Researching a topic - your tips?

ShabbySquire

ShabbySquire

Power Member
Jr. VIP
Joined
Nov 30, 2011
Messages
720
Reaction score
174
How to write copy is always mentioned, but one thing that doesn't seem to be discussed is the art of actual research. I've come across $1 copywriters that could tackle virtually any subject with ease, but it lacks real depth (thus you'll probably come across as an ignoramus!).

So what practical tips would you give to an aspiring researcher?
 
Advertise on BHW
I open every page until 3 in a google search. From there I scan the pages for relevant information. I write down the most striking information and begin the structure of the article.

Learn how to speed read and sharpen your tying abilities. You will get better with practice. :)
 
Good question, research is very important in the copywriting process. I'd start by brainstorming before you start writing your copy.

1. Find your target audience
Who will be buying your product?

2. You need to understand the product you're writing about - benefits, features, purpose etc.
It's important not to have a skewed view of your product, you need to find the features of the product that the user base cares most about. Simply telling them what it does is not enough. Find the true appeal of your product.

3. Research keywords
This one goes without saying, effective keyword research will help bring visitors to your site.

For the main structure of the copy, I usually start with a description of the product or company. Then I can start analyzing the information. When writing about features I using write a point, explain that point and then evaluate it. I usually end with an overall evaluation of the product. I've used the example of selling a product here but I'm sure these points can be extrapolated and transferred.
 
I would also use a think tank, talk to your target market find out their objectives.

You'll get a great chance to pre-empt in your writing if you follow the 3 steps Murachi has left you.
 
Last edited:
I would say make sure you trust the sites from which you get information for articles. For instance, I trust Wikipedia and I also like some of the online journal sites-some of which you have to pay for but some of them are free.
 
But even Wikipedia isn't entierly reliable. You gotta remember that most of the stuff there is a user-generated content that often needs moderation. It is advised to look up some other sources, and the best way to write good content is to generally know something about a given topic. You don't have to be a walking encyclopedia, obviously, but having even basic understanding about a lot of things helps to take a rough stab at them. It's a good starting point, because you don't have to spend so much time on research.
 
As the previous poster said, Wikipedia should only be a starting point for information. You may find there are better authority sites out there that discuss your niche in greater detail. Always read around the topic before you start writing!
 
Amalgamate data and information from a myriad of different sources including Wikipedia, which is great a great starting point as discussed above.
 
you can also go to article submission websites like ezine, write down some important points and start writing down
 
By coincidence, I've just sent a pm to a member here who requires high end articles. As part of my efforts to present my credentials to him I mentioned that I have access to university databases for journals, reports etc for research purposes.

Now that level of research may not be appropriate for all subjects or websites but it is a tool in my armoury when I want to write. That applies equally to article writers and copywriters I believe.

The point is that a writer should have as many researtch tools at his disposal as possible.

Google, for example, is frequently misused and underused. Understanding its advanced operators and how to use them is crucial for a researcher. Time spent learning how best to use google for research purposes is time well spent. I imagine there are many here who are proficient in this area. Equally, there will be many who are not.

Copywriting requires other skills though in addition to substance and content but a re-read of the OP indicates a request specifically about content and substance so I hope this helps.
 
Yahoo Answers. Don't LOL :)

I just got a batch of 100 articles to write (OK, they weren't copywriting, just general content, but it is the same principle) from a client and ran out of ideas after the 10th, because the KW for all was the same, just different cities added.

I asked a 5 questions on YA, i.e. What do you hate most about KW?
What do you like most about KW?
Does your town have a lot of KW?

And now have plenty of other points of view on the topic that I did not find in my original research.

If the topic is really narrow you might not get tons of replies, but YA can give you a good insight into how your target market thinks.
 
These few tips might help you out :)
1. Know your target audience, their location, age, status, etc.
2. Determine the real essence of your purpose and scope
3. Create a list of powerful keywords
It is also essential if you can first list down all research links that you can use. I have my own list and its really effective to speed up my research task. I can share you these links, just pm me :)
 
Finding out what the top three sites in Google say about the subject is always a good place to start, although depending on the niche they can occasionally be a little bit specialised and not what you need in terms of first-step research. One site I have always found to be useful in giving me a greater understanding of a subject is about(dot)com. You wouldn't ever want to take content from there but they do explain subjects in a way that makes it easier to write about them.
 
There are too many ways, it depends which one do you choose.
 
1) Study your subject by all possible means (Google, read competitor's articles about this subj)
2) Use web analyzing tools to study keywords
3) Features of your product - the main thing that could interest target audience
4) Place yourself on the place of a reader/buyer/etc. (i.e., potential client)
 
I personally prefer (where applicable) to gather information exclusively from credible source, e.g. long-established organizations, scientific institutions etc.
 
Advertise on BHW
You must log in or register to reply here.
Sign up now!

Main Menu

Home Main Forum List Black Hat SEO White Hat SEO BHW Newbie Guide Blogging Black Hat Tools Social Media Downloads

Marketplace

Account Selling Content / Copywriting EBooks / Methods Hosting Misc Proxies For Sale SEO - Link building SEO - Packages Social Media Social Media - Panels Web Design More

Making Money

Affiliate Programs Hire a Freelancer IM Journeys Making Money Pay Per Click Site Flipping Want to Buy

BlackHat World

Dispute Resolution Forum Suggestions & Feedback Introductions Lounge
Back
Top