Recently my colleague said she wanted to write a blog, but she had no ideas for a topic, how she would structure her thoughts and where to even start?
Blogging gets people talking. When we write about what interests us and what we know, we share our thoughts and invite others to engage in the conversation. Social networks are built on two-way communication, so blogging can actively encourage an exchange of ideas.
So how do you write a blog and how do you come up with material that is interesting?
Here are 6 strategies to get you started and help you succeed.
- If you are an avid reader, that’s great, pick a topic that interests you! Books, magazines, news articles, discussion groups… in print or online, you’ll find plenty of inspiration.
- If you watch current affairs, there’s plenty of material. Take notes and track comments on Twitter.
- Never let a good idea pass you by in the middle of the night. I have a notebook and pencil on my bedside table for those lightbulb moments.
- Listen to what your customers (clients and candidates for me) are saying, problem solve the issues, then share.
- Look at the stats on what other people are writing about. Google Analytics research is excellent for what’s trending, as well as niche topics.
- Share your experiences. People love authentic stories.
Encourage people to comment and always respond to the comments (positive and negative) you receive. You may start a thread that leads to another idea for your next blog from those responses.
While I’m giving away ideas, here’s some I’ve already put on my list:
- How to be a confident public speaker
- What is it that engages an audience?
- All about my community
- What inspires me about technology
- Are you brave enough to say what needs to be said?
- What makes a good conversation?
- Books I want to write
- What I am passionate about
- How do I get my big idea funded?
After thinking and deliberating over my blog topic for many days, things have taken shape. OK, now for the blog…
Well, I’m done here, so will have to wait until next time to tackle one of the topics above, but I challenge you to write on any of those topics as well.
If you do write a blog, please comment on this article to let me know. I’d love to hear your point of view.
