Getting Inspired to Write Quality Content | Lola The Rescued Cat
Wednesday, May 23, 2018

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. 

reasons to brush your cat


What Inspires Me to Write Quality Content?

Lola and Lexy hands down! 


cats in window

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!


blogpaws|tabby's place|chewy


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


blogpawsPet animal welfare society


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.


household poisons for cats


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,


blogpaws|send a card to a friend


deciding who should look in the Chewy box, 


blogpaws|tidy cats

or having a sisterly chat in the kitchen window -


blogpaws|cats in windows


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 -



blogpaws|chewy.com

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


blogpaws|koneko


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





Would you like to comment?

  1. I love visiting your blog every day! You always have something good to share. And my human and I always enjoy visiting with you at conferences lots!

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  2. I’m a new blogger. Post like these really help to affirm the direction we are taking. I’ve been having fun but have so much to learn!! Thank you and looking forward to other tips and info!

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  3. You always have some of the best posts going and we'll always be visiting you!

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  4. I agree that you have to be true to yourself and honest with your readers, I know thats very important to me. And it's wonderful to have fellow bloggers like yourself that we can depend on for support :)

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  5. We always enjoy visiting and reading your posts. We particularly like your posts about visiting other shelters or rescues.

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  6. I agree that comments from readers make a huge difference! I definitely have low points where I wonder if I want to continue - but then I will receive a special comment or email, which inspires me to continue.

    I love your rebrand and definitely agree you have found your path! I'm in the process of rebranding (taking longer than I thought) and hope to have a new site up in mid-June.

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  7. Oh my mouses! You, a peep, are inspired by your fur-babies. I, a cat, am inspired by my peeps. By my fur-sibs, too, I suppose. Actually, I'm inspired by anyone I can make fun of on my blog. MOUSES!

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  8. Great write-up! I think this probably speaks to a lot of pet bloggers! I certainly enjoy reading your blog, both posts from you and the kitties!

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  9. I love your blog: the design, the stories you tell, and the subjects you write about. I still have so much to learn about when it comes to blogging, and I don't think I'll ever catch up. However, I'm excited that my blog is getting a design overhaul and will be ready soon.

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  10. L & L....can we say we stop bye ta see yur gorgeouz selfz .....we did knot see that aza optshun...coz itz troo....sure we like yur momz stuff..but hay ~~~ :) ♥♥☺☺

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  11. My blog is my life with cats. Never at a loss for material, bc they are so danged cute!

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  12. love you and this is a great read....we are inspired by volunteering and rescue (and hope that we in turn can inspire others just a little)

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  13. Mom and I sure think that you always have top notch content on your bloggie, Miss Dawn! Purrs. -Valentine (& Mom) of Noir Kitty Mews

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  14. Great post! As a fiction writer I was drawn to write in my cat's "voices" and this is how "Feline Opines, The World From A Feline Point of View" was born. I lean toward humor and entertainment but tackle serious subjects as well. I hope that people will enjoy having a glimpse into the feline mind (even if it's from my own imagination).
    Anita, The Purrsonal Assistant to The Tribe of Five (aka The Female Human)

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  15. Our blog has changed a lot and its amazing. However, it hasn't affected what we do, just who visits.

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  16. Some really great tips here for all bloggers. I think it's a continual evolution and learning process -- I've been blogging for nine years and I'm still evolving and learning! You are definitely on the right track. That you have regular readers who comment on every post is commendable.

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  17. I promise I'm going to begin visiting more again! I love the changes you've made with your blog. You've inspired me to redesign and rebrand my blog. Featuring Truffle and Brulee will be the main priority, but I, too, want to write more informational posts.

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  18. You 3 lovely ladies are a joy to visit, and you do an amazing job with this blog! It can be hard to stay motivated - I'm going through a bit of a slump myself right now - but there's nothing more inspiring than our precious kitties!

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  19. What a wonderful, inspirational post Dawn! I enjoy your animal welfare posts so much, as well as the fun ones about the kitties. I love sharing my life with Icy and Phoebe on my blog, they are each my muse and inspiration, just as Lola & Lexy are for you. I want to write about everything having to do with dogs, but I've had to really narrow it down or I'd be all over the place. It was so great seeing you at the conference!
    Love & biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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  20. Excellent post and I love all the photos.

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  21. We love you, Lexy, and Lola. I have a huge girl crush on Lola ... but even if I didn't, your blog would still be a must-read. I admire you for so many different things - your blog only being one of them.

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  22. I definitely say that content comes from real life experiences. That creates authenticity. Paying attention to the items that require your energy are definitely worth writing about, because others will have had the same experience.

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  23. I love seeing how your blog has evolved over time and what has inspired you to write quality content. I get inspiration from the various news sources I get both online and magazines in print. These help me generate topics that I find inspiring or want to know more about. Also, my dogs have given me a lot to write about with their various experiences and illnesses. Then there's also pet books that I like to share and review. Blogging does take a lot of time, but I have learned so much about blogging, health and other pet issues, and have enjoy meeting many bloggers at BlogPaws!

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  24. Great post! We always enjoy reading your blog.
    Angel Normie, Angel Mika, Sasha & Grady Lewis

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  25. Great post, guys! I’ve been struggling with finding the motivation to come up with post ideas. Struggling with burnout with work, which makes finding the time and energy to blog difficult. You guys are inspiring! Thanks for the motivation.

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  26. Great post and I agree! I've only been blogging for 2 years (as of next month) and agree about inspiration. Definitely the input from my readers and followers keeps me inspired to create content they will like but also following my heart and my own personal interests. It may be a risk and I may lose followers but when I stay true to myself and don't worry about the rest, everything falls into place. I value my readers and their input. I may add value for them but they also teach me as well. Blogging is indeed a journey. Congrats on 2 years!

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  27. I love your blog. I'm just getting started myself. I hope there's a market for informational posts, that's me. And hopefully I'll find some inspirational voice. But I can't do humor.

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  28. I'm so glad that we connected through BlogPaws and finally met this year! While I used to have a cat, I don't anymore (husband with allergies) and I miss it terribly. But I love reading your blog posts. Your rebranding looks amazing and I'm sure you have even more wonderful things in store for the future.

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  29. I share what I feel can be helpful to someone. I haven't given the time of the day to SEO and all that stuff; no time to spare for that. I write what I feel can help and I'm happy when people find it.

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  30. Wonderful informative post! I would be inspired to write if I had tehat cute feline face to look at everyday!!

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  31. Great post! I love visiting your blog!

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  32. We love visiting your blog, and even though we don't comment every single time, we are here! :)

    Thank you for sharing a behind-the-blog tour!

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  33. Lots of great Inspiration!!! We are definitely Mama's inspiration even when her only had her personal blog cause when human brudder got older and only wanted picsurs on his terms her turned da flashy beast to us ;)

    xoxo,
    Matt & Matilda

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Thank you for your comment! We love meowing with you!