Showing posts with label Content ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Content ideas. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

How to Find Ideas for Writing Articles

Writing articles every couple of weeks or so is a great idea for your online business but it can sometimes be hard to find good subject matter for your article.  You write article after article and finally you just seem to draw a blank on what to write about.  I am sure that has happened to all of us at one time or another.

When it happens to me there are a few things that I can do to find fresh ideas.  These tips will work for you as well.  Below are some good places to find interesting and fresh article content.   

*Blogs - Blogs are a great place to find ideas for your article as many different things are discussed on blogs.  People share their opinions, ideas, experiences and questions.

*Message Boards - Message boards are a good source of information as well.  Follow the discussions and see what things people are interested in and need to know more about.  I have written many articles from information I read on the boards.

*Email Discussion Groups - Again, get involved in the discussions.  Find out what information people are looking for.  Not only can you get ideas for your articles, but you can learn a lot as well and make some new contacts.  Just go to Yahoo and do a search for the appropriate type of group for your business.

*Internet News Sites - Keeping up with Internet marketing news is very important for your business.  Not only for writing articles but for keeping abreast of new developments, ideas, technology, etc.  Research and write your articles to keep your readers informed as well.

*Read through your email - Take note of what people are asking you about and what they are most concerned with.  Keep a file on hand and record all questions that can be used to create a powerful article.

*Subscribe to ezines - Ezines can be a goldmine of information and ideas.  They allow you to keep up to date on the latest products, programs, biz opps, etc.  Some of this information can make great articles.

*Do a survey - Write a two or three question survey and send it out to associates or discussion group members or better yet, your subscribers.  Give your readers the information and news they are looking for.

For example: What questions do you have about Internet marketing?  What resources do you need that you cannot find?  Questions like this could give you some innovative article ideas.

*Read other articles - By reading other articles, you can come up with an unusual twist or angle for an overused idea.  It sometimes helps to get different views and insights on the same old idea.  NOTE:  Never copy information or content from an article, ezine, or website.

*What would YOU like to know more about - Pick a topic you need to learn about, do some research and turn it into a resourceful article.  This is a great way to learn while promoting your online business.

Always keep an open mind and eye out for article ideas.  After awhile you will begin to se ideas automatically all over the net.  Keep a notebook handy and when you think of an idea write it down in your notebook.   I tend to think of ideas while lying awake in the middle of the night.  I learned right away that if I don't write them down, they are totally gone by morning. 

And remember, people want and need basic, straight forward, helpful information.  They do not want or need college words, fancy storylines or over-dramatized articles.

Also, do not be afraid to give your articles a little personality, humor and best of all, heart.  Write as if you were talking to the reader and doing your best to help them.

Articles are one of the most powerful marketing methods online.  Don't let a little doubt stop you from making this big step towards success!
CONTINUE READING - How to Find Ideas for Writing Articles

Friday, December 17, 2010

11 Quick (and Good) Content Ideas for Your Ezine or Website

Publishing articles, especially via an e-zine, is the ideal opportunity to showcase your business. By sharing your knowledge and expertise, you build credibility as an expert, while spreading the word about your services and products.

While I'm sure that sometimes you have dozens of content ideas, I bet other times you find yourself staring at a blank computer screen, grumbling that it's publishing time again. Well, have no fear! Here are 11 quick (and good) content ideas for when you're in a pinch.

1. Give real-life success stories.
Describe a problem you've solved for a client/customer, and use that as a springboard to offer more general advice. Show your readers how you've helped customers address challenges -- "case studies" if you will. This positions you as the expert in your readers' minds more than your coming out and saying so.

2. Think of three areas in which you'd like your clients to think of you as a resource.
Now develop content in those areas. For example, in my past life as a professional copywriter, I really enjoyed writing for Web sites. To help encourage my clients and prospects to hire me for these projects, I published several articles on how to write Web copy that sells.

3. Read industry publications for ideas.
Are there any hot issues in your field right now? The more controversial, the better. Don't be afraid to offer your own opinion -- your readers want to know it. After all, YOU are the expert in their eyes.

4. Jot down 8 questions your clients have asked you in the past.
You know, the ones they ask you over and over. Answer each in a short article. If you publish weekly, that's two months' worth of content, right off the bat! And if you can't think of any questions, send all your current clients/customers a quick e-mail, asking them what topics they're most interested in learning more about.

5. Learn anything neat lately from an industry conference, workshop, seminar, or insightful article?
No one says you have to reinvent the wheel of information! Pass on any gems of advice you've learned elsewhere -- just give them full attribution. Or give your opinion of the event or article itself. Your readers will appreciate your frankness.

6. Offer a list of your top 5 or 10 tips on a certain subject.
It's much easier to bang out a list of tips than to put together a real article. Of course, the tips can evolve into an article if you wish! Be sure to list your best tip first, or at least close to the top. (If you "fire your biggest gun" last, you risk losing your audience before they get to the good stuff.)

7. Interview associates whose expertise would interest your readers
(while not competing with yours). E-mail interviews are incredibly easy to do. Just send your interviewee 3 to 5 questions via e-mail, edit their answers, and have them approve the final version. Be sure to give them a short plug in your e-zine as a thank you. (A one- or two-sentence description of their business and their Web address should be fine.)

8. Recommend books and resources that you use, and offer full reviews on them.In one issue of my old ezine newsletters, "AKB MarCom Tips," I featured reviews of my favorite four copywriting resource books. I'm glad I also gave my Amazon.com associate links, because I ended up making some nice commission, to boot!

9. Invite clients or readers to write you with their own questions, and answer one in each issue.
Right after their question, publish the person's name, business, and Web address, with their permission. They'll enjoy the attention and free publicity!

10. Invite readers to send in profiles.
Ask them to tell you about themselves -- their names, businesses, locations, and how they use the information gained in your e-zine. Feature one profile in each issue or one every few issues.

11. When all else fails, borrow an article!
There are dozens of Web sites offering hundreds of articles that you can use in your e-zine. The articles are free and available for you to use immediately. The only catch is you're required to leave the entire article intact, including the author's promotional information. One of my favorite places to search for articles is www.ezinearticles.com.

One last note: Keep in mind that if your e-zine's main objective is to get you more clients and customers, you should NOT feature other writers' articles more than once in a blue moon. Remember our main goal is to continually showcase YOU.
CONTINUE READING - 11 Quick (and Good) Content Ideas for Your Ezine or Website