CornerScribe

Finding blog post ideas

If you’ve been blogging for any length of time, you’ve probably had moments when you wondered what in the world to write about next. Even the most creative, prolific writer will have days when the idea well runs dry, but it needn’t stay dry.

1. Check your blog stats. What search words and terms are people using to find your blog? Some of these may be right on target, but others may have very little to do with your blog. One of my top phrases is “keepitcoming.” I have no idea why. Choose one of these terms and make it the subject of a blog post.
2. Still looking at your stats, see where most of your visitors are coming from. Write a thank you post to those readers. Or, write a post along the same topic as one of these posts.
3. Visit your archives. Choose one of your older posts and create a new post based on it. You can edit the old post, update it, change your opinion, whatever. Remember to provide a link to the old post in your new one.
4. Read your blog subscriptions. Set a specific amount of time to choose another blogger’s post to avoid spending all of your writing time reading. Then, instead of simply commenting on the blogger’s post, write your own post and link to the post that inspired you. Don’t forget to use a trackback to notify the other blogger.
5. What books are you reading? Would any of them interest your readers? Write a short review or recommendation. Don’t forget to include your Amazon affliliate link if you have one.
6. Write a list post. Lists are usually popular with readers.
7. Write a link post. Link to other blogs you’re reading, to web sites you use, etc. Just be sure that it’s useful to your readers. Even better, add a short note to each link to give your readers your take on the site.
8. Review another site. Write a short review of another site or blog. Remember to be constructive and use trackbacks so the blogger knows you’ve done a review.
9. Ask for your readers’ help. Ask a question, post a poll, ask for comments or subscribers. Explain what you want and why it will be helpful.
10. Visit forums. Choose a current forum topic and write a post on it. If the forum rules and etiquette allow, publish a link to your post. This is best done on forums where you’re already a participant; otherwise, it can come off as “spammy.”

What tips do you have for finding blogging topics? List them here in the comments.