Blogging is a commitment. Producing useful, inspired content is challenging, but maintaining a consistent blogging cadence adds additional layer of difficulty. When first launching a blog, business leaders (or their designated blog authors) are filled with creative energy, often publishing multiple blog posts only days apart. That sets a very high bar for the future.
Start with a plan
Rather than plunging in, it’s helpful to use structures like an editorial calendar to separate the idea generation aspect from the actual blog publication process. Capture ideas when inspiration strikes … draft a note (or a paragraph) when the creative juices are flowing … and publish your posts with an intentional, thoughtful rhythm.
We’ve developed a free guide with 12 strategies to help you generate ideas for blog topics. But first, read on for some blog wisdom and best practices for content marketing.
Blog posts can take a variety of formats. Draw from these ideas to kick-start your creative inspiration.
Interview an expert
Change up your blog format and utilize a transcript, podcast or video format. Seek out guests with specialized expertise or a unique skill. Then allow your reader to be a fly on the wall, listening to a conversation between you (the blog author) and your expert guest.
Be a problem solver
What pressing questions can you answer for your customers? Today, a Google search is used in lieu of the advice column of past eras; we type in a query or need and scan the search results for our answer. Try an advice column format that offers solutions to common customer concerns.
Plan for curveballs
Cadence is key for blogging, both for loyal readers and to appease search engines. While you may start a blog with the best of intentions, creative inspiration doesn’t always strike on a schedule. And life can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to “bank” some evergreen blog posts that can fill in when needed.
Free downloadable infographic
Keep your creative inspiration flowing with 12 strategies to generate blog topic ideas.
