Have you ever sat down to write a blog post or record a podcast episode, only to stare at a blank screen, unsure of what to talk about? I know I have more times than I’d like to admit. One of the biggest challenges as a content creator is figuring out what’s trending, what’s going to capture attention, and, most importantly, what’s going to provide value to your audience. You don’t want to waste time creating content that misses the mark or fails to engage.
But here’s the good news—there are ways to stay ahead of the curve and find topics that are not only relevant but also trending.
Imagine having a list of content ideas that you know are going to resonate because they’re already gaining traction. That’s what we’re going to dive into today—8 proven ways to find trending topics for your blog or podcast.
In this episode…
By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical tools that will make content creation easier, more engaging, and more strategic. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a seasoned creator, these tips will help you stay ahead and keep your audience coming back for more.
Ready to get those creative juices flowing? Let’s dive in!
Today, I talked about:
[2:09] What to do when you experience ‘content crickets’
[4:11] What to do when creativity is flowing
[7:00] Finding trending topics
[7:46] Google Trends
[8:43] BuzzSumo
[9:21] AnswerThePublic
[10:03] Reddit
[10:42] Exploding Topics
[11:58] Feedly
[12:33] Ubersuggest
[13:57] Organizing your content creation process
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Become an Extraordinary Entrepreneur Member
- Google Trends
- BuzzSumo
- Answer The Public
- Exploding Topics
- YouTube Trending
- Feedly
- Ubersuggest
Podcast Transcript
I think it’s safe to say that most of us, at some point, hit a serious case of writer’s block—or, as I like to call it, ‘Content Crickets.’ It’s that frustrating feeling of wanting to create something valuable but coming up completely blank. And honestly, I think it happens for a few reasons.
Why Content Crickets Sets In
First, I think it’s because we’ve got so much info swirling around in our heads it’s hard to decide where to start. We’re sitting on a goldmine of ideas, but sorting through them can feel overwhelming. That’s why today’s episode should be your go-to checklist anytime you hit ‘Content Crickets’—a roadmap to help you get those creative juices flowing.
Second—comparison is a creativity killer. We start looking at what everyone else is doing, and suddenly, our own ideas feel insignificant. But here’s the thing: no one can do what you do in the way that you do it. To overcome this, you’ve got to tune out the noise and focus on what makes your voice unique. Remember, no one else has your experiences, your insights, or your perspective.
Third, sometimes, it can feel like we’re just repeating what’s already been said. But even if a topic’s been covered a hundred times, it’s never been said in your voice. The way you present a topic could be the exact perspective someone out there needs to hear.
And lastly, I think another reason for writer’s block is that we sometimes put too much pressure on ourselves to create the ‘perfect’ piece of content. But the truth is, perfectionism is just procrastination in disguise. You don’t have to wait for the perfect idea or the perfect time to create—just start, and the momentum will follow.
What To Do To Maximize Creative Flow
Now, let’s talk about what to do when the creativity is flowing, because those moments are golden, and you want to make the most of them. One of my favorite strategies is something called ‘batching.’ When I’m in a creative zone, I’ll prepare and record multiple podcast episodes in one sitting. So, instead of creating one episode at a time, I’ll knock out two, three, or even more if the ideas keep coming.
The benefit of batching is that it allows you to stay in that creative flow without interruptions. You’re in a groove, your energy is up, and you can produce more content in less time. It also helps free up your schedule for other tasks, giving you a more consistent workflow. Plus, it’s great for reducing stress when you’re working ahead and don’t have to scramble at the last minute to get content out.
But there can be a downside to batching, too. Sometimes, if you batch too far in advance, your content might feel disconnected from what’s happening in real-time with your audience. And let’s be honest—some days, you’re just not in the mood to crank out multiple pieces of content, and forcing it can lead to burnout or lower-quality work.
So, if batching works for you, I encourage you to schedule it in your calendar. Block off a day, or a few hours, and use that time to really dive into content creation. But if you can’t quite seem to get batching to work for you and you find yourself overwhelmed by trying to create too much at once, just schedule one task at a time. Sometimes, slow and steady is just as effective as batching.
Now, another game-changer for me is having a way to capture ideas as they come. I personally keep notecards around the house, in my purse, and even in the car so they’re always handy. Sure, I could put ideas in my phone (and I have), but I tend to forget they’re there. The notecards work for me because they’re small enough to carry anywhere, and I can jot down ideas the moment inspiration strikes—whether it’s during a walk, right before bed, or just running errands. The key is to have something accessible so you never miss an idea.
And my final tip—create an environment that encourages creativity. Whether it’s setting up a workspace you love, playing your favorite music, or even stepping away to get some fresh air—do what you need to do to keep your energy going. Creativity thrives when you feel comfortable and inspired.
I call this scheduling ‘white space’. White space is simply time that isn’t packed with tasks or meetings—it’s space to think, brainstorm, and let ideas flow. It’s in those quiet moments, without distractions, where some of your best creative breakthroughs happen. By intentionally blocking out time for reflection, brainstorming, or even just rest, you give yourself room to recharge and stay creative in the long run.
