If you’re stuck looking for something to write about on a particular day, a problem I refer to as Blogging Writer’s Block, Google Trends is the way to go. It not only helps jog your mind with new ideas on what to write about, but it also helps you find the most popular topics of the day in terms of keyword usage that will (hopefully) propel your latest article to the top of the search engines.
So today’s experiment with Google trends (and breakthrough of my writer’s block) will be about some related Apple news (#9 on Google Trends) – my new iPod (#29).
A few days ago, I miraculously found a 2 year replacement warranty for an iPod I bought in September of 2007 – miraculous because I had totally forgotten I purchased it, and the warranty was 15 days from expiring.
While I loved the shape of my old iPod (a 3rd generation model that is much shorter than the newer versions), the thing has been problematic from the start. I have had to restore it countless amount of times because it would freeze up while I was browsing playlists or pictures, and after it froze, the next time I plugged it into my computer (Mac or Windows) it would only allow me to restore it to factory settings and then I would have to start all over.
So now, for the same price I paid for my 8GB Nano two years ago, I got to upgrade to a 16GB Nano. Although I’m still not fond of the size compared to the older model, I do LOVE the color and extra storage space. Plus I got to buy it another replacement warranty, so if it goes south in 2 years, I will be upgrading to a future new iPod.
What to take away from today’s post:
- Use Google Trends to cure blogging writer’s block and to get the top search terms for the day.
- Buy a full replacement warranty for electronic purchases from a reputable retailer – it is worth it!
This post brought to you by Kristi Hines
Kristi Hines is creator of Kikolani which focuses on blogging tips and social networking. Connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Kristi has written 310 awesome article(s) for Kikolani.
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{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
HOLLA
Hey I just got sent a FREE 8 gig nano and immediately sent it to my daughter’s mother 
Google trends is awesome for traffic post.
Anyway I really don’t have more to say other then
Stumbled and RT
PS I just wanted to beat Frank
and say HIGH
Thanks for being the coolest
John Sullivan´s last blog ..Good Luck Mr President
Google Trends is really an excellent resource and well worth pointing out although I think the info people are aching to hear about is the Flip-killing nano which Steve Jobs just announced. Now, that should be one slick new device.
A. Zuck´s last blog ..Jason, Where Have You Been?
Google Trends really is a great way to see what people are searching for – but so far I haven’t made very good use of it. Thanks for the reminder and the inspiration!
Stumbled.
Christie´s last blog ..Gut feelings
Google trend can drive traffic to your blog. It is good for blogs that use adsense and it is easy to rank number 1 with that because their is no competition with those keywords.
trade online´s last blog ..Trading Forex During Summer Holiday Period
Very useful writing tip. I haven’t been to Google Trends in a while but will check it out again. And I will remember this tip as my mind does periodically “seize up” when trying to write. Thanks.
Mike McEvoy´s last blog ..5 Common Computer Security Mistakes
About Google Trends, I think it’s an amazing tool for online marketing as well as non-online business. It can accurately predict what will happen in the coming season. One wonder is why it’s still in Google Labs. I have no idea how it can be improved, but yeah, Google might have some. By the way, congratulation with your new iPod.
Hamming´s last blog ..Jacory Harris, Miami Hurricanes beat Florida State Seminoles
Yeah google trends is really helpful if used wisely….BTW great post you always come up with something new and creative….cheerz
Rahul:-)
Hey Kristi.
Thanks for the tips. I will check into Google Trends immediately.
BunnygotBlog´s last blog ..Labor Day Weekend – Summer Sendoff
Wow, you got lucky on that warranty, I bet they get a lot of people like that
Using Google Trends is a neat and creative way to find inspiration. I am a member of a few forums, so sometimes base posts off of ideas in one of the threads…
Steve´s last blog ..A Look at Popular Lift Chair Manufacturers
I never realised how tough it was thinking of subjects to write about on blogs until I tried – I thought I’d be full of it but within a few weeks it was already a struggle to get topical and interesting in my writing. Google trends isn’t something I’ve used but I always try and get on the news sites to see what silly news is spreading round the net that day!
gurgle´s last blog ..How to afford time off with your baby
Kristi,
I wrote an article on Google Trends and I use it when I am stomped on what to write about. Congrats on your new addition – iPod.
Frank J´s last blog ..Do You Remember The Game Pong?
Forgot to mention, Yahoo! Buzz and Twitter are other great ways to find out what’s going on and get ideas.
Frank J´s last blog ..How to Get Rid of Back Acne
Hi Kristi,
good tips thanks for that, use of Google trends very easy to search more thins i book mark this post!!
SEO Company´s last blog ..Yahoo Store Development – Create a Perfect Online Store
Well if you’ll be using google trends for improved traffic then you should stick to keywords used and make your post title simple. For example the trend “Prison Break Season 8″ is hot. Then you can use Prison break Season 8 as the title as is. And optimized the title by linking it to web 2.0 properties.^^
Anime Games´s last blog ..Krazy Aces Opens Close Beta Registration
Writers block stinks… I use Google trends all the time, but never to cure writers block. I’m normally taking a walk around the block or something like that. I’ll have to give trends a try… Thanks!
Online Income´s last blog ..Five Way To Write Blog Posts Without Writing
I heard about Google trends, although i never try it. Unfortunately i forgot about him for quite long time, but now thanks to you i will have new oportunities for my posts. Thanks for this article.
Finding a topic to blog everyday is a very tough task really, and haven’t used google trends at all, I have heard of it from here and there but really thanks for pointing that out. Hope this will give me good ideas for blogging.
Thanks,
Ben.
Open moon project´s last blog ..Space navigation
yup i love Google trends it’s very help full for searchers getting more help for searching anything nice post Kristi thanks for writeup…
Thought I had commented on this before, but apparently I didn’t – I did think this was a great story, re: the ipod. There are a few times having a good warranty has helped me. I really am surprised some people think warranties are a waste of money generally, even for more expensive purchases.
ashok´s last blog ..If you want to do me a favor…
I’m only 4 months into blogging, but I’ve had blogger’s block a couple of times. I just use RSS Runner app on my iPhone and check news stories for something interesting.
iPhone iPod Downloads & apps´s last blog ..App Review – CNN Mobile
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