Prospecting for Blog Post Ideas

metalAs an eleven-year-old boy I saved up my pennies for a metal detector. The thinking was that I’d easily make back the $80 by uncovering hidden treasures in the backyard or at the beach.

I never did snag that ancient relic to earn fortune and a morning spot on the Today Show. But I did find my fair shared of nails, barbed wire, loose change and dead batteries. This stuff might seem like junk now, but as a kid, I was fascinated by all of these ‘riches’
under our feet.

Ever notice that it sometimes takes more time to come up with a topic to blog about than to actually write a post? There’s a solution – dust off that metal detector and start searching. Here are a few ways I personally like to find buried treasure – aka – blog post ideas.

DRILL DOWN – Put on your micro-goggles on and instead of blogging about the beach, blog about a grain of sand. Examine things closely and new possibilities will reveal themselves.

TIME LIMIT – If you find yourself struggling to find something to write about (a tell-tale sign is when you search the Web incessantly for ideas and end up adding movies to your Netflix Queue), give yourself a time restriction to come up with something – or step away entirely. Many people find that ideas come to them when they are not searching for them.

EXERCISE – Increase your heart rate and get those endorphins rushing. Clarity of mind can lead to new ideas and fresh thoughts. Many of my blog post ideas come in the middle of my aerobic exercise routine.

TAKE AN OPPOSING VIEWPOINT
– This is a great way to spin existing content and give it your own bent. Don’t be afraid to challenge other bloggers by taking a counter-argument. Not only can you create compelling content, but you can grab the attention of bloggers who are more popular than you.

See Also
men's blue collared top near silver MacBook

PICK ANOTHER MEDIUM AND FIND AN ANGLE – If I am enjoying a book or television show, I will challenge myself to tie a blog post into it. That way I get to write about something I enjoy that already has a built-in audience.

How do you come up with blog post ideas? Here’s hoping you uncover gold!

Feeling stuck in self-doubt?

Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.

Join Free Now

Picture of Andrew G.R.

Andrew G.R.

Andrew G.R. is the owner of Jobacle, a career advice and employment news blog and podcast designed to make work better. Follow him on Twitter.

RECENT ARTICLES

TRENDING AROUND THE WEB

5 zodiac signs who seem sweet but have a savage side when provoked

5 zodiac signs who seem sweet but have a savage side when provoked

My Inner Creative

4 Zodiac signs who are most likely to build long-lasting wealth and financial success

4 Zodiac signs who are most likely to build long-lasting wealth and financial success

Parent From Heart

8 habits that will make you look and feel biologically younger than you actually are

8 habits that will make you look and feel biologically younger than you actually are

Global English Editing

My children resented me because I was never the parent they needed. Healing our relationship became my rewarding experience yet

My children resented me because I was never the parent they needed. Healing our relationship became my rewarding experience yet

Hack Spirit

I was convinced my low-income upbringing defined me, but learning how to handle money mindfully turned my past disadvantage into a future strength.

I was convinced my low-income upbringing defined me, but learning how to handle money mindfully turned my past disadvantage into a future strength.

NewsReports

6 subtle signs you’re evolving into your best self

6 subtle signs you’re evolving into your best self

Global English Editing