Keeping the momentum of the blog series going
Have you ever looked at your blog and wondered what you should write next?
You may think that you have considered your topic from every angle and have exhausted all possible means. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Many bloggers face this challenge, especially after the initial excitement wears off, usually within the first 6-12 months of blogging. The feeling of “all said and done” may be discouraging, but it’s far from the end of the road.
Popular myths that have run out:
The feeling that every topic has been covered is a common misconception among bloggers. Rather than looking at your blog archive as a completed checklist, we recommend viewing it as a treasure trove of untapped potential. Past posts are not just the remains of your blogging activities. They are stepping stones to deeper, richer content. Here’s why:
- Depth than width: A topic, especially in a dynamic field like blogging, is never truly “done.” As you grow and evolve, so will your topics and specializations. What was relevant a year ago may have new meaning today, and your understanding of certain concepts may have deepened. This evolution is a great opportunity to revisit old subjects with fresh eyes and new insights.
- New readers, fresh perspectives: Your audience is constantly changing, and new readers discover your blog every day. These new followers have never traveled through your archives. To them, your old content is brand new. Revisiting past topics allows you to introduce valuable insights you may have missed to a new audience, while also giving you an opportunity to update and refine your previous views.
As a result of these two factors, the archive of old posts should be seen not only as a collection of previous thoughts, but also as a starting point for new thoughts.
I regularly go through old posts looking for ideas for future posts. I especially look for posts that I disagree with (due to a change in perspective) or that I think could be thought about more deeply. Sometimes I link to older posts to show progress in thinking, but more often I just write new content that stands alone.
I often talk about how blogging is conversational in that it lends itself to interaction between bloggers and readers (not just bloggers themselves). Here are three easy ways to make your blog posts more conversational.
Strategies for leveraging archives:
Turning archives into a source of inspiration changes the way you approach content creation. Here are some practical strategies to get started.
- Audit the archive: Look through past posts to identify which topics you can update, expand on, or even challenge. Look for posts that sparked lively discussions in the past or are still gaining traction. These are perfect candidates for follow-ups.
- Disagree with your past self: As we evolve, so do our opinions and strategies. If you see a post that no longer aligns with your current views, please write a rebuttal. This not only shows your growth, but also encourages readers to participate in the evolving conversation.
- Dig deeper into complex topics: Some subjects cannot be completely covered in one post. Identify previous topics that might benefit from more detailed investigation. Breaking complex ideas into multiple posts or series can provide tremendous value to your readers.
- Introducing new formats: Reconsidering your topic doesn’t mean you have to stick to the same format. If your first post was text-heavy, consider creating an infographic, video, or podcast episode that explores the subject from a different angle.
- Encourage reader participation: Ask your audience to suggest topics they would like to see revisited or expanded upon. Not only does this give you direct insight into what your readers value, it also fosters a sense of community and engagement.
This section provides detailed information about managing and updating archives.
Feeling that you have covered every conceivable topic in your field is a sign that it’s time to revisit your archives, not a sign that you should give up. By looking at your past content as a foundation for growth and development, you can continue to create posts that are engaging, relevant, and valuable to your audience. Remember, the key to maintaining blogging momentum is not always saying something new, but finding new ways to say it.
Treating the archive as a living part of your blog that you can revisit over time can actually treat conversations like new territory, a monologue. “Soliloquy” may sound a little strange (my mother always said it was the first sign of insanity), but it’s actually a great way to refine your thoughts and take your blog to a new level. I think that’s one of the first signs of a mature blogger raising their profile on a certain topic. Through this process of refinement, true wisdom and expertise surface.
If you don’t revisit your previous thoughts and ideas, you risk becoming stagnant and limiting your growth in your chosen field.
Action plan:
Today, let’s take a leisurely stroll through the blog archives. What hidden gems will you discover? How can your past self inspire your future content? May your journey of rediscovery inspire your next great post.
- Is there something outdated there?
- Which old post do you disagree with?
- Where can you dig deeper?
- What are some old posts that new readers haven’t seen?
If you’re still struggling, one of my favorite techniques in business to help you organize your thoughts, review your business, plan, organize, think creatively and generate lots of ideas is Mind is to use mapping. Listen to this podcast episode. Hear how I do it.