Why You Should Google Your Idea Before You Start Writing
Ever write a blog post you were excited about…only to hear crickets?
You poured your heart into it. Hit publish. Shared it around. And then—nothing. One of the most common reasons this happens? You skipped one simple but powerful step: Googling your idea first.
Here’s why it matters.
As Christian communicators—whether you’re an author, speaker, or podcaster—you have a message worth sharing. But to reach the people who need that message, you also have to think like a reader… or a search engine.
Googling your topic before you write helps you:
- See what’s already out there
Before you pour your heart and soul into a post, take a minute to see what’s already been written on your topic. Simply type your idea into Google and skim the first page of results. This quick step tells you two important things:
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- How saturated the topic is. Are there dozens—or even hundreds—of posts with your exact title? That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It means people are interested in the subject, and there’s an existing audience.
- Where the gaps are. If you notice the existing posts are all written for a slightly different audience than yours, or they skip over an important detail you can explain, that’s your opening to create something unique
Remember, this isn’t about copying what others have done—it’s about being strategic. You can stand out by offering a different angle, targeting a specific niche, or updating information that’s outdated. A crowded topic can still be your opportunity if you bring your voice, experience, and expertise to the conversation.
- Learn what people are actually searching for
Even the most heartfelt blog post won’t gain traction if no one is searching for it. That’s where Google’s auto-suggest feature becomes your best friend.
Start typing your topic idea into the search bar, and notice the dropdown list of suggested searches. These are real phrases that real people are actively looking for.
This insight is gold because it helps you bridge the gap between what you want to write and what your audience wants to read.
For example, you might be excited to write “Why I Love My Quiet Time Basket,” but Google might show you that people are searching for “Bible study tools for beginners” or “how to start a morning devotional routine.”
You can still share your personal story—but now it’s framed in a way that connects directly to the words your readers are typing in.
When you match your content to the actual questions people are asking, you increase your chances of showing up in search results, which means more eyes on your work and more opportunities to help your audience.
- Get Clarity on Keywords and Titles
Once you’ve done a quick search, you’ll often spot patterns in the words and phrases that keep showing up. These are potential keywords you can include in your title, URL, headings, and even throughout your post.
Keywords are an essential piece of SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and they help search engines understand exactly what your post is about.
But this step isn’t just about sprinkling in a keyword—it’s also about crafting a title that’s relevant and clickable.
It’s tempting to choose something clever, but “clever” doesn’t always win clicks. For instance, “5 Tools to Make Your Bible Study Time Amazing” will likely perform better in search than “What’s in My Quiet Time Basket?” because it clearly states the benefit.
A few extra minutes spent refining your keywords and titles before you write can save you hours of frustration later when you’re wondering why your post isn’t getting views. Think of this as setting up a welcome sign for both search engines and readers.
ACTION STEP
Next time you’re about to hit “New Post,” pause and type your topic into Google. See what comes up in the results, note the related searches, and pay attention to the titles. Use that insight to guide your title, keyword choice, and even your outline. It’s a simple habit that can have a big payoff.
Take two minutes to Google your idea—not to talk yourself out of it, but to write it smarter. A little research can help you reach more people, serve them better, and make the most of your writing time.
