Grow Your Blog Topic: Write What You Love

Today, I want to talk to you about a topic that in blogging communities I see come up way too often.

What are those questions?

"I just created a blog, or want to start one, but how do I know what to write about?"
"How will I know that others will want to read what I write?"
"How do I pick the best topics to write about?"

I am going to be honest, I used to think this was a ridiculous question, why would anyone want to start a blog with no idea what they like to write about?
But since rarely a week goes by that someone in one of the communities I follow doesn't hold back from asking the question.  I decided this is probably a good topic to bring up today.

When I give advice on this subject, I will always give the exact same response.

Write about what you are passionate about.

Write about things you love or enjoy.

Write about topics that you know about.

If you are asking someone else what you're blog should be about, and someone actually gives you an answer.  Chances are, you are already off to a bad start and likely on a path that you probably won't keep up.

Why write about what your passionate about?

Because, people will feel it in your writing.  You can't hide passion, and if you're writing on what you're passionate about others will feel that passion.  You're chances of grabbing their interest just went up significantly.

Why write about things you love or enjoy?

Because things you love and things you enjoy will come natural to you, the topics won't seem forced.  Not only that, but you're more than likely rarely going to run out of content to write about.  People are smart, they can read between the lines.  They know when someone is feeding them a line, or sharing something they enjoy.  If you enjoy what you're writing, you're already more than likely going to find others who will enjoy what you write about too.

Why write on topics that you know about?

Because you're knowledge and life experiences on these subjects will shine through in your writing.  You'll be able to write posts based on experience.  This doesn't mean you can't research to make them better, because you definitely can.  But when you're not starting from scratch the words will flow better, you'll know how to write them with feeling and write them in ways that may appeal to readers better.

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In short, there is no crazy science on blog topics. You should never start a blog, or pick topics just because others tell you it's the "hot" subject. Quite often bloggers start a blog writing on one thing, and then switch it up a year or so later. That is okay, people evolve, blogs evolve.

If you are just starting out, you may be the only one reading your blog for a while.  I know I may have just crushed some potential bloggers there, but it's true.  Just because you have a blog, doesn't mean they will come.
In the beginning you or your family or close friends may be your only readers and it could be that way for months.  But that is okay, just keep on writing content that you love.  Keep participating in blogging communities, link ups and eventually others will find your content and read it.  If they see you're passion, and enjoy the subjects you write on, you'll have much better chances of getting them to come back.

If you are a blogger, do you write what you know, what you're passionate about?  Do you have additional information you'd give to newer bloggers on this subject?