Part of my series sharing tips to improve blogging (Link)
Part of my series sharing tips to improve blogging (Link)

We’ve made it through the first week and a half of 2013 and I’m willing to be there’s a few folks already struggling with their New Year’s resolutions. For those of you who set a few goals for your social media outreach, did this include a plan to be more consistent in your blogging efforts?

There’s nothing more frustrating than struggling to come up with new blogging topics. For me, it came easier to write 4-5 blog posts a week when I had great thinking time on the tractor in the hay field or while on horseback checking cattle. Those activities provided a great opportunity to sort out my thoughts and set the world to right. But that doesn’t come as easily when I’m at the desk or working on my research review.

As part of my Better Blogging series, here’s a few tips to get you going on your search for better consistency on your blogging and finding great blog topics.

  1. Google Alerts – I use these frequently in staying up to date with headlines important to me. Set up a few alerts using key words that are relevant to your blogging strategy. Read the headlines, pick a few stories to read.
  2. Trade Publications – Most in Agriculture have a growing pile of monthly trade publications and magazines on their coffee table. Next time one comes in the mail, earmark a few stories and use them to launch a blog topic with your response.
  3. Read other blogs – One great way to get an idea of what topics are popular is to read what other folks are writing. Subscribe to your favorite blogs and set up a separate inbox folder so updates are easy to flip through when you have a moment to catch up.
  4. Write a sequel – Some of my most recurring hits from search engines are a result of writing about topics more than once. Did you previously write about a topic that sparked a good conversation? Revisit the topic and follow-up with your recent updates.
  5. Attend a local event – One of the most important parts of advocacy I will emphasize again and again is getting out in your community. Attend a meeting on food or community topics, go to an industry convention, ease out of your comfort zone, start a conversation  then write about the events.
  6. Respond to the news – Is there a news headline that struck an interest today? Did a group or organization make a move that you agree/disagree with? Chances are other folks are looking for other opinions on the same topics. Write down your thoughts in the heat of the moment, but always wait to publish until you’ve had a chance to cool down and review.
Or sometimes the best remedy is to find a place to sit and clear the mind.
Or sometimes the best remedy is to find a place to sit and clear the mind.

These are just a few suggestions to get those wheels turning, cranking out those blog posts. For a few more ideas, here’s a list of 50 techniques to help with your blogstorming next time you get stuck with writer’s block.

What are some of your favorite techniques to come up with new blog post topics?

 

Published by Ryan Goodman

Ryan Goodman works in grassroots advocacy as a communications consultant with beef cattle farmers and ranchers across the United States. He is a proud alumnus of Oklahoma State University, with studies focusing on cattle reproduction and nutrition. Ryan's experience in the beef industry range from family farms and ranches in several states to large feedlots and non-profit policy organizations. Ryan is an avid trail and ultrarunner, proudly showing how beef can be an important part of a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Find Ryan on social media as @BeefRunner.