One of the most common questions I get from writers is how do you write so many blog posts daily? I have several blogs and also write for clients. Besides the time aspect, which we’ve talked about before (I write in time blocks), I have a lot of places that I get ideas from.
Google Alerts
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Google alerts are a time saver and good way to spark ideas for your blog posts. Best of all, they are delivered right to your inbox.
Use StumbleUpon
StumbleUpon is a great resource for promoting your work and also getting ideas. Just take a “stumble” sometime and visit all the different sites out there, and you’ll be inspired.
I have several great resources that could work for writers. There seems to be a special day you can comment on or write a post about almost daily. Check out some of the special days people create and see how you can comment on them or add them to a blog post.
Comments and Emails
Readers here give me a lot of ideas, and that’s true for most of the places I write for. You are all passionate people who want to learn and get your points across, and I’m sure your own readers are the same. Use them!
Ask for Input
Well here’s an obvious one. If you want ideas, ask for them. Find out what your readers are most curious about, or if they have questions you can answer.
I use Twitter two different ways when it comes to ideas. I’ll throw a question out there, like “What do #writers want to get more info on?” or I’ll just do a search and see what people are talking about. It’s a wonderfully dynamic place to get and share ideas.
Take a Stand on Something in the News
If you see something in the news that can be related to your blog in some way, comment on it and make it a post. For example, when Netflix did their recent price hikes, I was able to relate that lesson to the freelance writing world.
Your Everyday Life
So much happens in the course of your daily schedule, you might miss some opportunities just because you’re so busy. But pay attention, because little things can often kick off an idea for a post. I did that recently when we hired a plumber, and the way they went about charging me for service. I thought about how this related to setting rates in the freelance world and wrote a post about it.
Teach Something
Do you get people asking the same question over and over? Maybe it’s time to tell what you’ve learned for everyone. That’s what happened with the post, “I want to write an ebook, how do I start?” I got that question over and over again from people, and while I don’t have all the answers, I do have some to get you on your way. I used that moment to teach what I knew and assumed others already knew. But you know what happens when you assume, right?
So don’t assume everyone knows the same stuff you do. I learn things all the time about writing and I do it every day! There are so many tips you can give someone, even when you don’t think you’re an “expert.”
Share Your Experience
Another good way to teach is by sharing a recent learning experience of yours. If you just went through something where you needed to research and find out answers, share them! You’ll save someone else time and you’ll have some content for your site as well.
