I write from the heart. I write with pride. I write with dignity.
I might sound arrogant. I might sound harsh. I might sound raw, uncut. I’m just genuine: I tell it as it is. “Fake it till you make it” is not really a phrase in my vocabulary. Authentic writing, yes! It is what I do, what I teach, what I share, with you and with the world.
I do NOT try to attract each and everybody to my content. I never try to please everyone. I know who my target audience is: I know who I talk to. I know who I communicate with.
How come? What is the secret? In depth research; I have developed a simple yet powerful, unique formula that I use each and every time (before) I write something, be it a short email, article or blog post.
You might find this shocking, but it’s the naked truth: I spend minimum 3 hours before I jot down the first phrase or idea. I follow this formula…
In depth DETECTIVE analysis (aka RESEARCH) – this is what 97% of aspiring (copy) writing gurus and bloggers neglect. Even the gurus (aka veterans) are fault to this error. It seems like they don’t really have the time to look for what others have to say, they think they know it all.
No time to see what your competitors are writing about? No time to see what their visitors think (and comment about)? That’s insane. Suicide! Relationship-sinking, profit-slashing habits you have to get rid of, at all costs.
If you want to receive only 10% of the potential of whatever you aim to achieve (e.g. visitors, leads, downloads, sales, partners, referrals, and so on) then do NOT run in depth RESEARCH.
But when you run the kind of RESEARCH I’m about to share with you next, you’re opening the gates to unlimited wealth. Call it: profit potential unlocking. I’m not talking about money, but the potential in whatever you put in (time, effort, energy, resources, skills, etc)
You see, the VAST majority of writers, marketers and bloggers I hear about (and study) – and I encounter hundreds on a weekly basis as per my research approach – actually make hundreds of excuses that block them to spend quality time in researching.
Let me ask you something now: what do you think is the chance to write a high-quality article if you’re only spending 10 minutes (or less) on researching your topic, target audience needs and competitors’ content? Slim to none!
I learned this through deep daily practice:
You cannot connect with your audience without proper, quality research. You cannot make your point across and generate sales unless you know what you’re talking about and connect your audience’s needs with your solution’s benefits (and advantages)
It’s a fine mix you have to compose, it requires R –E – S – E –A – R – C – H
Before we dig into the juicy stuff, let me quickly share two key elements:
#1 – Regardless of how many books you’ve read or how many seminars you attended, your mind is able to expand and receive: new information, new knowledge and new ways of doing something — better, more effectively and efficiently.
#2 – Regardless of the quality and the quantity of the information you absorbed so far, spending even 15 quick minutes on in dept research is going to put that to shame and provide you with priceless knowledge.
In 15 minutes I’m able to find the latest trends, the hottest topics my target audience wants to learn more about, and more importantly – the key terms they’re typing in the searching engine and the stuff my competitors have already written about.
But that’s not enough! NOT ENOUGH. Do you hear me?
What kind of in depth research I do (and why I spend 3 hours before I start writing)
Run Google searches using their free external tool
https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal
You probably already know the power of this resource. The key aspect I want you to understand: there’s no need to pay for something extra if the free available tools accomplish your needs, right?
I see marketers (newbies and veterans alike) rage all the time about the latest SEO tricks and software programs. I keep things simple and use the minimum to achieve my goals and keep costs down, while knowing where to spend the most time, effort and money to reap max. gains.
I advocate for (smart) investing in your online business; you need to know where to spend your money, and WHEN – this is the best lesson you have to learn. And only practice will teach you the fine art of business balance and marketing optimization.
Extract problem-oriented long-tail keywords from Google’s searching tool
The best articles I write ignite from problem-focused key phrases like for example, if I’m writing on blogging topics, I do not write from the top of my head, without searching first the current problems my audience struggles with.
Whenever you type in a lengthy key term or one word in your research tool, make sure you type in (or consider) any of these problem-exposing words:
PROBLEM
CHALLENGE
NEED
WANT
ISSUE
WORRY
QUESTION
Inside this post, you’ll find 216 problem-oriented key terms you could search for (free PDF download offered by friend and blogger – Steve Scott)
I always start my writing from a problem, issue or challenge. Why? Because people (my visitors and your readers) are always going to be facing obstacles and are always going to looking for new solutions. Yes, even on the same topics that you see everybody talk about!
