Feeding a Flock of Birds With One Seed - Why Good Web Content Writing Starts in the Forums
Written by Eric Walker on Dec 9, 2008 1:46 pm
Read More: Article Marketing | Blogging | Email Marketing | MarketingYou've heard of the saying, Kill Two Birds with One Seed. Well, being the politically correct frumpy school marm that I used to be, I'd playfully admonish my students and say, You mean Feed Two Birds with One Seed.
Today, I want to apply and extend that saying with a short lesson titled: Feeding a Flock of Birds with One Seed - Why Good Web Content Writing Starts in the Forums.
If you haven't figured it out by now, to be a successful internet network marketer of any kind, you have to learn to communicate effectively. Period. Good communication will serve you, not just professionally, but personally your entire life.
And What is a Preeminent Mode of Communication? Writing.
The purpose of this post is to not only give you a practical way to get experiential web content writing hands-on practice (so you can become a better web content writer and attract more people to you because you are communicating to them), but also how you can save time by re-purposing your content like all of our best teachers are doing.
At the very least you will be able to rub your eyes and notice how our best teachers are using their content.
Web Content Writing Starts in the Forums
I'm encouraging more and more of you to get into the forums here at BetterNetworker and respond to the threads. There are several reasons for doing this besides simply contributing value and interacting with your fellow BetterNetworker. Although this should be your first reason. Always!
Let me repeat that one more time in case some of you are skimming. Don't ever bother to write a forum post or thread if your intentions are anything other than offering value, giving your best stuff and having a true spirit of engaging with others.
The other reason, obviously, is to be seen as a social contributor. This can increase the personal brand you're trying to promote if you hone in on the message that attracts out your target audience the most so that every forum post has the tone and hits the topic most likely to attract a result.
This in and of itself is a skill and will need to be sharpened. No better low-risk place to practice that than the BetterNetworker forums.
Lastly, it's a great place to practice your web content writing. It's the second place to go once you've brainstormed some ideas on your notepad. Once you've read a forum that you have an opinion about, or you have some sort of insight upon, or you have something entertaining to share, take five minutes to sketch it out on a notepad.
Then write it in the forum. Don't be perfect. Just write it. And post it. Go back and edit it, ad flavor, get links...whatever...fiddle around with it for 10 minutes to tighten your message.
Why Web Content Writing Improves When You Participate in the Forums
Writing, for most people, just isn't an art. It's a craft. And all crafts have to be practiced if they are going to be good. So the mere act of participating in the forums is going to improve your web content writing.
You want your web content writing to be constantly improving so you can begin to attract and appeal to your target audiences. The better you can do this, the better your business will be. Learning to write with pull is literally a million dollar skill in this industry.
Perfect your story. Really good web content writing will go one step further than providing value, it will be entertaining. There's nothing more entertaining than a good story. It is something cavemen were doing around the fire. It's what my uncle "Krayola" Kenny does at the bar on a Saturday night. Good stories are like a whisper, they pull you nearer to listen closer. Nothing like a good story to reign in the facts.
When you participate in the forums, you are sowing the seeds for web content at other locations.
Feeding a Flock of Birds with One Seed - How Good Web Content Writing Starts in the Forums
I've covered the benefits of writing in the forums. Now I want to discuss an unspoken truth all of our best teachers use when they write content. I will also provide an example.
When you use the forums as a place to craft your web content writing, you already have a working draft to post to other places like your blog, social media content sharing location like Squidoo and also your email marketing series.
Here is a great example of a forum post by Mike Klingler called "Sardine Marketing" Stinks -- Think Outside the Can. Then notice that he wrote an article, Sardine Marketing "Stinks" -- Break Out of the Can. First came Mike's forum post and just a few hours later, he wrote the article, and within 12 hours, I had an email come to my inbox titled, You Can't Just Go After Network Marketers...it was a close version of his article.
This is called leverage. There you have it. It's how Mike Klingler is able to extend his marketing reach to the masses.
It's also how his web content writing continues to get better and better. This is not a bad thing. Mike Klingler didn't simply re-copy his forum to his articles, he fleshed it out. He made it a brief focused study. Each "piece" was fresh. Then, he can do anything he wants with his email...whether he takes a little of both or straight-up copies one or the other. It's his email.
