Three Questions To Ask Yourself When Picking An Article Topic For Your Business

By: Gabrielle Garrett

You’ve probably heard by now articles are a fabulous way to attract your ideal clients, and the logos you gain from writing for desirable outlets can help solidify your credibility when potential customers venture to your website.

What stops many entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and industry experts from following through on the almost-guaranteed method from success is one thing: not knowing what the heck to write. As well as impostor syndrome, I find many are afraid they’ll be “found out” if they claim to be any type of expert.

Let’s take a deep breath together. You know what you’re talking about: That’s why you’re in the chair, meditation cushion, or bench you’re currently sitting on, friend. Your article will be met with heart because I know you’ll write it with heart.

Now that your impostor syndrome has calmed down, let’s decide what to write with three simple questions.

1) What is my ideal customer Googling right now?

If you can imagine your customer, frustrated, maybe lying awake in the middle of the night, what would they be searching feverishly into the Google search bar?

Examples would include:

• If you are a health coach, your ideal customer may be typing in: “Do cookies really make you fat?” “What do I eat tonight at Outback Steakhouse?” “How long will it take me to lose 17 pounds?” “Does my partner lose interest when I’m overweight?”
• If you are an executive and you are focused on recruiting, your customer is likely saying: “How do I know this job will be better than the last?” “Where can I work without drama?” “What skills do I need for X job?”

Once you’ve journaled ten things your customer may be Googling, you actually will have ten new article topics! You will also see the publications who are publishing said topics, and those may be great places for you to contribute to.

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2) Where are my customers trying to solve their problem?

• If you have high-end customers, maybe they love GOOP-ing their solution. 
• Business customers? Probably right here on Forbes!
• PR clients? Probably staking News Wire, AP News…
• Health Clients? Women’s Health, Shape, etc.

Figure out where your customers hang out, and be sure to write there with the topics you found during your Google search research.

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3) Why am I the one and only voice they need to hear in this moment?

Ah, we’re back for you, Miss Impostor Syndrome! I want you to write out fifteen reasons why your ideal customer might come to tears when she finds your voice, your article, and your expertise. You’ll really need to drop into your heart for this one, and leave your beautiful brain behind.

There you have it, friends. Three questions to ask yourself each time you’re ready to create new content. Now, the only thing you have to do is sit at your keyboard and make your magic come alive.

[Related: The Business Advice Every Aspiring Entrepreneur Should Know]

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Gabrielle Garrett is a journalist at heart, and business builder by natural and inherent skill-set. She started her business on “accident,” then sold it after scaling to twelve team members and over 50 clients. She has been published over 600 times, including Entrepreneur, USA Today, Tiny Buddha, and more, now she teaches others to publish their work, too. Follow her on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out her website.