Just think about it: you do not spend hours on web sites, forums and blogs of interest just because you like to entertain yourself for the fun sake. You’re looking for (specific) solutions to your wants and needs. Maybe you’re bored at your current job and want distractions (I tell this in a positive way) – you’re looking for alternatives: how to do what you already know for better payouts, or how to develop new skills and get paid what you’re really worth – this is the spark that gets people start online and give up their JOBS…
And if you think about it, this is what turns unknown people into pro bloggers, super star affiliate marketers and best-seller authors: the frustration that comes from their current live events and situations.
That is why you should ALWAYS start your (content) RESEARCH with the problem-solution aspect in mind and your readers will feel like you’re writing from the heart, like you’re speaking to them as you know each others from back in the Elementary.
Marketers know that … “people prefer to buy from other people that they like, know and trust over complete strangers” and we both know how true that is! Let me say that people will listen to you (before they buy) ONLY if you connect to their needs through your content.
Your content talks to them, or not… and in depth research is what makes your content “WOW”!
Study competitors
My competitors are not just bloggers who talk (or focalize) ON the topic or problem I want to write about. My competitors are:
BOOK AUTHORS
SPEAKERS, TRAINERS AND COACHES
SUPER AFFILIATES AND INTERNET MARKETING GURUS
INSIDER EXPERTS AND SPECIALISTS
Neglect this step and you’re reducing your research power down to 50% and cut your writing quality (and its output) tremendously.
Writing is output. You cannot produce awesome, believable content, unless your input (RESEARCH) is awesome and comes from believable sources, correct?
That is why my formula is different than the rest, and it “only” requires I invest at least 3 hours of in depth research – before I write a single phrase! And here’s what I do…
I inspect industry-related blogs, sites, and forums.
I study competitors on Quantcast.com. I am not content just with sites as Google, YouTube, Twiter. I dive into the web, as well as in the offline world. 3 hours, at least!
You have to understand that writing is not writing in itself; writing generates from RESEARCH.
What you read about, what you hear and what you see. This is what produces your writing. Not your actual knowledge. That’s why almost anybody can turn into a little “expert” on a topic if they take 3 or more hours to study a topic in depth. And sacrifice TV or clubs.
And take this: the ideas (and problems) that you write about are more important than the actual data-typing or information-organizing. 80% is research, and 20% is actual “writing”.
This is where most bloggers and writers fail. They write about the wrong topic or “problem”. They assume they know what their audience know, and write about it. That’s like walking backwards.
Start with RESEARCH. This entire article is about my formula. And I don’t even have enough time to exhaust this KEY topic (in depth research).
Sometimes I interview experts (and I created a ton of info-products using this method) not only because I get to learn from the best in their fields, but because I can save a ton of time, effort and money, simply by getting expert-insights and asking them the right questions.
You see, it is NOT enough to gather 10 specialists and interview them. Call that an ebook and sell it for $47. You have to know to ask the right questions in a politely manner (whether by email, skype or phone) – and asking the right questions TAKES in depth research.
I’d say and go to the extremes that NOTHING online should be taken care of without proper RESEARCH. You cannot email someone you don’t know and ask them to promote your product or help you for free on a (laborious) project. There’s a specific way of doing these things, you have to learn.
And when you consult with (or have a mentor) someone who has already been through such aspects, you actually should be HAPPY to pay for his expertise and save yourself head aches, time and errors.
Imagine me going nuts about research, sometimes investing up to 15 hours a WEEK when having to write an in depth viral blog post, PDF report or other related content which requires facts and credible sources, not just information.
Editing
I do not edit my writing like a fly going crazy round circles. I do it once I finish at least 95% of the actual email, article or blog post.
When I do this, thoughts flow naturally and my fingers type faster than my mind thinks. Whenever I transfer my mind from the “writing” into the “editing” mood, I lose track, I lose inspiration. I hit the writers block. I don’t have problems starting the writing, as I have enough quality research material on my hands. My biggest challenge is to avoid editing (I rarely go back a phrase to correct or add to it, while writing!)
An important thing I want to mention: never strive to remove your editing habit. Law of attraction says that you get what you focus on. If you keep an eye on editing, you’ll never finish writing.
Permit yourself to edit. Sometimes you might find better ideas or angles to say the same thing with less or better words. Just keep editing at minimum, and usually at the end of your writing.
