3 Methods for Generating Writing Ideas

byMike-Writes

7.1K followers

Updated 9 years ago

Sometimes when you are trying to write content for your blog you simply hit the brick wall. The ideas for your writing projects just aren't there. If you are are having this problem or have experienced it in the past, here are three proven methods for brainstorming new topic ideas. These should get your stalled projects back on track.

The 3 methods are:

1. Make a List

If you are working on a specific topic start by writing down a list of single words or phrases that are related to your overall topic. Just list whatever pops into your mind. For example, if you are going to do a product review, list information, pros, cons and questions about the product.

While you are making your list don’t worry about outlining or editing anything at this time. You want this process to flow without interruption. Once you have completed your list it's time to put your words or phrases into groups. The contents of each group should have a logical relationship to each other. Once you are finished give each group a name.

Now you are ready to get started with your article. Begin by writing a sentence about each group. Take these sentences and build your article from there. Use the groups to develop even more points to create content on.

2. The WWWWWH Method

Professional journalists use this method when they are researching a story. The five W’s and one H are actually questions.

They are listed below:

• Who?
• What?
• When?
• Where?
• Why?
• How?

You can do the same thing to generate ideas for your website content.

Take a sheet of paper and make six headings (who, what, when, where, why, and how), leaving yourself space between each word so you will have room to answer the questions. Now write down brief answers for these questions as they relate to your topic.

Next check back over your answers to see if you have more info under one than the others. For example, do you have more to say about the "who" and "what" than the "why" or are your answers pretty much equal?

As you review your answers you will find that you know more about some areas of your topic than you do others. Your next step is to take this material and use it to come up with new content ideas.

To improve the areas where you are less knowledgeable, you will need to do further research on your topic. This will add more value and quality to the finished version of your content.

3. Research

With this method, you need to pay a visit to your local library and browse through the dictionaries, encyclopedias, and any other available reference books. You should be able to gather a large amount of information, some obscure facts and idea gems relevant to your topic.

Make notes of the information you think will most help your readers and provide them with the answers they are seeking. If you feel you still need more additional material you can search online and add any information you find to that you've already accumulated.

If one of these methods does not work for you just try another until the ideas start flowing. It may take a combination of the 3 methods for you to get the results you need.

Don't give up, action will produce results!

Hope this helps you with your content creation.