How to come up with content ideas : Simple strategies that work

Ever sat down to write, only to be met with an empty page and a racing mind? The cursor blinks back at you, almost taunting. “What should I write?” you wonder. “Does anyone even care about this?”

Suddenly, your thoughts feel scattered, and the idea of putting anything out there seems overwhelming. So, you close the laptop, promising yourself you’ll tackle it again later.

Sound all too familiar?

Putting your ideas out for the world to see can be daunting. You start to question whether your writing is good enough, if anyone will find it valuable, or if it’ll go unnoticed entirely.

This self-doubt often holds us back from sharing what’s on our minds, leading us to believe our ideas aren’t worth putting out there. The real issue? It blocks creativity.

That’s why today, I’m offering up some helpful tips to break through those creative blocks and spark fresh blog post ideas even on days when inspiration seems to have disappeared. These tricks can work for anyone creating content, whether you run a blog, a newsletter, or something else entirely.

So, here’s how to find great blog topics:

1. Ask your audience what they want

When you're unsure what to write about, why not let your audience guide you? Social media platforms like Instagram (via Stories), LinkedIn, or X offer built-in polling tools that make it easy to collect feedback.

You could ask something simple like, “Would you rather read about productivity tips or behind-the-scenes of my work process?” or “Which topic should I cover next: personal branding or content strategy?” 

Here is an example of LinkedIn poll :

These micro-interactions not only spark ideas, but also make your audience feel involved, which increases the chances they’ll engage with the content you create.

2. Create an "Ideas file"

One thing to remember about inspiration is that it’s unpredictable. You never know when a good idea will hit you. So, it’s helpful to have a system in place to capture those ideas when they do come.

A lot of writers and bloggers keep an "ideas file," where they jot down thoughts, questions, or prompts they come across during their day. When it’s time to write a blog post, just open that file and pick an idea to develop further.

You can use tools like Notion (an app for organizing notes and tasks) to make this process easier. They even have a free template to help with content planning.

As you gather ideas, you can move them through stages, from "just an idea" to "draft in progress" and finally "published article." The key is making a habit of writing things down so you always have inspiration ready to go.

3. Use trending topics to inspire your content

One powerful way to spark fresh content ideas is to piggyback on current events or trending topics, this approach is often called newsjacking. Keep an eye on tools like Google Trends or simply browse your social feeds to spot what people are talking about right now.

Let’s say a major tech update is going viral, and you're in marketing, you could write about what it means for brand visibility. Even if the trend doesn’t directly relate to your niche, you can often find a clever angle that ties it back to your message just be sure it fits your brand’s tone and values.

Useful tools :

• Google Trends helps you see what topics are gaining traction.

• BuzzSumo lets you enter a keyword and find the most shared content about that topic.

• AnswerThePublic shows you common phrases and related questions people search for.

• Exploding Topics helps you discover up-and-coming trends before they explode in popularity.

4. Use search engines to find questions

A great way to come up with content ideas is to see what questions people are already asking online. Platforms like Reddit and Quora are full of real conversations where users dive into all kinds of topics. You can also check Twitter (or X) to see what’s trending or being debated in real time.

Digging through these spaces can lead you to recurring questions, frustrations, or curiosities, perfect starting points for a blog post. It’s like eavesdropping on the internet’s curiosity, then using it to create something helpful and relevant.

5. Use Google Search Console to see what’s already working

If you already have some content online, there’s gold hiding in your data, you just need to know where to look. Google Search Console can show you the exact search terms people are using to find your site. These insights are a powerful way to come up with new content ideas based on what your audience is already looking for.

Tools like InBlog (CMS SEO- friendly tool) which integrates with Google Search Console, make this process even easier by surfacing keyword data and highlighting content gaps, topics you’re almost ranking for but haven’t directly covered. These gaps are opportunities for new blog posts that can quickly gain traction.

Think of it as listening to what your audience is whispering through their search habits and turning those whispers into content that meets their needs.

6. Interview industry experts

Talking to experts in your field isn’t just a way to add credibility to your content, it’s also a fantastic source of fresh ideas. By interviewing professionals, you can tap into their knowledge and uncover unique angles or niche topics that might not have crossed your mind.

For example, if you run a blog about health and wellness, you could ask a nutritionist, “What’s the most overlooked aspect of a balanced diet?” or “What are some common misconceptions about healthy eating?”

These open-ended questions will often lead to unexpected insights, giving you new content ideas that are both relevant and valuable to your audience. Plus, the expert’s perspective can bring a unique twist to your blog, offering something your readers can’t get anywhere else.

7. Expand on your most popular posts

One of the easiest ways to come up with new content is to look at your blog’s most popular posts, those that have attracted the most traffic. Once you’ve identified these "hit" posts, think about ways to expand on them.

For instance, if a post about “10 easy ways to save money” performed well, you could follow it up with “Advanced saving strategies for long-term financial growth”. Or maybe you could dive deeper into one of the tips, providing more detailed examples or case studies.

