Exploring Existing Content for Valuable Blogging Topics

As a seasoned SEOer at Google, one of the most frequently asked questions I encounter is about identifying topics for blogging that have already been addressed by others. This isn't necessarily a dead end; in fact, it can be an excellent starting point for creating high-quality, engaging content that stands out. Here’s a guide on how to find and leverage existing topics to create something truly unique and valuable.

Platforms to Benchmark Against

Several platforms can serve as invaluable resources for finding topics that have already been covered. By understanding how others have approached a given theme, you can identify gaps and opportunities to add fresh perspectives and value.

Reddit

Reddit is a treasure trove of user-generated content across numerous subreddits. Each subreddit caters to a specific interest, making it easy to find topics that resonate with your target audience. Explore popular and niche subreddits to identify trends and discussions. For example, /r/lifehacks, /r/facts, or /r/AskScience can provide great insights into what your audience is interested in.

Quora

Quora is another platform where people come to ask and answer questions. By joining discussions around specific themes, you can uncover common questions and challenges that your audience might face. For instance, if you are in the tech industry, a Quora section might discuss how to upgrade a computer or the best coding practices. Examining these discussions can help you identify related topics that can be explored in detail.

Google Trends

Google Trends is a fantastic tool for understanding popular topics and trends over time. By analyzing search trends, you can identify spikes in interest or recurring themes. For example, if “remote work” is consistently trending, it might be a good time to dive into specific aspects of remote work, like productivity hacks or best practices for communication.

BuzzSumo

BuzzSumo is known for its power in identifying popular content in your niche. By examining top-performing posts, you can see what kind of content is resonating with your target audience. For instance, if you find that a blog post on SEO optimization has performed exceptionally well, you might want to write a comparative or updated version of that post with your unique insights.

Social Media

Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn are also rich sources of content. Hashtags, trending topics, and community discussions can provide a wealth of inspiration. For example, trending hashtags like #DigitalMarketing or # StartupLife can lead you to relevant discussions and themes to explore.

Research and Value-Add

Once you have identified potential topics from these platforms, the next step is to research them thoroughly. Understand how others have covered the topic, what angles and perspectives have been used, and any common pitfalls or mistakes. This research will help you create a unique angle that adds value to your content.

Add your own unique perspective and value to the topic. For example, if you are writing about SEO optimization, you might focus on a specific aspect that is often overlooked, such as the importance of technical SEO for e-commerce sites. This approach not only makes your content more specific and targeted but also ensures that it stands out from the overwhelmed and often redundant content on the web.

Creating Valuable and Engaging Content

To ensure that your content is both informative and engaging, consider the following tips:

Provide actionable insights that your audience can apply immediately. Incorporate multimedia such as images, infographics, or videos to make your content more visually appealing and easier to digest. Use a conversational tone and vary your sentence structure to keep the reader engaged. Include case studies or real-world examples to make your content more relatable and credible.

By leveraging the insights from existing content and adding your own unique twist, you can create high-quality, high-value content that resonates with your audience. This approach not only increases the chances of your content being shared and liked but also improves your SEO performance, leading to higher visibility and engagement.

Conclusion

Identifying and leveraging existing content for blogging topics is a strategic move in the world of SEO and content creation. By exploring platforms like Reddit, Quora, Google Trends, BuzzSumo, and social media, you can gain valuable insights into what your audience is interested in and what trends are currently driving attention. By adding your own unique perspective and value, you can create content that stands out, engages, and provides real value to your readers. This approach not only enhances your SEO efforts but also positions you as a trusted authority in your field.