How to never run out of blog ideas again (just by being yourself)

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It’s been said “there’s no such thing as a new idea” and when you’re blogging all the time, this statement can seem truer than ever. So how do you come up with a never-ending stream of relevant ideas to share with your audience?

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Share your take on things.

But, how?

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

Write down the answers to these questions:

What does your reader do for work?
What does your reader do when they’re not at work?
What issues, policies, news topics or legislation affects them?

Of course, your slant on things can be really important – but the topic needs to be those which are relevant to your readers. Figure out exactly what it is they’re into and from there follow with what value you can add to that discussion. It all comes down to being a trusted advisor. If you know that someone else has a great point on said topic – ask them to share it, then add context for your audience.

THEN, MONITOR

Put Google Alerts on every pertinent industry site and every blog you can find,
Read all industry news,
Search related topics on Twitter regularly; and
Ask your readers what they want to know via a survey in your e-mail newsletter.

It really comes down to that old chestnut – to write well, you’ve got to read well. Your opinion is important sure, but to be frank, it’s only going to be important to more than just your Mum if you actually know what you’re on about. Research, research, research – it’s the key to every successful story.

PROVIDE COMMENT

A news article related to your audience is published. Respond to it on your blog.
A blogger discusses an issue. Expand on it on your blog.
A piece of legislation is passed that will affect your audience. Comment on it on your blog.
A Twitter conversation flares up on an issue. Reproduce it on your blog and add your perspective.