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Stuck for blog topics? Listen, then write.

Guest post by: Sarah Arrow

Article Overview: Whether you've been blogging for a short time or what feels like forever, you're going to have days when you can't think of a single thing to say to your readers. You think your blog is stale, you feel unmotivated and you can't force your fingers to the keyboard for all the tea in China. Yet, there are unlimited ideas out there, you know that but how do you find them?

Stuck for blog topics? Listen, then write.

Blogging when you are motivated is great fun, words flow from our brains, down our arms and through the keyboard to materialise on the screen in front of us. The whole writing and blogging process energises us and yet some days it's pure hell to find the write content to share with your audience.

The secret to sourcing great blog topics is within your grasp and it's very simple - listen first.

Start with social media. Look at the questions, problems, concerns of your potential customers on the social networks where they hang out. The ings they are interested in, the things they are struggling with -they're talked about and all you need to do is look for them.

Look at what is trending in Twitter, ok if you ignore the Justine Bieber hashtag you'll find topical things to write blog content about. Just figure out how to tie that trending idea into something applicable to your audience. Remember Facebook what's being "Liked" a lot right now? sometimes Facebook "stacks" topics that are being talked about

• Christmas
• New Years eve
• Gratitude
• Family

These are just a few things that have recently stacked in my Facebook news stream. They are topics that are currently interesting people. Keep an eye and see what is stacking up in your stream and look how you can take advantage of that information.

Have you ever noticed that other bloggers in your field seem to blog about the same thing, different spin, at about the same time? Coincidence? No, it's wringing every last drop from a topic that interests their audience. Dare to disagree with the latest sentiments. Stir up a little controversy but be careful, you don't want to be known for being the snarkiest blogger in town. Look at the topics they are sharing, look to see if you can write about the same topic but from a different angle.

Don't re-write what another blogger has written. That's plain silly. Instead link to a paragraph of their content and explain your angle. Guide the conversation into new areas. What would your readers like you to share ion that topic - is it really addressing their needs or is it another piece of fluff out there? That's where the listening pays off...

Look around you at what people are saying.

Use their problems, concerns and questions, look at what they're looking at in a way that makes sense to your readers, and ride the latest blogging topic trends. Let your audience be your guide.

All you have to do is listen.

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Article Tags: blog topics, blogging block, what do I blog about
Referred by: http://www.sellingforbusiness.com/



Related Forum Posts
Re: Helping a Grade 5/6 student make money fast - [quote="BuzzAroundBooks":3icgsaj5][quote="ideasuniversity":3icgsaj5]1,Let him create a blog using wordpress. 2.Post topics that student like him are happy about 3.Put adsense on it 4. Generate advert from his school business If he did it well in few months , he will be earning money to take care of his need[/quote:3icgsaj5] Lately, I've been teaching essay writing workshops for grade 6 to 9 students and I can tell you that having them start a blog would be a bad idea. At that young age, their writing skills are quite weak and no one would want to read a blog that's poorly written.[/quote:3icgsaj5] I will disagree with you on this point. Blog is not about polish english. It is about puttting your points on your blog. Teach them to write as if they are speaking to their friend. It is as simple as that. A 13 years old is making waves in UK as an affiliate. He was making more than $2000 per months. If they can play PS2 games successfully, they can write simple english
Re: What inspires you? - Inspiration is nothing it is what you called to do? Some work for money, some work for satisfaction, some work because they have priorities in life. It is the passion to do something for achievement or to show that you can do it by using one's talent. I know there are people who are doing great things with their limited skill sets. So, my view point about inspiration is to Dream Big and try to achieve it. I would rather add "Listen to your self". Listen to Inner guide and follow it. You will reach great heights. Robert
Re: What inspires you? - [quote="KH_Global":2o5p0kh7]Inspiration is nothing it is what you called to do? Some work for money, some work for satisfaction, some work because they have priorities in life. It is the passion to do something for achievement or to show that you can do it by using one's talent. I know there are people who are doing great things with their limited skill sets. So, my view point about inspiration is to Dream Big and try to achieve it. I would rather add "Listen to your self". Listen to Inner guide and follow it. You will reach great heights. Robert[/quote:2o5p0kh7] so true
Re: Looking for a Blog topic? - Great advice from both the posts above. I for one more often than not battle for topics to write about. MichelleJ
Q&A: What are your tips for creating a successful blog? - Q: What are your tips for creating and maintaining a successful blog? Hi Ayaan - here are 7 suggestions for you: 1) Focus on a niche - pick an area that you're an expert in and are interested in and stick to that niche. 2) Create pillar content - write a number of posts that are evergreen and interesting. If a new visitor checks out your blog it should be easy to quickly find your pillar content and get them interested in reading more. 3) Create a list - give an incentive to readers to subscribe to your blog by entering their email address. This way you can turn one time visitors into lifetime readers. 4) Have a regular posting schedule - bloggers often post like crazy when they first start a blog and then their schedule fades. Don't start with too many posts and create a schedule that you can't stick with. 5) Build linkbait posts - timely posts that use infographics, top 7/10/50 lists, newsworthy topics, etc can generate a lot of attention and links to your blog. 6) Tweet it out - whenever you post, tweet about it so your followers know to check out your new entry. 7) Engage other bloggers - comment on other blogs that are in your niche. If you focus on adding value then the bloggers will notice you and their readers will also click through to your site. Good luck!


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