Arrange your content in a logical (guide-style) format
I won’t talk much about this. The majority of people would prefer step-by-step information over the so-common web non-intelligible and non-organized content. If you are the one putting your content in an easy to read format, you get to win the heart of your reader and provide him/her with a great reading experience.
You have to understand that information is not everything that people are looking for. They also want it to come in an easy-to-read, easy-to-digest format, like a blueprint. That’s why I can easily sell free information for $10, $50 and even $149 because people are willing to invest in the time you took to arrange stuff people want to read.
Why? Because they won’t have to do it themselves, either out of time or expertise, or both.
Reach to your competitors’ readers
Your competitors have already the target audience you want to reach and talk to. You want to get them talking about you and your product. You want them spreading the world about your brand, your service, your content, and everything you have to say online and offline. They’re your advocates, your raving fans, your 2.0 tribes.
Neglect your competitors’ content and whatever they’re saying (on their blogs, sites, forums, books, videos, audios, white papers, etc.) and you neglect your target audience and potential customer base.
My research phase includes reading comments on blogs, on forums and on consumer reviews sites such as Amazon , plus other industry-related outlets.
Sometimes I get problem-oriented long-tail keywords (pure gems) just by listening to the crowd. This information combined with Google’s search terms is power for your content writing and marketing.
I’ll tell you upfront: content writing is marketing and marketing is writing. If you want exposure (the more people see your name/content/link out there, the better!) you cannot afford to limit your time, effort and budget on writing.
You can advertise here and there and expect limited results. But when you write, your content is exposed on the web, and sometimes in print (if you know how to do it). In print content doesn’t last. Online, it is archived for many months and years, you know it!
I like to consider that advertising is only 20% of marketing, and produces limited, short-term results (clicks or sales). Content writing is 80% of marketing which produces the highest and best results of your investment (time and money).
If I had $10,000 in my Paypal to spend on marketing, at least 80% would go into content writing (emails, how-to reports, blog posts, PDFs, Videos, Audios, you name it.)
FACT: I now devote 100% of my time to writing, and connecting with the audience I want to reach, educate and inform through my content. I spend ZERO on advertising because writing is what generates repeat, long-term customers, not hit-and-miss promotions.
Connecting is KEY
During my research I make sure to jot down links and contact details (e.g. email, Twitter profile link, etc) of people whom I consider potential friends, “ideal” to give feedback on the stuff I write.
Most of the times, they’re competitors. I use Excel to SAVE this priceless data and save me time later when connecting with influencers to help spread the word about my content.
Someone who has already been exposed to your content is 10x times more inclined to say YES promoting you and your stuff. I know have a “bad” habit: to email links only to someone that knows me, or that we talked previously.
Hesitate to publish
I NEVER (should I repeat?) mean, NEVER… push the send button once I finish writing the content. I let it for at least 10 or 20 minutes to sit there. I go do something else. I let my subconscious mind feed new thoughts and ideas and when it does, I go back and edit the text: add, rewrite or remove some words or phrases.
The biggest mistake I see bloggers, writers and much everybody who creates content make: RUSH.
The way I started writing content or publish blog posts years ago, was idiot-style. I knew that was not the way to go about it!
You see, I was getting a “brilliant” idea from the top of my head (thinking that’s what others would want to read about, and I was so wrong – didn’t really spend time to research for keywords or run competitive analysis at all)…
I was writing for 10 or 15 minutes, and call that good content. The majority of wannabe writers (and skilled bloggers) know what I’m talking about. Then I’d push the SEND button and wait for email replies and raving comments.
Do you put a seed in the ground today and wait to spring into a tree the next morning? Unheard!
This is why I make sure to spend (at least!) 3 hours before I write a short e-mail, article or blog post. Whether it is for my projects, or for my clients’ projects, I follow the same formula.
Before you hire your next content marketing specialist, make sure you refer them to this article. They might learn something new which helps improve their research and writing.
Go out there and share this message with the people you know and trust.
* Skilled writers are not born, they’re made. In depth research, practice and perseverance are the 3 key ingredients anybody who wants to cook up “wow” content has to mix before they aim for “instant” results.
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44 responses so far ↓
1 marce // Mar 2, 2011 at 8:17 pm
Perfect post.
Thank you for sharing some extremely things!!!