You Can Improve Your Web Content Writing With These Basic Steps
1. Pay attention to the forums here at BetterNetworker that are getting posted. Don't try to spread yourself out to thin, follow a few (at most) that you speak to you and evoke a response. Write your thoughts and ideas down on a notepad. Don't think, just write. It's the only way to get it out.
2. Reply to the forum thread of your choice. Take what you jotted down on the notepad and re-copy or extend upon it. Reread it once to be sure you touched upon your main points. Examples are good. Stories are even better. Hit submit. Now read it once more, and if you see anything you want to change (I always do) go back and edit it to tighten your message.
3. If you think what you've written can be drafted into a blog post or an article, spend an hour drafting it. Be sure to have a clear message. Be sure to be clear about who it is you want to read your article. Ask yourself these two questions: 1. Who is it for? 2. What is in it for them?
4. Create an email out of what you've just written. It doesn't matter if you don't have a list because you will if you keep following the suggestions I've given in this blog post. So get it down and get it down NOW. This will save you time. Even if it isn't your best. When you begin to get leads, sending them something is better than sending them nothing. If you're always thinking about value first and foremost, you'll be fine.
Keep with this practice and your web content writing will improve. Use this formula to save yourself time by Feeding a Flock of Birds with One Seed.
Visit EricWalkerMarketing to learn how to do 2 things:
1. Write Web Content with Results. A web content writing exercise spread out over 6 weeks that is guaranteed to make you cry to your momma. Also guaranteed to have you up and writing with confidence.
2. Get Paid to Write Web Content. After you go through the 6 week exercise, allow me to work with you one on one at no cost so you can start to submit your writing and get paid to do it.
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Comments: 14 Turn-key email marketing service, autoresponders, conversion tracking and top-notch email deliverability.
WARNING: This is only for people VERY SERIOUS about becoming killer copywriters.
About the Author: Eric Walker
Member Since: 05/06/2008
I'm a Distributor For:: SendOutCards
Other Company: Eric Walker Marketing LLC
Industry: Education
Primary Web Site: http://EricLWalker.com
More People Should Read This....
Great Entry. One of my biggest things is to "impress" the BN community with my writing. I've received a few compliments so far, now I know I'm on the right track. It's even more important to be yourself, but to try to add as much value as you can. I don't try to go out of my element, I just let my mind do the writing. I'm starting to think I have more talent and value to offer than I give myself credit for. (Update: Editing is important too....that's why they have the option available)
Writing is a craft
Excellent points Eric,once agian you dazzle us with thought provoking headlines and creative content,when I grow up to be a writer I want to be just like you.Your examples of how to use the forms here at Betternetworker to improve your writing skills are a great idea.
This is what makes Betternetworker such a great learning environment,articles like this one which help to work on areas were people need improvement and guidance.The concept of breaking down one article in to many is something I've done on many occasions by taking one theme and leveraging it in as many ways possible you're able to get the most possible out of one idea.Practice makes perfect and the idea of using the forms here at Betternetworker to hone your skills can't help but make one a better writer.
Some have more Value then Others
And by following your Suggestions will only ad value to our selves. Great Article Thanks you
Your friend for life
Juanita Watemran
Closet Poet
Hi Eric
From one closet poet to another, I salute you!
I love the analogy of feeding a flock of birds with one seed.
Leveraging off of what you've already written in the forums is a great way to extend your writing and save time.
I do blieve the seed for this post was our conversation on skype - where you gave me excellent advice about how exactly to use my blog posts and BN posts for my emails and vice versa.
Thanks again- it works really well.
Tania
Learning from the Masters
When we really make this industry a study, and aim to perfect our craft (it will never be perfect, but we aim for that), there is so much we can pick up by simply watching the masters.
I used Mike Klingler as an example in this post. He has been a teacher I've followed most closely, and he has given me so much value to learn from. But it really wasn't until watching him here, in a social media networking atmosphere, that I really gained an even better insight to his methods.
