Unless…
you want to
1. Look at your blog from a distance
2. Find zillions of new post ideas
3. Try out new things for your blog
I’m very lucky.
I’ve just been away on a Caribbean cruise. Arrived home today in fact.
Yes, I know. It snowed in the UK and I was able to leave it all behind…
But, I didn’t leave my blog behind!
Believe it or not, I had my trusty notebook with me all the time and sat in the shade writing away, as the ideas came along.
You must never go on holiday unless you want to…
1. Look at your blog from a distance.
As each day passed and my UK blogging routine disappeared over the horizon I was free to focus completely on my blog from a distance.
Here’s what I did:
- I thought carefully about my mission statement. What exactly do I want to provide for my readers? Can I write this statement more accurately than I have before?
- What issues or problems can I help them with? I made a comprehensive list of topics I could write about. I made a note to go through my comments on my return and see what questions, issues or problems I can include.
- I made a list of ways I could improve my site to make it more friendly, welcoming and useful.
2. Find zillions of blog post ideas (and work on intriguing headlines for them.)
- I saw dolphins and flying fish, a helicopter medical emergency, children singing carols under artificial snow (OK, could have been naff but wasn’t!)
- I noted snippets of conversations.
- I watched people’s body language, eating habits and general holiday behaviour
- The ship’s daily news-letter gave me some unusual headlines to ‘swipe’.
All I had to do was write it all down and I can come back to it later when I need a fresh idea.
3. Try new things for your blog.
- Perhaps you’d like to change your header image? Find out how, from this site and others like it.
- Would you like to provide some affiliate links to benefit your readers? There’s plenty of help and advice out there. Discover if affiliate links would help your readers.
- Why not start a post with some dialogue? Or a quotation that sums up the ‘point’ of your post? Take a look at some quotation sites and check out what’s out there.
- Use your own ‘voice’ and style in your posts. Readers will relate to you so much better and get to know what to expect from you.
When you’re away from home, you’re surrounded by ideas, thoughts, sights and sounds that can inspire a blog post or inspire you to make positive changes for your site.
Just stand and watch, listen, feel what’s around you.
Write it down or record your ideas on a small dictaphone or on your Smart Phone if that’s easier.
But remember! Don’t even think about going on holiday – unless - you would like to do all of the above.
Tell us in the comments, about the most unusual or unexpected place you found that brilliant idea to improve or expand your blog. Where were you when you had that ‘blogging light bulb moment’?
And, most important, what was it?
About Linda Hewett
You’ve got a great writing style enjoyed reading your post
Lloyd recently posted..Routine or Ritual part 1
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
Thanks Lloyd. Great compliment!
I have my own blog too… perhaps you’ll drop by?
Thanks for commenting today.
Linda Hewett recently posted..Worried About Your Child’s Progress 5 Clues That They Might Be Dyslexic
Twitter: ronniedare
says:
Very true article Linda. Since I started blogging, whenever I am away from my computer, ideas are always sinking in. Even before I go to sleep, thoughts and ideas are always there bugging my mind. Good thing I always have my pen and paper ready for all of it. =)
RonLeyba recently posted..UFC 125 Resolution Frankie Edgar vs Gray Maynard
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
Bloggers must always ‘be prepared’ Ron! Wherever they are!
Thanks for joining in today.
Linda Hewett recently posted..Worried About Your Child’s Progress 5 Clues That They Might Be Dyslexic
its a very relaxing thing to do , i really like this article , thanks john
I hope you enjoyed your cruise enough though! I’m inspired that you love your job enough to do it to ignore the sun in the winter! That’s dedication to your craft if I’ve ever heard of it.
JohnG recently posted..Stocks Expected to See 10 Percent Jump in 2011
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
hello JohnG,
I don’t think I said I ignored the sun! I just didn’t toast like some of the cruisers did…
But I am dedicated… sort of…!
Good to see you here.
Linda recently posted..Who Are You Really
I really like this article, Linda, though I’m more than a little bit jealous that you got to go on a cruise :)
I’ve found that some of the most profound changes and improvements to my blog have been when I’ve taken that step back and examined my blog more objectively.
Tristan recently posted..How to Turn a Lousy Blog Headline into a Great One
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
There’s nothing better for our blogs than to step back, is there? A fresh, objective eye is key.
Thanks for popping in today.
Linda recently posted..Who Are You Really
Definitely an attention-getting title, i couldn’t resist clicking through and i’m glad i did.
cruiser vacation is one of the most exciting one..its like in the arms of the sea
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
It is, rhea. I could watch the sea for hours.. and I did!
Linda Hewett recently posted..You Can Trade in the ‘Old You’ and Discover the ‘New’!
