10 Blog Post Ideas You Can Use Right Now

Posted: 01 Aug 2012 05:02 AM PDT

Stuck for an idea? Not sure how to structure your post? Use one of these handy suggestions (you might even want to print out the list and keep it near your computer).

And if you've got a favorite post type or template, let us know in the comments!

#1: The Beginner's Guide to…

Even if you've not been blogging in your niche for very long, you can write a beginner's guide. In fact, you're in a great position to do so: you'll be able to remember all the questions you had when you were just starting out.

#2: How to…

One very simple way to create a strong title is to start with the words "How to." When you plan your post, come up with 5 – 10 steps to take readers through the process of accomplishing a particular task.

#3: 10 Tips and Tricks For…

Often, you'll have lots of good advice that readers can pick and choose from — it doesn't need to be followed step by step. In this case, a "tips and tricks" post works well. Come up with 10 or so strong ideas, and make sure each one can stand alone.

#4: The A-Z Guide To…

It takes some work to put together an A-Z guide … but this sort of post can make a fantastic resource for readers. You could write an A-Z guide for your whole niche (e.g. "The A-Z Guide to Blogging") or for an aspect of your niche (e.g. "The A-Z Guide to Writing Great Content").

#5: This [Week's / Month's] Best Posts On…

A round-up post is a great way to establish your expertise: it shows that you've got your finger on the pulse of what's happening around the internet. By collating great recent posts (perhaps from the last week or month), you also point readers towards valuable resources.

#6: The Pros and Cons of…

Even if you have a strong personal opinion about a particular issue, you might want to present a balanced view. A "pros and cons" post can help do that — you give readers the advantages, and then the disadvantages, of a particular action/product/etc.

#7: How I …. And How You Can Too

This type of post works really well whether you're new to your niche, or an established expert. Think of something you've accomplished that your readers would love to do — and tell them how you did it. Make sure you include some tips on how they can emulate your success.

#8: Seven Ways To…

This is a bit like a how-to post with a twist: you're offering a bunch of different possible ways to do something. There's often not a one-size-fits-all solution, so help your readers explore different ideas and encourage them to try a new technique.

#9: Review of…

Whatever niche you're in, there'll be books, products, services, and even other blogs that you can review. If there's a major book or product coming out, get your hands on it as soon as you can (you might even ask the publisher for an advance copy) and let your readers know what you thought.

#10: What 5 Experts Say About…

Perhaps you know your readers want a post about a particular topic — but you don't feel you know enough to write that post. Instead of trying to come up with the content yourself, look at blogs, books, or articles to see what experts in your field have said. (Make sure you attribute each quote.)

Do you have a favorite post type from the ones above… or a different idea to suggest? Let us know in the comments!

Bio: Ali Luke writes a regular column for DailyBlogTips. She will be leading blogging courses in London from September. If you'd like to learn more about blogging, with hands-on exercises and one-to-one support as part of a small group, then book your place today.