“You can’t wait for inspiration, you have to go after it with a club.”–Jack London
You already know blogging is incredibly important for your small business marketing. After all, we’ve mentioned it once or twice (or maybe a few more times). But how often do you find yourself in front of a blank word document, struggling to find the inspiration to blog? Or found that perfect topic but can’t seem translate your genius thoughts to the screen? Well, have no fear. Here is my foulproof menu to not only finding the best business blog topic, but also beating the writer’s block blues. Consider it dinner and dessert all in one article.
Entree Options: Finding a Delicious Idea for Your Professional Blog
Quotes
“Artists are explorers. Who better to show us [a] city anew?”– David Bender
Sometimes you see quotes that just jump out at you. There’s a reason it sticks with you and it just might give you a nudge in the right direction to finding a topic. An inspirational quote doesn’t have to be blatantly related to your industry to be useful. A small construction business could see the David Bender quote above and use it to write about interior design, relocation or the local architectual inspirations they find in their hometown.
Or the quote could give a little more obvious direction. As a full disclosure, the Jack London quote at the top of this blog was my own inspiration.
Pictures
Finding the right image can often be the best first step to starting your blog post. Just like using an inspirational quote, this can vary between using a straightforward picture or one a little more abstract. One route isn’t better than the other and both can be very effective! Using an obvious picture, such as an image of your product or your team on the job, shows your audience (and future clients!) what you’re capable of and leads them to wanting to know more. An abstract image, like the one I chose right above, can be intriguing, especially in a thumbnail or social media post, and sparks the initial need to click on your article. As long as you connect the picture to your content, your blog will instantly benefit from the hint of inspiration.
As an added bonus, each blog isn’t complete until you’ve added at least one image. When the image serves as your inspiration, the hard work of finding the perfect picture is already done!
Social media followers
If you want to know exactly what your audience would like to read, why not ask them? Their answers could inspire your next small business blog post. Shoot out a quick “What would you like to know” Facebook post or tweet. You can then address each question thoroughly in separate blogs.
Keyword research
Keyword research may not seem glamorous but it can provide some of the best inspiration for your small business blog. Consider it a hearty stew: not that exciting but oh-so-satisfying. Once you’ve done thorough research, you’ll have a list of potential topics ready made for you. Long-tail keywords are the meat and potatos of any great SEO strategy. Each unique keyword can be used as a different blog, so the more research you do, the more blogs you have!
Keep it relevant
(Courtesy Netflix via Buzzfeed)
Watching anything good lately? Obsessed over a newly released album or book? Write about it! Connecting your topic to the real world can be a direct connection to your audience. Drawing inspiration from pop culture or holidays keeps your ideas instantly fresh and relatable. It’s also an opportunity to show the humanity behind your small business, rather than random robots. Afterall, people don’t want to work with a computer, they want to work with you!
Competitors
The best way to keep a leg up on your competitors is to read their content. Take note of what they do well, and what they don’t. More importantly, pay attention to what makes you different from them. The very nature of being a small business means you have a unique outlook and approach to the industry. Play that up and you’ll tap into some great inspiration!
Room for Dessert? Treat Yourself to Some Writer’s Block Cures
- Breathe
- Stretch
- Go for a walk
- Get some coffee, tea or juice to energize
- Change up locations if possible
Need help with keeping your blog fresh? Schedule a conversation with us by following the link: http://suite4social.com/contact/