As a blogger, some days and even weeks I guess, I diagnose myself with writer’s block and struggle to think of ideas for posts I can write. One way I’ve discovered to help remedy my problem is to skim over my old blog posts to see if I can take a concept and adapt it to a new topic. Just seeing the general idea and adapting it to something I’ve seen on the news or been thinking about is often all the inspiration I need to get started. Remember, it’s easiest to write about things you’re interested in, rather than painfully forcing yourself to write about something you aren’t. Detailed below, I’ve listed eight different types of blog posts you can write and ordered them from low to higher level complexity.
1. Round-Up Lists
The first type of post is fairly simple to write, but can increase in difficulty depending on the subject matter. From ‘The 10 Best Ways to…,’ ‘The Top 5 Worst…,’ to ’37 Inspirational…,’ the opportunities for this kind of post are endless. The easiest way to complete a round-up post is to take your personal passions and interests and write about them.
2. Personal Experience
Personal stories are also very easy to write about. Share an experience that was rewarding for you or one with a lesson your readers can learn from. For example, you can discuss how you lost 10 pounds without really trying, how someone shared a valuable piece of advice with you, or just an interesting or funny story.
3. News Rehash
Is there a current event that you think your readers should know about? If you’ve read a news story on a different site and think you readers would find value in its subject and contents, try putting it into your own words. You can also spin the context to better fit the subject of your blog. Don’t be afraid to speak about it in another context and add your own opinion or insight at the end. It’s always great to hear another person’s perspective and you’re readers will appreciate you’re shared opinion.
4. Review
A review post is pretty self-explanatory: just review something. Did you see a new movie, buy a new CD, read a informative book, or buy a new product? Write about it and share what you liked and what you disliked. Finally, make a recommendation for your readers.
5. How To
Do you know how to do something that others may not? Or, do you do something very differently and think others may benefit by doing it your way? Write about it! You can give a tutorial to how you successfully organized your kitchen, detail a complex description of how you do something on a computer program, or describe step-by-step how to do a unique at-home DIY project.
6. Comparison
Writing a comparison is a step beyond writing a review. Compare two or more products, services, or things and say which you like better and why. Try and pick a comparison that is relevant to your blog subject: your reader will greatly appreciate your insight and recommendation.
7. Reaction/Opinion
If you’ve heard something interesting lately or something has upset you, now is your time to sound off! You can be polite or go on a textual tantrum to share your opinion. For example, when Netflix changed their pricing plan earlier this summer, I wrote a post about how it didn’t matter for the way I use the service. Try searching for a bit of news relevant to your blog and writing up your reaction to it. This is a great way to start a discussion.
8. Q & A
Maybe you have heard a lot of people wondering about something. Or, maybe you’ve received a few emails asking the same question. Now is the time to do some research, give your opinion, and answer all the questions at once. This way, everyone receives the mutual benefit!
What other kinds of posts do you write? Please share them to help each other!