Here are 9 ways to tackle writing fresh content - one of the main reasons your visitors have a reason to return to your site.
It’s not a secret that users enjoy reading fresh content. That’s why writing articles every couple of weeks or so is a great idea for your online business. Sadly, sometimes it can be hard to find good subject matter for your articles. You write article after article and finally you seem to run out of ideas, staring at a blank screen. I am sure that has happened to all of us at one time or another.
When it happens to me, there are several ways that I can use to find fresh ideas. These tips will work for you as well. Below are some good places to find interesting and fresh article content.
Write About Something You Want to Research or Learn
Pick a topic you need to learn about, do some research and compile an overview of what you discover into a new article. This is a great way to learn while promoting your online business.
Visit News Sites
Keeping up with current news that’s relevant to your site is very important for your business. Not only for writing articles but for keeping abreast of new developments, ideas, technology, etc. Research and write your articles to keep your readers informed as well, and show you are at the forefront, not lagging behind. What’s more, it gives a big boost to your online credibility.
Subscribe to Ezines
Ezines and ezine archives can be a goldmine of information and ideas. They allow you to keep up to date on the latest products, programs, business opportunities etc. Some of this information can make great articles.
Research Some Blogs in Your Niche
Blogs are a great place to find ideas for your article as many different things are discussed on blogs. People share their opinions, ideas, experiences and questions.
Discussion Groups and Forums
Get involved in the discussions. Find out what information people are looking for. Not only can you get ideas for your articles, but you can learn a lot as well and make some new contacts. Just go to Yahoo or Google and do a search for the appropriate type of group for your business, or visit www.bigboards.com for a list of popular online discussion forums.
Remember you are a “guest” on these forums. You don’t want to do the online equivalent of barging into the middle of some people discussing something, interrupting their conversation saying “Hey! Stop what you’re doing – everybody look at me!”
Stand on the edge of the group and listen to their discussion, don’t ruin it by trying to take over.
Read Through your Email
Take note of what people are asking you about and what they are most concerned with. Keep a file on hand and record all questions that can be used to create a powerful article.
Do a Survey or Poll
Write a two or three question survey or poll and send it out to associates or discussion group members or better yet, your subscribers. Write an article on the responses you receive.
Read Other Articles
By reading other articles, you can come up with an unusual twist or angle for an overused idea. It sometimes helps to get different views and insights on the same old idea. NOTE: Never copy information or content from an article, ezine, or website.
General Hints and Tips
- Always keep an open mind and eye out for article ideas. After awhile you will begin to see ideas automatically all over the net.
- Do keyword research to find out what people are typing into search engines in your niche. Make sure you’re writing what people are interested in.
- Keep a notebook handy and when you think of an idea write it down in your notebook. I tend to think of ideas while lying awake in the middle of the night. I learned right away that if I don’t write them down, they are totally gone by morning.
- And remember, people want and need basic, straight forward, helpful information. They do not want or need long words, fancy storylines or over-dramatized articles.
- Also, do not be afraid to give your content a little personality, humor and best of all, heart. Write as if you were talking to the reader and doing your best to help them.
Fresh, content written with a personal, friendly tone are one of the most powerful marketing methods online. Don’t let a little doubt stop you from making this big step towards success!
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 0 comments… add one now }