FAIL-SAFE BLOGGING TOPICS | WORKFLOW WEDNESDAY | ASHTON KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY | MARYLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Hello, GORGEOUS people!

It’s time for another Workflow Wednesday and if I’m being honest, this was a week that I didn’t have pre-scheduled blogs to publish. When this happens, I will often scrape a topic together or skip blogging that day all together. I always feel a little disappointed when I slack on my blogging, so in true form of practicing what I preach, I’m using this struggle to my advantage.

If you’re a blogger, you’ve probably been there, too! Whether it’s the slow season and you have less content, or you’re just struggling to find a subject you can write about, we have ALL had trouble at one time or another putting our words together. Let’s face it.. we don’t ALWAYS have the perfect thing to say and some blogs WILL be more impactful than others. It doesn’t mean you can’t be consistent, and that each little post contributes to the big picture you’re trying to get across.

So, if you’re in a blogging slump, and victim to the “I don’t know what to write about” blues.. Here are some great topics that you can almost ALWAYS adapt for a blog post.

1. Talk about yourself!

Clients love to get to know who they are working with. If someone can identify with you, they are more likely to hire you. If you like the same movies, shop at the same stores, or show interest in the same things.. a potential client can become attracted to your style, both personally and artistically. Great things to chat about right now are your Summer vacation plans, something your family recently did together, a book you just read, your favorite pieces of clothing for Spring, or make a list of fun facts your readers may not know about you.

2. Educate your clients!

I often receive questions that start out “how do I tell my clients…?” My best advice is to always try and get ahead of the bus. Give your audience as much information up front, so it’s less questions to answer later! Of course, this won’t eliminate questions, but it does give you resources so that you can simply provide a link to your own personal suggestions on that topic. You can write about what to wear, the best times of day to shoot, your favorite locations, what to expect during a mini session, and more!

3. Start a series!

Much like my “Workflow Wednesdays” series, many photographers have a recurring theme that they lean on through the week for extra content. Since I mentor lots of other photographers as well as lead a community of photographers for social events, this is a great way to connect me with that group of folks every week. I can give tips, talk about struggles, and show our recent gatherings. Other posts that would work well for weekly adaptation would be a black and white series, a blog for your favorite recipes, images from a 365 photo challenge, or highlighting your pet!

4. Preferred vendor highlights!

Don’t be afraid to use your platform for your fellow creatives. You can get a blurb from a vendor you love working with and highlight your own work from a recent event you worked together. Exposing your clients to the people you love working with will connect them, and ensure future opportunities working together. Cross-promotion is also a great way to build working relationships within the industry, and the love is often returned!

5. Your work!

This one is obvious, and I know you’re probably sitting there saying, “Ashton, if I had work to blog.. I wouldn’t be reading your blog for tips on what to blog!” I understand! I do! Here’s the thing, if you don’t have work to blog, you need to create some. It’s super important that you seem busy, in demand, and if blogging is a consistent part of your brand.. your lack of content is a problem you have to tackle one way or the other. Reach out to other local artists and put together a shoot-out using your collective resources, plan a styled shoot with a planner nearby, or do a casting call for folks and curate a vision of your own spontaneously.

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If you want to be a better blogger, the best thing you can do is to push yourself to keep doing it. It will make you more consistent, a better writer, and allow you to find a voice that makes communicating with your audience easier. Rotating and adapting the topics above can get you started, or help you to fill a schedule around all of the amazing work you’re already doing! I hope these have helped you. :)

-Ash