There are more Mike's to learn from. Dillard is another. With him, the best lessons are learned between the lines of books like Magnetic Sponsoring and Building on a Budget.
Tania (above) mentioned that the "real" seed for this post occurred between a skype we had together. She's correct. And it goes to show that everything can be used. I wake up in the middle of the night just to jot down an idea.
My point is that like a great writer lives his writing, or a painter lives his art, even a mechanic lives his auto-body-ness, so does an internet network marketer live his internet network marketing...all students live their studies.
And this is how I am aiming at perfection; this is how I am aiming to share the value I have to offer.
Mucho Apreció
Hey Eric,
I've got to thank you for this article, as well as thank Mike Klingler for his "break out of the stinky fish can" blog and the email letting me know about it. What a timely kick in the a**!
You see, I've been stuck in this world where I really want to break out and be somebody useful and even went so far as to create my blog and write some "copy".
The issue I've been having is that I am partially left-handed and my writing generally comes from my right brain. I can come up with some really creative stuff in the right moment. However as soon as I've posted what I've regurgitated, err re-purposed, my analytical brain goes crazy and I have to go back in and edit.
I feel hopelessy lost in analytical paralysis!
Not going to change this post, however...
Have read a lot of copy on capture pages and blogs, trying to find a style that will actually be effective in attracting professionals to what (hopefully) I can offer them.
Again, what I'm seeing is helping me to move forward but also backward at the same time. Have read through your website, Eric and Mike's blogs as well and I see a very distinct difference in how the two of you write compared to the copy I read such on slick capture pages promoting easy internet millions, etc.
Sigh, it's going to cause me to have to go back and edit my blog again!
In writing my own "copy", I thought it would be creative and fun to use some of the same formatting as the internet millions guys do, you know changing the colors and size of the fonts, itallics and all of that.
Now, it just seems cheesy. Yuck. Hardly a way to express value to other professionals. What do you think?
Another thing I think I need to look at, and tell me if I'm wrong, is that I related my own story of business failure in my copy. I notice the people who are succesful here don't lay it out as failure (if they've experienced it), but instead refer to it as their "frustrations".
Something that really jumped out, is how consultative your (and Mike's) writing looks compared to most internet ad copy. Now, I will note that I'm totally into Clayton Makepeace's style of copywriting and suggest to everyone new at this to study his material at www.makepeacetotalpackage.com/ .
In a business consulting environment, you don't want to look like just any fool and that frankly is my biggest fear.
I'm going to leave my blog the way it is until I can get through some more Renegade Professional training and write fresh stuff to post. If anybody would be so kind as to glance at it and shoot me some feedback (the link's in my signature) I would really appreciate it.
As a "nuts and bolts" type of guy, I've pretty much decided to pursue copywriting as my marketable skill. Interestingly, starting an online business seems to be a great way to do this. Since copywriting courses are in the neighborhood of $500 and up, I would just like to mention to the new people that any help you can get on this forum and in RU is a spectacular bargain!
In RU Professional, there are six or seven courses on writing with pull, that I am jumping into immediately. I looked on your website, Eric, for a link to your writing challenge, but couldn't find it. That's ok, it's fun being mentally challenged!
One thing I'm very good at is pulling stuff out of the web, almost a human web crawler bot. If only I could pull this stuff out of my you know what! I'd be rich!
I found something that should be read by everybody right now.
It was written by Ferny last year, and it is an amazing piece. My words can't do this justice, just go read it... blog.attractionmarketingformula.com/online-marketing/you-are-not-designed-for-success/
It's a great day when you can wake up and realize you are fighting your own biology LOL!
To your success,
Gary Beall
Great tips, as always Eric.
Great tips, as always Eric. I think I need to go back and listen to the "Writing With Pull" courses.
Gary, I went and read the article by Ferny. Awesome!
Michelle Moseley
Thanks Eric for great Teaching
I didn't like writing at school, in fact I hated it. So, at school I was able to escape writing by selecting subjects like Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, and Mathematics where you really didn't need creative writing skills. (at least that was the way during my time!)
During my last 4+ years with my business I didn't need any writing skills because all I did was throwing money at it.
