Dammit. And I thought I was being so what original with this shit. Oh well.
OP: I'm following closely. I'm doing the exact same thing. Good luck.
Running a Real Holiday: Journaling 135 Days of Joyful Vacation
- Thread starter Staccs
- Start date
Dammit. And I thought I was being so what original with this shit. Oh well.
OP: I'm following closely. I'm doing the exact same thing. Good luck.
I understand what content marketing is...being that I create content for a living. LOL
I'm specifically talking about using Buzzsumo, or a similar app that ranks content based on its shares/likes. If you have 1,000 dunderheads using the same same strategy...all looking at the most shared/liked article on "gay dog snuggies", you're going to end up with a SERP that's filled with rehashed versions of the original viral article. That's my point.
I think it's more important to understand why that original article had so many likes & shares. Was it the title? Was it the timeliness of the topic? Was the article originally shared by a few bloggers or a mailing list to get the ball rolling?
To me, understanding what lies beneath success is much more valuable than a single instance of success.
I'm specifically talking about using Buzzsumo, or a similar app that ranks content based on its shares/likes. If you have 1,000 dunderheads using the same same strategy...all looking at the most shared/liked article on "gay dog snuggies", you're going to end up with a SERP that's filled with rehashed versions of the original viral article. That's my point.
I think it's more important to understand why that original article had so many likes & shares. Was it the title? Was it the timeliness of the topic? Was the article originally shared by a few bloggers or a mailing list to get the ball rolling?
To me, understanding what lies beneath success is much more valuable than a single instance of success.
It is simple, yet complicated at the same time, find and frame content people will want to share. Right now Top 10 [ 100,1000] lists are big, but watch what the big boys with investors are doing. The tide will turn and they will have the deep pockets to test it. Follow this path as a content creator and you will have a good chance of winning.
Thanks for all the comments. Let me add my opinion to this discussion:
Good point. I've never been a big fan of image traffic, though. I'd rather take the overall traffic hit for a post that is better organized. I do include relevant images in most posts but my point is that I'm not going to add an image if it's not a great fit.
I don't actually use "his" technique as a formula to follow for every post. I outlined my content process a couple times above. I see reviewing the competition's content as looking for an opportunity to educate visitors better. What holes does their content have that I can fill? How can I add value to this topic?
I wouldn't bother writing spin-offs of existing content... I'm with you on that one. Not to mention that is extremely boring. I do like that approach when testing out a new writer.
October 21st - Day 6
I got nothing done today. I stayed up too late, then woke up too late. This is the kind of self-sabotage I'm trying to cut off. Real businesses don't accept employees who come in late.
From now on in each entry I am going to include the time I woke up that day. I think I can embarrass myself into breaking this habit. It sucks having to make posts like this.
Tomorrow, when I'm out of bed by 9am, I am going to work on my next article. It's one that will require a lot of preparation in order to be factually correct. Lots of reading to do.
This is going to be a really underwhelming 135 days if I keep this lethargic pace. I'm going to turn it around. Every entry in this journal after this one will be considerably better than the ones previous.
129 days left
Good point. I've never been a big fan of image traffic, though. I'd rather take the overall traffic hit for a post that is better organized. I do include relevant images in most posts but my point is that I'm not going to add an image if it's not a great fit.
I don't actually use "his" technique as a formula to follow for every post. I outlined my content process a couple times above. I see reviewing the competition's content as looking for an opportunity to educate visitors better. What holes does their content have that I can fill? How can I add value to this topic?
I wouldn't bother writing spin-offs of existing content... I'm with you on that one. Not to mention that is extremely boring. I do like that approach when testing out a new writer.
October 21st - Day 6
I got nothing done today. I stayed up too late, then woke up too late. This is the kind of self-sabotage I'm trying to cut off. Real businesses don't accept employees who come in late.
From now on in each entry I am going to include the time I woke up that day. I think I can embarrass myself into breaking this habit. It sucks having to make posts like this.
Tomorrow, when I'm out of bed by 9am, I am going to work on my next article. It's one that will require a lot of preparation in order to be factually correct. Lots of reading to do.
This is going to be a really underwhelming 135 days if I keep this lethargic pace. I'm going to turn it around. Every entry in this journal after this one will be considerably better than the ones previous.
129 days left
I can already tell this is going to be one of the best Journals on WF for newbs to learn from.
Staccs, you seem like a really bright dude, and I can tell we're both on the exact same mission here.
I struggle with some lethargic, self-sabotaging tendencies as well. It's all about that "Action-Proceeds-Inspiration" mentality, I swear. But I know you got it in you.
Anyway, keep hustling. When I got time I'd like to share some thoughts on content with you and see what you think if that's cool.
Staccs, you seem like a really bright dude, and I can tell we're both on the exact same mission here.
I struggle with some lethargic, self-sabotaging tendencies as well. It's all about that "Action-Proceeds-Inspiration" mentality, I swear. But I know you got it in you.
Anyway, keep hustling. When I got time I'd like to share some thoughts on content with you and see what you think if that's cool.
@GimpSpack I hope so. That would mean I've succeeded 
Hit me up anytime.
