Content writers are either full of brand new ideas for blog posts and videos, or completely blank — there rarely is an in-between. In a world demanding more and more content, a sudden creative slowdown can be concerning.

The more you try to develop excellent content ideas, the more stuck you can feel. In those moments, your mind just refuses to cooperate. New bloggers may feel this less than those seasoned in the content world, but that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t prepare for the inevitable writer’s block that comes with blogging. As many bloggers eventually learn, content writing is not linear. One day you could be blogging fantastically inspirational opinion pieces, and the next, you could be developing infographics and filming vlogs just to inject a little mixed media into it.

The good news is that you’re not alone. The other good news (no bad news here!) is that you CAN get your mojo back. The biggest secret that you need to know as a blogger is that it’s less about writing what you think you should put out there, and more about writing what the audience is asking you to write. The more you write what they want, the better your blog will do.

Here are nine suggestions to help you get out that next blog post.

1. Your Customers

It doesn’t matter what type of blog you write; you will have an audience interested in what you have to say. However, they will only be interested if you are writing things that they are also interested in reading. You can get so many new blog topics with one simple thing: asking your customers! They’re the ones coming onto your blog every week to see what you’re offering, so run a few surveys and polls on your website and social media. Get them involved in the conversation, and you’ll be able to get started on relevant, valuable content that will be shared!

2. Authority Figures

When was the last time you went to a talk by a mentor or an authority in the field about which you write? When you sit in those talks, people say inspirational and poignant things that you can relate to, and it’s in these moments you can start to feel that content wheel turning in your head. If their words mattered to you and caught your attention, then there is an excellent chance that your audience will feel the same.

3. Social Media Commentary

When you share blogs and posts on social media, someone responds in the comment section, and an instant conversation is created. You may also find that some comments are added directly to your blog posts after you’ve shared them. Vivid discussions offer the chance for multiple viewpoints to be considered, and these can lead to some beautiful blog posts. Pay attention to social media comments – the opportunity for excellent blog content is high!

4. Podcast Comment Sections

You don’t have to look at just your podcast to pick some comments up – look at ALL podcasts related to your blog. The comment section of podcasts posted online is an exciting place to select blog topics as you can answer some critical questions that the audience is asking. An infographic or two addressing the most commonly asked questions is an excellent place to start if you are trying to appeal to the masses.

5. Analyze Your Data

Check out your social media and blog data and have a closer look at which posts drew the biggest audience. What was it about those blogs in particular that made it popular among the audience you’re targeting? By looking at your traffic numbers, you can ensure that you are writing things that matter to the guests visiting your page. There’s no use in regurgitating the information in blogs that didn’t do too well; you’ll only draw low numbers again.

6. Other Bloggers

Before you scream, “plagiarism,” hear us out. In no way do we mean go to other blogs and copy what they have to say. What we do suggest, though, is that you can get your inspiration from other bloggers. For example, heading to Pinterest is a great place to see blog titles on each picture, posted by other bloggers. You’re not the only blogger out there; you can take some excellent inspiration from other people. They don’t even have to be in the same field as you to inspire you.

7. Use A Blog Idea Generator

It’s not cheating when they’re made for this reason, you know. Blog idea generators allow you to input the topic of your blog, and 100s of ideas pop up to give you an idea of something that would fit your blog’s narrative. The more ideas that pop up, the more of a pool you have to choose from.

8. Ask Your Following

We’ve talked about asking the dedicated blog audience their opinion, but have you considered putting it out there on social media? Why not leave a Facebook post or a Tweet to ask your followers what they’d like to see on your wall? You would be surprised at the level of quality content that will pop up on your blog due to the suggestions of your social media following.

9. Networking Events

Networking events offer a melting pot of blog topics – if you know where to look. When you have a conversation with multiple people in the room, you can get some of the most exciting questions, which can be turned into blog topics. Learn as much as you can from others at these events, and you’ll be able to talk about anything on your blog and add your thoughts to it, too.

Keep an open mind when it comes to your blog, and the content will start to flow through once more.