Having trouble picking a topic for your upcoming blog post? This can become very stressful if you are in a hurry to get your next post published. Here are some ways for you to think of possible topics, and how to select the best one to write about.
It is best to start with a clean slate. Grab a pen and some paper, and jot down anything that comes to mind. Leave the paper nearby so you can add to the list as things come to mind. Don’t rush and try to come up with your list in 5 minutes, as this may keep you very close-minded and lead your ideas in the wrong direction – or even no direction.
Check local newspapers and magazines for ideas as well. Are there current happenings that relate to your business that you could talk about? Are there events in the community that would benefit your readers?
It also helps to think about your readers. Picture their successes, problems, needs, and interests. These can spark many topic ideas. You can also consider questions that your readers or clients have been asking you. If you have been getting many of the same questions, you could address each one in a post. You could also be very upfront with your readers and ask them what they would like to read about.
As you continue to brainstorm using these methods, some common themes will most likely emerge. Turn these themes into categories, and place related ideas together. Once you have done this, there are a couple of things to consider. Do you want to pick one single idea on a topic that you feel your readers want to hear about, or do you want to pick one of the broader categories on your list and do a series of posts about it? The choice is up to you, neither one is better than the other.
Now that you have a good idea of what you are going to write about, stay tuned for more upcoming posts on how to make your blog stand out from the rest.