Find a need
If it takes you hours of searching to find some information then chances are there is a need for it on the internet. Why not write about your results after you’ve found the answer?
Then use the most relevant keywords and your article will get top rankings very fast (because you don’t have a lot of competition).
Ask a question
Perhaps you have a question that you would like to answer, or would like to explore something that you wouldn’t otherwise. Perhaps you’re a designer looking to know more about html/css development. Use this as an excuse to research and learn about it. Your learning experience will help others who are doing the same.
Use forums
Answer people’s questions
This is a great way to find topics to write about, especially if you’re stumped. Go to the forum and search for some questions that you can answer. Write a post and then submit the link to the forum. It’s a great way to get people to your site without annoying moderators with links that would otherwise be spam.
Suggest a topic and ask people’s opinions
If you have an idea but you’re not sure if you should write about it (it could take a lot of work, there’s a lot of competition, etc.) ask some people in the forum. At best, they can suggest some aspects that haven’t been well documented and at worst they will stop you from wasting your time.
Ask for suggestions
If you can’t think of any ideas then ask people at the forum for some. Everyone is there to learn or provide some advice so this is the perfect place to ask for help.
Here are my favorite forums
Keep a notebook.
Jot down ideas
I don’t know about you but most of my ideas come to me when I’m away from the computer. That’s why I always have something to write on. Whether it be my ipod, a small notebook or just simple bank slips.
I Also have a repository of ideas that I can refer back to when I’m stuck. I have a three ring binder that I use to hold all my post ideas. Some of them I’ll probably never write, but they’re there to inspire new ideas.
Flesh out post on paper before sitting at the computer.
I like to sit down with my notebook and outline my post on paper first. I do my research online and then outline all the major sections, getting it down to the very essentials. I’ve found this saves me a lot of time and clarifies my writing.
Here are some ideas to get you started
- Just say what’s on your mind.
- Write a tutorial.
- Tell a story.
- Post a differing opinion about someone else’s post (but do it respectfully).
- Interview someone in your industry.
- Review a product or website.
- Attend an event and write about it.
- Ask a guest to post.
- Make a list.
- Do a case study.
- Conduct an experiment and post about the results.
- Run a poll.
- Discuss any mistakes you’ve made and how you learned from them.
- Take a large topic and write several posts about it.
Further Reading
Starting a Blog? 12 Ideas for blog posts
25 Blog Post Ideas and Stimulators to Get You Unstuck
Your thoughts
Do you have any tips or tricks for writing posts? Feel free to post them in my comments below.