How to Counter Writer’s Block (22 Ways)

If all of a sudden, your blog feels like a dog pulling at your heels, demanding attention that you’re unable to give, and all your research zeal is exhausted, and the topics you want to write about have lost their appeal, you may be suffering from writer’s block.

All bloggers come across writer’s block many times during their career. After blogging for some time, ideas seem to vanish into thin air. All the great topics on your ideas list have either been covered in another blog or you simply have the title, but no content to write about.

When this happens, do not think of anything drastic. You can make a few changes in your work pattern, but giving up is not an option. Below are some ways that will get your creative juices flowing and help you come up with some workable topics for your blog.

1. Review a book by a foreign writer

Have you read any books by French or Arab authors? If so, you can surprise your readers by posting a review. This is a helpful tip for those who blog in English but have a different native language. People enjoy reading reviews of foreign language books written by native speakers. You just need to know where to look for inspiration.

2. Review a product/service

Every day, new products and services are launched across the internet, from coaching programs to physical products. All you need to do is post your honest experience regarding a product or service. You may think that it won’t be significant, but there is always someone looking for an honest review before making their purchase.

You can also follow up on a product that was launched a few years ago and review its performance. How has it changed? Are the initial business goals still the driving force behind it?

3. Get inspiration from a different industry and adapt it to your industry

Your niche may have its unique propositions, but the essence of business is the same across all industries. Find out how people are solving problems in different industries and see how it can be adapted to fit your industry. Your readers will thank you for that!

4. Watch a classic movie

You can watch the latest movie and review it, but there are millions of blogs specifically doing just that. Instead, head to the archives of old movies and watch a classic like Joe Kidd or Dances With Wolves. You’ll be amazed at how it gets your creative writing juices flowing. Sometimes, you need to go back to the 1940s to find a topic to write about.

5. Is Joe writing that too?

Blogsdrop (coined from eavesdrop) often. Blogspdropping is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a way to keep up with the competition and a form of blog sport. In hip hop, rappers call it “keeping an ear to the street.” Find out what your industry experts are blogging about and bring a fresh twist to some of the topics they have covered.

6. Social media and Google Alerts are a must

Use social media and Google Alerts to find exciting topics to write about. Check trending news in Google Alerts and subscribe to alerts on various keywords. Also, check articles posted in niche groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. LinkedIn is especially useful as the majority of its users are professionals.

7. Let your readers drive your agenda

Get ideas on topics to write about from your readers’ comments on your blog, email, Twitter, or Facebook. Some bloggers have a “suggest a topic” button where readers can submit topic ideas. If you don’t have such a section on your blog, you can simply post a request to readers to suggest something they want you to write about.

8. Do you play soccer? Great, let’s go bungee jumping!

Take a break from blogging in your industry and write about something completely different. Keeping up with the latest developments in your industry can quickly wear you down. So, take a break and blog about a different topic.

9. Answer questions

Check questions asked on Yahoo Answers and Answers.com that are related to your niche, and create a post based on them. Join your niche groups on Google Groups and Yahoo Groups, and check what people are asking. You can get great blog title ideas from these groups.

10. Table of contents

Check the table of contents of top-selling books in your niche on Amazon or Barnes & Noble to get ideas on what to write. Books sell because of their table of contents, so why do you think you cannot get a winning title from them?

11. Opinions please

Create a poll about a topic and review the outcome. Ask your readers what they think of a particular subject. It can be about a topic in your niche or a recent news story. Start a poll and let readers share their thoughts. Once the poll is finished, you can write a post about its results.

12. Take a break outdoors

Go outdoors to clear up your mind. Don’t forget to carry your notebook. A serene environment is powerful enough to clear your mind and bring forth ideas that may be locked at the back of your brain. It’s what nature was made for. Try something new or finish up projects you left halfway before. A short break from your writing table may be what you need to get a great blog topic.

13. Who made it in the Top 5?

Review the top 5 of your favorite niche blogs. Your ‘favorite’ does not necessarily mean everyone’s favorite. There are many hidden blog gems that have a rock-solid following that you can review.

14. Best of the best posts

Write a “Best of Your Blog” list and highlight articles that were favorites with your readers. Do this quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. You will rekindle the interest of your readers and may gain some fresh insight to add to the articles.

15. One on one with blogger X

Interview an expert in your field and share the interview with your readers. Upload the audio and transcript on your website, and ask for comments from your readers.

16. Go visual

Make a picture or video blog post about a topic in your niche. Six photos or slides are enough to create a photo post. Be creative and summarize your post in the six photos or slides. Alternatively, post links to a series of videos that will engage your readers on the particular topic you are addressing.

17. Previously on post-X

Write a sequel to one of your past blog posts. If you have a lengthy post, don’t give it all out at once. Save some for next time. Just make sure the first post has enough gusto to keep your readers yearning for the next installment.

18. Check your scribble pad for past topics

Every time you want to write something, you probably have a couple of ideas to start with, but only the best end up on your blog. Some of the topics ultimately end up being shelved and forgotten as you struggle to keep up with your readers’ demands for exciting topics. Sometimes, the topics you shelved can be what you are looking for. A fresh insight or controversial view can be all they need to make it to your blog.

19. What I wish I knew before…

Write about what you have learned during your months/years of blogging. Many successful bloggers make mistakes when starting out, whether they enrolled in the most coveted blogging course or were coached by the Godfather of Blogging. You must have made some mistakes somewhere, so blog about them and how you overcame them.

A blog post about a personal experience is always a good read.

20. Same shirt, different place

Compare your niche with a different one and show what lessons can be learned from the other industry. There may be differences in the working model, but positive lessons can always be drawn from any industry and adapted to another one.

21. Best of the month

Write a wrap-up of your blog posts for the month. This should be a brief summary for readers who may have missed any of your previous posts.

22. Burst your guns (not for the faint-hearted)

Go on a critique rampage. Disagree with an expert in your field while providing insight on the stance you take. However, this step should only be considered when you have a valid reason to disagree. Otherwise, when feedback starts rolling in, you may be on the receiving end.

There you go, folks. Next time your creative juices are drained, follow one of the above tips. You are guaranteed to have an abundance of topics to keep your hungry readers satisfied for a couple of months.