How can I write content?

Many people will tell you that you don't have to write your own content. Which is true. But content writing isn't done by a computer in the middle of nowhere. If you aren't writing your content then someone else is! Someone is sat at their computer trying to create your perfect piece of 700 word content to be posted on your blog or website. How do they do it? How can you start writing your own?

What am I writing about?

Content writing is about a certain area or topic. So start by brain storming what you know about the topic. Get a piece of paper, write the topic in the middle then add words that your associate with that topic around it. If you don't know about the subject then you can start with a google search to see what is currently out there to research and understand about your market. No matter what the subject there will be something online you will be able to read up about.

How can I write about it?

If you gather up some key points from your brain storm or research then start phrasing sentences around those points. It wont be easy, so don't expect to write 100 words when you first put pen to paper, don't even expect to write 10 the first time you attempt writing your own content. Just relax and type or write your first ideas. Then review and re-write. Before you know it you'll have your first piece of handwritten content. If you keep writing every day then you will find it easier to write your own content. Saving you a little bit of money each month.

That's All For Now

Amy

@MissAJBurton

Cystic Fibrosis Trust

Cystic Fibrosis Trust

2nd July

Donation Bag

Reg Charity number 1079049

Cystic Fibrosis? My initial reaction was what is Cystic Fibrosis?

'Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the UK's most common life-threatening inherited disease'

Okay, How come I've not heard of it before? and What does it do?

'Cystic Fibrosis causes the body to produce thick secretions that particularly affect the lungs and digestive tract.....Symptoms of CF can include troublesome cough, repeated chest infections, prolonged diarrhoea and poor weigh gain'

There is currently no cure for Cystic Fibrosis.

This donation bag asks for clean clothing, household textiles, soft toys and shoes. It also states that over £70,000 has been raised so far! The bag is due for collection on Tuesday and will be collected by a commercial partner 'Who is sharing a portion of the prceeds'. Personally I'm not a fan of when other companies dip into charity donations and I hope that it is just to cover costs rather than to turn a profit.

Unfortunately I am unable to gather enough together to fill a bag for collection. But I decided to look online at alternative ways to donate and I was surprised at the variety of options available.

How to Donate

There are four options for straight forward donations :

1. Justgiving.com or Virgin money giving

Justgiving.com is a popular site, lots of people use it to raise money and raise awareness for a specific cause. It has the option to write a summary and target amount.

2. You can set up a direct debit.

A good way to show continuing support by picking a specific amount each month to donate. After a while you may not even notice the money leaving your account.

3. You can call our donation hotline direct on 0300 373 1040.

4. You can send your donation in the post to Cystic Fibrosis Trust, 11 London Road, Bromley, BR1 1BY. Please make your cheque payable to Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

These two methods will tend to be preferred by the older generation. Those who have become more accustomed to what is now deemed as old fashioned methods of payment considering the popularity of online banking.

The fifth option provided is the one most often heard about through word of mouth

5. You can get involved in fundraising!

This option is more popular as it can create a sense of social bonding by organising an event or a conversation starter when asking for a donation.

There are National Campaigns such as Great Strides which are held during the summer months to early autumn. The first date is 3rd July in liverpool and the last date is 11th september which is held in Northern Ireland. Maybe you are like me and would prefer an event for the kid at heart it might be better to join in the Big Bounce which takes place in October. It's all about the bounce whether you are bouncing on a space hopper, trampoline, pogo stick or you could even transfer the bounce to a bouncy ball. The website for Cystic Fibrosis has lots of ideas on events including treks and climbs which have a minimum sponsorship amount.

To put it simply, I took the time to research more about the charity and Cystic Fibrosis itself when i saw the donation bag come through the door. Although many will have just thrown the bag away without a second thought or moment of reflection upon what it even said. Just another piece of junk for the bin.

Yet this is a charity like many others that are spending money in the hope that they will get more donations by contacting people directly. A small business may also use this mail shot approach. Not for donations but for attracting new customers by location. Although as far as I am aware very few solid connections are made using this blanket technique. There is no emotional connection to the company when you are one in thousands that have received this item. It may seem like an easy way to get in the door, but is it any different to the salesman that knocks? at least you don't throw them in the bin as soon as you see them.

This approach maybe very successful, although I've not heard of many successful businesses that have solely been made via this method.

That's All For Now

Amy

@MissAJBurton