October 22nd 2014 - Day 7
Well... I got nothing done today either...
jk I was out of bed at 8:30am this morning.
I spent about 3 hours researching the topic of my next article. In hindsight I noticed that it wasn't efficient. I was reading relevant articles from experts and taking notes on information I found valuable. I came up with a more efficient way to get the research done.
Instead of digesting the information as I discovered it, I instead created a list of questions I had that would need to be answered in order for me to write an accurate article on the topic. These points will likely be included in the final article because they are likely questions readers will have as well.
This organization made the process easier and I've got each point I want to touch on mapped out. I'm going to review my resources once more and note what I plan to reference/quote in my article. I'll be able to start the writing tomorrow after choosing the target keywords, coming up with a headline, and finding a featured image. I want to do some more research tonight on social sites to see what people's opinions on this topic are.
I want to point out that I'm only creating articles that focus on solving the big problems in my niche. I'm writing comprehensive posts that hold the readers hand until they fully understand the topic. I want to be the resource for everything you need to know about widgets.
I expect the next month or so to be updates about writing content, which I know isn't overly exciting to anybody reading this. Check back in 30-45 days if you begin to lose interest.
128 days left
Hit me up anytime.October 22nd 2014 - Day 7
Well... I got nothing done today either...
jk I was out of bed at 8:30am this morning.
I spent about 3 hours researching the topic of my next article. In hindsight I noticed that it wasn't efficient. I was reading relevant articles from experts and taking notes on information I found valuable. I came up with a more efficient way to get the research done.
Instead of digesting the information as I discovered it, I instead created a list of questions I had that would need to be answered in order for me to write an accurate article on the topic. These points will likely be included in the final article because they are likely questions readers will have as well.
This organization made the process easier and I've got each point I want to touch on mapped out. I'm going to review my resources once more and note what I plan to reference/quote in my article. I'll be able to start the writing tomorrow after choosing the target keywords, coming up with a headline, and finding a featured image. I want to do some more research tonight on social sites to see what people's opinions on this topic are.
I want to point out that I'm only creating articles that focus on solving the big problems in my niche. I'm writing comprehensive posts that hold the readers hand until they fully understand the topic. I want to be the resource for everything you need to know about widgets.
I expect the next month or so to be updates about writing content, which I know isn't overly exciting to anybody reading this. Check back in 30-45 days if you begin to lose interest.
128 days left
Really? BE up with the Sun. Honestly productivity happens when the sun shines. Wake up 20 min before sun rise. Do something active for 10 minutes. Simple things like getting the garbage cans, clean the kitchen, walk the dog. Put the coffee on, watch the sun come up and GO TO WORK. 9 AM is for children. GROW UP! When your productivity stops leave the computer, NO TV, read, sleep. Work out in the middle of the day. Work out HARD. Mostly look at the most productive people and copy what they do... They do not wake up at 9 AM.
Listing questions is good.
One thing to also keep in mind are the four learning types. These are the people who want to know, each one as quickly as possible in their own way:
What it is
Why it's important
How it's used
How it's used right now
So a typical introduction to please all four of these people is to start off an article with a catchy hook that quickly says something like:
In this post, I'm going to tell you exactly what _ is, how it can help you, what you need to do to get started with it and the best action-steps to take in the right order.
That usually appeases all four learning types and you'll get more reader engagement across the spectrum.
Give it a try as you read and write your questions and then do your writing.
One thing to also keep in mind are the four learning types. These are the people who want to know, each one as quickly as possible in their own way:
What it is
Why it's important
How it's used
How it's used right now
So a typical introduction to please all four of these people is to start off an article with a catchy hook that quickly says something like:
In this post, I'm going to tell you exactly what _ is, how it can help you, what you need to do to get started with it and the best action-steps to take in the right order.
That usually appeases all four learning types and you'll get more reader engagement across the spectrum.
Give it a try as you read and write your questions and then do your writing.
Like the thread so far.
Check out hemingwayapp for writing
Also check into a program called Scrivener.
It has a 30 day (actual days when you use it, others don't count) trial period. Takes some getting used to, but GREAT for long form articles.
Both non-affiliate links.
::emp::
Check out hemingwayapp for writing
Also check into a program called Scrivener.
It has a 30 day (actual days when you use it, others don't count) trial period. Takes some getting used to, but GREAT for long form articles.
Both non-affiliate links.
::emp::
Thanks for the Hemingway suggestion. I'll have to check that out.
October 23rd 2014 - Day 8 (Also my Birthday)
I was up at 6:30am today after reading Doc's post last night.
I spent about 3.5 hours finishing up the research. I have a decent understanding of the topic now which will increase to "good" as I write the post. I got sucked into reading about a couple indirectly related concepts that I might avoid including in this article. It's important to me that I cover the topic in-depth, but remain focused on the most important concepts.
Next was coming up with my target keywords which took about 10 minutes. I'm not too worried about the SEO on this project yet, but if I ever decide to turn up the intensity on the manual SEO it will be handy to have written each article with the keywords in mind.
