Where do I find topics for my blog?

You have the best of intentions when it comes to writing your blog. Perhaps you’ve actually set time aside on your calendar to write that post. You sit in front of the computer and stare at the screen with no ideas bubbling to the surface demanding to be written. Where can you find topics to write for your readers?

Start by pulling over the yellow legal pad, write at the top “What am I asked over and over?”

Write the numbers one through six, one under the other so you’re using the whole pad. Now, without over-thinking it, write what comes to your mind first, then next continuing until you have six. Use as few words as possible to describe those questions. Keep it simple and quick.

Writing your Topics List

Stuck? No ideas?

Think back to discussions with clients on the phone or in person, court hallway conversations, webinar Q & A sessions or queries from strangers you met standing in line at the local coffee shop for your morning coffee. These conversations give you topics that are important to clients and potential clients.

As you remember these questions, you will realize that the questioners aren’t asking about a recent court decision or your latest brief on a discreet legal topic. They are asking about problems that affect their lives. Maybe they are buying a house and want to know about deeds available in Michigan. Or what is a will?

There are two types of blog topics:

1.   First, are topics that are timeless. Such topics as the difference between a legal separation and a divorce.

2.   Second, are timely topics usually found in the form of an analysis of breaking news story, which can be either mainstream or industry-specific.

Once you have the six topics, decide how often you’re going to post your blog. If once a week, you now have six weeks of topics; if every other week, then you have 12 weeks of posts. Put your writing time in your calendar and treat it with the same importance you would a meeting with a client.

On your non-writing weeks, schedule a time to look for news that needs explaining for your clients. They will appreciate your analysis of the situation and be pleased that you are thinking of them. Don’t worry if it’s been done before. You have your own take on the subject written in the light of the concerns of your clients.

Now you have six to 12 weeks of blog post topics. As you work your way through your list and you get more questions from clients, friends and acquaintances, you will find yourself adding to the list and never being at a loss for a topic for your blog.

  

6 Ways to Write Good Endings

“I don’t know how to end this blog post,” said Linda to brother Lance. He looked up at her standing in his office doorway, holding a yellow legal pad covered with crossed out sentences.

“Endings are hard,” said Lance. “They are as important as the beginning. Maybe more so, since the ending is your last chance to move your reader to action.”

Lance is right. A well-written ending can inspire your readers to:

• Leave a comment starting a new conversation
• Subscribe to your blog
• Share your post using social media
• Use the on-line scheduler on your SBM Member Directory profile to request an appointment

What are some effective #ending techniques for blog posts?

good endings=good beginnings

1. Tell the reader what to do next. Include a call-to-action in the conclusion such as containing links to more information on the topic either on your blog or on outside resource or ask the reader to share your blog post.
2. Come full circle. If your pressed for time, simply look at how you started the article and rephrase or reframe it for your ending. Using your introduction to inspire your ending gives your readers a satisfying sense of closure. 
3. Like the TV shows in their finales, end with a cliffhanger. A good cliffhanger leaves your audience wanting more. It continues the experience in their imagination of what comes next. Let them know the topic of your next blog, which expands or clarifies a point raised in this blog. This will encourage them to return or to subscribe. 
4. Use your last paragraph to drive home the most important point in your blog. Focus on the one thing you want your reader to remember. 
5. Make it short. The reader realizes it’s coming to an end so wrap it up in a few sentences and don’t include any new material. 
6. Title it Conclusion in bold. It’s straightforward and direct. The reader knows this is the end. 

Now I’ve come to the end of an article about endings. What am I going to do?

I could summarize the main points above, however, I think the main point is to use your ending to inspire readers to keep reading your blog. Give them a call to action. Linda will do this by adding links to other sources of information on her Elder Law topic.

I will end by urging you to tune in two weeks from now to learn how to find topics for your blog.