One of the things people often find really difficult when they have made the decision to start creating a blog on an online business can be article writing. Having been part of discussions on many internet forums one of the biggest issues for beginners is generating ideas. Most people don’t appreciate that there are multiple sources from which you can tap into to stimulate you’re writing, whatever the topic. If this is something you’ve been worried about then read on. Here are 12 tips for generating ideas for article writing.
1. Solve problems
Many people who read articles or blogs are looking for some type of solution to a problem. What are the problems that people face in the niche that you’re working in? You can write a series of articles that solve particular problems for your customers or visitors.
2. Address fears through case studies
Are you aware of what the particular fears are that people face in your niche and market? You can always address this through a case study showing examples of how people tried to overcome a particular issue covering both positive and negative results.
3. Set up google alerts
You can set up a google alert with specific keywords and you will be emailed when a new page containing that keyword appears. As I write a lot about self-esteem I have one set up for that keyword. It means that I am able to keep an eye on what other writers are doing. I don’t read through them all but sometimes just seeing a title sparks an idea. You can cancel them whenever you like.
4. Use twitter search
You may or may not be a fan of Twitter but don’t dismiss it as a source for generating ideas. If you go to Twitter you can type in any word and see what people are talking about and it can give you ideas to address specific topics within your market. It just looked at article writing and it quickly gave me some ideas for articles in the future
5. Blogs and comments
Look at other blogs or websites in your niche. Look at what other people are writing about (but do not copy their work). What ideas do you get from what other people are saying. Also look at the comments on blogs. People often ask questions or make suggestions that you could use to generate ideas.
6. Magazines and Newspapers
Online magazines and newspapers are always worth a scan. Not just the articles, but also the comments that people write. I always scan at least one newspaper a day, but you don’t have to –but I always find it a good source of information.
7. Television and radio
Take note of what’s being discussed. Keep your mind open to ideas because what may seem a completely unrelated idea will suddenly generate a raft of ideas for you.
8. YouTube
Is clearly a huge source of information that you could tap into to generate ideas. Just put a keyword into the search box and see what comes up.
9. Casual conversations
Conversations that you have with families and friends may well generate article writing ideas – but another great source is snippets of conversations that you may hear at work or out in the street. I often find myself in hospital waiting rooms and they are great places for hearing talk that generate ideas.
10. Use your opinions
Are there any issues within your niche that you feel particularly strongly about? Write an article sharing your views.
11. Write a review
You may want to review something that someone else has written and give a counter argument.
12. Use previous articles
Always look at what you’ve already written to see if you can generate any more ideas. When I write an article I always look to get ideas for two or three more by expanding on a point within the original article.
Summary
These are just 12 tips for ideas that you can use to generate ideas for article writing. There are lots of sources of information. You obviously don’t have to use them all, but be aware that ideas can come from almost anywhere.
The one I didn’t mention is brainstorming. But this I have dealt with in a separate article