Reply
2 Scott Bumgarner // Mar 2, 2011 at 10:30 pm
Your story is a very good lesson in and of itself. I appreciate your honesty and "telling it like it is". That is the only approach to take. One should be like the consumate journalist when researching for content for blogs, short stories, or any story. They should be "well researched" because people or readers have a knack for figuring out if the author knows what they are speaking of….
Reply
3 Derrick // Mar 2, 2011 at 11:07 pm
Hey Codrut, this is good advice for any marketer at any level. Too many people blindly promote every product launch without even looking at the product.
Reply
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 2nd, 2011 at 11:45 pm
exactly. I'd go even further and claim: any business, online or offline, should take into account this R-E-S-E-A-R-C-H formula.
Reply
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 2nd, 2011 at 11:45 pm
exactly. I'd go even further and claim: any business, online or offline, should take into account this R-E-S-E-A-R-C-H formula.
Reply
4 Owe // Mar 2, 2011 at 11:12 pm
Hi Codrut,
I like what you wrote and I even saved it
I think the same way as you check it and than attack
see you,
Owe
Reply
5 DK Fynn // Mar 3, 2011 at 2:31 am
It sure is refreshing to see that other writers do what I do, Codrut.
I've picked up one or two new ideas, and a lot of what you mention confirms what I've been doing.
Actually, I hardly ever get writer's block (maybe only once in the past 2 years, if that). And, your post reminds me of an article I wrote in 2009 about how to prevent writer's block:
http://blogcritics.org/books/article/how-to-never…
Reply
6 washingtoncarsale // Mar 3, 2011 at 3:10 am
Codrut….Dear friend.
You Skyped me and asked if I would comment…
I don't think you're gonna like this..!!
I've no idea what you're trying to get across…I fell asleep half way through….why didn't you write a book….how can you expect someone to read a post that is so long winded. One minute you're talking about thinking about something for 3 hours and then you're saying take 15 minutes to do research….you've got to do better than this buddy…!!
Reply
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 9:43 am
Ha, ha. I guess it takes two brains to understand my ideas
Thank you for the feedback.
Reply
washingtoncarsale Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 1:04 pm
Why I Spend (At Least!) 3 Hours Before I Write A Short E-mail, Article or Blog Post…
Is this really time/cost effective..??
Why not just outsource..!!
You don't say who your target audience is…who are they..??
Reply
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 1:40 pm
I think you missed the overall point of the article. How can you outsource something that comes from your experience. You cannot. You're looking at the quick way of doing things, which is suicide, and won't get you further. Go re-read the article, then come up with more questions.
Who's my target audience? I don't have just one target audience. I write for multiple products, niches and clients. I'm a ghost writer
Once again, read the article carefully. You're missing the key points.
washingtoncarsale Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 6:35 pm
Google’s “Farmer” Update Confirms my Article Marketing Theories….
Now this is what I call a good article and maybe you can take a few pointers from this yourself…go here to see full article http://ethicalim.com
washingtoncarsale Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 6:35 pm
Google’s “Farmer” Update Confirms my Article Marketing Theories….
Now this is what I call a good article and maybe you can take a few pointers from this yourself…go here to see full article http://ethicalim.com
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 1:40 pm
I think you missed the overall point of the article. How can you outsource something that comes from your experience. You cannot. You're looking at the quick way of doing things, which is suicide, and won't get you further. Go re-read the article, then come up with more questions.
Who's my target audience? I don't have just one target audience. I write for multiple products, niches and clients. I'm a ghost writer
Once again, read the article carefully. You're missing the key points.
washingtoncarsale Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 1:04 pm
Why I Spend (At Least!) 3 Hours Before I Write A Short E-mail, Article or Blog Post…
Is this really time/cost effective..??
Why not just outsource..!!
You don't say who your target audience is…who are they..??
Reply
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 9:43 am
Ha, ha. I guess it takes two brains to understand my ideas
Thank you for the feedback.
Reply
7 Fran // Mar 3, 2011 at 4:23 am
You're spot on. I don't know how many times I've read articles which were just fluff and
lacked depth. Obviously the writer didn't do enough, if any, research. I'm gonna use this for my writing. Thanks.
Reply
8 @WhiteRabbitSM // Mar 3, 2011 at 8:01 am
Excellent post and very informative. Thanks Codrut!
