Getting an Idea for your blog is not easy, but it is not hard either if you use simple methods, tools and some organisation.
In this article, you will learn simple tricks and strategy to generate topic and blog Title and Topic ideas that most successful bloggers and brands use.
One of the best advice is to get organised by using Apps or a notepad.
Anytime you get an idea or come across something interesting quickly note it down to research it later.
1. Be Organised 😮
By writing ideas down you will build up a collection of content ideas. So that you will always have things to write about and share. Saving you hours and hours a day from procrastinating and researching.
Use Apps like:
- Asana (my Favourite),
- Trello,
- OneNote,
- Google Docs.
- At the very least have a physical notepad if your a traditionalist!
1. Asana
2. Trello
3. Microsoft OneNote
2. Your own ideas and experiences
Similar to journal writing, personal perspectives and experiences is one of the best forms of blog posts for your existing audience, or audiences interested in things you like. It is also I find very useful to you as a way to document your thoughts, ideas and experiences.
Though it not always will be good for algorithms like Google, it’s a far better and personal relationship builder than any other type of content.
You can for example:
- Write about your own personal experiences you wish to share that can bring value to others.
- Behind the scenes of your brand or life that is useful or entertaining
- Things you have learnt that can be useful to others
3. Real world or Creative use of your Products
Product use cases where you share advice and tips on how to use your products in real life. You can demo your product, and share advice on how to maximise the customer’s experience.
4. Helpful Guides
How to guides are one of the best blog posts. Especially if it’s on a niche or trending topic. Fast traffic generator as many users are regularly searching Google and Bing on “HOW TO…” topics. It is also valuable and helpful to your readers which will build trust and appreciation from which they may follow you and subscribe.
How To blog post should be easy to follow in Step By Step way. Example is this blog you are reading now.
Make use of short paragraphs, images, numbered list and videos.
5. Competitor Research
Probably the fastest way to get topic ideas. Many cases you will be able to see content that ranks well for them or topics you maybe have better information or alternative perspective.
- Make a List of competitors website and put on a Spreadsheet or Bookmark on your browser
- List their Social Media pages to get stay up to date and get inspirations
- Check their “Popular post section” if they have it, and consider writing a better or longer post
- Go to their Archive post section, and find blog posts that are more than 6 months+ old that have a good amount of comments and shares
- Write a newer version of that post
- Check Comments section at the bottom of the page, if they allow comments. The comments area you will see 2 things.
Comments section shows you a few things of interest:
- Engagement: if there is a lot of people commenting it usually means it is a popular topic
- Questions: You may find questions in the comment the article has not covered that users are asking. Excellent topic to cover.
If you write topics based on user comments, go back to the comments section after you have published your post, and be helpful by answering those comments and link your website so they can learn more. Good source of backlinks and traffic.
6. Google Related Search
Type a word or Phrase your interested in writting about and see what appears.
At the bottom of the page, there will be a “Search Related”. Here you will see titles of all the related search terms people are using in Google to search. An excellent way to find a catchy yet “Trending” google friendly Title for your Blog
See the example below for seach term “Philippines”.
7. Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is an excellent free tool. It is designed to help you do Google keyword ads and see what words you want to bid on to get clicks.
But it also serves as a great research tool.
- Go to Google Keywords and Login https://ads.google.com/intl/en_uk/home/tools/keyword-planner/
- Enter keywords you are interested in or want to write about
- Click Get Results
- Filter: use the Refine Keyword on the right and uncheck any words you do not need
- Now organise the table into monthly views or competition level
- Make a note of the keywords you want to rank for and write about
8. BuzzSumo, SEMRush, Ahrefs and other tools
There are various tools on the market that can help you get ideas. Making your research and getting ideas faster.
Recommended tools for this are BuzzSumo, SEMRush or Ahrefs. There are few more but these are the easiest to use I have found.
- BuzzSumo being more user friendly and detailed. It also has an excellent view of what is being shared currently on Social Media further reducing your research and idea generation time!
- SEMRush is the cheapest option
- Ahref also is also powerful but has a more classic professional interface, which could be complicated for new users.
7. Questions asked by users in
- Forums (specific forums for the niche of the brand)
- Quora.com – a great place to get new ideas for blog posts
- Reddit and Subreddits
- User Comments of Social Media (YouTube, Facebook, Instagrams) and Comments of competitor blog posts
- Support pages of websites and brands
- Facebook Groups
9. Curated Content
Curated content is very helpful to readers. You can do the hard work and gather information, guides, images and videos input it together in one blog post.
This saves them hours in research and hunting out information.
Examples such as:
- Fashion lookbooks
- Video guides
- How to topics
- List-based: Top 10, Top 100 etc
10. Comments on Latest news
Discuss and give your perspective on latest news topics that are relvant to you or your brand.
A good method to get fast traffic as usually the news is latest topic that is being discussed and shared. So you can simply jump on the trend wave and catch some steam.
You never know, your article could go viral!
Conclusion
Don’t worry too much to make a perfect blog, main things is to start, write and share.
Look our and record ideas and thoughts as Inspiration is all around you! Not only on the internet but also in the real world, so get out and have fun. Clear your head and stay organised, at times a simple mind shift or alternate perspective is enough to start a blog idea in motion.
What do you do when you need inspiration or ideas? Let me know some tips and idea in the comments below.
