I get a lot of questions about how to find subjects for blog posts and articles. Sometimes the universe dumps article topics in your lap. Topics can show up in conversations or questions from clients or friends or maybe even disguised as an email from Ezine Articles.
Yesterday, an online group I belong to polled its members asking what the topic would be for the next online blog post. The first thought that flew into my mind was something along the lines of ‘how the heck do I know’. I always keep a list of blog post topics handy. However, when I sit down to write a post, most often a totally different topic pops into my mind.
Last night I hosted a great episode of Author’s Tools Chat with award-winning western author, Paty Jager. I had a lot of fun, and I hope the audience learned a lot (at least they said they did). Click the link above to hear the replay.
We talked about Paty’s writing, publishing,a and promotion. I mentioned a good way to promote yourself and your books on someone else’s teleseminar or webinar. It’s been awhile since I wrote about using your voice to build relationships with your readers. Of course, that went on my list for future blog posts.
This morning, I received an email from EzineArticles.com. It contained the title “How to Promote Yourself During a Speech”. I’ll move that article up in my title list. EZA is now sending out a weekly email with a list of article titles reserved for their platinum authors. These titles are rich with the keywords people use to find your current articles. That does a couple of things.
- Provides titles in areas of your expertise
- Saves you searching for good keywords
- Gives you exclusive use of the title for 48 hours
- Sparks article ideas for you
EzineArticles has also made certain changes which I’ll discuss in a later post (unless I get sidetracked onto other subjects). If you can’t wait to find out the changes, leave a comment and remind me to tell you about them.
Always keep a list of article subjects. That way you won’t have a total blank out when you sit down to write. However, don’t be afraid to write what inspires you at the moment. A passionate post is always better than a post about a subject that you wrote down long ago and can’t remember what points you wanted to make.
I started this post with one subject in mind. It’s drifted off into four different posts. (You’ll see them all eventually.) When the flow of ideas start, it’s hard to stop them—not that you would want to. It works the same way with ideas for books. Writers run out of time before they run out of ideas.
How do you find subjects for blog posts and articles? How do you record them so you don’t forget them? Leave a comment and share.
Write on,
Lynn
14 Comments to 'How Do You Find Subjects For Blog Posts And Articles?'
March 1, 2011
Hi, Lynn. I try to keep a small notebook with me at all times to jot down ideas, but the back of any envelope or any small scrap of paper will do! I think being engaged with people, in real life and online, is the best way to get a feel of important topics and to spark ideas.
March 1, 2011
Lynn,
When a thought comes to mind or I see people post something that has my curiosity going…I write it down then when it’s time I start to write a blog on it.
Can’t wait to read your future blog posts. Peaked my interest!
March 1, 2011
Jean, you know that the weakest ink out does the strongest memory. And my memory isn’t so strong any more.
March 1, 2011
Leona,
I hope I come through with the posts that interest you and my muse doesn’t go flitting off to write for someone else.
March 1, 2011
Hi Lynn
Great tips that you share.
I also have a notebook, and write down ideas as they come to me. I also get some great ideas while I am walking, so often stick my phone in my pocket and do a voice memo, as otherwise I will forget.
Quite often though, the idea for the post just comes to me or like you an email will trigger an idea and off I go.
Thanks for the tips
Maureen Hunter recently posted..For Better or For Worse by Ashley Davis Bush- Guest Blogger
March 2, 2011
Post its…I have this notebook too but I stick post it on my laptop…so that I am always reminded about what I am to write next. And if an idea just clicks, then I make sure I write a post there and then. Inspired writing is always better for me.
Waiting for further posts!
Hajra recently posted..ARE YOU THIS WEIRD MALL PERSON
March 2, 2011
I google using different keywords. I will also keyword search on newspaper and magazine archive sites as well as through libraries online, uni’s online etc. Once I get a link I bookmark it to an articles folder
I also subscribe to a number of organisations who also publish relevant articles.
March 2, 2011
Something I’ve done this year for my business blog that I haven’t done in the past is have a monthly theme. The blog posts all center around the topic of that theme so it’s easier to determine my material and I don’t have to spend an hour brainstorming before ever writing. I have 3 months of blog post (topics) written out in a notebook and I simply write the post when it comes time. Such a timesaver.
Alyssa recently posted..Audios Can Create Info Products
March 2, 2011
Alyssa, a monthly theme is a great idea. Did you know that WordPress will let you schedule your blog posts? You specify want day you want the post to publish.
March 2, 2011
Maureen, that’s a great idea to use your phone to record your ideas. Our muses don’t always make it easy for us. There are even some services where we can speak our articles into the phone and get them transcribed.
March 2, 2011
Hajra, I love the sticky notes. I also keep them stuck all over.
March 2, 2011
Carol, that’s a great idea to save a bookmark to your research into an articles folder. For me, finding the information once I’ve worked on it is the hardest part. I usually search for keywords for my title after the article is written. That way I don’t have time to lose the information.
December 9, 2011
I have good days and bad days. Unfortunately it show in my post!
– I purchase a personal digital recorder. I find that most inspiration comes to me when I am driving. I simply record a reminder and then write it down in a notebook when I get home.
December 9, 2011
John, recorders are a great way to capture your thoughts.
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