How to Select a Popular Topic

Deciding on a topic for a blog post isn't always easy. Sometimes, you'll know exactly what you want to write. Other times, you'll struggle for an idea.

But there are times when a subject just seems unavoidable.

Whenever Apple releases a new product, Nintendo brings out a new game system or Harry Potter hits the news again, it seems as though everyone is writing about the same thing. And of course, those aren't the only times. Just wait until Oscar night, the Superbowl or the next elections.

When these things happen, writing about those topics just seems natural.

But it doesn't mean it's a good idea.

If you can't bring something new to the subject, your users are likely to be tired of reading about it. The last thing they'll want to see is yet another blog post giving them the same information that they can find anywhere else.

Fortunately, adding something new to the topic is usually fairly easy.

If the news story is about a product launch, you could try to interview someone from the company. That's much easier than it sounds. Most big corporations have an email address for press enquiries. Just send them a few questions, say that you're a blogger and you'll likely get some answers back from an executive. You get new content, they get new customers.

Or you could offer some unique tips and tricks. Try to find a few ways to squeeze more out of the product or enjoy the show and you'll give your users a reason to stop by and read.

And when the subject is really hot, you'll also pick up a ton of links too.