing your creativity by seeking new sources of inspiration. Read books, articles, and blogs outside your usual genres. Experiment with different writing styles or tones. Participating in writing workshops or joining creative communities can also provide new perspectives and feedback. Don't forget to take breaks and give yourself space to recharge; sometimes stepping away can bring fresh ideas when you return. 📝🔄🎨 #Copywriting #CreativeWriting #Inspiration
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Kalyl Kadri
"A Pleasure to Have in Class" | Creative Director & Senior Copywriter | MFA, Theatre, & Large-Scale Event Experience
Go to some obscure places for inspiration! My best ideas come from wikipedia-search blackholes. I'll be researching the Roman empire for a brief about a hospitality project and then somehow 4 hours later I've found myself in a page about the courting rituals of the broad-tailed hummingbird. There's inspiration to be found literally everywhere!
Brainstorming is a time-tested method for generating new ideas. Instead of brainstorming alone, try collaborating with others, even if they're not copywriters. Fresh eyes and ears can offer unique insights and challenge your thinking. When brainstorming, embrace all ideas without judgment and allow creativity to flow freely. The goal is to create a long list of potential concepts, which you can later refine and develop into polished copy.
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RAJIB PATRA
copywriter and marketer
Brainstorming sessions can invigorate your creativity: 1. Collaborative Approach: Engage with diverse perspectives, even from non-copywriters, to stimulate fresh ideas. 2. Open-Mindedness: Embrace all ideas without judgment, fostering a free-flowing creative atmosphere. 3. Idea Generation: Aim to produce a wide range of concepts, which can later be refined into polished copy.
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Hani Mojta
Writer | IT | Experienced in ghostwriting & in-depth research | Voice-over artist | Creative thinker | Fond of teamwork
If you feel your copywriting ideas are going stale, consider launching brainstorming sessions with colleagues or industry peers. Encourage everyone to openly provide any and all diverse perspectives, test new trends, look into different customer insights, and think about different formats or storytelling techniques. Don’t ever forget the importance of taking breaks. Use this time to look for inspiration in even the most unrelated fields. Then engage in creative exercises such as mind mapping or word association. Testing and collaborative ideation have the potential of rejuvenating your creativity and resulting in fresh, impactful copywriting concepts.
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Damjan Vasojevic
Mapping out a Path to Raise $1 Billion with CGW and CGC in Five Years → Posting What I Learn Along the Way
How brainstorming works best for me -> wake up, don't check on your new messages, grab a pen or sit at the keyboard and write! Just write don't edit, don't interrupt your creativity with your logic!
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Imran Javed
Experienced Direct Response Copywriter | Dedicated Wordsmith And Strategic Storyteller | B2B Copywriter | Elevating Your Brand Power Through Words That Drives Action|
Collaborate with colleagues or friends to bounce ideas around. Brainstorming sessions can spark creativity through diverse perspectives and collective energy, generating new concepts you might not have considered on your own.
Engaging in creative exercises is a proactive way to combat stale ideas. Try writing prompts that challenge you to think differently or set constraints for your writing, such as limiting your word count or using specific words. These exercises can help you break out of habitual thinking patterns and explore new ways of expressing ideas. The more you practice thinking creatively, the easier it will become to generate fresh copywriting concepts.
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Raoul Gomes
Crafting Compelling Content at SOCIALEYEZ
I've seen many suggestions online for creative exercises that seem unnecessarily complex. What works best for me is simply writing about a topic I'm passionate about, such as football. Don't restrict yourself by worrying about specifics; instead, write freely and as much as you can on that particular topic. Another great exercise is to write at least a page on any topic of your choosing first thing in the morning. Adding this to your daily routine can make a big difference.
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RAJIB PATRA
copywriter and marketer
Creative exercises breathe life into your ideas: 1. Writing Prompts: Challenge yourself with prompts that spark unconventional thinking. 2. Constraints: Set limits like word counts or specific vocabularies to push boundaries. 3. Exploration: Break habitual patterns to discover innovative ways of expression. The practice cultivates creative thinking for fresh copy concepts.
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Damjan Vasojevic
Mapping out a Path to Raise $1 Billion with CGW and CGC in Five Years → Posting What I Learn Along the Way
The only creative exercise you need -> write every day! Put the reps in -> make it a habit -> the more you write -> the better you will be! Write on different subjects, that way you can connect the dots and have more ways to write about the new subject!
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Konstantinos Parisopoulos
Global Content Strategist & Generative AI Specialist 🌟
A quite "heretical" approach I find useful is freewriting with constraints. Here's how it works: you set a timer for 5 minutes and write non-stop about your topic, but here's the twist - incorporate a random constraint like using only words that begin with 'S' or avoiding certain vowels. This forces your brain out of its usual patterns, potentially leading to unexpected gems.
