By now you’ve probably heard how important having a blog is for your business. People buy from people they know, like, and trust. A blog is a perfect way to help people get to know you. But it also serves as a resource for people who are looking for your expertise.  

Writing a congenial, informative, and entertaining piece of at least 300 words takes time and (possibly) research. While you want your blog to showcase your expertise you also don’t want it to sound like an egotistical diatribe. Citing other credible sources will help back up your argument or assertion, while also driving additional traffic to your site.  

Writing requires a level of concentration that you can’t do while multi-tasking like other projects. But you can cut down on the time it takes to come up with content. Use these ideas to get more done in less time.  

Use What Others Say 

This is not a license to plagiarize. You should never use someone else’s words without giving them credit. You also should never copy someone else’s blog post in its entirety (even if you give them credit) and slap it on your site without their knowledge. If you want to reference their content, do so with a link or a quote. 

Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, there is nothing wrong with elaborating on someone’s post, showing a different side/argument, or going more in-depth with the information they presented. You can introduce the piece, provide a link to its inspiration, and then give your take. 

This type of post saves time because you didn’t have to think of the content, you’re using someone else’s idea as the basis of yours. (Hollywood does this all the time with spin-offs of popular shows or prequels and sequels to movies). Plus, when you link to others, they are notified and may take a look at your blog. That’s one more set of eyes, which is always a good thing.  

Incorporate an Event or Popular Culture Reference 

One of the easiest ways to get someone’s attention is by using a popular show or event to frame your content. It’s a great way to incorporate something you like personally with your business. It shows a human side and gets people excited about your content. Popular topics from the past include things like “How to run your marketing department like Don Draper” or “What the Walking Dead taught me about teamwork.”  

Create a Theme People Can Look Forward To 

A popular trick in content idea generation is creating a theme. This could be a product spotlight every Monday or a question from the “mailbag” every Tuesday.  It doesn’t have to be relevant to what you sell. If it’s interesting to your audience and personable it can become something you’re known for like a weekly book review or a weekly Top 10. These types of things set expectations and help people get to know you.

Leave It to AI

This option isn’t for everyone and it’s best used as a helper the way a culinary master relies on a sous chef for kitchen prep but AI is becoming the latest and greatest helper when it comes to writing. Learn more about it here.

Finally, don’t put off writing a blog because you don’t like to write or don’t think you have time. Some of the most interesting blogs are the ones where people incorporate parts of their lives in their storytelling. Those kinds of posts are easy to write because they flow from your experiences and passions.  

Commit to a consistent schedule, one you can keep up with, and look for content that inspires you. Keep a folder or electronic file of ideas so you always have topics. And remember you’re not writing for your English teacher. You’re writing to connect. You want to share yourself so that people will know, like, and trust you. This style of writing should be in the way you speak, easy and not forced.  

Don’t get bogged down in “writing.” Look at it as a continuation of the conversation with your customer.