Took 30 minutes brainstorming headlines.The idea of writing out 25 potential headlines is something I learned from Web Copy That Sells. After you write 5-10 good ones you want to quit, but I usually try to persevere to 20 if I don't have anything urgent to get to.
Spent 20 minutes finding an appropriate featured image.
15 minutes doing a final review on the available content already out there that covers this topic. I'm confident mine will be best.
I'm happy with what I accomplished today. There were an abnormal number of interruptions (visitors, phone calls), but that won't happen tomorrow. I'll be going out tonight, but I'll see if I can't be up before the sun tomorrow as well.
I had 1-2 more things written here but my cookie timed out and my copy and paste backup wasn't recent enough.
Off to mow the lawn.
127 days left
October 23rd 2014 - Day 8 (Also my Birthday
)I was up at 6:30am today after reading Doc's post last night.
I spent about 3.5 hours finishing up the research. I have a decent understanding of the topic now which will increase to "good" as I write the post. I got sucked into reading about a couple indirectly related concepts that I might avoid including in this article. It's important to me that I cover the topic in-depth, but remain focused on the most important concepts.
Next was coming up with my target keywords which took about 10 minutes. I'm not too worried about the SEO on this project yet, but if I ever decide to turn up the intensity on the manual SEO it will be handy to have written each article with the keywords in mind.
Took 30 minutes brainstorming headlines.The idea of writing out 25 potential headlines is something I learned from Web Copy That Sells. After you write 5-10 good ones you want to quit, but I usually try to persevere to 20 if I don't have anything urgent to get to.
Spent 20 minutes finding an appropriate featured image.
15 minutes doing a final review on the available content already out there that covers this topic. I'm confident mine will be best.
I'm happy with what I accomplished today. There were an abnormal number of interruptions (visitors, phone calls), but that won't happen tomorrow. I'll be going out tonight, but I'll see if I can't be up before the sun tomorrow as well.
I had 1-2 more things written here but my cookie timed out and my copy and paste backup wasn't recent enough.
Off to mow the lawn.
127 days left
?? You mean the desktop app.
I think you use the app for a while (I only use the online one) and it'll improve your writing to a point where you can quit using it.
::emp::
I didn't even realize there was a desktop version.
I have my team of writers use the web version before the content gets sent off to the editor. Writers LOVE to create the most complicated written masturbation they can, so Hemingway seriously helps to show them what writing for the web is all about. Hopefully they start to internalize the concepts and can get it write (very punny) the first time going forward.
Well, the desktop version costs some money.
Honestly, though, the logic is not too hard, you can probly get some script kiddy to write you an approximation.
"HArd to understand == length of sentence, number of commas, hiphens, parentheses.."
"Attributes .. anything with ...ly or a wordlist"
etc..
::emp..
Honestly, though, the logic is not too hard, you can probly get some script kiddy to write you an approximation.
"HArd to understand == length of sentence, number of commas, hiphens, parentheses.."
"Attributes .. anything with ...ly or a wordlist"
etc..
::emp..
October 24th 2014 - Day 9
I wasn't in bed until 3:30am after going out for my birthday. I woke up after 1pm. I don't regret anything. I have this constant conflict in my mind that makes me feel guilty anytime I'm not doing something productive. Productive being building a business, working out, reading... any sort of personal/business development task. It was nice to completely turn that off for one night.
That's 2/9 days I haven't done any work if you're keeping track. It makes for a shitty journal entry, but I'll take that L. It's the consequence of committing to a daily journal. If I don't do anything, you're going to hear about it. Because this is a journal of building a business I don't feel the need to include what I did today outside of that context. This is a business journal, not a personal blog. Like I said, I'm happy with the decisions I made in the last 24 hours.
I am excited to write this post I've been gearing up for. I'm aiming to complete the first 500 words or so tomorrow, on Saturday. I don't think I can accurately predict the total word count of this piece, but if it's too long I have an idea to split it up into two separate posts while maintaining the "over deliver on value" approach. After this post is published I will have ~10 left to do before I can tweak some final theme settings to get the look I want, and then start some marketing.
126 days left
I wasn't in bed until 3:30am after going out for my birthday. I woke up after 1pm. I don't regret anything. I have this constant conflict in my mind that makes me feel guilty anytime I'm not doing something productive. Productive being building a business, working out, reading... any sort of personal/business development task. It was nice to completely turn that off for one night.
That's 2/9 days I haven't done any work if you're keeping track. It makes for a shitty journal entry, but I'll take that L. It's the consequence of committing to a daily journal. If I don't do anything, you're going to hear about it. Because this is a journal of building a business I don't feel the need to include what I did today outside of that context. This is a business journal, not a personal blog. Like I said, I'm happy with the decisions I made in the last 24 hours.
I am excited to write this post I've been gearing up for. I'm aiming to complete the first 500 words or so tomorrow, on Saturday. I don't think I can accurately predict the total word count of this piece, but if it's too long I have an idea to split it up into two separate posts while maintaining the "over deliver on value" approach. After this post is published I will have ~10 left to do before I can tweak some final theme settings to get the look I want, and then start some marketing.
126 days left