Starting a blog, either for pleasure or in the hope of making profits, is an exciting prospect. More and more people are choosing to start one in their own specialised subject. But, many people jump right into it with a lot of consideration to the theme than to the topic and the posts. Therefore, prior to starting your blog, I want to challenge you to sit down and figure out at least 50 post ideas, and write up at least 10 of them.
Why should you think of 50?
There are a number of great reasons to actually do this process (and not just read about it).
To begin with, this is your make it or break it test. Thinking of starting a blog on a unique topic? Well, if you can't think of at least 50 topics off the top of your head either you aren't really focused on writing about it, or you have picked too narrow a topic. Consider that many blogs take about a year to really get started. Therefore, if you can't think of at least 50 then you are going to be under pressure after 6 months and possibly quit before you eventually make it.
Second, one of the most crucial thing in starting a blog you want to be popular is to post 'epic content'. Content which is amazing, informative, sets you up as an expert so people keep coming back. Making the effort to list out 50 possible topics will allow you to determine the amazing ones from the less amazing ones.
Third, if epic content is the most significant factor, then being consistent as a blogger is the second most important. No one tunes in regularly to a blog that might or might not have something new that week/month. Whenever people first arrive at a blog, they see it as more authoritative and interesting if there are regular updates. So you really need to be posting 2-3times a week if you would like to make a good impression and keep people coming back. So, when you have a list of topics already written out, and can even suggest in posts about future related topic you may be writing about, your blog is going to appear a lot more organised and long-term.
How do you think of 50?
So, have I convinced you that you need to have a list of possible topics written out? Great. This is the time to look at which you could acquire the best ideas from. Below are some top ideas for developing your list.
1. Start with Google Keyword research. You should already know what keywords you are targeting in your blog (otherwise, definitely do this first). Making use of keyword research tools then you're able to determine what related words people are looking for. It is useful information regarding what your audience wants to understand. For instance, thinking about writing a blog about Young Adult fiction? If you look it up, Google will tell you that many people search for the related 'Twilight - Meyers'. Blog post? I think so.
2. This is an effective tip from Pat Flynn as Smart Passive Income (would love to claim it as mine, but the academic in me is screaming plagiarism). Visit Amazon or Google Books and perform a search for your keyword. This would bring upa selection of books relevant to what you wish to write about. Using the preview function, have a look at their content page. Bam! Before you is a range of topics that you could be writing about.
3. Another great suggestion I've learned is try splitting your posts into different types for your area. For instance, if you are playing to post three times a week you might have Information Monday, How-To Wednesday and Review Friday. Then you just need to think of about 20 ideas under each one of these. For a blog on house building you might have some Information posts on many types of architecture, How-To various renovation projects, and Review the top tools of the trade. This will make it quicker to think of topics, and determine what to write.
4. Related to the last tip, I highly recommend dividing information posts into series. You don't want your posts to be too long, but still give sufficient significant material making people feel like you know a lot regarding the area. Writing a number of posts every Monday on a topic can help you narrow it down so it's not too large, but still deal with everything people wish to know. For example, take a post on barefoot running. Using this one idea, you can make at least three high quality posts that connect with each other. You can do one on the history of barefoot running (why it has instantly become so recognized), top techniques you need to know to run effectively, and a post on the various types of barefoot and minimalist shoes. One idea, at least three posts.
5. My last tip has helped me so many times. Go to Forums. Go to the areas that your target audience already are at and determine what they want to learn about. Forums are perfect places for getting post ideas as your audience is literally telling you 'I want a post about this.' I am often surprised by the questions people ask and think 'How can you not know that already?' But fortunately for me, they don't and I do. Further, after writing your post you can then return to the forum, answer their question and put a link to the full post!
So, using these tips, it should only take you a small amount of research to come up with 50 topics for your blog. This is time that is not wasted. When you've done this, take a minimum of 10 of those topics, write up the post and save them as drafts. You'll thank me for this later. Trust me.
Why should you think of 50?
There are a number of great reasons to actually do this process (and not just read about it).
To begin with, this is your make it or break it test. Thinking of starting a blog on a unique topic? Well, if you can't think of at least 50 topics off the top of your head either you aren't really focused on writing about it, or you have picked too narrow a topic. Consider that many blogs take about a year to really get started. Therefore, if you can't think of at least 50 then you are going to be under pressure after 6 months and possibly quit before you eventually make it.