A great way to spot these high-performing posts is by using Google Analytics. It shows you exactly which pages are getting the most views and engagement, so you can double down on what’s working.

Refreshing and updating older posts not only keeps your content current, but it also boosts your blog’s SEO, making it easier for new readers to discover your work.

8. Explore Meta’s Ad library

If you're feeling stuck and need some fresh content inspiration, the Meta Ad Library can be a game-changer. This tool lets you browse through past ads from your competitors, giving you insight into the kinds of content they're promoting. If a competitor is investing in paid ads, it’s a strong indicator that the topic is resonating with their audience.

If you run a travel blog and notice that a competitor is running ads about “hidden gems in Europe,” you could explore how you can put your own spin on this topic, perhaps by focusing on “underrated destinations for solo travelers.” 

This allows you to capitalize on successful content while adding your own unique perspective. By examining what’s working for others, you can discover new angles for your own content and stay ahead of trends.

9. Share your personal story

One of the most powerful content ideas you can explore is your own personal journey. After all, you’ve likely been creating content for some time now, and you’ve learned a lot along the way. Reflect on your experiences, what has shaped your approach? What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

For example, if you run a fitness blog, you could share a post about your personal transformation or how your fitness routine has evolved over the years. Maybe you’ve learned new training methods, dealt with injury, or found better ways to stay motivated.

Writing about these changes not only offers valuable advice but also helps your audience see that they’re not alone in their struggles. Your story can inspire and connect with them on a deeper level, making your content more relatable and authentic.

10. Try a content idea generator

When you're feeling stuck and can't think of new content ideas, a content idea generator can be a lifesaver. Tools like Semrush’s Topic Research allow you to enter a broad topic and get a list of related subtopics, headlines, and even questions that people are searching for.

For instance, if you run a tech blog and want to write about artificial intelligence, the tool might suggest specific angles like “AI in healthcare” or “The ethical implications of AI in everyday life.”

This not only sparks fresh ideas but also ensures that you're tapping into trending topics that will resonate with your audience. By using these tools, you can streamline your content creation process and stay on top of what people are curious about.

11. Repurpose your content

Repurposing content can be a great way to come up with new ideas. Take a piece of content you’ve already written (such as a blog post or video) and transform it into something else, like an infographic, podcast episode, or social media post. You can even break down a longer post into smaller segments, creating bite-sized pieces that are easier to digest.

If you want to dive deeper into how to maximize your content’s potential, check out our “content repurposing strategies” article, where we share expert tips on how to efficiently turn one piece of content into several different formats, reaching new audiences and increasing your content's longevity.

Consider turning a detailed blog post into a series of posts or making an in-depth guide into a shorter, more digestible version for social media.

12. Do competitor research

Tools like AHREFs can help you identify the keywords your competitors are ranking for, giving you a clear picture of what’s working in your niche.

You can also use Inpages, a competitor keyword spy tool that provides detailed insights into your competitors’ top-performing pages and keyword strategies. It’s particularly useful for spotting quick-win opportunities and untapped content angles.

Once you have this information, look for content gaps, areas where you can create something unique or bring a fresh perspective.

For example, if you notice that many competitors have covered “top 10 SEO tips”, you could explore “advanced SEO strategies for 2025” or “ common SEO mistakes beginners make.” This approach helps you build on existing content while offering something new, ensuring that your posts stand out and provide additional value to your audience.

13. Look at podcast titles and descriptions

If you’re in need of fresh content ideas, browsing through podcast titles and descriptions can be a great place to start. Podcasts often tackle niche topics in an engaging and accessible way, making them a treasure trove of inspiration. Simply scanning through episode titles or reading the descriptions can help you identify themes and ideas that resonate with your target audience.

Let’s say you run a marketing log, you might come across a podcast episode titled “The future of social media marketing in 2025”. This could inspire you to write a post like “How to prepare your brand for the future of social media” or even create a follow-up piece on trends in specific platforms.

Example :

Using podcasts as a source of inspiration is a quick, effective way to generate new topics that are already being discussed by your industry’s thought leaders.

14. Exercise your idea-muscle

Generating content ideas is a skill that gets stronger the more you practice it. Just like any muscle, your creative mind needs regular exercise. Set aside a specific time each day to brainstorm blog post topics. At first, it might feel challenging, but over time, it’ll become a natural part of your routine.

You can also turn to books and resources focused on idea generation or overcoming writer’s block to enhance your creativity.

The more you practice brainstorming, the easier it will get, and before you know it, coming up with content ideas will feel like second nature!

15. Analyze blog comments

Sometimes, the best content ideas are hiding in plain sight, right in the comments section. Take a look at the questions or feedback your readers leave on your blog posts. You can also explore the comments on similar blogs in your niche, especially those of your competitors. These comments often reveal what your audience is curious about, confused by, or eager to learn more about.

For example, if you wrote a post on email marketing basics and someone asks, “How often should I actually be emailing my list?”, that’s a perfect cue for a follow-up post like “How to find the right email frequency for your audience.”

Since these ideas come directly from real people, they’re highly relevant and they show your audience that you’re listening and responding to their needs.

