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If you’re beating yourself up because you can’t think of any ideas to pitch to your client next, I’m here to help you get those brainstorm vibes flowing again.

I just started a new contract role writing for Inc.com (check it out!) and the exciting part is that I have a lot of autonomy when it comes to the topics I write about. It can feel freeing and fun, but also a bit overwhelming—is everything a content idea? I have moments when I’m simply jotting down ideas before I re-examine them to make sure I’m addressing the right audience, their needs and interests.

I’m fortunate in that I tend not to struggle with article idea generation. If anything, I struggle with organization and finding “that amazing idea” I had last week and jotted down. But I understand that in many industries, particularly very narrow ones, it’s challenging to present a fresh spin on something you feel like has been done before.

If you’ve ever struggled to come up with article ideas, here’s a starting list of my favorite ways to fill up your ideas document with new content suggestions. (Get the full list of 16 article ideas tips here.)

1. Solve your own problems

What are YOU Googling or searching online right now? When I was buying my first home, I pitched every question I wished someone had answered for me. I sent some ideas to Apartment Therapy and they resulted in assignments. Your life is research. Use it.

2. Eavesdrop (in a noncreepy way)

What are your friends venting about at brunch? What's blowing up your group chat? What are mom friends complaining about to you when they’re at the playground? People's real problems (money struggles, job challenges, relationship problems) could be your next pitch. Be a good listener and take notes—after you walk away from them, of course.

3. Stalk your own feeds

What do you Pin on Pinterest? What podcasts do you binge? What topics make you stop the scroll in Facebook groups? Which newsletters do you actually open? If YOU'RE interested, there's an audience for it. Follow that curiosity.

4. Go hyper-local, think national

Read small-town newspapers and community blogs, print and online versions. Find inspiring stories that could translate to a bigger market. A feel-good story from Iowa might be perfect for a national parenting site.

5. Review your calendar

Anniversaries, holidays, awareness months—these are pitch goldmines. Is it the 25th anniversary of a cult classic movie? The 10-year mark of a major news event? Editors LOVE a timely hook. (Ahem, 40 years of The Babysitters Club books — yes, please!) Feel free to go niche with it if you write for B2B publications. Maybe it’s the 20-year anniversary of the release of a medical device that changed how a community worked or received help. Don’t be afraid to go granular.

Ready to turn those ideas into actual article pitches that editors want to read and assign? I’ve got you covered. Check out this guide.

ALSO, I’m offering a new UPGRADE to this newsletter. For less than $4/month, become a supporter and you’ll get a new freelance article pitch in your inbox. I’ll share the subject line, body copy, what the editor said, link to the final article and the rate I received for the assignment.

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What I’m reading: Home Front by Kristin Hannah (ANYthing Kristin Hannah has always been solid in my opinion)

What I’m reading online: How a reporter landed an assignment with National Geographic

What I published on the blog: How to Get More Freelance Content Marketing Clients

What I published for a client: How to get out of any conversation (Inc.com) and “When to take your child to a pediatric orthopedist” for HSS

What I’m watching: ‘Platonic’ on Apple TV (kinda dark, definitely funny) and ‘Landman’ on Paramount+

What I’m working on: Judging B2B content submissions for the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE’s Azbees)

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Big Desk Energy: A newsletter from Beehiiv’s founder, Tyler Denk, which includes startup stories and relevant industry news

Kaitlyn Arford’s Freelance Opportunities: Kaitlyn does the hard work of sourcing WAY more jobs than I do and sends them out a few times a week. Hopefully you’ll find some gigs between her newsletter or mine.

Here’s a roundup of creative, full-time, part-time, freelance, remote, and hybrid jobs in the editorial, copywriting, content writing, and creative fields. Good luck.

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