We can’t always be at our blog, and as much attention as they need – that sounds like a bad thing. Just because we aren’t always at our blog doesn’t mean we can’t improve it though, and that sounds a lot better for us bloggers.
If you are one of those bloggers who likes to always work on their blog, then the tips I have in here can help you out. I find that one of the best ways to really come up with ideas and improvements for your blog is to actually be away from it.
It’s a little difficult sometimes to have a good train of thought while staring at a computer screen for hours, so being away from your blog may be just what you need.
1. Come Up With Post Ideas
One thing that is really difficult to do on any aged blog is come up with consistent post ideas. Sitting on your computer will not really help you that much, as like I said, your train of thought will not be very constant.
Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping is, in my opinion, the best way to come up with post ideas. I have explained the process and benefits of it in an older post.
If you’re offline, bored, and have something to write on then I would suggest you do a little mind mapping for your blog. You never know what you might come up with!
2. Apply Real Life Concepts to Blogging
The “outside world” has plenty of great inspiration for your to enhance your blog. It is possible to get inspiration from anything really, it’s how you look at something that ideas come from. Here are a few things you can get ideas from outside of blogging.
Magazines & Commercials
Magazines, in a sense, are blogs too. The only real difference is that blogging is digital and magazines are tangible. What common things do they share?
- Article Formatting
- Typography
- Headlines/Pictures
…and it is also common for magazines to have some things blogs don’t have.
Businesses
Blogs are like businesses somewhat, aren’t they? They definitely are if you make money from it, and you can take some cool business models from someone or something and apply it your blog.
My dad owns two restaurants, and even though a blog about blogging and a seafood restaurant have really nothing in common, there are always some things I can learn from how he operates his business.
So why not study how a business does some things. Things like advertising, for example will have a ton of interesting methods you can apply to your blog.
What Else?
What else can you take from real life and put to blogging? Post something in the comments, this is really cool stuff!
3. Blog From A Mobile Device
Yes, it’s possible to blog from your phone. It sounds weird, and maybe even difficult to do, but it’s possible. I did it once at a very old blog. You don’t just have to have a phone to do it, mobile devices are getting so crazy nowadays you can probably blog on anything. PSP’s, iPod’s, iPhone’s, Blackberry’s, and so much more.
WordPress And iPhone/iPod Touch Users:
A really great app I used on my iPod Touch to blog is called “WordPress for iPhone.” It’s a very simple and intuitive way to blog right from an iPod or iPhone.
It’s probably the most exceptional blogging app in the whole App Store because of all it can do:
- Write Posts
- Edit Pages
- Upload Photos
- Manage Comments
For a mobile device, that’s very powerful. If you have an iPod or iPhone, definitely check it out.
4. Advertise Offline
It is possible to advertise your blog offline. It is definitely harder to do offline than it is online, but it has it’s benefits. Especially when your blog is about something in the real world, advertising offline is perfect for you.
Janith wrote an article about this in February, listing 11 great ways to advertise your blog offline. There’s a ton of great advice in there, so check that post out!
5. Absolutely NOTHING!
Yeah, doing nothing is an amazing way to get your mind prepared for blogging. By doing nothing, you are really just relaxing. When you relax, your mind becomes focused, and you will just be able to do anything better with a peaceful state of mind.
What is “relaxing?”
- Relaxing is… doing something you enjoy.
- Relaxing is… doing something you are good at.
- Relaxing is… doing something that keeps you in a healthy state of mind.
- Relaxing is… doing nothing.
What Do You Do Offline?
Is there anything you guys do when you’re not online that can improve your blog? Share them here in the comments, would love to hear some of your thoughts.
Photo by Denis Collette
The Discussion
Leave a Comment Read Again?I have to admit a certain addiction to my notepad where I love to take notes and write about potential ideas, do my mind mapping and stuff like that I also spend some time regularly doing a “post calendar” which helps me preparing my work and knowing what to write about and when (although flexible, it helps a lot).
I’m not so good with doing nothing… not really in my nature; however I do love relaxing!
Nicolas Prudhon’s last blog post..Optimizing for Keywords that Get Clicked On
I have a notebook too by my desk I always scribble notes down. I’m on my third notebook since probably last November, and have just always been looking back at my notes and seeing what I can get out of them. It’s really handful!
Hey guys,
This is my first time to visit your blog. You followed me on Twitter @Gordie_Rogers. I’m impressed with the layout of your blog.