Reply
9 Luis // Mar 3, 2011 at 12:28 pm
Hi Codrut,
Your post set the record straight and invites people to think and produce a more compeling content for their readers. After all the ultimate desire of a good writer is to get a reaction to "move" their readers to communicate and change the landscape. That is the "aha moment" when you plant your seed.
Keep planting!
Regards
Luis
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10 rusliesophian // Mar 3, 2011 at 12:42 pm
Hi Codrut,
Thanks for sharing your ideas and principle in blogging and IM.
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11 Roland Millward // Mar 3, 2011 at 2:03 pm
Great post Codrut.
You are absolutely right that research is vital. Why write about things that firstly people are not interested in and research may indicate that. Secondly we need to make sure of the facts.
Reply
12 washingtoncarsale // Mar 3, 2011 at 6:46 pm
Codrut…
You say you're a ghost writer….then does that mean you're an outsourcerer..??
You also say that you write from the heart….how can you possibly research that.
The main reason anyone would have a niche blog is because they have experience in that field….and enjoy writing about it….they would not need to research what they already know..!!
Reply
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 9:09 pm
I write for my projects, and for other clients. I also write from the heart. Research is require even when you think you know your stuff. And the article emphasize that. Re-read it.
Reply
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 9:09 pm
I write for my projects, and for other clients. I also write from the heart. Research is require even when you think you know your stuff. And the article emphasize that. Re-read it.
Reply
13 Heather Vale Goss // Mar 3, 2011 at 9:56 pm
Nice formula, I'm impressed… and it should definitely help people with content quality control. Too many of them are rushing through publishing things haphazardly because they're taught to do it.
On the flipside, I would caution people not to get TOO caught up in research, to the point of paralysis by analysis. Sadly, many talented people do not share their skills with the world because they're TOO cautious, TOO hesitant, and trying too hard to be perfectionists.
The best advice here is to write first, and edit later. They're two different mental processes and need to be separated. Thanks for including that along with the great researching techniques.
Reply
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 10:19 pm
You are right. Writing and editing are two different processes that should be handled separately. Thank you for pointing this out Heather! Though, editing is tricky: can sometimes damage the "raw" content… it did happen to me.
Reply
Heather Vale Goss Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 10:28 pm
Yes… the key is to let the editing focus on flow and understanding without losing the conversational flair.
For example, if you find yourself using the same word two sentences in a row, it might be how you would talk… but replacing one with a synonym instead (when editing) will make it easier to read. Also, glaring spelling errors should be fixed, but sometimes "incorrect" grammar is better if the tone is meant to be casual.
Reply
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 10:34 pm
You give some good tips. It looks like you know what you're talking about. Last time we spoke you were performing voice over activities. Did you add "content writing" in the mix recently? Looking at your portfolio now
Heather Vale Goss Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 10:37 pm
LOL… editing is one of my things, along with writing, interviewing and voice work.
And I used to make the mistake of trying to edit and write at the same time… it was Glenn Dietzel who first introduced me to the fact that they should be kept separated, and I've been doing that ever since.
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 10:46 pm
That's very important to know. By the way, someone told me by email that the article looks super lengthy and I should use some graphics to make my points across and reduce reading time. Would info-graphics help, or what's your take on the length of such posts (which are not "lists"?
Heather Vale Goss Reply:
March 4th, 2011 at 12:31 am
Yes, a bit of eye candy can certainly help with longer articles. I have nothing against feature-length articles like this (think of a full magazine article), but some formatting could help.
You've used bold words strategically, and it looks like block quotes to set apart your sections, which are both good. Problem is, on this blog the block quotes are just gray on white and don't really stand out.
A simple thing would be to use letter graphics or a BIG font to put the letters in your acronym by each section. So a big letter R beside the first point, "Run Google searches using their free external tool," instead of just bolding the regular font.
Other pics would look good too, but sometimes stock photos just end up making things look cheap, so you have to be selective.
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 4th, 2011 at 12:38 am
One gold nugget after another. Thank you!
Do you provide content writing consulting yet? You should.
Heather Vale Goss Reply:
March 4th, 2011 at 12:43 am
Thanks, Codrut!
No, consulting is one area I haven't gotten into. Hmm… good idea, I really like it!
Heather Vale Goss Reply:
March 4th, 2011 at 12:43 am
Thanks, Codrut!
