How do you find new post ideas?

[Jennifer Lynn]

I usually visit my favorite websites to spread some link love. And the best part is, I usually end up stumbling across an article that inspires a new idea.

[TomaszStasiuk]

Commenting on blogs, or even better, doing an interview for a podcast work wonders for me. I often find that a comment turns into a full fledged article for my site. The original site gets a trackback, and I get more content.

Interviews are like striking gold, though. I was a guest on the SSDradio podcast and was so jazzed that I wrote six articles that evening.

Now, I have been bitten by the podcasting bug and I am getting the equipment together for a Social Security and Disability podcast of my own.

[brokegradstudent]

I use many of the methods that have already been mentioned, and reading other blogs is definitely one of my favorite ways to come up with new post ideas. I write about personal finance, but I enjoy reading blogs that focus on other topics that I'm interested in like computers and technology and figuring out a way to relate it to personal finance.

[Mydailydollars]

I agree with brokegradstudent. I like to find ways to weave my other interests (especially literature) into posts. My favorite posts come when I make connections between what I'm teaching or studying and personal finance!

[graphoniac]

I'm a researcher. I get on research kicks that send me hither and yon, weeding through a different flavor of blogs and online resources every week. My ideas almost always start as a question. Is there such a thing as a legit work-at-home op? Can I afford to have a cake and eat it too? How can I reduce my grocery budget? Is there a better brand or a cheaper alternative to my --whatever--?

If a question doesn't come to me right away, I play the "What if?" game. What if there were no such thing as a legit work-at-home op? What if I had to rely completely on my freelance business? What if I had to start a new business?

Or if the "What If?" game doesn't work, I think about what I know very well. You spoke of returning the same topics. That's not always bad. You could take one of those topics and compose a list of questions someone might ask you if they had no idea what you were talking about. Sometimes that leads to discovery of the new & improved or the never-explained-but-desparately-needed.

When that fails, or when they're handy anyway, I like to hash out ideas with friends. I'll introduce a topic I'd like to write about and just chat. It's amazing how often a friend can ask a question or give you a juicy fact that sets your writer's mind ablaze!

[marts56]

Wow that was the best tip thanks for sharing that one.

[graphoniac]

Sure, no problem.

[Tisha Tolar]

and a desk..

I do suffer from the burnout of topic ideas but I find that if I am in the zone to write - the ideas flow freely. Sitting here forcing myself to be creative never works. So I take a walk or clean the house and just let my brain rest.

It does help to read ALOT. I find ideas all over the place and sometimes even forget to write from my own personal experiences.

This is an interesting question and I can't wait to read all of the other answers on here!

[remarkablogger]

Ripping topics from headlines, as previously mentioned, can be one of the best ways to come up with blog post topics.

If you're trying to position yourself as an expert, and you regularly get comments, try this: ask your readers to ask you their questions. Give them a contact form (you should have one anyway).

Make the post headline something like: "Reader Question:" followed by an actual question. Try to use the reader's own words (better SEO).

Then, in the post, answer the question and invite more questions or follow up questions.

I've also found that you can practically never get too basic, so any kind of "101" post works great and you could do it with your eyes closed.

When you're REALLY stuck, grab a few past posts in the same category and link to them in a new post, writing a short description to each one.

And, finally, you can always pick a relevant blog in your niche and profile it as a resource for your own readers. You'll strengthen your relationship with the other blogger as a result, as well as provide great posts for your own readers.

[richsinglemomma]

I agree with Remarkablogger about getting ideas from your readers. Asking a question at the end of your post that will garner comments are priceless. Their comments or questions can turn into a unique post with your answer or reply.

Sometimes I get emails from my readers. I find that my response is very good for a post so I use it; not their personal information of course.

Also, doing a series on one topic is a good idea. I am currently doing a Side Hustle Series that features offline ways to make extra money and an Economic Empowerment Series is in the works too.

Samantha
RichSingleMomma.com