7 Tips To Cut
Research Time
As copy writers we have to learn a lot of stuff, from
quonset hut fabrication to urology to the biases of the Japanese university
system, and that means a lot of research. Innate curiosity goes with the job’s
territory, but research time costs money and we’re in the business of learning
stuff fast, writing about it and cashing the check.
Here’s how to cut research time down to size.
1. Google the heck out of it. Don’t just use primary
keywords, conduct searches using secondary key words and key words SE users
enter into query boxes.
2. Use industry specific search engines. We all know Google,
Yahoo and Bing but there are more than 4,000 search engines crawling the web.
To find the latest on “smart doors” use a construction industry search engine.
A good place to start is http://www.searchengineguide.com.
3. Use local search for local businesses. If your client has
a service area of 25 square kilometers, enter your search term and the zip (postal)
code where the client is located. You’ll see the competition, local news, local
attractions and features of Westport
06880.
4. Skip the academic treatises, white papers and in-depth
analyses. Someone has already read them and synthesized key content into a
1,000-word piece. Find the breakdown piece and save time.
5. Use forums. There’s a forum for everything. Need to know
the latest on Caribbean vacations? Here’s the
link to a forum: http://www.fodors.com/community/caribbean-islands/.
Forums are sources for quick information and highly-specific info. Post a
question and get a few dozen answers in a few hours. And the FAQ sections are
up-to-date with the most current topics.
6. Read. Learn the language of the trade or industry so you
use it in your writing. Every industry has insider jargon. Reading a lot of
short articles also provides a list of what insiders are talking about. Join a
LinkedIn group associated with your research topic and get up-to-the-minute
information on what’s happening.
7. Spin it. Spinning has a bad reputation but, let’s face
it, we all spin content. We have to. How much can you say about pre-fab
concrete? And the news isn’t all that exciting in the cement sector, either.
Learn the basics, learn the concerns, learn the jargon, and
you not only become a better copy writer, you know stuff that you can sell
again without a lot of research time.
Anyone want to know the eight advantages of pre-fabricated
metal buildings? Drop me a line at www.webwordslinger.com.
Later,
Paul
