Ideas for Starting a Blog

Starting a blog is like writing a novel. When you begin writing a novel, you imagine that you've hit upon a million-dollar idea. Your story will be brilliant, and the characters will pop off the page! And sometimes, you really do have that rare gem. Other times, your novel dies in infancy when you can't sustain your own interest or your original idea doesn't hold up long-term.

Likewise, starting a blog only to run out of steam and abandon it is a terrible, terrible feeling. Believe me, I know. It's taken me more than a few tries to get it right. Here are some ideas for starting a blog you can stick with.

Pick a long term project.

Like novels, some of the best blogs have long-running stories. If you've got an idea for a big project, blogging about it is a great way to share your journey with the rest of the world. It's also a great way to keep you motivated to achieve your goals in real life.

Do you want to lose a hundred pounds? Are you trying to build a new business from scratch? Are you training for a marathon? Was your New Year's resolution to read a book a week? Are you attempting to adopt a child from overseas?

These are all interesting subjects and will surely be of interest to others attempting similar challenges. These projects also have the advantage of providing an ongoing source of new content.

Keep it local.

You might be surprised to know that some of the best ideas for starting a blog are in your own backyard. Local topics like neighborhood improvement initiatives, school board politics, and crime watch updates have a built-in audience--your friends and neighbors! Focusing on local topics also means that you may be the only person blogging this news, which will certainly earn you page views.

Use your expertise.

My grandfather used to say, "Everyone is an expert of at least one thing." Take these words to heart and start a blog to showcase your unique talent. Whether it's baking cupcakes, crocheting blankets, building model airplanes, bowling, or folding origami, you'll find others just as passionate about your hobby as you are.

Share your opinions.

Do others seek out your advice? Have you ever been told that you're too opinionated? Channel that impulse into your writing. Once you've chosen a theme, run with it! Some ideas for starting a blog based on what you think include restaurant dining, state politics, art shows, and books.