In regards to the post topic, I think you got it right. You don’t have to be at your computer to improve it. I always carry a small paper notepad and pen and when ideas pop into my head, I write them down.
I also ask business people for ideas they would like me to write about. Even thought my blog is very new, I am slowly making headway.
Keep up the good work guys.
Gordie Rogers’s last blog post..10 Interesting Articles on Twitter and How to Use It.
Hey, thanks for stopping by. Glad you like the blog!
I usually use the Notepad app on my iPod to take notes when I’m away from my computer. I don’t carry around a notepad, but I do keep one at my desk for when I get ideas in my room or house, I have a great place to write them.
I think there are some good points here, particularly point 4. I think far too many people fail to realise that advertising offline is still a valuable, and powerful means of marketing and promotion.
Zulu Internet Marketing’s last blog post..Twitter Real-Time Search Arrives
I personally haven’t advertised offline, but maybe as my blogs grow and I start getting really serious about blogging, I can start somehow.
wow these are totally a good tips I’m planning on a vacation next week and your tips are surely helps a lot.. thanks..
MelayuBoleh’s last blog post..cubaan mencabar keyword Melayu Boleh..
Glad they helped. You definitely want to check out the URL below for vacations too:
http://www.blogussion.com/blog/tips-and-tricks/blog-rockin
I have started leaving notepads around my house so if I get an idea I can jot it down.
A little bit too much information but I once had the idea for my most popular post while using the toilet!
Dean Saliba’s last blog post..Follow Me On Twitter
I just keep one notepad in my room, and when I get bored I just sit back and write whatever ideas come to mind.
Hey, you never know where great ideas may spring up.
@Alex: I mostly stick to ‘relaxing’ and do plan some posts if I come across something interesting. Blogging is addictive like that, once you are in the groove, you are always thinking of new topics that you can post on your blog. I am not a big fan of blogging from mobiles.
You’re right, when I really feel like blogging, I will go the extra mile and just get so into it. But when I really don’t feel like blogging, I won’t do anything except write a post and tweet about it.
I’ve been putting off my e-commerce physical product sites forever; it’s a LOT of work…continuous work.
A few days ago I came up with what i believe to be a complete maser plan in my sleep.
Dennis Edell’s last blog post..How Do YOU Define Success?
I look forward to hear about your new “master plan” Dennis!
Nicolas Prudhon’s last blog post..24 Power Blogging WordPress Plugins
Sounds cool Dennis, I’m sure you have some interesting stuff coming up!
Assuming you like shopping online….
Dennis Edell’s last blog post..100 Strategies Book Review FollowUp – I Name Names!
You can’ go wrong with keeping a notepad handy. I used to think it wouldn’t work but then I realised most of my post ideas came to me when I was away from the computer, since I began writing things down offline I’ve managed to come up with (and remember) 5 times as many ideas as I used to.
It’s always such a shame to think up a great idea then forget it. As scarce as ideas can be, you’d think we would have started taking these precautions earlier! I guess we learn from our mistakes though.
I feel that the best way to utilize your time when you are away from your computer is by jotting down ideas for your future posts on a small spiral pad that you can carry with you. Most of the ideas for your blog posts come from things that you see and hear. So, if you are not near your computer, then be on the lookout for things that could be the topic for your next post. I would normally carry a PDA with me and records any points and topics that I feel could be valuable in my next post.
R Kumar’s last blog post..5 Points to Effectively Build a Huge List
Usually when I am away from my house, I have my iPod Touch and with the built in Notepad app, I can take notes on anything that comes to mind. It helps me a lot, and am glad to have it around.
Yes I too wondered what to do when on the move.How to update my blogs when I am traveling or on vacation,how to keep my blog “new” with updates.Though I have the devices I always though if I would be able to provide “quality content” while on the move.You mentioned this as well and really it depends on your focus.Probably if you mould your comments in the right manner you could write a hit blog soon.It is a matter of the right mindset.Thanks really for the idea !
Thanks for such offline wonderful tips. Blogussion has wonderful stuff.
Wow what a wonderful offline blogging tips.Cool stuff here i ever found.
It had been some time since I visited web site with such high quality information. Thansk quite a bit for the useful info
Advertising offline was something I’ve been procrastinating about, wondering if it would be as effective, also thinking of what post and niches should I decide on as well , thanks for the tips.
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