Second, one of the most crucial thing in starting a blog you want to be popular is to post 'epic content'. Content which is amazing, informative, sets you up as an expert so people keep coming back. Making the effort to list out 50 possible topics will allow you to determine the amazing ones from the less amazing ones.
Third, if epic content is the most significant factor, then being consistent as a blogger is the second most important. No one tunes in regularly to a blog that might or might not have something new that week/month. Whenever people first arrive at a blog, they see it as more authoritative and interesting if there are regular updates. So you really need to be posting 2-3times a week if you would like to make a good impression and keep people coming back. So, when you have a list of topics already written out, and can even suggest in posts about future related topic you may be writing about, your blog is going to appear a lot more organised and long-term.
How do you think of 50?
So, have I convinced you that you need to have a list of possible topics written out? Great. This is the time to look at which you could acquire the best ideas from. Below are some top ideas for developing your list.
1. Start with Google Keyword research. You should already know what keywords you are targeting in your blog (otherwise, definitely do this first). Making use of keyword research tools then you're able to determine what related words people are looking for. It is useful information regarding what your audience wants to understand. For instance, thinking about writing a blog about Young Adult fiction? If you look it up, Google will tell you that many people search for the related 'Twilight - Meyers'. Blog post? I think so.
2. This is an effective tip from Pat Flynn as Smart Passive Income (would love to claim it as mine, but the academic in me is screaming plagiarism). Visit Amazon or Google Books and perform a search for your keyword. This would bring upa selection of books relevant to what you wish to write about. Using the preview function, have a look at their content page. Bam! Before you is a range of topics that you could be writing about.
3. Another great suggestion I've learned is try splitting your posts into different types for your area. For instance, if you are playing to post three times a week you might have Information Monday, How-To Wednesday and Review Friday. Then you just need to think of about 20 ideas under each one of these. For a blog on house building you might have some Information posts on many types of architecture, How-To various renovation projects, and Review the top tools of the trade. This will make it quicker to think of topics, and determine what to write.
4. Related to the last tip, I highly recommend dividing information posts into series. You don't want your posts to be too long, but still give sufficient significant material making people feel like you know a lot regarding the area. Writing a number of posts every Monday on a topic can help you narrow it down so it's not too large, but still deal with everything people wish to know. For example, take a post on barefoot running. Using this one idea, you can make at least three high quality posts that connect with each other. You can do one on the history of barefoot running (why it has instantly become so recognized), top techniques you need to know to run effectively, and a post on the various types of barefoot and minimalist shoes. One idea, at least three posts.
5. My last tip has helped me so many times. Go to Forums. Go to the areas that your target audience already are at and determine what they want to learn about. Forums are perfect places for getting post ideas as your audience is literally telling you 'I want a post about this.' I am often surprised by the questions people ask and think 'How can you not know that already?' But fortunately for me, they don't and I do. Further, after writing your post you can then return to the forum, answer their question and put a link to the full post!
So, using these tips, it should only take you a small amount of research to come up with 50 topics for your blog. This is time that is not wasted. When you've done this, take a minimum of 10 of those topics, write up the post and save them as drafts. You'll thank me for this later. Trust me.
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In this manner my acquaintance Wesley Virgin's tale begins in this SHOCKING AND CONTROVERSIAL video.
ReplyDeleteYou see, Wesley was in the army-and shortly after leaving-he revealed hidden, "self mind control" secrets that the CIA and others used to get whatever they want.
As it turns out, these are the same tactics tons of celebrities (notably those who "come out of nowhere") and the greatest business people used to become rich and famous.
You've heard that you utilize only 10% of your brain.
That's mostly because most of your brain's power is UNCONSCIOUS.
Maybe that thought has even occurred IN YOUR own head... as it did in my good friend Wesley Virgin's head around seven years back, while riding a non-registered, beat-up bucket of a car with a suspended driver's license and $3 in his pocket.
"I'm very frustrated with living payroll to payroll! Why can't I become successful?"
You've been a part of those those types of thoughts, ain't it so?
Your very own success story is going to start. You just need to take a leap of faith in YOURSELF.
Take Action Now!