Finding blog topics can be like finding a needle in a haystack.
It’s not that easy.
Okay, that’s a lie.
Sometimes, you get burned out from having to come up with blog topics. We’ve all been there.
14 Ways to Find Blog Topics
Newspapers and magazines
Local and national newspapers and magazines are filled with stories, obviously. But you can take the headlines and stories and ‘tweak’ them for your blog or client’s blog. For example, a ‘top story’ in The Plain Dealer was, “Study shows majority of East Cleveland traffic signals are not needed: Road Rant.” You could write the following for your client’s real estate blog:
“Study shows majority of home buyers distrust banks, loans are not wanted: Real Estate Rant”
You get the picture. Use headlines and articles and mold them to fit your needs.
Family and friends
Pay attention to your family friends. They’ll think you’re a fabulous listener, which is what you could be if you want blog topics. Listen to their complaints and worries. Stories are in there, somewhere. Ask them elaborate when you hear a juicy tidbit such as “So and so’s husband was caught cheating.” While it’s a painful subject, your family member or friend’s story could help someone else get through the pain of finding out their spouse/partner cheated.
PTA meeting
If you have kids, you probably have to attend PTA meetings. These meetings and ‘town hall’ types of meetings can become heated. This is in your favor. You’ll learn what pushes peoples’ buttons. You’ll learn about what’s keeping them up at night. Be bold and strike up a conversation with a couple of parents after the meeting. Get the scoop and then blog about it.
Neighbors
Open your windows and grab a pen and paper. This may seem voyeuristic, but you can’t help it if your neighbor’s talk on the phone outside. You can’t help it if you hear them yelling at their grandchildren not to run into the street or pull on the dog’s ears. Gotta love kids! They make for great blog post topics such as, “Two Days and Two Ways to Potty Train Your Child.”
TV commercials
Commercials tell great stories. Think about all of the commercials for depression, male enhancement, laundry detergent, cutting credit card debt, soft drinks, etc. Pay attention to branding and positioning. Who’s the target audience? What are the demographics?
Possible blog topics range from relationships to reducing your credit card debt. For example, if you have a finance blog, you could write a post on “7 Easy Steps to Reduce Your Debt, Save More, and Have Peace of Mind.”
You get the picture.
Movies
Have you seen the movie Bridesmaids yet? If you haven’t, you’re missing out on an opportunity to watch a superbly written comedy, and you’re missing out on blog topics. Some possible topics are:
- How to tell when a friendship is dead and over
- How being pulled over for a busted tail light can lead to a date
- How to be happy when your friend’s about to say “I Do” and your boyfriend says “I Won’t”
The next time you watch a movie; have a pen and pad of paper ready so you can jot down blog topic ideas.
Fiction and non-fiction books
Not only are books a great escape, but they’re great for discovering blog topics. Take “The Hunger Games” for example. You could write an article for the ‘teen section’ of a parenting magazine on “Warning: Your Daughter Could Tell You She’s Dating One Boy, But Dating Another.” I don’t want to spoil “The Hunger Games,” but Katniss has two ‘guys’ in her life. One of which she’s crazy about, the other’s more like a brother, but ends up saving her during “The Hunger Games.”
Hospitals
No one likes to go to the hospital, but they’re perfect for writers who have a healthcare blog or write for the healthcare industry. Of course, if you watch hospital dramas like “Grey’s Anatomy,” you may uncover a secret romance between the head nurse and top surgeon. That could lead to a blog topic on hospital romances and how they affect doctors and nurses.
Soap operas
Alas, there aren’t many soap operas on the air today. That’s too bad because their plots lines are over-the-top and filled with great blog topics. For example, on “General Hospital,” Maxie Jones’ mother, Felicia, is back in town. Fans of GH are ecstatic about this. A possible blog topic for a relationship blog could be, “10 Steps to Dealing with an Absentee Mom Who Shows-Up Out-of-the-Blue.” You get the picture.
Direct mail
Instead of throwing out your direct mail save it in a ‘direct mail’ file. Better yet, add it to your swipe file. If you’re interested in writing for not-for-profits, you’ll find plenty of blog topics from direct mail. The best part is that it’s delivered to you!
Google Alerts
I know you’re familiar with this one, but I thought I’d throw it in as a good reminder. And, it’s a good way to see if your blog posts show up in Google Alerts.
High profile court cases
Pay attention to high profile court cases because they’re filled with blog topics ranging from relationships to corporate intrigue. Business or pleasure, court cases will supply you with blog topics.
Think about Martha Stewart’s trial. She built her empire and it tumbled down. A possible topic could be, “Building Your Business on a Shaky Foundation Will Bring it Down in 2.5 Seconds.” Of course, Martha Stewart came back strong. If you have a personal development blog, you could write, “Come Back Strong like Martha Stewart: 7 Steps to Turn Adversity into Rewards.”
Talk shows
Popular talk shows like Dr. Phil, The Ellen Show, and others are perfect for writers. Why? Producers book guests who are interesting. Talk shows need good ratings if they want to come back next year.
Pay attention to the topics, look at the audience’s reaction, and write down blog topics ideas. Dr. Phil is great for anyone with a relationship blog, personal development blog, psychology blog, or any type of self-help blog.
Songs
Listen or read song lyrics and you’ll find blog topics within them. Take Lady Gaga’s song, “Poker Face.” If your blog is all about poker, a possible headline is “One Simple Poker Face That Will Win You the Game.” You could also invite readers to send you their best poker face.
What about you? How do you find blog topics? Share.
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A great list Amandah. And I would add that if you see a TV Commercial more than 3 times in an hour, chances are it’s a hot topic. Being a Mommy, I find the oddest topics and blog ideas from the shows my son watches and the games he plays on his iPhone.
I followed the link to the Google Alerts too. Another great tool! Thanks a bunch.
Hi Colleen … thanks for the comment!
I’m glad you found the list useful. Sometimes, I can’t believe what I’m hearing when a TV commercial starts playing, especially for medications (great for a healthcare blog). The side effects are astounding.
I’m always on the lookout for ways to come up with blog topics.