Five Techniques on Creating Blog Posts That Inspire

Whether you have a blog, or are thinking of starting one, there are a few techniques to come up with posts that you’re excited about writing, which, in turn, will probably inspire your readers.

Note: If you don’t have a blog yet and want to, but aren’t sure what to write about, think about things you love to talk about. Go with your passion, or go with something you know about.

1. TALK TO PEOPLE

Had I never gotten an email from a blog reader, the Unconventional Roots series may never have been born.

This very post started as a question I got from a reader email; if I hadn’t gotten asked about my blogging inspiration, this post probably never would have come to fruition.

Blogging ideas are best sparked by conversation – think about what you talk to people about, and what they ask you about. When people come to you for advice about certain topics, it’s probably because they trust your insight.

2. LOOK AT THE WORLD IN A NEW PERSPECTIVE– A BLOGGER’S PERSPECTIVE

In essence, if you are a blogger, you are a writer, an artist, maybe a photographer. And, like artists, you must look around for inspiration. All the time.

Yes, it can be tiring. But if I didn’t pay attention to the things in the world I’m inspired by, or want to change, or think about, I probably wouldn’t have many post ideas. (Or, I’d start writing about my daily eating, like I did when I first started blogging, which now would just bore me.)

3. BRING A CAMERA WITH YOU, AND SNAP PHOTOS OF THINGS YOU LOVE

Even if you don’t love photography, try carrying a camera around with you for a day. (You could use your phone’s camera, but if you have a clunky camera around your neck or in your pocket all day, you’ll be more likely to remember to actually use it.)

I’m not a huge photography person. I don’t own a DSLR, I try to keep my photo editing quick, and don’t always carry a camera with me.

But I do find that when I have my camera around, I notice things that I may not notice otherwise. Like an old vintage store sign. Or a beautiful display of vegetables at the farmers’ market.

When I have my camera, I take photos. And when I go home, I look through the photos to come up with new post ideas.

4. READ OTHER BLOGS IN YOUR FIELD

Notice that I put this down as one of the last techniques. Reading blogs is important (but it’s also important to get off the internet).

I have a bunch of blogs that come through my Google Reader – with some I read every post fully, others I skim through, and still others I just check out the title to see if it’s for me. If not, I skip right over it.

Time is short, and while I want to be supportive of my fellow blogger friends, I can’t read everything. (Sorry, just being honest)

I read blogs to see what the trends are.

If everyone is writing about how veganism is the new trend, then write your opinion on it too. You don’t have to agree with the trends, either – write what you believe, and the readers will follow.

5. BUT USE YOUR OWN VOICE, AND YOUR OWN IDEAS, THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME

Remember – don’t just copy what you see. While inspiration from other blogs is important, it’s not as important as coming up with your own voice, your own ideas, and your own inspiration.

Try to write without the influence of other blogs – read a book instead, or write first thing in the morning. For the most part, it’s best to act, not react.

Do what you love, write what you love, and it will show.

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