Nubian Content
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- May 12, 2019
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Introduction
Now I can't presume to have an ultimate guide to running a successful BST on BHW, simply because I've only been doing it for almost a year and there are people here who have been running successful BSTs for as long as 10 years, maybe even more.
But, that said, in the short time that I've been doing it I've run a very successful content-writing BST, and recently opened another for adult link building, which has also been a success so far.
So yes, I really don't know it all, but I've picked up a few things along the way, and after coming across https://www.blackhatworld.com/seo/what-makes-a-successful-bst.1215664/ from a user asking a similar question, I decided to give back to the community by providing this guide -- free of charge, of course.
Caveat
In case this turns out to be more of an "how to run a successful content writing BST" than "how to run a successful BST" it is only because I prefer to write from experience, and my experience is majorly based on the content writing corner of the numerous BHW BST.
Still, I have ensured to make sure I generalize when it's necessary, so as to encompass as many BST types as possible. The niches may be different, but really the underlying principle is basically the same.
Alright, now we begin. But first....
A Little Backstory/Why BHW is Perfect
Anyway, I finally got my head out of my ass and decided to try out blogging and content writing. The only problem was, I hated fiverr and upwork. I couldn't get jack shit gig. To say I was epically frustrated would be an understatement. But then something happened -- I FOUND BHW and, guys, I'm telling you, BHW is - just perfect.
Why?
One word: community. All other platforms are mere marketplaces. BHW is a community. You get to build long-term relationships. You get to study the community as a whole; you get to study and know the people themselves. Understand what they like, or don't like. You get to learn what they value, what they don't. Which metric they prioritise, and so on. And then, you get to use all this knowledge to carve out success for yourself.
For example, for a content writing BST, most folks value consistency. They want their writer (or group of writers) to be consistent. They don't want to keep changing writers every week. They also want the quality to be consistent, and the response, and the customer service, etc.
And so even with the growing competition here, you can use these qualities to your advantage. And I know all these may seem a bit abstract at the moment, but don't worry, the introduction is over. Now we get to the concrete stuff.
Let's go!
The Process:
The general process of how to launch your BST is simple enough. You can find more details https://www.blackhatworld.com/forums/bhw-marketplace-rules-and-how-to-post.203/ but it simply goes like this:
You decide what niche you want to go into, find it in the marketplace sub-forum, create a thread, follow the rules, and wait for a moderator to pick it up. The mod requests you to provide the highest tier of your service, and once you do, you're good to go.
Now a few pointers for these parts of the process.
Launching Your BST - Interesting Title
I honestly have no idea why people go with "Superman Batman Lady Gaga combo combo whatever whatever" when choosing a title for their BST. I suppose the point is to be flashy and stand out. And guess what? It seems to work.
Now the crazy thing is, I've seen a lot of people criticise and mock these tactics, too. BUT there's no denying, it seems to work.
If I see a Superman Batman nonsense I always look away. But apparently people don't. These threads have lots of reviews, lots of offers and purchases and have lasted a long time.
Does it matter if you do it or not? Honestly, I don't think it does. But if there's anything we can learn from this, it's that there is definitely a lot more to running a successful BST than the title.
But - make no mistake about it, the title is also super important. In the midst of thousands of threads running through the homepage each day, you need something that stands out. Something that makes people click and check out what it is you're offering.
I'm not going to get into the mechanics/psychology of choosing a great title. But I know for sure that one of the best ways to get someone to click your sales thread is to make it so that on the title you have any of these words:
"Discount" - no matter the percentage. It's better to not even reveal the percentage yet. (But make sure you have a discount. More on this later.)
"Free" - free trial, free review copies, doesn't matter - as long as there's the word "free".
"X% off".
Even if these freebies are limited and you'll soon stop giving them, the very fact that they're there in the title, makes people click. We all love free stuffs. We all love discounts. Also, for some reason, not a lot of people are not doing this.
BST Copy:
Now moving on to the actual copy - the very essence of your BST. This, ladies and gentlemen, is where we have the greatest importance. Most of my customers on my content writing BST contacted me based on the copy alone. I probably recieved more compliments on the copy itself than orders.
And even though I wrote it in one sitting, the process behind it wasn't so simple.
BST Copy Writing Process
- Finding an Angle
As I mentioned earlier, BHW is a community. A damn great one if you ask me. And the entire essence of your copy, if you want it to be successful, has to revolve around this. First you gotta study the community and find an "in". An "angle", so to speak. Something that makes you stand out.
And don't just say it. You gotta be willing to commit to it. My angle was to pledge myself to be the writer that will stick to you in the long-term. And while I haven't always fulfill this for some peculiar reasons, I try the hell out of my best. And had a lot of success, too.
