Writer’s block is one of the most common setbacks for bloggers in any industry. Even seasoned bloggers get intimidated by the thought of constantly coming up with new topics.
You can’t let writer’s block overwhelm or stall you, though – the less frequently you blog, the less consistent your traffic will be. Readers tend to disengage and are less likely to check back on your website when your posting becomes irregular or infrequent.
The same is true for blog content that’s generic and uninspired. That’s why it’s essential to write your own unique blog posts. Providing fresh, quality content as often as possible is the best way to ensure you have consistent, interested readers.
It can put you in a bit of a pickle if you can’t come up with unique, original topics. So how can you meet the demands of blogging?
Good news: there are easy ways that you can prevent veterinary blogger writer’s block. With a ready-made list of blog topics and some back-up resources, it’s completely within your power to stay caught up with your blog – or better yet, stay ahead of the curve!
Where can I look for veterinary blog topics?
Ask your colleagues and veterinary staff about any subjects that may have come up with clients or other pet owners they know. If there are common questions being mentioned, those would make for great blog topics.
Go right to the source. It’s easy enough to respond to a client concern in an appointment and leave it at that, but the questions and comments that you receive in your practice make for interesting and relevant material for your veterinary blog. Jot any ideas down, and refer back to them in your writing – just be careful to get express permission before using any direct quotations.
Keep the season in mind. Maybe we’re talking trick-or-treaters, or maybe we’re talking ticks, but there are often seasonal factors to be aware of (or avoid) as a pet owner. Think about any upcoming events, either environmental or community-oriented, that could affect pet health, and write about them in a way that’s personal to your neighborhood or practice.
Check your library. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a handy selection of veterinary topics waiting to be parsed? Oh, wait. ClientEd is the perfect tool for a busy blogger, with over 2,000 topics to choose from. Pick your topic, write a summary in your own words, make it unique to your writing style, and even add examples from your own experience.
How else can I come up with blog topics?
In addition to compiling ideas and resources to generate veterinary blog topics, here are a few tricks of the trade to help you manage your posting schedule effectively – and to help you avoid drawing a blank when it’s time to hit the keyboard.
Plan ahead. Blogging always feels more intimidating when there’s a tight deadline. Rather than coming up with a topic as the deadline draws near, schedule regular brainstorming sessions – say, once a week – to come up with a list of topics to carry you through. Bonus: this way, if you get exceptionally stuck on one subject, you have a backup list to carry you through until you have the right material.
Write ideas down. You never know when inspiration will strike, so it’s best to be prepared. Too many veterinary blog ideas are overlooked or lost completely simply because they’re forgotten – and running a busy practice comes with its fair share of distractions. My favourite trick is to keep several pads of paper and pens in different rooms so there’s always one handy – or even keep it in your pocket just in case.
Feature others on your blog. How do TV shows improve their ratings? By inviting guests. You can do the same thing with your blog by connecting with other thought leaders to provide guest content. You could host another veterinary expert – whether it’s a colleague from a practice in another region, a specialist, or a retired DVM – or you could even feature your existing clients and patients! Share a success story, case study, or client testimonial for a fresh perspective and some engaging content. When featuring others on your blog in any way, remember to collect the express permission of the subject, author or creator.
Mix it up. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when you have a strict template for your content. Remember that it doesn’t always have to hit a certain word count, or even fulfill the same objective. Some blog posts will do better if they’re succinct, image-based or meant to entertain rather than just inform, and that’s okay. Variety is the spice of blogging!
