Being a freelance blogger certainly has its perks right? Just imagine; some of the best blogs on the net are created by a guy or gal stretched out on their couch in jammies’, laptop perched upon kneecaps, while favored tunes are playing nearby. Indeed, to those mired in the day-to-day grind of work outside their homes, this may sound like a dream.
However, this dream can come to a crashing halt when writers block or a lack of fresh ideas begins to plague a blogger. Even an experienced writer can suffer this from this frustrating road block. Most certainly bloggers who have chosen a highly targeted niche can find themselves at a loss to create high-quality content on the same topics, repeatedly. Fortunately, there are many things an individual can do to get those creative juices flowing once again.
Stop Writer’s Block Nightmares
- Two incredible words! Google Alerts. Use this tool from Google labs to set desired and targeted niche keywords that can return ideas to you in your email, in the form of current blogs, news, and other Internet forums.
- Check out the competition. If you do gain an idea from the blog of another, give credit or supply trackbacks to the original author. Not only is this a great technique for brainstorming, it may also gain you valuable back links if they return the favor.
- Break out some controversy! Although being outwardly one-sided is not likely to garner much respect, blogging with an unbiased view about a controversial issue related to your niche may bring out a new load of fresh content ideas that have a great chance at getting some feedback. Everyone loves to share their opinions on hot topics.
- Lean on all of those friends you have gathered on your social medias. Post polls, questions, or general status updates asking your friends and family to chime in with their own ideas.
- Create a Sequel or a Prequel. Have a fantastic post that others have raved about? Expand on that post with those all important details that can further the knowledge of those loyal to your blog.
- Get an interview. If you have been doing your homework, and your networking, you likely have others in the same niche who may help you to provide the perfect blog interview that would interest your readers.
- Get statistical. Regardless of your niche, there are likely some important and compelling statistics that can be brought forth to dazzle your readers. Additionally, statistical data blogs rank well on search engines, and may garner you extra readers.
- Get the time machine! Does your industry have an old-school bigwig that has retired? Create a blog that lets users know where they are now.
- Scan newspapers or magazine stories. Do national or international events have any impact on your niche and therefore your readers? Keeping up-to-the-minute headlines is also a great way to have your blog or article end up as someone else’s Google’ Alerts too!
- Two more fantastic words. Google Trends. Key in your industry’s preferred phrases and dig up the newest scoops on the here-and-now in your industry. Not only could you be providing breaking news to your readers, but with Google’s new algorithm change, you may find your trending blog post right on top of the Google search results pile.
- For Breaks Sake. Take a break. Change your scenery, grab a cup of coffee, watch a half-hour of your favorite game show. When you return, flex your fingers, work up that brain power, and start again.
- Mind Map. Use a nifty and free piece of software such as Freemind. This mind-mapping application can help you to weigh your options, add detail and depth to those options, and come out with a game plan for at least one new blog, likely several.
- Break out the books. Did one specific book inspire an element in your life that brought you to where you are in your niche, on your blog? Share that knowledge with an in-depth review of that special book.
- Respect those comments. Read the comments your blog readers leave. Quite often readers may even ask you to provide expanded information on a subject you have shown knowledge of.
- Make a list. In general there seems to be two types of writers, those who love lists, and those who hate them. Get friendly with lists on the many elements your blog already covers and then scan them to see what you may have missed.
- Two more spectacular words. Google Analytics. Measuring the keywords and phrases that are actually bringing in your viewers may surprise you, and give you new ideas. Get familiar with this form of blog or site monitoring.
- Answer a question. Think of some of the most frequently asked questions in your industry, and then attempt to answer it. Leave an open-ended invitation for reader comments.
- Get Technorati. Not only does Technorati index and share an endless supply of other blogs on the Internet, but its status as a search engine means you can get trending topics, news, and a limitless supply of suggested topics.
- Announce industry events. Does your niche have regular meet ups or conventions? Do some research to not only create a fresh topic on your blog, but to help further the helpful and educational events provided by the leaders of your industry.
- Get silly. Avoid goofy, cocky, and corny, but silly and outright humor or even satire can provide a great blog for your readers, as well as possibly giving you a new outlook on increasing the flexibility of your writing voice.
Joy L is a freelance writer available on WriterAccess, a marketplace where clients and expert writers connect for assignments. WriterAccess is powered by ideaLaunch
