Breaking Writer's Blog-ck ... Local Content Ideas for Your Blog

In the quest to build the perfect blog, I find myself in interesting situations where I can't think of a thing to write about. However, there are other times where I have too many things that I want to write about. I have learned to ration my "flood of ideas" to balance out my "idea deserts" by writing everything down in a "Blog Journal" that I carry with me - in my car, at work, at home... Anyway, as I was sitting in my car, waiting for my kids to get out of school, I came up with a whole list of Blog-Building post ideas, and thought that I would share them with you.

These particular ideas are for building Local Content - a great resource for any relocating clients that may want to move to your area, or newer residents that just want to know more about their home. (In addition to this list, you really should check out Kristal Kraft's blog, as she is the Queen of local content.)

Tours- What a great way for you to check out your own town and meet people! Take your camera and a note pad and head out!

• Coffee Shop Tour - Sure, there's Starbucks ... If you have time and space, mention those because I guarantee there is someone out there reading your blog that has to have their half caf venti iced caramel macchiato ... BUT ...What about those local spots? You know, the places that have live music from time to time? The places that have local magazines lining one wall and at least one college kid in dread locks foaming the milk? Give an "insiders look" to where the locals like to get their cup o' joe. Take pictures of the building, and even one of the barista-masters. Maybe even a shot of the owner! (Be sure to tell them where you are posting this info...small business owners love free publicity, and are bound to tell people about it!) Make notes of when their live music shows are and what their specialties are. Include anything else interesting about the coffee shops - and maybe even a map.
  Other ideas for a tour like this may be: Pizza Joints, Greasy Spoons, "dive bars" ... anywhere people like to hang out and be social.
• Historical Monument & Landmarks Tour - Take yourself on a field trip and learn more about the historical monuments in your area. Take pictures. Make a photo journal of the monuments with information on each one. If a group of them are in walking distance from each other, create a printable map and include historical facts, places to stop and eat (or get a cup of coffee...) and your information.
  Other ideas for a tour like this may be: "Great Playgrounds"  or Museums & Art Galleries
• Local Biz (Business) Tour - We all want to support our local businesses, right? What a better way to do this than to feature them in a post on your blog! Make an effort to meet the owners. Take pictures. Make a point of telling your readers why these businesses are better than the national chains. Besides being local ... what unique things or services do they offer that make them successful? Again, make sure you tell the owners where you are posting this information!
  Be sure to consider restaurants, grocery stores, boutiques, book stores (if there are any left), bars, music stores, gift shops, salons and even gas stations.

General Information - Here are some topics to consider to make your Local Content more robust.

• City Biography - Who founded your city? What important people, over the years, made it what it is today? Are there any famous or infamous people from your city? Who were some famous lawmakers? Who are some controversial lawmakers today? Who runs the city, now? Who sits on the city council? Who are your local heros?
• General History - Create a timeline. Those of you in older cities may want to "skim" for the most important events. Some questions to consider: Are there military forts that played a part in any war? When did your city become a city? What major events happened in your city - local or national? Who was the founder? What was the reason your city was founded?
• Little Known Facts - Most Chambers of Commerce's will have a resource for "little known facts" about your city. These are quite fun, especially if you can accompany them with a photo or two.
• Community and Seasonal Events - A neighboring town to Colorado Springs, called Manitou Springs, has an annual Emma Crawford Coffin Race down the main street. There is a great story behind this tradition - one that always gets a "wow!" from the reader. What community events does your city participate in? What seasonal events to you look forward to? Are there Farmer's Markets? Is there an annual ice-sculpting or sandcastle building contest every year? What parades march down your main street? Is your city known for your great ________ ? (We love to go to Palisade, CO for the annual Peach Fest...) What makes your community unique? What would a relocating person or family look forward to doing?

Hopefully these will help nudge you out of your writers' block and into your community. In putting together a comprehensive local content section to your real estate blog, you are bound to attract potential clients, as well as put yourself in front of some very prominent people in your community - what a great opportunity!

Read Also: Dr. Mariana Wagner's One-Post Cure-all for Writers' Block