Rebecca Lee has been blogging for almost two years. Here, she shares her tech-oriented tips for getting inspired for writing posts.
So you’re an old hand at blogging. You were one of the first to jump on board the online era, but as a result you are now stuck on how to keep your content fresh.
It happens. Traditionally coined writers block, this situation can be paralyzing. Now with so many sources of inspiration online and access to so much information, how do we sift through the nonsense and write about things our readers really want to read? Better yet, before they know they want to read it?
I will let you in a few of my geeky hacks that will have you writing in no time.
Google predict search
Search engines have come a long way since their inception and as much as this is great for when we want to find that perfect handmade baby shower gift or find a discount voucher for your girls catch up lunch next week, it can actually work for your blogging too.
Have you noticed how Google actually tries to predict what you are searching for now? Google are using algorithms based on what people search for the most, paired with the words you type to generate results. All you need to do is enter a few words related to your chosen topic and voila you have a list of queries people are already looking for. Genius!
This is a tool I use frequently when writing for Chillisauce.co.uk, which specialises in hen and stag dos. Those posts can become samey over time. As Google predict search uses up to date data I find that even using the same search query for example ‘hen party’ it can turn up varying results depending on when I use it.
It’s important to remember here that you will get out what you put in. Be creative with your searches and have fun with it. Try and put yourself in the mind of your reader and think what they would be searching for.
Spezify
For those of us who were told they were ‘visual’ learners at an early age or for when you need a break from staring at wordy emails all day. I’ve got the perfect solution. Spezify is a visual search and inspiration tool. Sounds very technical, it’s actually very simple.
Type your query into the search bar and almost instantly it will begin to collate hundreds of images and videos related to your search. Scroll through and click on any image to find its source. So there you have it a fountain of image inspiration just waiting for you.
Reddit is one of those things most people have heard of but aren’t exactly sure how it all works. All the content on the site is community generated, mainly consisting of photos, links to news stories and interesting websites. All posts submitted are reviewed and then approved by the Reddit team. They also have submissions from news agencies like Reuters and BBC.
I’ll admit the front page news feed is not the most aesthetically pleasing but it is functional. The tabs will help guide you to the information you need, whether it be hot, controversial, rising or new. You can filter by topics as well. All the content is ranked by views, which shows you not only what types of things are trending but what people are more inclined to read. Bingo! You now have access to what is popular. Another plus is that Reddit covers everything from hard-hitting world news to jokes and memes, giving you as many angles and possibilities as you could want.
If you are want to know a bit more about Reddit and how it all started take a look at Reddit Tips: How to Use Reddit from directory journal.com – it’s a really interesting story.
Its seems like everyone these days is banging on about the power of social media and I have to say that I too am pretty sick of it, but there is some method in the madness. Despite being a late adopter to the Twittersphere I have now fully embraced it and I will tell you why:
Twitter is not just a place to share your whereabouts and to join in on follow Fridays; it is much, much more.
You want to start with hash tags, they are really easy to find and there are ones for pretty much every phrase, topic and interest. Keep an eye on these feeds and what people are talking about, but don’t just listen; get involved, ask questions and find out even more. Journalists are renowned for using Twitter as a source of breaking news and sourcing interviews. My big tip is to try using #journorequest if you need any real life stories or expert advice for your articles, you may be surprised how many people are willing to help.
Google alerts
Last but by no means least is Google alerts. Once you sign up for Google alerts you will never turn them off — it really becomes quite addictive.
Google basically allows you to access notifications to specific search terms so whenever someone posts new information on a topic you get an email. I would advise you to receive these on a daily basis if you are working on ideas and chose the ‘as it happens’ setting when looking for immediate results. This tool is not only great for keeping up with news in your sector but also monitoring what competitors are up to so you don’t cover the same things or so you can put a unique spin on something.
This is a very versatile tool that allows you to set up as many or as few alerts as you like that are all managed in one place. The potential drawback is you need a Gmail account to get started.
So there you have it: five geeky blogger tips to spring-clean your blogging style and get you on the right track to trending topics and breaking news. I’d love to hear your thoughts and if you have any tools or tips you would have shortlisted.
Rebecca Lee has been blogging for almost two years but specialises in weddings, travel and leisure writing. When she is not busy writing or researching new content she can be found with her head buried in a gossip magazine (we all have our guilty pleasures) and enjoying time with her family. Follow her @Rebeccalee1010 for trending news topics, SEO and PR happenings.
About
BritMums is the UK’s original collective of lifestyle bloggers and digital influencers, fueling the country’s most influential social content. We lead the online conversation with members who are parent social influencers creating content on topics ranging from food, parenting, travel, politics, style and more.
David Frosdick
Sunday 22nd of September 2013
Good post. Reddit is a machine when it comes to driving traffic but I've never thought of using it for content ideas. I suppose it's obvious because you can see what people are interested in.
Adam Share
Wednesday 22nd of May 2013
Thank you for the tips, very useful. I am only sorry that I cannot offer you any good tips in return. If I think of any then I will definately let you know!! :o)
Sue Neal
Tuesday 21st of May 2013
Very helpful post - hadn't heard of Spezify and have always been intimidated by Reddit, but will now check them both out.
Many thanks,
Sue
Joanne Mallon
Monday 20th of May 2013
These are great, useful tips, thanks for writing this. As well as reacting to what's already popular, I think it's important for bloggers to also strive to say something new, something that's not already being covered by the mainstream media. So whilst we're researching what people are talking about, we should not be afraid to be original and go in a different direction. Maybe your original viewpoint will strike a chord and resonate with a wider audience. Be a conversation starter as well as a conversation follower.
Anya from Older Single Mum and The Healer
Saturday 18th of May 2013
What an amazing post! It's simply impossible to keep up with everything going on, but I love the sound of all of this - Reddit and #journorequest here I come!