The Sure-Fire System For Creating Articles, Blogs and Products

by Bonnie Boots

The success of any publication depends on one thing--compelling topics.

A reader browsing the newspapers and magazines at any newsstand is offered many choices, so naturally every publication strives to have article topics so gripping that a browser becomes a buyer.

As a writer for newspapers and magazines, my income depended on my ability to generate ideas that would drive sales. I succeeded in this very competitive work because I could reliably bring editors timely ideas for articles, articles that would make readers pick up that publication and carry it to the cashier.

When I began working on the internet, I found that the same rules applied. People browsing the internet are much like people browsing at newsstands. They have many publications to choose from. Quite often, they aren't browsing with anything specific in mind. They are simply looking for something that grabs their interest. They are looking for a compelling topic, one that stops their eye and makes their brain say,"This is for me!"

There's an easy way to generate compelling topics which you can  turn into articles, books, even entire blogs and web sites. Using this method, you can turn out products that will hit the mark with your target audience and turn them into readers, subscribers and buyers. Here it is:

Buy a small paper notebook, one that will fit in the pocket of your shirt or jeans or the corner of your purse. Get a small pen to accompany it. Carry this notebook with you at all times. Carry it when you're doing the laundry, when you're at the grocery store, when you're putting gas in the car, when you're picking up pizza for dinner and when you're mowing the lawn. Keep the notebook on your bedside table as you sleep.

Every time you have a problem, face a challenge, are puzzled by something or ask yourself a question such as, "How can I do that?" or "What should I do?" jot down a note about it in your notebook.

This brilliant strategy will produce a list of topics that are guaranteed to hit home with a specific target market-people that are pretty much like you.

Every time I've revealed my sure-fire, never-fail system for creating compelling topics to some world-be magazine writer, they've argued that, "I'm not like other people. I'm…." and they fill in the blanks with lists of adjectives describing how unique they are.

It's true that people are as unique and individual as snowflakes. No pattern is ever repeated. But the secret to creating topic ideas that other people will find compelling is understanding that even though our thoughts and perceptions are unique, our problems are all too common.

Here's a list of some of the problems I've been dealing with this month:

My elderly cat has multiple health issues. The vet says that with extensive treatment, she might have several more years of life. It will cost thousands. I've already spent hundreds. How do I make this difficult choice?

The crime rate in my city is rising. There have been several burglaries in my neighborhood. What can I do about it?

Despite a heavy layer of weed-blocking fabric under the patio blocks, weeds have taken over. I don't want to use dangerous chemicals to control them. What should I do?

I have a serious health problem. Every doctor I see gives me different advice. How can I know who to trust?

That's just four issues out of an entire month filled with everything from computer problems to an unwanted possum under my front porch.

Here's what I want you to notice about my list: with the possible exception of the possum, it's likely you've dealt with every one of these issues.

The crime rate is going up everywhere. Every pet owner faces the question of when to let go. Every homeowner has issues with upkeep. Every human being has health issues.

As unique and individual as we human beings are, we all face pretty much the same problems. The problems you face in your life, and the ways you find to deal with them, will always make compelling content for articles, blogs, even books.

There's more I could say about this, but I have to get busy Googling "possum."


 

 
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