- BHW is Your Friend - Literally
Again, this is a community. The people here are not just random clients. We're all here as a family. And as such, you absolutely have to write your BST copy as though you're writing to your friends.
Friends that you don't know yet, but friends nonetheless. Friends that you haven't met yet, but are super-excited about meeting.
As a corollary, you'll have to not be too formal. Don't write your BST as though you're writing a thesis or writing to your bosses at work. Also, since you haven't met these friends yet, you also CAN'T be too informal. You gotta find a balance between the two.
Just imagine you're writing to a friend you haven't met yet. S/he hasn't met you either. You don't know them enough to use stupid terms like "pal" or "bro" or "mate", etc. But you also know them enough to not use servile terms like "kindly, sir" "I'd be ecstatic if you're so inclined." "Could you duely oblige." etc.
- Honesty
Lastly when it comes to writing BST copies, it is important that you write honestly, and from your heart. Cliché? Maybe. But, like I always say, sometimes it's cliche because it's true and it works. So, nothing fancy.
Touch on everything you do that is standard (be truthful about it), and then the things you plan to do above standard, and then begin to emphasis and hammer upon what sets you apart!
Now emphasise it again! Iterate and reiterate it. And then, finally, bring it all home softly.
A General Advice At this Stage -
First Time Rejection is Okay
First Time Rejection is Okay
What do I mean by first time rejection? Well, after you're done with your BST copy, you're done with your thread, and you click submit, your thread gets picked up by a mod - but not everytime.
Sometimes when there is an error or two on your thread, instead of getting a mod assigned to you, you get a message from an admin telling you that your thread cannot be picked up because there's an error in it. Don't fret. This is normal.
Normally there will be suggestions in the message telling you what you did wrong and how to fix it. Follow these instructions, change what needs to be changed, and you'll be fine.
For example, in my first BST I had a class of niche wherein I intended to offer services, but did not indicate the pricing. I was made aware of this error, fixed it, and got approved the next time around.
Mod Review
The next around after your thread has been picked up, is mod approval. And let me just say this up front, it is impossible to over stress just how fundamentally important this part of the process is.
I know I said writing your copy is the most important part of the journey. And yes, this is true. But getting a good mod review is probably the second most important.
It is more important than finding a solid angle. It is more important than offering freebies. It is more important than choosing a good title. It is more important, even, than eating food. It is more important than drinking water. Getting a good mod review, ladies and gentlemen, is more important than breathing.
It can make your BST. And it can break it.
Mods, you see, are the messengers of the gods. The guardians of Olympus. They're the stronghold that separates the dark side and the light. They decide what gets in and what doesn't. And what's more, we, the people, don't just love them; we don't just admire them; we absolutely TRUST them.
I can't tell you how many times I've checked out a BST without planning to buy anything, and then all it took to make me give it a try was seeing a stellar mod review. And same for my BST too.
So, How Do You Get a Good Mod Review?
Surprisingly enough, it is actually very easy to get a good mod review. Now, getting a stellar mod review, may not be as easy. But, really, the point here is not actually to get a super epic mod review (like I did
).Getting a good enough review is, well, good enough. It's good enough. What you don't want, in short, is to get a below average mod review. Again, you do NOT want a below average mod review. Did I mention you do NOT want a below average mod review? Oh alright. Well you don't. Really.
So how do you get a good mod review?
1. Be Polite and Professional
This doesn't mean you should kiss the mod's rear and lick their foot everytime. Honestly, I don't think they like it too much when you do that. But - know how to thread the line.
Honestly, for people who are naturally chill and polite, this wouldn't be too hard at all. Just be you. Be nice. And do what you claim to know how to do.
2. Don't Over Deliver
Just treat the mod as you would a client. You want to be great for your client. You want to be perfect. But don't go too far. Don't give them 2k words when they asked for 500. Don't give them 20 links when they asked for just 5.
3. Patience
Finally, don't go sending personal messages or pasting on their walls every day asking for them to hurry it up or pick up your BST. No matter how polite you think you sound while doing it, just don't.
Except of course you've been waiting past the recommended time, then a polite little nudge would do. Otherwise, you're better off without it.
And that's it on getting good mod reviews. Just two rules. Honestly, it's just that simple. Follow these rules as much as you can. Take a chill pill, and use that period to work on other aspects of the process that is under your control.
End of Part 1
Well, there you have it - the first part of my (not-ultimate) step by step guide on running a successful BST on BHW. Yes, this is only the first part -- of a two-part series.
In the next part I'll be talking about other equally important aspects such as samples preparation, setting TAT, communication, inept buyers, disputes, promotions, the importance of recurrence, and much more.
Thank ya for reading.
Also feel free to ask questions regarding running a content writing BST. I'll answer the ones I can. Perhaps other writers will answer the rest.
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