What Should I Blog About, Part II

Posted by Laura Bergells

May 18, 2007

what should you blog about? Last month, I wrote a post titled “What Should I Blog About?”.

It’s the number one question I get from individuals who attend my intro blog seminar. My April post quickly summarizes Part I of the answer.

I recognize what’s really behind that question. I recognize that people who are new to blogging fear bloggers block — the feeling of “ohmigosh — I have nothing to write about!”

Freeze. Panic. Hours of staring at the keyboard. No results. Angst.

I call it Blogger’s Block, Ian Lurie over at Conversation Marketing gives it a simpler mashup-style name: “Bloggage“. (He also offers excellent suggestions for overcoming “bloggage” in his post.)

Now here’s the “Part II” secret about Blogger’s Block: After you’ve blogged regularly for a month or so, you will likely never face bloggers block again.

Seriously. No more angst about writing. Ever again.

And here’s why:

Your blog-reading audience will email you with a new blog idea just about every day. Here’s a sample mash-up from my inbox,

“Laura, did you read this? Did you see this online? You should blog about this.”

Yes, other people will find story ideas for you. Some of these folks are in PR and want you to pitch their products or services. Some are friends, colleagues, and family members who want to read your take on a topic that they perceive as part of your blog beat. And some are regular readers who you have never met, they just like what you have to say and are trying to be helpful.

You’ll need to decide whether blogging about an audience member’s pet topic is in alignment with your goals, of course. But ideas will come pouring in thick and fast.

In fact, I love getting ideas from my audience! Who is in a better position to know what they want to read about than someone who subscribes to my blog?

(Now, I may not choose to expand on your ideas in my blog — but I defend your right to pitch them! And as always, I appreciate thoughtful conversation starters!)

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