Ever have a day when you want to blog something, but you just feel like you have nothing to say or no energy to come up with a creative idea? Well, here are 11 tried and true ideas for you:
1. Ask a question
People love to share their opinions and thoughts. A lot of the questions that readers submit to me via email are ones that I post as reader questions. I learn so much from the input that you all post!
Example: Ask the Readers Questions
2. Share a quick tip
As you’re going about your day, look for simple things you do that others might find helpful. Maybe a time-saving tip, a kitchen tip, an organization tip… anything you do that makes your life easier and might be helpful to someone else, too.
Sometimes it’s the simplest ideas that are people’s favorite posts!
Example: Shop With a Calculator
3. Comment on an article or quote from a book
When you are reading articles or books, write down quotes you love or thought-provoking ideas you come across. A simple quote or idea from a book can be a great springboard for an insightful post.
I keep a running log of these ideas/quotes and they are instant blog fodder on days when I need a quick post idea.
Example: The Multitasking Myth
4. Tell a story
Did something funny or interesting happen to you that day or week? Share it as a post — especially if there’s a great example or lesson you learned from the story.
Example: A Shiny New Car is Not Always All It’s Cracked Up to Be
5. Write about a product you love
Have a kitchen gadget, app, or other sort of tool that is a life-saver? What about a product you just love? Write a quick post about it.
Example: Our Craigslist Table
6. Share a picture post
Sometimes, few words are needed.
Example: Freezer Cooking Posts
7. Answer a comment or email from a reader as a post
If you get an email from a reader that asks a question you think others would be interested in hearing the answer to, turn it into a post. (Be sure to remove details that the emailer might not want publicly shared or get their permission to post the question on your blog first.)
In addition, if you’re answering a comment and your answer begins to get lengthy, consider turning it into a blog post instead.
Example: Is it Possible to Survive on a $30/Week Grocery Budget?
8. Request help and input
Are you trying to decide which paint color to use, craft project to try, or book to read next? Why not ask your readers? I bet they’d love to give their input — and these types of posts always bring out lots of responses and fun engagement.
Example: What Should I Do With All These Canned Biscuits?
9. Write a book review
If you read a great book, don’t keep it to yourself. Write a quick post sharing your thoughts on the book and why you’d recommend it to your readers.
Example: Platform by Michael Hyatt
10. Share 10 links you love
Top 10 posts are always a hit — and they are usually pretty simple to put together, too. Best of all, the possibilities for Top 10 lists are just about endless. Can’t come up with 10 ideas, share 9 and ask your readers to supply #10.
Example: Top 10 Apps That Will Save & Make You Money
11. Give something away
Readers love giveaways. And they love them even more when you give away something of your own — even if it’s something small. Put together a fun little package of goodies and write about why you chose each item and then give the package away to one commentor.
Example: Reader Giveaway Extravaganza
What are your ideas for quick & easy posts you can write when you feel like your brain is fried? I’d love to hear.
Josten says
Thank you for this post! I have been trying to be really consistent with my blog and am traveling this week and having a hard time coming up with quick ideas. I think I’m going to do a 10 Links I Love post! Thank you, Crystal!
Lori Geurin says
Thanks for the great blog post ideas, Crystal! Some days I’m not sure what to write about, but this has given me some fresh ideas. 🙂
Kathy Sanders says
Thanks for this series, so helpful! As a new blogger I have many ideas but get tangled up in execution, your suggestions will be a big help.
Ashley @ Joyful Thrifty Home says
Thank you so much for this post!! I have been completely brain fried and stressed out lately and have had to take a break from my blog. This post gave me the push I needed to get back into it as well as some ideas to fill in those days I need something quicker to post.
The Prudent Homemaker says
This is my favorite post in this series! I’ve had several ideas within these categories in my head recently that I have been planning for future posts. I bookmarked this post to help me remember!
Elizabeth says
HI! Great tips! It’s always nice to have a stash of ideas for when they’re needed! I find evernote to be invaluable in that regard! I make a note or clip something and voila, organized, saved and synced to all my devices. I also really like the question idea. I haven’t tried that one yet, but will do it soon! Thanks 🙂
Bonnie a.k.a. LadyBlogger says
I thought you were just going to have the list, but your example f each one is great! I decided that my brain being fried is due to menopause starting, so I can ride that one for a few years…then I’m out of excuses!
Annie Kate says
I love writing book reviews, and you’re right, it gives me something to say even if I don’t feel creative. But the best part is sharing about great books, or sometimes explaining why I think a book is not good.
Now, off to have some real life fun and swim with the kids!
Molly says
I love this post! I printed out your list so I can refer to it, I was afraid that by naming my blog RGVCouponMom, that i had to only post stuff about coupons and such, but this is surely helping me. I was thinking of doing posts about our Netflix/Redbox Picks and asking my readers about what books I should read. I don’t have much of a following yet (just friends and family), but hopefully with these tips I can gain more readers. Thanks Crystal, you are the best
Crystal says
You’re very welcome!
Jo Lynn says
Definitely going to try some of these! One of my readers (who also happens to be my mother) has been telling me I should throw in some different types of posts to add some variety and do some shorter ones from time to time. Implementing some from this list will let her know I’m listening to her 🙂
Yvonne Reynolds says
There are some great ideas here! Now it just needs a fun image so I can pin it on my blog helps Pinterest board! 🙂
Crystal says
Image is coming — probably today or tomorrow. I wasn’t organized enough to remember to ask my designer for it ahead of time. 🙂
Yvonne Reynolds says
Hey thank you Crystal! I am sure the image will be a great one! 🙂
Katy @ Purposely Frugal says
Thanks! I’ll probably be referring to this post many times in the future! 🙂