Blogging Doesn’t Have to be Hard: 9 Foolproof Ideas for your Next Post

In 2014, when blogging might almost seem like an ancient concept, it’s important to understand why the practice can still play an important role ...

In 2014, when blogging might almost seem like an ancient concept, it’s important to understand why the practice can still play an important role for your business. A blog is a fantastic way to build SEO, because great content and keywords are what help search engines, and in turn, potential clients find you. It also allows you to have more of an online presence aside from your Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, it sets you apart and keeps you relevant while growing an audience.

Whether you’re just starting your blog, or simply in a rut about what your next post should be about – it can feel difficult to keep producing fresh, relative content. However, as long as you’re continuing to produce new photography work, trying different gear, or have an opinion on industry news – you definitely have content to work with and write about. Here are 9 ideas from our Photography Blog Handbook along with great examples that can inspire your next post.

1. Compile Lists
We’ve all seen it, in fact, you’re reading one now – and the reason is, they work. Lists allow you to organize your content in a way that is easy to digest for the reader and help create a sense of clarity throughout. Lists also force you to write a headline that clearly describes what the post is about, which generates more clicks because readers know exactly what they’re getting into.

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2. Opinion Pieces
Everyone’s got one, but communicating yours clearly with back up sources and an explanation for your thought process on a controversial issue can make for a meaty blog post that could have your readers coming back when industry news is announced. Just be warned – once it’s published to the World Wide Web, there’s no turning back – so be sure you’re very sure you want yours out there to be scrutinized.

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3. Tutorials
The Internet is a DIY paradise, and “how-to” articles are their own cottage industry. If you have a creative and, even better, inexpensive method to completing a task or technique people will take notice, usually in the form of buzz and backlinks. Don’t have a cheap, novel approach? Think about your specialty and the services you offer, and explain how you do what you do best – you will likely still find an interested audience.

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4. Reviews
There is no shortage of photography gear reviews on the Internet. That should not discourage you from throwing your hat into the ring. Many photographers carve out a niche for themselves based on their reviews. It might be what you say, it might be how you say it, but if you write a gear review, someone will definitely be reading.

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5. Compile Resources
Everyone loves to discover that all the information they need on a topic already exists in one place. If you don’t mind doing a little legwork, then try assembling a specific, relevant list of links to resources online. This may be a particularly useful option for photographers who do not consider themselves strong writers – a resource list is more about supporting the topic, and writing need not be heavily involved.

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6. Crack a Joke
If your friends say you’re the funniest gal/guy they know, why not test their theory on your blog? More often than not, when something goes viral it usually involves either comedy or a kitten. The animal thing might be more of a stretch for a photography blog, but there’s lots of fun to be plowed in pictures, words, and film.

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7. Interview People Smarter Than You
The world is full of smart, interesting people with an experienced viewpoint. An interview with them can add depth to an issue and will likely bring new people to your blog that might not have found it otherwise. You could also email a photographer whose work you admire or a prospective client that you’d love to work with one day. As long as the interview is not a thinly veiled request for work, promoting them with an interview on your blog will at least get you on a few radars.

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8. Show Behind-the-Scenes
Behind-the-scenes content usually resonates well with an audience, especially photographers who love to learn the story behind an image. Practically any photo assignment you’ve done has the potential to become a behind-the-scenes blog post.

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9. News
Newsworthy content can create short bursts of link-building and discussion. However, these posts tend to be less evergreen. A relevant topic today is yesterday’s news tomorrow. However, if your particular field gives you exclusive access to breaking news, or even just an assignment, don’t discount the potential to generate buzz. Buzz is still buzz, and you want to generate as much of it as possible.

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Want more tips and tricks to build your blog? Download our free guide Photography Blog Handbook today!