6 Ways to source content ideas & overcome writer’s block
It happens to the best of us. When it comes to ideas for compelling blog content, sometimes your mind’s a blank, no matter how hard you try. We get it as we have been there ourselves. However, if you are finding that lately, it’s becoming a real struggle, then help is at hand.
Here we share six proven tips and tricks to help you get back on track.
- Answer readers’ questions
The starting point has to be the needs of your target audience. If you want to engage and inspire readers, then you must address their motivations.
When brainstorming content ideas, think about the questions your target audience has regarding your industry. What is the problem that you are trying to solve with your product or service?
And if you are not sure what those questions might be, then online forums like Quora can provide inspiration. Just type in a topic or industry and explore the questions posed by your potential readers.
- Social media hashtags
Following popular industry hashtags on social media can generate plenty of content ideas. Find out about the latest trends, buzzwords and popular articles.
Furthermore, identify key influencers in your industry and follow them. Keep an eye on what influencers are sharing, as this highlights what is current. Also explore how people are interacting with industry influencers. Look for any common themes or questions, and then address those issues in your content.
- Consider timely tie ins
Keep track of national days, public holidays and annual events. For example, World Environment Day is celebrated on 5 June. So, how about a blog post that highlights your green credentials. Or tie in with National Financial Awareness Day on 14 August to showcase your financial planning service.
Use calendar tools to plan ahead with a schedule of relevant, timely content. And with several hundred special days to choose from, there is bound to be something pertinent to your industry.
- Content topic generators
These online tools can provide inspiration when creative juices are running low. Simply type in a keyword or topic idea and you are presented with a choice of catchy headlines. Often that’s all you need to get up and running.
We recommend using HubSpot’s Blog Topic Generator or Portent’s Content Idea Generator.
- Check out the competition
Researching what your competitors are blogging about can throw up a host of trending ideas. However, be sure to keep your content original. Instead of simply repurposing a competitor’s post, look to improve upon it. Highlight what makes you special within the context of what’s important to your audience.
- Related searches on Google
Type in a topic to Google and scroll to the bottom of the page. There you will find a box generated by Google with some alternative related search terms. For example, our search for ‘blog post topic ideas’ came up with the following related searches:
Often Google’s related searches throw up additional ideas you hadn’t even thought of. These are often well worth exploring and could spark an exciting content idea.
Write Solutions: Expert help when you need it.
If you have exhausted these tricks of the trade and are still grappling with content ideas, then get in touch. The creative team at Write Solutions will work with you to identify relevant topics that add value. We will even write them for you! Our blog writing service saves you all that time and hassle. Contact us today for a no-obligation discussion.