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Imran Javed
Experienced Direct Response Copywriter | Dedicated Wordsmith And Strategic Storyteller | B2B Copywriter | Elevating Your Brand Power Through Words That Drives Action|
Try unconventional exercises like word association, mind mapping, or visual brainstorming to break free from mental blocks and ignite fresh ideas.
Keeping abreast of current industry trends can provide a wealth of inspiration for your copywriting. Understanding what's resonating with audiences at the moment can help you align your messaging with the zeitgeist. Look at popular topics, language, and formats that are currently engaging people and consider how you can apply these insights to your own work. Remember, staying relevant is key to maintaining the freshness of your copy.
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RAJIB PATRA
copywriter and marketer
Staying informed about industry trends enriches your copywriting: 1. Audience Alignment: Connect with current audience interests and language. 2. Inspiration Source: Explore popular topics and formats for fresh ideas. 3. Relevance Maintenance: Keep your copy current to ensure continued engagement.
Listening to your audience is an invaluable source of inspiration. Gather feedback from customers about what they like or dislike about your current copy. This can give you direct insight into what works and what doesn't, helping you tailor your future writing to better meet their needs and preferences. Engaging with your audience can also spark ideas for new angles or approaches you hadn't considered before.
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RAJIB PATRA
copywriter and marketer
Customer feedback fuels your copywriting: 1. Insight Gathering: Collect direct insights on your copy's effectiveness. 2. Tailored Content: Use feedback to align future writing with audience preferences. 3. Idea Generation: Spark new approaches or angles based on audience input.
Never underestimate the power of taking a break. Mental fatigue can severely hamper creativity, so it's important to rest and recharge regularly. Whether it's a short break during the workday or a longer vacation, time off allows your mind to reset and can lead to a surge in creative energy upon your return. Remember, sometimes the best ideas come when you're not actively trying to think of them.
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Diane Weddington
Faculty, Practice of Public Policy and Media at Duke University
If you think your ideas are stale chances are they are. Don't waste time berating yourself. Be daring and create a new campaign you've wanted to do no matter how outrageous you think your design is. Take some time off from work and knock one or two things off your bucket list.
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Damjan Vasojevic
Mapping out a Path to Raise $1 Billion with CGW and CGC in Five Years → Posting What I Learn Along the Way
Mental blocks are normal in creative ventures! Like injuries with athlete's, it will happen at some point! The best way to avoid them and take care of them -> take a walk! Rest and recharge, give your mind a brake!
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Ian White
SEO Content Marketing & Copywriting Specialist | Using my words to help businesses grow their audiences and reach new heights.
I’ll probably be very unpopular for saying this, but chatGPT is really useful for giving me a wide variety of ideas and quick iterations to play off of. It doesn’t always work, but in terms of generating a lot of different ideas it can sometimes get me out of a bind. That and turning off the computer, going for a walk, or doing some strenuous exercise often resets my perspective. Sometimes I come back to the page after a run and I look at things and I’m like, “Wait, who wrote this?”
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Rajat Chauhan
Marketing Strategy II Data & Analytics II Content Marketing II Brand Building II Team Leadership II🚀
Small things can make a big impact. Storytelling is a great example—people love a compelling narrative, so share personal experiences or anecdotes to connect with your audience. Don't just drop facts; weave a story that captivates them. Simplicity can be a game-changer. If you can explain complex concepts in plain language, you'll capture a wider audience. People don't need a technical deep dive—they just want clear, actionable insights. Consistency is your secret weapon. Whether it's regular social media posts, newsletters, or a consistent content schedule, it builds trust and reliability—both critical in any industry. Lastly, don't forget to listen. Real insight comes from understanding your audience's questions and pain points.
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Damjan Vasojevic
Mapping out a Path to Raise $1 Billion with CGW and CGC in Five Years → Posting What I Learn Along the Way
Read, just read! When you are reading, you give your mind new inputs and in doing that, you will come up with new output! Few books to consider: -> Steal Like an Artist -> The Artist's Way
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Christos Vachtsiavanos
Helping business owners & political organizations worldwide master communication & create persuasive content that grabs attention and drives action | 📝 Communications Consultant - Copywriter
If your copy starts feeling stale, try the following: 1/ Listen to customers: Spend time where your audience is, online and offline. Listen to their conversations for fresh insights. 2/ Read widely: Don't just read about copywriting; read novels, newspapers, and even poetry. 3/ Create a swipe file: Create a collection of good ads, headlines, etc. Refer to it whenever you need a creative jumpstart. 4/ Write daily: Practice different styles and tones every day (no matter how brief) to keep your writing muscles agile. 5/ Rest and reset: Sometimes, stepping away is the best way to refresh. Take breaks to clear your mind and return with a new perspective.
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