In this exercise we are going to try and extract as many different blog topics to create a full Blog list.  

Step 1:BrainStorm!

When creating new blog topics for my specific services or categories I always like to go through a process that will give me a maximum amount of ideas.  The first thing I like to do is BRAINSTORM!  No matter what the company, industry, service or objective you are writing for try and think of all the things related or even sub related to that topic and start writing down all them all on a side piece of paper.    For Instance, if the topic happens to be “Wood” I’d start to write all the things that come to my mind for that word.  **TIP** Don’t just focus on the words that come after your root word but, also think of strings of words that come in front of the root word.  Ex. Solid Wood, Large Oak Wood,  Things made of Wood, Wood Alcohol, Wooden Bowl, etc.

Step 2: Use the Dictionary

After I find myself not able to come up with anything else and I’ve been sitting there for many minutes trying to brainstorm something else with no success it’s time to go to other sources.  I like looking to see what the actual definition of the word is and understanding exactly what the topic means.  Dictionary.com alone seems to keep on giving me new topics time and time again because, NOT ONLY will they give you the full definition of the word but, they’ll also give you the origins of the word, examples of how it’s used and other words related to that word.   Just looking at the ways the word is used in sentences always gives me a different idea of what I originally brainstormed.  In addition to the usage of the word you can get ideas of how the word is used as a noun, adj or other for of english to help you out

Step 3: Use the Thesaurus –   The word itself means ” a list of subject headings” therefore giving you extra versions that are related to your topic.

At thesaurus.com simply plug in the word your trying to create a blog topic for when you hit enter your going to find 100’s of ideas to help you come up with a blog topic.  For instance we will find that “wood” is associated with log, club, forest, etc.  The usages of the term is also explained. Normally, when I’m having trouble thinking of a blog topic or I need more subject matter from a blog I’m working on the Thesaurus will give me good guidance on what else to include in my blog.

Research the competition’s blogs or get information from Industry News/Forums!

Here’s a common thing that I like to do to keep me updated on what’s going on within my industry and find out what my competition is writing about.  Typically there are several sources you can either sign up for a newsletter, join a forum or community to get a consistent flow of blog topics.  Keep in mind, it’s o.k. to write about the same subject matter.  The difference is on how you can introduce your own twist or new data to the topic.  Right now if you where to Google “Best Practices for creating topics for your Blog” you’ll find 163 MILLION results!

That’s not a worry though because, there is no one that is going to introduce this subject matter like I’m going to and some of these posts will give me direction if I do happen to hit writers block.   Every day I get several email for many different sources that are also writing about things within my industry.  The good things about getting competitors newsletters or having a forum update me is that A)I know what they deem is important at this time and B)I may or may not have a better insight on the topic.  Either way, it’s a never ending supply of topics, subjects and ideas you piggy back off of or spring a new idea.  Where can I find good newsletters, communities or forums?  It shouldn’t be that difficult .  Every industry has inspiring author’s that assume to be an authority.  If you Google the root topic plus the community or forum you shouldn’t have any trouble.(EX. Go to Google Search type in “Wood” + “forums” or “communities” and see the results) KEEP IN MIND!!!  This strategies are NOT intended to give you an unlimited sources in which you can copy and paste or plagiarize.  These are great areas to help you find topics.

Always consider “How To’s” and “Step by Steps”

I’m always attracted to these types of blogs or articles that are teaching me what to do in a manner that is introduced like 1,2,3.   For one, I’m attracted to the potential that I’m going to learn something in an easy to follow step by step manner.  Even if the information is something I already understand very well if  it’s outlined into easy reference points it can be a good reference point.   When I’ve created a blog topic list and I start writing articles I usually find that I can either incorporate a “how to” or add one to my blog topic list just by always asking myself “Can I insert a step by step here” or “Is there a way to make this into a “How to”?  More times than others I have been able to identify ways in which i can add to my blog post list this way.  Another great thing about “How to’s ” or “The 3, 5, 7 or 10 steps” is that your giving a very organized thought that is easy to follow.