One of the hardest things about running a blog is deciding what to write about. Here, we give you some ideas for when you’re stuck…
Comment on current affairs
Something happening in the news that you feel strongly about? Don’t wait until it blows over – use your blog to get your point across. Blogging about issues that are in the news can also bring in new followers as searches for stories in the news will lead to your site. And writing a controversial comment is likely to engage readers who want to comment and put their point across as strongly – which is all good for blog traffic!
Write a review on a book, film or TV programme
Again, if it is a book, film or TV show that is currently in the news, lots of people will be interested to find different reviews and read what you have to say.
Tips and lists
If you are a specialist in your blog, then impart some of that advice in easy to read tips and lists. Mini ‘how to’ tutorials are also popular.
Hold a poll
It can be as simple as what do people think of regular news items, or TV shows – for example who will win a TV singing contest or what people think of a TV series storyline.
Launch a competition
A contest can launch several blog posts. First there is the once to announce it, then the others to say how it’s going and then the winning announcement blog.
Invite guest posts
We love guest posts – our author spot and website spots are some of our most popular reads. Guest posts can either take the form of a regular spot, as ours do, or a one off blog. You might also find another blogger is happy to pen a regular spot on your blog – weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
Launch awards
You can do the ten award winning websites in your niche for example and list them. The same format can be used for websites you admire, books, films or articles. ‘Best of’ blogs can be used at New Year when you are looking back over your old posts or newsy items that have happened. Try to keep within your niche so if you’re a beauty blog you might do, ‘Best of the new face creams launched in the last 12 months…’
Write a diary
If you’re about to embark on a new project then why not blog it as a diary? For example, if you’re a mummy blogger you might pledge to get your kids into bed earlier. Give yourself a month to get your children’s bedtimes sorted out and at the same time, blog how you get on…
Feature an interview
Interview a fellow blogger on their life. It can be kept simple – how do they spend their day? If you run an author website, how do other authors write? Do they get up early and type straightaway? Do they have a set amount of words they challenge themselves to write daily? Interviews do not have to be sensational – if you are a specialist in your field, get down to the nitty gritty. We all love a peek into someone else’s life so even the mundane (what time you have tea in the morning) can be revealing and interesting…
Answer a question
For short and sweet blogs – very popular as many of us don’t have time to read reams – just pick one question a day and answer it. So, if you blog about weight loss, take one common ask and then just give the advice. Making this a regular spot will ensure people regularly return to your blog to see what other questions you are giving advice on…
And finally… always have some blogs ready to go for those times when you are so busy all you truly have time to do is press the Publish button!
Find out more: Get a professional to write your blog posts
Do you have any other tips for writing great blog posts? If you are a regular blogger, leave your tips and advice below…