No, consulting is one area I haven't gotten into. Hmm… good idea, I really like it!
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 4th, 2011 at 12:38 am
One gold nugget after another. Thank you!
Do you provide content writing consulting yet? You should.
Heather Vale Goss Reply:
March 4th, 2011 at 12:31 am
Yes, a bit of eye candy can certainly help with longer articles. I have nothing against feature-length articles like this (think of a full magazine article), but some formatting could help.
You've used bold words strategically, and it looks like block quotes to set apart your sections, which are both good. Problem is, on this blog the block quotes are just gray on white and don't really stand out.
A simple thing would be to use letter graphics or a BIG font to put the letters in your acronym by each section. So a big letter R beside the first point, "Run Google searches using their free external tool," instead of just bolding the regular font.
Other pics would look good too, but sometimes stock photos just end up making things look cheap, so you have to be selective.
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 10:46 pm
That's very important to know. By the way, someone told me by email that the article looks super lengthy and I should use some graphics to make my points across and reduce reading time. Would info-graphics help, or what's your take on the length of such posts (which are not "lists"?
Heather Vale Goss Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 10:37 pm
LOL… editing is one of my things, along with writing, interviewing and voice work.
And I used to make the mistake of trying to edit and write at the same time… it was Glenn Dietzel who first introduced me to the fact that they should be kept separated, and I've been doing that ever since.
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 10:34 pm
You give some good tips. It looks like you know what you're talking about. Last time we spoke you were performing voice over activities. Did you add "content writing" in the mix recently? Looking at your portfolio now
Heather Vale Goss Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 10:28 pm
Yes… the key is to let the editing focus on flow and understanding without losing the conversational flair.
For example, if you find yourself using the same word two sentences in a row, it might be how you would talk… but replacing one with a synonym instead (when editing) will make it easier to read. Also, glaring spelling errors should be fixed, but sometimes "incorrect" grammar is better if the tone is meant to be casual.
Reply
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 10:19 pm
You are right. Writing and editing are two different processes that should be handled separately. Thank you for pointing this out Heather! Though, editing is tricky: can sometimes damage the "raw" content… it did happen to me.
Reply
14 Onibalusi Bamidele // Mar 3, 2011 at 11:35 pm
This post is awesome and spot on Codrut and you've given me some points to reflect on. I've been unable to read the blogs in my feed reader for sometimes now and I'd start catching up again – truly, no one is an island of knowledge.
I also love your point about practice. It doesn't matter how much you read you can't get any result if you don't practice.
Thanks so much and have a great day,
-Onibalusi
Reply
15 Brian T. Edmondson // Mar 4, 2011 at 1:33 am
Codrut,
If more people put the time and effort into providing good quality, well researched content like you do, the internet marketing space would be less crowded and more valuable.
Keep the great content coming!
Brian T. Edmondson
Reply
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 4th, 2011 at 9:30 pm
Thank you for your thumbs up Brian, and keep spreading the word about the message I'm trying to get out there. Are you still into Internet Marketing, what motivates you the most to continue in this industry since it looks so flooded with hype and scam gurus now more than ever? lol
Reply
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 4th, 2011 at 9:30 pm
Thank you for your thumbs up Brian, and keep spreading the word about the message I'm trying to get out there. Are you still into Internet Marketing, what motivates you the most to continue in this industry since it looks so flooded with hype and scam gurus now more than ever? lol
Reply
16 Anne // Mar 4, 2011 at 1:57 am
Hi Codrut, I see you do work very hard from all angles. Not all of us have so much time to devote, but I do agree that quality content and building a good relationship with your visitors is key. I did like some readers get a little lost – maybe I will come back when it is daylight and read again! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and methods.
Reply
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 4th, 2011 at 11:45 am
You're right not all have the time I have, but there are only 24 hours in a day, and I'm doing this for a living, thus , I can ghostwrite or simply write for others, who'd be happy to pay because they don't have the time to do it themselves, nor the expertise.
Ha, ha. I like when readers get lost as they come up with suggestions and quality feedback which helps improve the content. No doubt.
OK, come back, and comment again if you like, start a conversation with others on the blog, this is why I keep posting (and I have a ton of mind-blowing content coming soon — delivered each and every week) – let's cause a stir!
