From Internet marketing to social networking, today’s businesses are expected to create more fresh content than ever before. And an important platform for publication continues to be the company blog. But finding writing ideas for your business blog can be difficult. Here are a few places to turn next time blog-writer’s block strikes:
1. Visit customer support forums.
If customers repeatedly ask the same or similar questions, your website may not be providing sufficient guidance. Correct the situation by proactively blogging the answers to frequently asked questions. And of course, consider bulking up your main website content.
2. React to current events.
Local, national, or international events that influence your industry negatively or positively may cause your stakeholders to wonder, “How will Acme Architects Inc. react?” Instead of letting speculation run wild, provide an answer through your blog. (Obviously, you’ll probably want to steer clear of hot-button issues such as politics and religion.)
3. Introduce new products or services.
Explain how a new product or service can solve specific problems or fill unique needs. If you maintain focus on the reader, rather than just talking about the product or service, you’ll avoid sounding like a commercial.
4. Discuss discontinued products or services.
Change is hard. Use your blog to help customers or clients transition to new products or services. As mentioned above, focus on providing information that helps your readers.
5. Get social.
Are your social medial friends or followers chatting about a specific aspect of your business or industry? If so, jump into the conversation on social networks and on your blog. If you can move even a little of the conversation to your blog within your website, you are bringing potential customers or clients one step closer to your contact page or online store. Additionally, an active blog may boost your overall search engine ranking.
6. Ask employees, co-workers, and independent contractors for ideas.
Don’t be afraid to ask the people you work with for suggestions. Most people are more than happy to share their ideas if you approach them as subject matter experts—after all, who doesn’t want to be considered an expert?
7. Rewrite old posts.
Rewrite old posts that include outdated information or references to discontinued products or services; however, ensure that the new posts are significantly different from the originals to avoid getting penalized by search engines for accidentally repeating content.
Regardless of where your inspiration originates, remember that what you write today may be read months or even years from now—so always be genuine!