Engaging Blog Content: Part 5 - Follow Your Passion

Think about that certain someone. Not so into that romantic stuff? Well how about the best action film you've seen in recent months? What makes your blood boil? What makes you lose every other thought in your head? Those are the things you should write about.

You might think this goes without saying, but I surprisingly run into a lot of people who get hit with this "Blog Stick of Thunder." This is the one that makes people think they have suddenly become world class journalists on any subject they please. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that a person can't write about anything they want, but if you realistically want to achieve long term success I think you should write about something that you are passionate about. Why?

1. You have more to say about these topics: If you want to start a blog you need to write multiple posts a week (minimum) and they should have some common theme. I think that here common sense enters and tells you that the easiest way to do this is by finding something that you are passionate about. No matter how much fun you think blogging is, when you are trying to write your 30th or 630th post you'll need a certain amount of insanity(the insanity of passion) to carry on. My passions? Technology and small business branding. Sometimes I get lucky and I can roll them into one post.

2. You will be more willing to do research on these topics: Again, common sense. You need to do research to get post topics. We aren't talking about research in scientific terms (although that can help), but research for specific post topics. I have found this much easier when I try to write about things that I am already interested in. I subscribe to several technology and business podcasts and as I listen I jot points that I think I could elaborate on in a blog post. When I have the chance I put these into a digital notebook and then write on them as I get the chance. This is research. Stay up to date with industry happenings and keep an ongoing list of things you want to write about. I have nine ideas to work on right now. If I get stuck on one I move to the next

3. It is easier to be an expert when you are passionate about something: If you want people to buy what you are selling (your knowledge) you should be an expert in this area. Don't get worried. You might already be an expert. In his popular book The 4-Hour Workweek, Timothy Ferris makes a statement I found revolutionary. He says something to the extent of to be an expert you just need to know more than your average customer. If you are passionate about a topic and have immersed yourself in it to some degree you may very well already be an expert to many people. If you want more about this I highly recommend picking up a copy of the book.

To make this lengthening story short: You will get more enjoyment out of blogging, if you enjoy what you do. We all know there are tough times in whatever we choose to do, so try making this easier by focusing on the things you enjoy the most. You'll love it more and your readers will most likely get more out of it.