I got a call yesterday from a fellow writer and long-time friend. After some initial catching up, she said she wanted to talk to me about this site. She started by saying she really likes it, but was surprised by how much I reveal in my blog posts. Her concern was “why would someone hire you if you give away so much up front? Couldn’t they just go and do it on their own with all that information?”
The answer is yes… and no.
In my mind, hiring a content creation/SEO copywriting firm is somewhat analogous to using a professional painting service. I know how to paint, in fact I’ve written articles on the topic, but I would rather pull my own fingernails off than do so.
Yes, I can save a bit of money by doing it myself, but I will spend something even more valuable – my time – and will end up with fairly average results. Plus, there is the taping, the sanding, the ladders, the mess, the touch-ups, the clean up … the oh, damn, I missed a spot and now have to get the paint, ladder and brushes back out again… I get irritated even thinking about it.
Or, I can have a professional who paints all day, every day come in, do an outstanding job, and be done with it. Leaving me free to spend my time on activities that actually make me money… like writing.
But, yes, if someone is determined to learn about Content Marketing and search engine optimization on their own – they absolutely can. The information is already out there – all someone has to do is go out and look for it and then put what they learn into practice (i.e., conduct effective keyword research, sit down at the computer and write, write, write) … and keep doing so on an ongoing basis until the results start to catch up with the initial effort invested… and be willing to invest the time it takes to stay up-to-date on a field that is constantly changing.
So, yes, it is entirely possible for someone to take all the information that is out there and do this themselves. All it takes is a lot of time, consistent effort on a long-term basis and the ability to string words together in a way that gets readers interested enough to take action.
Over the last several years, I have invested thousands of dollars on courses, programs and seminars to improve my copywriting skills and to increase my sales/marketing knowledge – and have spent countless hours researching and learning how to apply those skills to the Internet.
But, this IS my business and it’s my job to know this so my clients don’t have to. So they can stay focused on the activities that make them money – in other words, running their business.