16. Check out YouTube for trending content

YouTube is a goldmine when it comes to spotting what’s capturing people’s attention. Visit channels in your niche, especially your competitors and sort their videos by “most popular.” This gives you instant insight into the topics that are drawing the most views and engagement.

If you run a productivity blog and notice a video titled “Morning routines that actually work” with hundreds of thousands of views, that could inspire you to write a blog post like “5 Morning habits backed by science” or create a reel breaking down your own routine.

You don’t need to copy the content, just use the themes as a launchpad to craft something fresh and tailored to your voice and audience.

17. Explore Product Hunt for niche insights

Product Hunt isn’t just a place to discover the latest tools, it’s also a powerful resource for uncovering trends and understanding what problems people are actively trying to solve. By browsing new launches and reading through user comments, you can gain insight into what’s gaining traction in your industry.

If you notice several new AI writing tools being launched and discussed, that’s a clear sign of growing interest in content automation. You could use this as inspiration for a blog post like “Should you use AI tools to speed up your content creation?” or “The pros and cons of AI in digital marketing.” 

Keeping an eye on what’s trending on Product Hunt allows you to stay ahead of the curve and create content that speaks to emerging needs before everyone else starts writing about it.

18. Use the "people also search for" section in Google

When you search for a broad topic on Google, don’t overlook the “people also search for” section. It’s a quick and easy way to uncover what users are curious about next. This feature suggests related search queries based on real user behavior, giving you a list of potential content ideas that people are actively exploring.

19. Look for low-competition keywords

Keyword research tools like Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, or Google Keyword Planner can help you uncover low-competition keywords, search terms that don’t have too many sites targeting them, but still attract a decent number of searches. These keywords are a great opportunity to create content on niche topics that are easier to rank for.

For instance, instead of targeting a broad and highly competitive term like “digital marketing,” you might find a more specific, low-competition keyword like “digital marketing tips for handmade businesses.” 

By focusing on these kinds of terms, you increase your chances of showing up in search results, reaching a more targeted audience, and standing out in a less crowded space.

20. Use Pinterest’s suggested topics for fresh angles

Pinterest is often underestimated when it comes to content research, but its search bar can be surprisingly powerful. Just like Google, it offers autocomplete suggestions when you type in a keyword, but the results often reflect more visual, lifestyle-driven, or creative angles that you might not see elsewhere.

For example, if you type in “meal prep,” Pinterest might suggest ideas like “meal prep for beginners,” “low-carb meal prep,” or “meal prep for busy moms.” 

These variations can inspire blog posts, YouTube videos, or social media content that target specific audiences or needs. It’s a great way to tap into trending, real-world interests that are already getting attention on a highly visual and engaged platform.

21. Ask your team for content ideas

Your team can be an invaluable source of fresh content ideas, especially those who interact directly with customers. Customer service reps, social media managers, and product managers are on the front lines and often have a deep understanding of your audience’s challenges, questions, and interests.

If your customer service team notices a recurring question about “how to use a specific product feature,”this could be a great opportunity to create a detailed blog post or tutorial video addressing that exact query.

By tapping into the knowledge of your team, you not only generate relevant content but also ensure that it directly addresses your audience's needs and concerns.

22. Subscribe to industry newsletters for trend insights

Newsletters are an excellent resource for staying up to date with the latest trends, news, and insights in your industry. Many newsletters curate valuable content, feature expert opinions, and highlight emerging topics that you can transform into fresh blog posts, social media updates, or video ideas.

If you’re subscribed to a marketing newsletter that shares the latest developments in social media algorithms, you could use that information to create a post like “How to adapt your social media strategy for new algorithm changes.” 

For example, “SEOForLunch” by Nick LeRoy is a great SEO newsletter to follow. Nick shares the week’s most important SEO news, gives his own insights, and curates top articles and job listings. It lands in your inbox every Thursday, and the idea is you can read it all over your lunch break. Super practical and always up to date!

By staying informed through these newsletters, you can keep your content timely, relevant, and aligned with current industry conversations.

Final thoughts :

To sum it up, great blog post ideas are the heart of a successful blogging business. Without fresh ideas, there’s nothing to publish, share, or make money from.

But finding inspiration doesn’t have to be as stressful as it seems. There are plenty of ways to break through creative blocks, like asking your audience what they want, keeping an ideas file, or tracking trending topics. You can also learn from other creators or check out what your competitors are doing.

Start by building your own system for generating, organizing, and acting on ideas. With a solid plan in place, you’ll be able to turn your blog into something bigger than you ever imagined. Don’t forget to tap into industry experts for new perspectives, revisit your most popular posts to expand on them, and never be afraid to hit that publish button.

Stay curious, practice regularly, and keep an open mind. Inspiration will come, and with a little effort, your blog will grow into something great.

So, get started today, keep your ideas flowing, and keep creating!

Coming up with ideas is just the start. Make sure you’re tracking what works. Feel free to read our guide on Content marketing analytics tools to measure and improve every post you publish !