How to Get Ideas (for Blog Posts)

2008 May 06
Published in Research
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Over the last few years I’ve designed, built, and maintained quite a few blogs. Naturally, spending any amount of time writing you’re bound to hit a wall sooner or later, especially when you’re trying to create unique content on a regular basis. I get writer’s block just like everyone else.

Being a blogger, designer, and developer both for my full time job and freelance jobs, I stay pretty immersed in my industry for most of the day. Often, the questions that I get asked give me plenty of ideas for new content, but what if you’re not eating and sleeping your blog topics? I often get asked for blogging advice, so I thought I’d pass on this great tip.

Time to cruise the forums

Forums exist for almost every topic and they’re a great place to get ideas for new posts. You can safely assume that if you run across a question on a forum then other people have the same question.

We’re all trying to create compelling content and what better content than a useful, insightful post that answers a question that someone else has asked.

Whenever I have writer’s block I head to the forums for some juicy questions. Usually I can find a topic to write about in just a few minutes.

For my industry, here are a few forums that I frequent to get ideas:

There are literally hundreds and thousands of forums out there, just Google your topic + forum and you’re bound to run across some. Getting involved in these forums will also get a little buzz and traffic to your site too, which can be an added bonus ?

What about you?

Where do you go for blogging ideas? Let me know in the comments below.

Join the conversation 9 Comments

Search MarketingMay 19, 2008

That’s was agreat idea. yah, forums can make you get ideas on what to write next.

Dr. Vitamin E CreamMay 22, 2008

Trying to go to other sites for post ideas tends to be a bit dangerous. You get the rehash effect across all the blogs in a specific niche. If you find a hot story, try to take a unique approach to reporting it.

QaswerJune 23, 2008

It is difficult to generate fresh and new content with unique ideas. Although I have all those links and visit those forum daily but they are not ideas enriched for me.

Drew StaufferJune 23, 2008

@Qaswer

I agree, sometimes it is hard to find that perfect bit of info that’s going to give you a unique idea.

Try taking an unoriginal idea, dig deeper and put your own spin on it. Then you can turn any mediocre idea into something great.

Mr. RheamanJanuary 29, 2009

I write an intermittent blog, GetBlogIdeas.com, about how to get blog ideas. I came upon your blog while doing research on blogs and sites that have articles about how to get blog ideas. I will have a favorable review on your article available on 2/2/09. Each one of my articles identifying sites and blogs about ideas is titled: Blog Idea Lists: xxxxx. My post about you will be: Blog Idea Lists: Drew Stauffer. Naturally, you will find it on GetBlogIdeas.com

PamelatoftMay 23, 2009

I love it! That is way cool man! The steps weren’t that complicated too, which is great.

TitgreagJune 28, 2009

that is so cool

Michelle ClarkJuly 04, 2009

i am using also forums to get an idea of what to post next to my blog. also try yahoo answers

Indianapolis Web DesignJuly 07, 2009

I am working on a couple blogs right now and somedays it is really tough to come up with ideas. I try to think of daily life to inspire me. I like your ideas and am going to use them. thanks.

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How to Get Ideas (for Blog Posts)

Time to cruise the forums

What about you?

Join the conversation 9 Comments

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