Overcome writer’s block with these ideas for blog posts.

It’s time to write that new blog post, and your computer screen is a vast, white page of emptiness. Maybe it feels as if you have covered all of obvious topics of interest and you have nothing left to write about. You need direction. You need motivation (or coffee). You need fresh ideas, a new angle or approach, or a modern-day muse!

You are not alone. Topic development is a skill, and some days it is a challenge — especially because you want your content to be unlike any other post out there. And there is a lot of content to compete with: Reportedly, 88% of B2B marketers use content marketing as part of their programs.

So, your post needs to stand out above the crowd, engage readers quickly, and offer them something valuable (e.g., information or entertainment) to keep them coming back to you for more. With that in mind, here are 10 prompts to get you going on your next blog post.

10 writing prompts for blog posts

1) Identify customer pain points.

Think about your target audience. Who is that potential customer? What are some of their everyday pains or challenges? Provide them with insight or information, offer advice, or provide solutions for overcoming those problems.

2) Use your industry experience.

Create a comprehensive list of industry-related statistics or facts. Then, focus on one that you can speak to. Such posts position you as a thought leader on industry challenges and trends. They also are great for getting inbound links (meaning other sites will link to your post, which improves your SEO).

3) Capitalize on popular trends.

What is hot in your business right now? What is important and trending in your potential customer’s corner of the world? Speak to others in your company for their ideas. Is this trend going to last? If it is on its way out, what is your prediction about what the next big trend may be?

4) Provide information.

Write a how-to guide. Help your readers make a decision or accomplish a task. Show your knowledge about the subject to establish yourself as a trusted source of information.

5) Offer a different opinion or new perspective.

Read other blogs in your industry for fresh ideas. This is simply a leaping-off point — plan to cover the topics in a different way.

6) Join in on top-level industry conversations.

Follow industry leaders on Twitter and LinkedIn. Join social media groups related to your business, and read what others in your specific industry are sharing. What are they posting about today? How can you expand on it or argue a different opinion or solution?

7) Localize a new story.

Read trade publications, magazines, and even the news for ideas. How can a hot topic relate to your business or customers? Look for hidden connections. In the newspaper business they call it “localizing” a story — essentially taking a story that, on the surface, is not related and finding a way to discuss it in terms of localized relevance.

8) Share your “musts.”

Write a top 10 list of industry must-knows, or perhaps must-dos, or even must-reads. Be a key source for even more information and knowledge.

9) Introduce your latest release.

Write about your latest project, product, or service and how it will solve specific challenges or address certain needs.

10) Answer customer questions.

Read and digest all of your readers’ responses, posts, or questions. Sometimes the customer generates great blog ideas through a conversation or a question. Write your post as a generalized response to others who may have the same concern, idea, or question.

Content marketing helps connect potential customers to your company by offering information they can use. But creating consistent, relevant content can be time-consuming and costly. If you frequently find yourself staring at a blank screen, consider outsourcing this important task to professionals. Many companies find it provides the optimum results, saving time and resources.

Related posts:

10 Ideas for Blog Posts