If you are the proud owner of a blog, then you know that blogging can be an enjoyable personal hobby or an effective online marketing tactic for your company—but you also know that it can sometimes be difficult to come up with award winning topics that really spark your readers’ interests and send blog viewers flocking to your web address.  So the next time you are sitting there staring at the blank WordPress screen in front of you with zero clue about what to post…be sure to take a look at the topic ideas below that will get you started on posts to keep your followers coming back for more and more:

Bust a myth:

Be a blogger who gives readers the cold-hard truth about topics they don’t know about (or topics that they think they know about).  Choose a topic that is a bit controversial (people love to read about controversy) and bust some common misconceptions surrounding the issue.  Controversial topics can be tricky because you pose the risk of offending certain readers—so just remember to be respectful so that people don’t unsubscribe from your blog instead of telling their friends about it.

Be a problem solver:

Internet users are constantly hitting up the blogosphere looking for answers to problems in their lives.  Therefore, try choosing a topic that would assist your followers with an issue they need fixing!  Of course, your topic will depend on the niche and purpose of your blog…but some of the most sought after blog-posts are associated with problem-solving topics regarding money, relationships and health.  And when you not only include relevant solutions to your posts, but hope as well, you will tie in a personal side to your blog that people can’t help but find comforting. 

Deliver news happening NOW:

To really stay on top of your blogging game, you’ve got to make sure that you are providing your readers with up to the minute news.  Pick topics that are relevant not yesterday, not an hour ago, but right this very second!  Because you will establish credibility through your awareness of the latest happenings in your industry/area of expertise, your visitors will trust your current content and will be sure to return in the future.

Give a “How-To”:

Whenever you need to figure out how to do anything from boil an egg to even break up with that jerk of a boyfriend, what do you do?  You type your “how do I ____” question into Google, of course!  One of the simplest yet most effective ways to capitalize on such search queries, connect to your target audience and engage these followers in your blog is by choosing a topic under the category of “how-to.”  Provide step by step instructions for how to do something that would be of particular interest to your audience…people love a how-to, no matter how ridiculous or far out it may be!

Mark Weikel is a guest post author who enjoys sharing his blogging tips.  In addition, Mark also writes blog posts for gay dating sites where he provides information about safe online dating.