So, you have a blog. That’s awesome! You probably realize how much it helps your SEO and gives users a chance to get to know you and your organization a little better. Even the best bloggers have the occasional dry spell, however, and need help coming up with blog topics that will be engaging and informative.

Ok, it’s time for full transparency here. I chose this topic for this post because I was having a hard time coming up with blog topics of my own. My blog had an unforeseen quiet spell during a bout with the flu (and then getting caught up afterward). As a result, I have challenged myself to have some blog entries already written to post if that happens again. Like a good little blogger, I made a list of topics to write when I have an extra minute. (Ok, that’s a lie. I don’t have an extra minute… how about when I MAKE an extra minute?) I put down a few good topics and then drew a blank.

Usually my blog posts are inspired by a conversation with a colleague or client, so sometimes it’s hard for me to think of blog topics so far ahead of time. Then I figured that if I sometimes have problems thinking of blog topics, others likely do, also. That’s when this blog post was born.

What to Do When Your Blog Topics Run Dry

If you’re having a hard time coming up with blog topics, here are a few things you can try:

Internet Search

I saw a bumper sticker not that long ago that said something like “Do what you know really well and Google everything else.” You can find almost anything through an Internet search. Try search terms like blog topics, blogging ideas, and those dealing with your specific industry. When I did this search, one of the first hits I got was an article called 101 Fabulous Blog Topic Ideas. It’s a great article and has a wealth of ideas. Reading even one or two articles like this will often spark ideas in me. Then I have to make sure I write the ideas down so I don’t forget. I do have “mommy brain”, after all!

Read Other Blogs

If you read other blogs in your industry, and I strongly recommend that you do, sometimes something another blogger writes will spark an idea for you. You could post a response to a fellow blogger, or even expand on what someone else has written. I’m not saying you should steal content from others, but the more you read on your specific topic, the more blog topics you’ll generate.

Write What You Know

Just about any writing coach will tell you that the best writing comes from what an author (or blogger) knows well. You may find these topics mundane, but the most engaging posts reveal something about the author. Here are a couple of examples:

• A Day In The Life – of a blogger, business owner, whatever you do.
• How-To Posts – Create a step-by-step lesson of something you’re often helping people learn to do. Then you can refer them to the post. For example, how to create a MailChimp account would be one for me, or how to install WordPress.
• Compile a List – What are some of the best products that relate to your field? Are there changing trends? Best web sites? Create a list to help your followers find the information in one place.

Engage a Guest Blogger

It’s not at all uncommon for bloggers to have a friend or colleague write guest posts for them. Just don’t do it so often that it looks like your entire blog content comes from others. This is definitely an option to be used sparingly.

Having a blog is one of the best things you can do to boost traffic to your site, especially if you update it often. That doesn’t mean you’ll always have a wealth of blog topics or good ideas, but a little research can go a long way. So generate some great blog topics, and keep swimming along!