A client recently asked me how to find topics to write about in their blog. Most clients during the Design Brief process, when asked if they want a blog included in their website, say “I don’t know what I would write about”. Some can’t comprehend that people might actually want to hear what they have to say, which leads to them persuading themselves that they shouldn’t have a blog because no one will listen anyway. Few still recognize the value of having a blog in the first place.
Where To Find Topics
Frequently Asked Questions — If you are out networking a lot, chances are you get asked a few questions over and over. Your best source for inspiration of topics that will reach your target audience is your target audience.
Books — Read much? Choose one sentence or concept that hit you like a ton of bricks and give your own thoughts on it. (Make sure to link to the book’s information or Amazon listing.)
Frustration — What are the most common misconceptions of your industry? People naturally pigeon-hole us as soon as they meet us. Use your voice to dispel myths and misunderstandings.
Current Events & Trends — If there is a current event or trend in online (and offline) conversations that relates to your business, post your own thoughts on the matter.
Organizing Ideas
Once you get into the mindset of finding ideas, it can sometimes be impossible to turn that part of your brain off. Since we can’t be blogging all the time, you need to create a system in which you collect all of the ideas. If you kick it old school, keep a pocket-sized notebook and pen on you at all times. Have a smartphone? Use Google Tasks or another list application that you can access both from your phone as well as online.
Make sure you make some sort of written note about the content or vision you have for the post. If you lose your vision for the post as soon as you sit down, the post will have far less impact.
Happy blogging!