Do you want better SEO rankings and high-quality content to share on your social media sites? How about increased traffic to your website? Then you should consider blogging. The idea of blogging on a consistent basis may seem like a daunting commitment, but don’t worry — you have time! Here are five tips to help you generate great content in a flash.

1. Write about what you already know

Rather than researching and writing about a topic you don’t know much about, focus on your professional expertise and passions. A plumber might write about preventing limescale or frozen pipes. A fashion retailer could offer styling advice or an overview of the latest clothing trends. When you write about a topic that you’re well-versed in, the blogging process is easier and faster. Don’t think anyone will want to read about what you do? Think again. The very things that seem routine about your job tend to be interesting and valuable to potential customers. Millions of people are seeking information online every day, and blogging is a fantastic way to reach them.

2. Interview an expert

Need to blog about issues that you’re unfamiliar with? You’ll have to be creative. If you’re working at a large company, you probably have access to professionals with diverse experience and specialized knowledge. So seek out a coworker whose area of expertise matches your needs, ask for a 15-minute interview and take good notes. Remember, a face-to-face meeting is faster and more compelling than trading emails. If you don’t work for a large company, look within your network. There may be a customer, a vendor, someone you follow on social media or even a friend who you can interview or learn from. Don’t forget to include the name and title of your expert in your blog.

3. Read other blogs

Is brainstorming eating up too much time? Take a look at what your peers are writing. By doing so, you’ll see what’s resonating with your target audience. Look at how many social media shares the posts are getting as an indicator of people’s engagement, too. In addition, reading another writer’s work can spark new ideas and provide you with material that you can build upon or spin in a unique way. You may even want to develop a post that is a direct response to an industry issue that a popular writer or site recently covered.

Take a few minutes every day to see what’s out there and jot down a few notes about topics that you want to tackle when you have time. That way, you’ll always have a starting point when it’s time to produce.

4. Don’t overthink it

Sit down, put pencil to paper (or your fingers to the keyboard) and just write. Let the ideas flow naturally, and don’t stress yourself out, thinking that you need to come up with something amazing right away. Try to block out other distractions and allow yourself to get “in the zone.” Resist the urge to edit as you write. After you’ve written a few hundred words, then you can start thinking about refining your writing. As you edit your work, ask a friend or colleague to proofread your writing and give you notes.

5. Hold yourself accountable

When you have a business to run, blogging usually isn’t at the top of your to-do list. But maintaining a consistent blogging schedule is important and should be a part of your online marketing strategy. To keep yourself on track, create a deadline and share it with a colleague or coworker who will be editing the post for you. A blogging buddy can help you take responsibility for the goals that you’ve set for yourself and encourage you along the way.

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Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2016 and has been updated for accuracy and relevance.

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