How to consistently find great blog post ideas

Finding good ideas for blog posts usually becomes increasingly difficult after the first few months of publishing, as you’ve probably covered most of the major topics in your field. But you can keep your blog fresh with relevant, valuable content in the long term if you know how to consistently spot new subjects and angles to cover.

Before we share with you some tips on how to achieve this goal, you should consider the importance of developing effective content pillars, which is closely linked to developing good blog post ideas.

Content pillars and their importance

As we described in the article “Create effective content pillars: A guide for writers,” content pillars are broad themes or topics that serve as the foundation for your content strategy and give direction to your content creation.

For example, if you run a personal development blog, your content pillars should align with the core themes that resonate with your audience. These pillars help you stay focused and consistent and build your authority in your field. They also help you improve the SEO performance of your platform by covering the important topics and keywords. Here is an example of what content pillars could look like in this context:

1. Productivity and time management

This pillar covers strategies to help readers work efficiently. Topics include:

The Pomodoro Technique: How to work smarter, not harder – A step-by-step guide to using this time management method
5 morning routines that boost productivity – Simple habits to start the day focused
Overcoming procrastination: a science-based approach – Why we procrastinate and how we can beat it

2. Mindset and mental resilience

Building mental strength and emotional intelligence is key to personal growth. Example topics:

Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset: Which one are you cultivating? – A look at the research of Carol Dweck
How to build self-confidence: 7 proven strategies – Actionable steps for greater self-confidence
The power of gratitude: how daily journaling can change your life – A practical guide to gratitude

3. Health and well-being

Personal development covers physical and mental well-being. Topics include:

The link between exercise and productivity – How exercise increases concentration and energy
10 scientifically proven ways to improve sleep quality – Practical tips for better rest
Managing stress like a high performer – Techniques for effective stress management

4. Goal setting and motivation

Help readers set and achieve meaningful goals. Example articles:

SMART goals: How to set goals you’ll actually achieve – A framework for effective goal setting
Why motivation wanes and how to stick to your goals – Strategies for long-term motivation
The 30-day challenge: How to build a lasting habit – A step-by-step plan for habit formation

5. Personal growth and lifelong learning

Encouragement for continuous learning and self-improvement. Topics include:

How reading 10 pages a day can change your life – The impact of daily reading
Why lifelong learning is successful: Lessons from top entrepreneurs – Insights from successful individuals
How to develop emotional intelligence for stronger relationships – The role of EQ in personal and professional life

Tips for generating fresh blog post ideas

Once you have your content pillars in place, it becomes much easier to come up with new ideas for blog posts. Here are some strategies you can use:

Seek ideas from your team

If you’re working with a team, your team members, especially those who deal with clients or know your focus well, are a valuable resource when it comes to finding new blog topics.

Regular interaction with your team or subject matter experts in your company can offer new insights for blog posts. These conversations often provide clues to overlooked areas of interest or recurring questions from your target audience, making them perfect candidates for new content.

For example, after brainstorming with the marketing team, you might realise that many customers are asking the same question about the importance of personal branding. This could lead to a blog post that answers this specific question in detail.

Think like your ideal target audience

Always put yourself in the shoes of your ideal readers. What are their problems, questions, and desires? What kind of content would help them overcome their challenges or achieve their goals?

If you’re writing for entrepreneurs, for example, you should keep in mind that they need practical tips on time management. A blog post like “10 time management strategies every entrepreneur needs to know” would address this need.

Use keyword research tools

SEO tools such as Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and Semrush can give you valuable insights into the search terms people are using in your field. These tools show you which topics are in demand, what’s trending right now, and which keywords you can use for your blog posts.

You can also use these tools to find variations on common themes within your content pillars so you can explore similar ideas from different angles or in greater depth.

For example, if you search for keywords related to “productivity,” you might discover that “remote work productivity tips” is gaining traction. This could inspire you to write a post that explores the growing trend of remote work.