When I started learning attraction marketing couple of months ago, I knew I had to face it. I have to create a web of content. I was lucky enough to be introduced to the Renegade University & now I am going through the Professional training.
Eric, your blog is so timely for me because I just completed my writing with pull course & done 2 squidoo lenses. I know my 2nd one is LOT better than the first one. Yes, I can see why you said all crafts have to be practiced if they are going to be good.
So, I believe it is not whether we are good at it or not, it is whether we are willing to learn the skill. Eric, it may take a while for me to master this million dollar skill like you do, but I will try my best to learn & perfect it as much as I can.
Betternetworker wasn't a place I visited often until I received the email from Mile Klingler about it. Now I can see the value.
You said; Quote "Let me repeat that one more time in case some of you are skimming. Don't ever bother to write a forum post or thread if your intentions are anything other than offering value, giving your best stuff and having a true spirit of engaging with others" unquote.
I am not sure whether I offered any value, just wanted to share my experience & thank you for the valuable lesson which is so timely for me.
Damayanthi
We don't always need a kick in the butt to excel...
It just helps!
You just stepped out of your comfort zone!
Congratulations!
You are in a better place, let's hear some more from you.
Gary
How is this one?
The following is a response to;
Myspace? Really...WOW!
Myspace is way 5 minutes ago! Twitter is growing at 1M users a week, Facebook Peeps make oup 40% of the internet population and the average user is on 1.3 hours per day, YouTube gets 10X more veiws every day than all three TV networks combined...Yep probably a waste of time! Sorta like the wheel - P
Myspace was a example. I am aware there are many ways to "party" online.
AOL is much older, but how many people still use it? Why? Think on that for a minute.
The answer is pretty simple.
1.AOL & Myspace are comfortable to many internet users.
2.These sites are user friendly, advertise well, and have excellent parental control.
3.There are people who fear change so they stick with what is famillar to them.
Eric! You Rock Dude...
This is exactly how I got started in online networking. I made many mistakes in my first writings. I didn't have someone like Eric to post this before I got here. (Where have you been all my life Eruc?) lolol.
Btw, I see your keyword hanging out all over your awesome article very naturally... When are you gonna write a piece about that, huh?
@ Michelle Thats perfect... Thats just what Eric is saying for you to do. You make great points on a popular topic in an entertaining way...
Malika
Magnetic Sponsoring and Building-On-A-Budget for dummies? Learn Attraction Marketing click-by-click www.recessionproofincome.com InterNetwork Marketing = www.GetPaidToProspectOnline.com
I Could've Had A V8!
Eric, you know that 'could've had a V8' move right? Well I just hit my forehead thinking 'I could've had a ton of article seeds!'
I always write down article ideas when I think of them EXCEPT when I'm reading forum posts. I now have my favorite fountain pen and tablet out. Great article!
Here's another tip that works for me that I thought of when Gary mentioned right brain/left brain writing. I always write with a fountain pen before heading to the PC. I love fountain pens. They somehow get the right brain working better for me. Here's one of my favorites :) made by Pelican.
Terri
For the creative and finding the creative
Hi,
I'm just getting started with better networker and I am extremeley pleased with what I have seen so far!
This site, and specifically posts like these examplify the craft and trend that online networkers have created in today's tech savvy world, versus ten years ago. I love the fact that today's networkers are a new breed.
For the most part, today's online networkers are;
I can appreciate, Eric, your easy to follow format for outlining writing for web content. Your technical writing for a wide audience skills, can assist a creative writer facing road blocks, or actually inspire creative juices for those who may not have tapped into them before. People who want just the nuts & bolts to get results will find happiness in this blog as well : )
Kudos either way! I look forward to working with you and many others through this networking site!
Great post
Excellent post Eric. As always bang on and vert smart too on images naming them. Check them out people on first one "feeding the bird" image one. Other "content writing."
Natural keywords but you can tell you flowed with it too from heart.
One thing people. Just one question.
You loved the article. Right?
You benefited from it. Right?
Then VOTE for it. That way it's stays there for others to benefit who need to read this post. wink, wink. Although the cream always rises anyway to the top.
Great post Eric. Thumbs up from me
Adam