Having writer’s block? Staring at a blank screen? You are not alone. It can happen to anyone who finally has time to write new blog posts for their business.
So, you open your WordPress website and click on the Add New Post button. Then you just stare at the screen.
Welcome to the club. I do this for a living yet I find myself staring at a blank screen way too often.
Is there one struggle we all share?
I think it’s knowing what to write about that people care about.
We all have the knowledge when it comes to our specific industries.
But, what do people or our customers care to learn about?
Here’s the good news: Great blog ideas are already all around you. You just need to know where to look.
Blog ideas don’t come from thin air. They come from:
- Questions your customers ask
- Google searches
- Social media conversations
- A little help from AI to get started
I have some helpful resources for finding inspiration. Even the smallest tip can help you write blog posts your customers will enjoy reading.
Start With Questions Your Customers Already Ask
I get the same questions every time I send a proposal to a potential client. This prompted me to write more FAQ and Q&A sections on my website.
You can turn those questions into great blog posts.
The easiest blog posts to write are the ones you’ve already answered out loud.
- What common questions do clients ask during phone calls?
- Are there emails you answer over and over?
- What things are your customers confused about before they buy or hire?
- Dispel any myths or misconceptions you hear a lot.
Helpful Hint: If one person asks it, dozens more are Googling it. Provide the answer as the expert!
- “How long does it take you to build a new website?”
- “Does my business really need social media for marketing?”
- “What content do you need from me to get started on my website?”
The question people still ask me, even in these digital times:
- “What’s your fax number so I can send over my handwritten pages?”
Nope. Just nope.
Use Google to See What People Are Searching For
When you search on Google, you’ve probably seen the “People also search for” section. These are actual search queries people have asked Google.
Type in some common questions for your industry and see what things people are searching for. These valuable questions tell you exactly what people are looking to learn about.
Plus, you don’t have to guess what’s trending right now because Google will literally tell you.
Google Trends for Blog Posts
Go to Google Trends and type in a keyword related to your business. The results will tell you:
- What’s gaining popularity (my industry is always changing)
- Seasonal spikes (perfect for those who rely on tourism)
- Related search terms people are actively using (good for everybody)
Now you can use what you found on Google Trends for writing seasonal blog posts and industry-related trends that your customers are most curious about.
AnswerThePublic
I learned about this valuable tool when I attended Digital Summit. I have to admit it blew me away!
Go to AnswerThePublic and enter a topic, brand, or product in the search field. This tool will show you real questions that people are asking around a topic.
The results include How, Why, and What questions with comparisons and concerns. The results are shown in a language real people actually use.
Tip: Every bubble on that screen is a blog post waiting to happen.
Browse Social Media Post (Yes, Really)
Social media is a goldmine for blog inspiration.
Even if you are limiting your time on Facebook, look at what people are talking about. Great places to look include:
- Questions being asked in Facebook Groups
- Comments followers make on your own posts
- Industry-related posts that spark discussion and engagement
If people are talking about certain topics a lot on social media, there’s a good chance they will want to read about it on your website
AI Helps Beat the Blank Blog Posts Page
(Without Losing Your Own Voice)
There are times when new website clients just don’t know what to say on their website. ChatGPT is a great tool for helping clients create outlines and actual content for their website which we then tweak for their brand and voice.
I have a new client who’s in a very competitive industry and they need to rank strong on Google. Gemini has been helping us write page content with a local focus so they can compete in a very saturated market on Google.
Using AI should never replace your voice.
AI tools are meant to help you get unstuck, especially when you’re stuck staring at a blank page.
You can brainstorm blog topics, create outlines, and turn basic ideas into a rough draft.
Here’s the key to using AI – always edit it to sound like you.
Personalize it with your humor, experience, stories, and your local perspective.
If we know you, we know how you talk. Your blog posts should sound the same.
