Thursday, September 11, 2008

How to Create Fresh Content for Your Blog

When you first start your blog, you have so much to say that you have no problem posting every day. After a while, you begin to run out of ideas and you can't seem to come up with fresh content. Every blogger has this problem from time to time. So how do you keep the blog going - keep it fresh and full of value? Here are some ideas:

Do a top 10 list - "The top 10 mistakes people do when trying _______ for the first time." "The top 10 tips for ______." Lists tend to be easier to write and take less time to formulate. If you can't come up with 10, perhaps you can make it the top 3 or top 5.

Interview an expert - Approach someone who is very knowledgeable in your blog niche and you may find they'll be happy to do an interview, especially if they have a new product just launched and would like the exposure. Put together some thoughtful questions and ask them to write out their answers. The beauty of this blog post is that aside from asking the questions, the interviewee does all the work!

Answer a recurring question/problem - Go to the forums you frequent in your niche and look for a recurring question that people have. Doing a little research and coming up with answers makes for an excellent blog post. You also can become the expert.

Blog about other blog posts - Have you read a blog post recently that caused you to stop and think, or offered up a huge glittering gem of priceless information? Blog your opinions, insights, and inspiration you've gotten from that person's post. Be sure to provide a link back so your readers can read the original post.

Use the weather - Look around you at the season and tie it into your niche. Does the hot weather inspire you to share a story on your internet marketing blog about going fishing while your internet marketing business is still making you money? Does the 4 feet of snow outside make you think about reading your favorite books? If so, you can do a niche-related book review with your Amazon or other affiliate links attached.

What's up in your business world - Blog about what you're working on now. Using a personal tone, explain what your current project is. Letting a few tidbits escape builds anticipation and helps your readers feel like they're now on the "inside".

These are just a few blogging ideas to help get you back on track providing real thoughtful and informative value to your readers.

(C) Writing Career