Sometimes we set up a blog, feeling that a certain area is our forte. Then we may find that the scope changes. Choosing a focus for the first time may be the hardest thing. As we gain experience with writing, it somehow becomes easier to define a broad enough topic for repeated writing, within a narrow enough focus to create a niche.

My first blog has evolved. It is no longer what it started out to be. In a good way, I think. The topics that I write about most often are the ones that are in front of me every day, and which give the most fodder for contemplation. If it is your first blog, you might want to leave room for evolution - a title that is catchy, but not specific.

I used to just create a new website when I needed a new topic focus. Each one wore out eventually, and I just moved on to the next one - going back to add something to the old ones when it occurred to me. I can’t do that with blogging - it requires consistency, and dedication. And long term focus within a certain area. I’m not so good at that!

With four blogs to keep up with now, the picture has changed. Each one has to have its focus. I didn’t start them all at once though - I got one going, made sure I could keep up, then started others later when I had gained more experience.

Consider carefully what you can find a constant source of inspiration for. Topics upon which there are always new evolutions (like SEO, or business), are good topics, because no matter how much you write, there is always a new angle, always new learning, and always changes within the industry. That is the kind of thing that makes a good blog topic - it takes a LOT of scope to present new and fresh content on even a weekly basis. Box yourself in, and you’ll run out in about 2 months!

Also consider what fascinates you and interests you enough to be able to regurgitate that quantity of text on a regular basis. If you have short-lived interests, go with a non-specific focus so you can indulge varied flights of fancy. The topic has to be right for you, or you won’t be able to keep up. Yes, you have to write things that interest an audience, but it starts with your interests first - we do better, that which we love.

To test your topic, sit down and brainstorm some article titles. If you can come up with a dozen or more within about 15 minutes, then you’ve hit on something you can probably sustain. If you have trouble thinking of more than a few, then you’ll be in trouble pretty quickly.

Select a topic with good scope, and within your prime interests, and you’ll be happily blogging for years to come.