Research similar websites

Take time to analyse well-performing blogs in your industry. By examining their content, you can identify topics that resonate with a wide audience and discover new trends that could inspire new ideas.

This research can also help you find content gaps—areas that are underrepresented or overlooked that you can explore further to offer unique perspectives to your readers.

For example, if you look at a few popular personal finance blogs, you’ll notice that while many give basic budgeting tips, few talk about investing for beginners. This discovery might give you the idea to write a detailed guide on how to get started with investing aimed at an underserved audience.

Sharpen your own powers of observation

Sometimes the best ideas for blog posts come from your own daily experiences. Pay attention to the conversations you have, the challenges you encounter, and the moments that pique your curiosity.

Whether it’s something you’ve read, a personal experience, or a random thought, paying attention throughout the day can inspire you to create unique and authentic content. By connecting these moments to your platform’s mission, you can ensure that your posts align with your goals and resonate with your audience.

For instance, if you are faced with a challenge in accomplishing your daily tasks, you might realise how effective a certain productivity method is. This could lead to a post about how the method helped you overcome the challenge.

Try more new things

Experimenting with new activities, hobbies, or experiences can open your world to new perspectives and ideas. When you step out of your comfort zone, you may discover unexpected sources of inspiration for your blog posts. New experiences can often lead to creative insights that you wouldn’t find in routine or familiar activities.

For example, you could start meditating and see how it improves your concentration. This could inspire you to write a blog post about mindfulness techniques that can increase productivity.

Repurpose and update existing content

Don’t forget your existing content. Go back to your older posts and update them with new insights, data, or examples. Repurposing content in different formats (e.g. turning an infographic, video, or podcast episode into a blog post) is another great way to breathe new life into topics while reaching a wider audience. Plus, repurposing previous content can create new angles or updates that allow you to continue the conversation with your audience.

For instance, if you have already discussed a topic such as “building self-confidence” in a podcast episode, you could summarise the most important points from that episode in a blog post. You can expand on the topic, add actionable strategies or personal stories, and even provide a transcript or summary of the podcast for your readers.

Another example is breaking down a comprehensive guide on “mastering time management” into a series of shorter blog posts, each focusing on a specific tip or strategy.

Analyse trends and industry news

To create timely content, it’s important to stay up to date with industry trends and news. Tools such as Google Trends, Feedly, and news aggregators can help you keep track of the latest developments in your niche. By reporting on current events or emerging trends, you’ll ensure that your blog stays relevant and up-to-date, providing your target audience with fresh and insightful content.

For example, if you notice that interest in sustainable living is on the rise, you could write a post titled “Top 5 easy ways to live more sustainably today” and align your content with the current trend.

Engage with your audience

Your readers are a valuable source of inspiration. Encourage them to interact through blog comments, email newsletters, surveys, and social media. Ask them what they want to know more about or what topics you would like to cover next.

By analysing feedback, comments, and discussions on platforms like Reddit or Quora, you can uncover common pain points and develop new ideas for blog posts that are tailored to their needs.

For instance, if you conducted a survey on your blog, you might find out that your readers are interested in a step-by-step guide on how to improve their personal finance skills. This feedback could be the catalyst for a detailed, actionable post on budgeting and saving.

As we’ve seen, finding new ideas for blog posts doesn’t have to be daunting. With a combination of research tools, feedback from your team and target audience, personal experiences, and a focus on your content pillars, you can always find relevant and exciting topics.

Enhance your blog ideas with quality writing

Great ideas are important, but how you express them is just as important, if not more so. InstaText helps content creators, writers and editors improve the quality of their writing by enhancing readability, style, grammar, and more—without compromising your unique voice. It ensures that your blog posts resonate with your audience through clear, engaging, and authentic communication.

If you haven’t tried InstaText yet, you can start with a free trial. If you’re already using it, visit our blog for new tips and insights to further support your writing and content creation journey.

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