Reply
codrutturcanu Reply:
March 4th, 2011 at 11:45 am
You're right not all have the time I have, but there are only 24 hours in a day, and I'm doing this for a living, thus , I can ghostwrite or simply write for others, who'd be happy to pay because they don't have the time to do it themselves, nor the expertise.
Ha, ha. I like when readers get lost as they come up with suggestions and quality feedback which helps improve the content. No doubt.
OK, come back, and comment again if you like, start a conversation with others on the blog, this is why I keep posting (and I have a ton of mind-blowing content coming soon — delivered each and every week) – let's cause a stir!
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17 Pat Evans // Mar 4, 2011 at 5:50 pm
I like the valuable information you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am quite certain I’ll learn a lot of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
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codrutturcanu Reply:
March 4th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
thank you very much!
now… what is it that you liked the most about this post that you could share with us?
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codrutturcanu Reply:
March 4th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
thank you very much!
now… what is it that you liked the most about this post that you could share with us?
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18 @evelynwrites // Mar 5, 2011 at 11:18 pm
Codrut, I agree with both Heather and my University professors who always emphasized the importance of separating the writing and editing process. This is quite a hefty post with lots of useful nuggets. I will tell you candidly, however, that I will not be spending three hours to research blog posts. Good stuff.
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codrutturcanu Reply:
March 5th, 2011 at 11:24 pm
Thank you for the feedback. Do you think spending less than 3 hours for research will produce the same quality output/content or what do you think?
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codrutturcanu Reply:
March 5th, 2011 at 11:24 pm
Thank you for the feedback. Do you think spending less than 3 hours for research will produce the same quality output/content or what do you think?
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19 sam paradiso // Mar 6, 2011 at 7:49 pm
* codruit – great stuff…good analysis for newbie to experienced marketers! * try to help my contacts who have no funds
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20 Tracy Matthews // Mar 6, 2011 at 8:02 pm
Hello Codrut
Good content and to the point if it take you three hours to create what you are writing about so be it. Yes Research is the key to succeeding in this Business.
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21 Emmanuel Mba // Mar 6, 2011 at 8:09 pm
I am not surprised reading this blog as you always write constructive articles. I do believe the time you take to write on article, especially with the research for the content. What an excellent post and I hope there will be more
Cheers
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22 Julia - Blog Finder // Mar 9, 2011 at 5:33 pm
Hi Codrut, thank you for a great post. I write articles too and I often find myself to spend much time to research the subject I am going to write about. So, I agree that research is the key for a good content creation.
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codrutturcanu Reply:
March 9th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Hmm… I'd expect you disagree (kidding)
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codrutturcanu Reply:
March 9th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Hmm… I'd expect you disagree (kidding)
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23 @xdwebsolutions // Mar 11, 2011 at 5:23 pm
Whew, I'm glad it's not just me!
I used to wonder why it took me so long to write posts until I actually broke down my process which is similar to yours.
Per a previous comment above about using images and your post being too long – my thought is this: if the content is well written and engaging as this article was, I don't care about images. The post itself kept me reading. I didn't even notice there weren't any images! I do agree though to not use stock photos as much.
I LOVE your writing style by the way
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codrutturcanu Reply:
March 11th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
hi Lakesha, thank you for the appreciation. So, what are your research methods and tools? Feel free to share with us…
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codrutturcanu Reply:
March 11th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
hi Lakesha, thank you for the appreciation. So, what are your research methods and tools? Feel free to share with us…
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24 Steve // Mar 17, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Codrut,
I tell you what! This is what I love to see a long and in depth post that goes far beyond the normal, "it is important to read and research"
Research is a key and pulling simply what is at the 'top" of your head doesn't often make an article that 'really' informs people.
Thanks for including a link to my post as well as writing a great piece!
Have a great day!
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codrutturcanu Reply:
March 17th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
thank you for dropping by Steve. hope you check out the other posts. did you see this yet?
*** How to Write a Product Review and Why I Often Get More Affiliate Sales than My Competitors! https://codrutturcanu.com/how-to-write-a-produ…
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codrutturcanu Reply:
March 17th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
thank you for dropping by Steve. hope you check out the other posts. did you see this yet?
*** How to Write a Product Review and Why I Often Get More Affiliate Sales than My Competitors! https://codrutturcanu.com/how-to-write-a-produ…
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