How To Pick The Perfect Topic For Your Blog

I could actually start and stop this post with a three word phrase, “just pick one”, but the reality is it’s not that simple. There is really no fool proof way to pick a topic, to be honest there are probably several topic floating around in your head that would be the perfect topic for your blog post. There are other factors like the time you can devote to your blog and your overall goal in starting the blog. Here are some tips that can jump start your process in picking the “perfect” blog topic.

Just Pick One

The first tip is going to be in part what not to do. The worst thing you can do is spend months changing topics over and over again, this method will only get you on a hamster wheel and you will never get started.  Once you read about the options on how to choose a topic give it some thought and go for it don’t let it keep you stuck at the starting line.

Now we have covered what not to do let’s look at the tips on getting you started.

Where’s the Finish Line

At the end of the day what do you hope to accomplish? Are you looking at a blog for the purpose of having fun, sharing information, making money, selling product, etc etc. Take a minute to brain storm. In order to plan how you will start, you have to know where your finish line is.

(Hint, Hint: Most people start a blog because they want to earn money and there is nothing wrong with that; however that cannot be your sole motivation when picking your topic because you will find yourself having a hard time accomplishing you goal.) 

Make a List

There are several great ideas floating around in your head now,  the catch is getting them on paper.  This leads to the next brainstorming task. Make a list of all the things you know about, have an interest in, or think you would be successful with writing about.  If your drawing a blank because you are trying to pick the perfect topic, don’t worry about it.  Do this exercise then look through the internet and see what topics jump out at you, you’ll be amazed at what it does for you.  I personally do this all the time for Maple North, a company that I work for.  When I have a client that needs attention it’s the same thing, you have to take the time to develop ideas. When you become the expert blogger you will find yourself making tons of lists of ideas.

Time to Compare

By this point you should have a two lists, one with your goals and one with your topic ideas. Now all you have to do is match them up. When you come across a topic that does not match your goal then you should simply eliminate it from the list. With the information that is left pull out about 3 to 10 topics that strike you as a favorite.

Pick A Topic

That’s it! You now have all the necessary tools to select the perfect topic.  Here are a few additional tips that have helped me in the past. Take the list of 10 and narrow it down to 3.  Now that you are down to 3 topics you can start thinking about making money before you make your final decision.

Things to Look For

There are several ways to earn money online from a blog. Here are a few:

• Consulting (PPC, Blogging, SEO, SEM, etc)
• Guest Posting (on sites like JohnChow.com)
• Products
• Selling eBooks
• Affiliate Marketing
• Advertising

Ok, there is more.  You can find other blogs that are writing about the same topic as yours to see if there is any evidence they are making money.  If they are making money, the odds are that they offer services that make them money on the site.  These are the same topics that you’ll be writing about!

The Biggie

You have to enjoy the topic that you’re blogging about and know enough about it to be considered an expert. The topic you choose has to be something you are willing to write about every day and several times a day. As you get further into your website tips you will find that content is everything and it has certain criteria that has to be met. In order to fit all these needs you have to have an interest in the topic. Your readers are also going to be looking to see if your information is accurate; so if it is a topic you are feeling your way through they will know it and your readers will abandon your blog.  Remember traffic and readers are the only way to a successful blog.  There is also a difference between blog rejection and failure.

I could go on forever on how to pick the “perfect topic” but I think this is more than enough to get you started. Stay tuned to get other blogging tips and how to’s. If you have started a blog and have some others tips on how you cose your topic please share in the comments below!

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