Twitter: AlisonMSmith
says:
The beauty of owning your own business is the flexibility! We vacation whenever we like. How?
(1) Schedule some posts.
(2) Take my laptop and create some posts in family down time. (I haven’t traveled without a computer in over a decade!)
Writing on the beach beats even my home office. :) Except for the sand.
Alison Moore Smith recently posted..Top 10 Gifts for New Bloggers
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
Think I need to get a lite-weight laptop so I can do that, Alison! We ‘take ourselves with us’ wherever we go, no doubt about it!
Thanks for joining in the conversation tday.
Linda Hewett recently posted..You Can Trade in the ‘Old You’ and Discover the ‘New’!
My best ideas come while I was sleeping! Yes! I dreamt of it… Maybe because I was thinking so hard about what to blog that even while I am sleeping, I am still thinking of it subconsciously. Funny aight? But yes… It’s true.
I used to sell holidays Linda, so I would recommend taking a break to anyone. Not only will you be in a new environment, with fresh sensory input, you will have the time to take it all in. Holidays are the best place to “think outside the box”.
Having said that, my best ideas come when I’m completely on my own on a long run, or after a good night’s sleep, just as I’m waking up.
Best wishes for a prosperous New Year.
John
John McNally recently posted..December BLOG TRAFFIC
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
Thanks John. It’s all about ‘change’, isn’t it? New environment, new perspective, New Year…
Linda Hewett recently posted..You Can Trade in the ‘Old You’ and Discover the ‘New’!
Linda!
I am so jealous LOL i have never been to Carribean, though it is so popular because it is beautiful..
I also check my blog everytime i am away, i am now a blogging freak i guess lol
Happy new year.
Kimi.
Kimi recently posted..Increase organic traffic top blog tips
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
Join the Club, Kimi! I’ll pop over to visit you ASAP. Could use some Traffic Tips.
Linda Hewett recently posted..You Can Trade in the ‘Old You’ and Discover the ‘New’!
Hi Linda,
I am actually on vacation from my blog right now, so this is quite appropriate for me. Aside from all of the time I have spent with my wife (which has been great as my day job keeps me so busy), most of my time has been spent on posts for the next couple of weeks.
Though it is not the vacation I had hoped for (I got the flu on Christmas – present from my nephews), it does feel good to have some things ready for the future.
Have a nice day!
mark recently posted..Choosing My Niche-Market
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
Hi mark,
It’s good to have time to ‘get ahead’, isn’t it, so we’re not chasing our tails so frantically. Perhaps the flu wasn’t such a bad gift as it made you stop for a while!
Hope you’re on the mend by now.
Thanks for finding time to comment today.
Linda Hewett recently posted..You Can Trade in the ‘Old You’ and Discover the ‘New’!
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
Jared,
I have to say I felt refreshed and ready to write, when I recovered from the flight, that is…
Wish we could travel without the time difference…
Linda Hewett recently posted..You Can Trade in the ‘Old You’ and Discover the ‘New’!
Great back from vacation post today! I wish I could say I’ve been on a cruise the past few weeks. No one really realizes the impact of changing your surroundings has on the human thought process. It’s always good to visit a park or sit in another part of the house to get fresh ideas.
Jared Holland recently posted..Do Title Tags & Page Descriptions Really Matter
I must confess that I was a little “miffed” by the title of this post but once reading understood completely. I do the same thing. My mind is constantly churning and looking for ideas about which to write but I still consider it a holiday from the day-to-day grind.
kidgas recently posted..My Online Income Goals for 2011
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
kidgas, I’m glad you ‘read on’, and thanks for joining in today.
Linda Hewett recently posted..You Can Trade in the ‘Old You’ and Discover the ‘New’!
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Linda,
I can relate to this one so much!! It seems that no matter how long I sit at the computer, I can’t seem to get the ideas rolling. The minute I step away and start doing something – for some reason, ideas like to hit me while I’m driving at a time when I really can’t stop to write anything down. So I’ve learned to use the voice recorder on my phone, I’ve captured a lot of great ideas that way and I’m sure I’ve prevented a host of car crashes that would’ve resulted had I attempted to write while driving :D
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
The recorder on the phone is great, I often use it, Kiesha. Where would we be without these magic tools? You’re right about the driving thing… could be lethal…
Linda Hewett recently posted..You Can Trade in the ‘Old You’ and Discover the ‘New’!
I think everyone needs to take a step back every now and then. If not, you could get in a rut of executing and not planning.
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
You’re sooo right, Shannon.
Good to meet you here.
Linda Hewett recently posted..You Can Trade in the ‘Old You’ and Discover the ‘New’!