How To Find Trending Topics For Your Blog or Podcast
Now that we’ve covered how to maximize those creative moments, let’s switch gears a bit. Because while tapping into your creativity is crucial, we also want to make sure that the content you’re creating is relevant and engaging for your audience. That’s where finding trending topics comes in. Staying on top of what’s trending helps you create content that resonates, sparks interest, and drives engagement. So, how exactly do you find those hot topics? Well, that’s what we’re about to dive into—8 tried-and-true ways to uncover trending topics for your blog or podcast. Trust me, these strategies will make sure you’re always one step ahead in the content game.
#1 – Google Trends
Alright, let’s dive into the first resource: Google Trends. This tool is an absolute game-changer when it comes to finding what’s trending online. Google Trends shows you real-time data on what people are searching for, so you can see exactly what’s hot in your niche. All you need to do is type in a keyword or topic, and it will show you the search volume and related queries. You can filter by country, time frame, and even categories. It’s a perfect way to discover what your audience is already interested in, giving you a clear direction for your next blog post or podcast episode. Plus, it helps you stay ahead of the curve by identifying rising trends before they hit their peak. If you’re looking for data-backed ideas that are already getting attention, Google Trends is where you start.
#2 – BuzzSumo
Next up is BuzzSumo. If you’ve ever wondered what content is getting the most traction across the web, this tool is going to be your best friend. BuzzSumo shows you the most shared and engaging content on social media platforms, giving you insight into what’s already working. You can type in a keyword, and it’ll show you the top articles, blog posts, and videos people are buzzing about. It’s an amazing way to tap into trending topics that are already resonating with your audience, so you can create content that stands out.
#3 – AnswerThePublic
Now, let’s talk about a tool that I absolutely love—AnswerThePublic. This one’s a little different, but it’s perfect if you want to get inside your audience’s head. What it does is take the most commonly asked questions people are searching for online, and it presents them in an easy-to-read format. All you have to do is type in a keyword, and it’ll show you all the questions and phrases people are typing into Google around that topic. This is pure gold when you’re trying to figure out what your audience really wants to know.
#4 – Reddit
Now, let’s talk about Reddit. If you haven’t used Reddit yet, you’re missing out on a treasure trove of trending topics and real conversations. Think of it as a massive forum where people talk about everything. You can dive into subreddits dedicated to almost any niche, and it’s a fantastic way to see what people are discussing, asking, and sharing in real-time. It’s a great place to find raw, unfiltered insights and even crowdsource topic ideas straight from your target audience.
#5 – Exploding Topics
Next up, we have Exploding Topics—a tool that’s all about spotting trends before they blow up. It’s perfect for finding fast-growing topics that are just starting to gain traction but haven’t hit the mainstream yet. You can explore various categories and see which trends are emerging, giving you the chance to create content that’s ahead of the curve. If you want to be a trendsetter in your niche and cover topics that are fresh and new, Exploding Topics is a fantastic resource.
#6 – YouTube Trending
Another great resource for finding trending topics is YouTube Trending. YouTube is a massive platform where people are constantly searching for content, and the trending section highlights the most popular videos in real-time. Whether it’s tutorials, product reviews, or entertainment, checking out what’s trending on YouTube can give you a pulse on what people are watching and talking about. It’s especially helpful if you’re creating video content or want to tap into topics that already have a built-in audience.
#7 – Feedly
Next up is Feedly, a powerful tool that helps you keep track of the latest trends by pulling together articles, blogs, and news from sources you trust. You can customize your feed to show only what’s relevant to your niche, so you’re always in the loop without having to hunt for content. It’s like having a personal content curator that delivers fresh, trending topics right to you. This is perfect for staying updated and finding inspiration for your next blog post or podcast episode.
#8 – Ubersuggest
And finally, we have Ubersuggest. This tool is perfect if you want to dig deep into keyword research and discover what topics are trending in search engines. Ubersuggest gives you insights into popular keywords, search volume, and even content ideas based on what people are looking for. It’s great for helping you refine your SEO strategy and ensure your blog or podcast topics are not only interesting but also optimized for search engines. It’s a must-have for staying relevant and boosting your visibility.
Wrapping Up
The thing I love about using tools like these is that they allow you to tap into what’s already working—topics that are trending and capturing attention right now. By regularly exploring what’s hot in your niche, you’re able to craft content that speaks directly to what your audience is curious about right now. This keeps your blog or podcast from going stale and helps you stand out in a crowded space. By focusing on fresh, relevant, and engaging topics, you’ll build a stronger connection with your audience and, ultimately, grow your platform faster.
And one final tip I have before we sign off today…
I like to organize my content ideas using Trello. I have a dedicated board for my podcast, where I map out potential topics. Each idea gets its own card with a checklist for everything I need to create—like a Google Doc link, Canva images, social media posts, and more.
I also created five ‘streams’ titled—Ideas, Written, Recorded, Edited, and Launched—so I can visually move and track where each piece of content is in the process. This setup not only helps me prioritize but ensures nothing falls through the cracks. It’s been a game-changer for my content planning!
And that’s it for today. Thanks for tuning in and allowing me to be part of your journey to building an extraordinary life.