Getting Inspired to Write Quality Content

This post is sponsored by the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about how BlogPaws helps educate and inspire pet influencers but Lola The Rescued Cat only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. BlogPaws is not responsible for the content of this article.

Blogging is a lot of work! It requires a lot of time and dedication. A blogger can spend as much time (or more!) on their blog as they do in their full-time job. There are times where you may feel uninspired and it can be difficult to generate new ideas.

Today I've decided to share with you what inspires me to create quality content, even when it may get exhausting. 

What Inspires Me to Write Quality Content?

Lola and Lexy hands down! 

Every educational post, product review or Selfie Sunday starts with them in mind. I only review products that I think they would enjoy and I research health-related topics to ensure their well-being.

Another inspiration is my readers. I have established a dedicated following of people who comment on every single post I write. Their opinions matter greatly to me. I always strive to create content that is enjoyable to them and will make them want to come back for more.

Someone recently commented that they were so happy to have found my site and that it was an inspiration to see people such as myself care so much about cats. Comments like that make my day and continue to keep me inspired!  

Where do I get My Post Ideas?

My ideas come from a variety of places, but they all start with my tagline; Advocacy. Education. Entertainment. 

Advocacy

Lola and Lexy were adopted from shelters, which motivates me to write about rescue and advocacy and to promote adoption. I love visiting shelters and sharing my experiences. My regular visitors already know how much I love Tabby’s Place!

I’ve also visited Pet Animal Welfare Society and The Patricia H. Ladew Foundation. 

The possibilities of writing about advocacy are endless; I catch myself constantly coming up with more ideas often. I’ve enjoyed participating in Remember Me Thursday, which is sponsored by the Helen Woodward Animal Center, and Clear the Shelters. In the near future, you can expect to read some great content from a new series that I'm starting soon called “Lola on the Road.” In this series, I'll be visiting cat cafes and writing about how the dedicated owners and volunteers help homeless cats.

Education

Because I want my muses, and all cats, to live happy and healthy lives, I write educational posts such as 5 Top Household Poisons for Cats, and 6 Tips to Cat Proof Your Christmas Tree.

Entertainment

My girls are the entertainment piece of the blog. They make me laugh every day and I’ll never want to stop sharing the joy they bring to my life with the world. Whether they’re choosing a card to send to a friend,

deciding who should look in the Chewy box, 

or having a sisterly chat in the kitchen window -

they’re always trying (and succeeding!) to bring a smile to people’s faces. 

What Makes it Work

What makes quality content work? Being honest and genuine to your brand, yourself and your audience. I’ve declined reviews for products that I knew just wouldn’t work for my girls. I knew I wouldn’t be able to give an honest, open-minded opinion on something they wouldn’t use or like. It’s not the end of the world to do this! Brands actually appreciate your honesty and will still be willing to work with you on other projects that work for you and your four-legged companions. 

It’s Been a Journey

Finding my niche has definitely been a journey. In the beginning, my content was all over the place and there was no consistency in the way I wrote or presented it. 

After blogging for about 2 years, I had an idea of where I wanted to go with my blog. When I rebranded my site last year, I performed an audit which reassured me that I was on the right track. I felt my blog now had a purpose. 

Don’t get me wrong, Lola and Lexy fans—I’m not saying they’re adorableness and antics didn’t serve a purpose. But, I felt we needed a broader one.

I never wrote anything creative or informative (aside from papers in graduate school) until I started our Facebook page in January 2011. I started sharing little stories about the girls learning to get along and Lola’s view on her recovery. Things just took off from there.

When I started this blog as Lola’s Diary in December 2014 I didn’t realize where it would take me. I’ve learned so much about different topics that I didn’t know existed (SEO? Huh?). On top of that, I’ve gotten compensated for sponsored posts, which is something I never even dreamed of!

The best part of this journey has been the friends I have made along the way. Pet-loving people are the best! Every year I look forward to seeing them at the BlogPaws conference -

and sometimes I’m lucky enough to see them at events in between.

What Keeps Me Going?

The answer to that question is easy. You!

Some of you read and comment on every single post I write, and some (like me) visit semi-regularly when life allows. Every comment you make, every private message you send me, every question you ask about my girls lets me know how much you care, and that you enjoy visiting us. Thank you!

Has your blog changed over the years? What inspires your content?

Dawn