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
Hi Alex,
We do drive ourselves too hard in life, don’t we. We need to pull in to that lay by and watch for a while…
Thanks for joining in today.
Linda Hewett recently posted..You Can Trade in the ‘Old You’ and Discover the ‘New’!
Stepping back and taking a break can always refresh your mind, motivates you (because you know if you work hard make more money you can take more such vacations), and it can help you be more productive.
When I start to struggle with my daily chores I usually take a break and come back later. This always works.
Usually, when you are relaxed you get more ideas. The same with me, when I have nothing on my mind and just chill somewhere, then it’s when I have lots of great ideas (and lucky me I have a smart phone to write them down)
Alex recently posted..Gatit
Quite honestly I get most ideas while in the tub. In fact, when I want to feel inspired I go have a nice hot relaxing bath.
I got the idea for “The Unblogger” while taking one of my baths!
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
Woo! Must try that! Good to see you here, Marnie.
Linda Hewett recently posted..You Can Trade in the ‘Old You’ and Discover the ‘New’!
Twitter: TrafficColeman
says:
Ideas come to me at all times of night, but when I’m on vacation I try to think about my online world..but its hard sometimes because I’m always brain storming.
“Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”
TrafficColeman recently posted..2010 Brought In 17-319 Free Visitors To My Blog
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
Do you keep that notebook by your bed, TC? No need to tell us…!
Linda Hewett recently posted..You Can Trade in the ‘Old You’ and Discover the ‘New’!
I find myself always brainstorming too. Sometimes it’s difficult to turn off that switch inside me.
Jared Holland recently posted..Do Title Tags & Page Descriptions Really Matter
Totally agree! You always need to pause, in everything, from the relationship and to a blog:) It gives fresh ideas, it makes possible to see the amount of work done. I also took some time off, I think it will be very useful for my business.
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
To pause in life is good, Sam! We should all do it more often…
Thanks for dropping in today.
Linda Hewett recently posted..You Can Trade in the ‘Old You’ and Discover the ‘New’!
This is some great advice. I’m actually still on a self-imposed “break” until the end of the month to recharge and redesign my site. I’ve been a little nervous what the reaction will be (stepping out of the ever-churning social media current), but it seems overall to have been a wise decision with 2011 shaping up to be pretty freaking awesome. :)
Rondal recently posted..Celebrating the Work of Tod Slaughter in ‘The Greed of William Hart’
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
Hi Rondal,
I felt exactly the same about upgrading my blog. I was nervous at first but am so pleased I did it.
2011 will be great for you, I’m sure!
Linda Hewett recently posted..You Can Trade in the ‘Old You’ and Discover the ‘New’!
Linda – I loved the concept of this post. Take a step back from your blog and discover new things you want to write about or new things you want to write about.
Putting yourself in a new environment from what you’re normally used to will definitely give you some fresh ideas and inspire you to write a great post. I know for me I get great inspiration and great ideas for blogging when I go for a ride in my car listening to some slow music.
It’s a very relaxing thing to do, and it’s always nice to get from in front of the computer and get my creative juices flowing in a different way. Happy new year and much success to you in 2011.
John recently posted..Find Out If Your Spouse Is Cheating With A Reverse Telephone Lookup
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
Thanks, John. A new environment does wonders for us bloggers. There’s so much out there to inspire!
Have a great NY too!
Linda Hewett recently posted..You Can Trade in the ‘Old You’ and Discover the ‘New’!
Hi Linda
Being in Australia it is now our summer and here in Perth it is sweltering. So most people are in holiday mode, going to the beach, away visiting relatives or generally just chilling for the week.
My plan was to keep blogging (new to blogging) as I didn’t want to lose momentum. However, circumstances didn’t allow and it has been so good having a few days break.
Only came back on tonight(Perth time) and not full speed. You are right, can take time to get new perspective, get new ideas and come back refreshed.
I am already looking forward to 2011 and what it will bring in the blogosphere. Next year I will probably even factor in a proper break (family committments permitting).
Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia recently posted..At Lavenderuses Safety First Means…
Twitter: LindaMHewett
says:
Welcome home, Patricia!
I wasn’t sure about ‘leaving’ my readers for 2 weeks, but I did schedule some posts to be published in my absence. I do feel refreshed now and full of beans … or something!
Linda Hewett recently posted..You Can Trade in the ‘Old You’ and Discover the ‘New’!
Twitter: AlisonMSmith
says:
“Full of beans.” Is that a good thing??? ;)
Alison Moore Smith recently posted..Discounts on Great Cooking Gear
Even which part of the world the evolution of technology can lets us blog do our work anytime any where