Nothing is more frustrating than trying to come up with blog post ideas and hitting a wall in the process. It can feel as if there’s nothing more to say, nothing anyone wants to hear, and more. So, you give up and say you’ll try again in the morning or next week. Then the process starts all over again.
It happens to the best writers. The constant push to get fresh content on the blog or website can be harrowing, keeping you up all night. You may also wonder how other writers, who appear to have an unending wealth of topics, manage to get new content out there.
When you consider new ideas, the process of thinking them through may lead to you discarding them into the pile of ideas put in the rubbish bin. This very process has a way of quickly tapping out creativity, and you end up staring at the screen, wondering what to write.
We understand the problem and have put together some methods you can use to come up with worthwhile blog post ideas. These methods work even when you feel as if the well is dry. What’s more, these tips work whether you’re running a personal or corporate blog, weekly newsletter, or membership site. Let’s get started!
Create an Ideas File
It’s challenging to know when the well of creativity will dry up next. So, it’s important to create a system or process that helps when you have trouble coming up with blog post ideas.
Many writers use something called an “idea file.” They create a file and use it to save thoughts, ideas, opinions, questions, prompts, and more. For instance, a writer may come across some ideas on how to create business processes. The ideas don’t fit with the current topic(s), so the writer saves these to their idea file to use later.
The idea file just sits there and waits until you need it. When it’s challenging to find a topic to write about, head over to the idea file and read through the information saved there. Chances are one of those ideas/questions/prompts will fit, or they may spur your mind with fresh topic ideas. It really works!
There are many apps that can be used as an idea file. For instance, you can create a Word document and keep this in your writing folder or on the desktop for easy access. Another idea is to use a content calendar. You can either use a specific app for this or use a calendar on any device you keep near most of the time. Drop your ideas into the calendar to be reviewed later.
No matter the app you choose, jot down random ideas, thoughts, and more when you have time. Having an idea file is a surefire way to spur creativity when the well’s gone dry. Make this a regular habit and you’ll soon have a wealth of ideas and topics on hand.
Steal Content Ideas from Others
Notice we said “steal content ideas” and not “steal content” from others. There’s a vast difference between these concepts. We are in no way suggesting that you steal content from other sources. That’s illegal and is called plagiarism. Instead, we mean using someone’s idea to create your own fresh content or spin for a blog post or other material.
You can use this process to come up with ideas for current or future posts (put them in your ideas file!). and even become exposed to content you may want to imitate (but not copy).
Here are some ways to get started with taking content ideas from others:
- Sign up for your favourite writers’ newsletters and never miss a post.
- Use a feed reader (such as Feedly) to subscribe to your favourite blogs and check them daily to see topics that are being covered.
- Set a weekly calendar appointment as designated blog reading time—this is a great way to gather ideas and inspiration.
Don’t hesitate to “steal” ideas that are working for other writers. It’s possible to learn what’s working for others and then apply these concepts to your own writing.
However, make sure you’re not stealing their content. You use their content for inspiration, to generate your own perspective on the topic and more. But never steal someone’s content. However, you can aim to make your content better, unique, and more valuable.
Ask the Audience
Have you ever considered asking your audience for their input on content ideas? If not, you’re missing out on a great source of information. The goal of writing your blog or content is to draw in a target audience that gains valuable information and insight from your content. However, they may have ideas on content that would be useful to them, too!
You can ask your audience to replay through tweets, emails, a survey, or a poll about topics they’d like to see on the blog. Some writers even go so far as to meet with their audience at in-person events and more.
Here, the method is to use the audience to create community-driven content. It’s a method used by many successful bloggers, business owners, and more. The ultimate goal is to increase reader participation through the content you create from their ideas.
So, consider asking your readers what they’d like to read and then provide it for them. Yes, this is a simple idea. However, it’s an idea that most readers respond to in a very positive way.
Use Targeted Searches to Research on the Internet
Many bloggers try to search for ideas on the Internet. This method is used successfully by many bloggers and writers. The first part of this process is determining what questions people are asking related to your topic. You can do this by searching through sites such as Quora, Reddit, and Twitter.
Of course, it’s necessary to watch how long you search on a specific topic. It’s very easy to “go down the rabbit” hole on such sites. Even so, these are great places on the Internet where you can find topic ideas, questions to answer, and more for your next writing project.
Summing It Up
These are a few ways you can find content for your blog or website. By creating an “ideas file,” learning what other creators are writing about, and researching in places people love to ask questions, you’ll have a never-ending run of content ideas! And you won’t have to face that empty creativity well again!
