How Do You Write Your Articles For Clients If You Are Not Familiar with Their Industry? - Page 2 - Virtual Assistant Forums

Action Jackson VA · #16 (**permalink**) 09-04-2009

Janine,

That is a great list! I would add 3 more things:

Have you written articles, blogs or posts in the past that need updating, revamping and or can be used to expand on?

Is your product or service used for a specific niche? i.e. law, real estate, jewelry, clothing etc.

Is there anything in your bio that you would like me to expand on in an article, blog or post?

Really great list of things to ask. I will have to hold on to this list just in case my writers decide they want me to write for them lol

Your Virtual Wizard · #17 (**permalink**) 09-05-2009

Hi Andrea,

Thank you for your reply.

That's a great idea to ask to expand upon previously written blogs, articles and bios.

I appreciate your input.

Regards,

Janine

NZVAs · #18 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009

I agree with Mary there ...

Originally Posted by MaryH

You may want to check with your client to see if she has any resources that would be valuable for you to learn from about that industry.

If the client is going to be long term you might also like to check with them what is their most up to date source of technical information or industry news leader so you can pop in there before you write your articles to guage the 'flavour of the month' from that industry. Just an idea as food for thought to aid your article's currency and relevancy to the readers industry.

StephanieVA · #19 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

Originally Posted by Your Virtual Wizard

I'm beginning to realize that maybe some tasks really can't be done entirely on my own.

Thank you both for helping to sort this through.

Janine

I remember the first time I outsourced to another VA. I really thought it was funny for a VA to have a VA.

But, sometimes you have to do just that especially when it comes to article marketing or providing content. I often outsource writing to other Work at home moms and it really pays off to do it.

How did this ultimately work out for you?

Your Virtual Wizard · #20 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

Well, the articles have been coming in from a paid article website but I still think they are more generic in nature. It's not that I can't write the articles myself but it would take time to research, which I don't believe would fit into the client budget. I've been collecting information that would make for good article writing so I do plan to make that proposal sometime in the near future. But presently, they opted for a paid article site as currently all I am doing is setting up the blog.

Janine

StephanieVA · #21 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

What do you mean a paid article website? Is this PLR that needs to be rewritten or original articles that you can use ? Definitely make your proposal to the client. I wouldn't presume to know if something was out of my client's budget. Also, good marketing always pays off.

Leilani · #22 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009

I just wanted to say you have great questionnaire and this was something I was wondering about myself. I also will be holding on to this list.

Barb812 · #23 (**permalink**) 11-29-2009

One way to research with out spending too much time is to subscribe(free) online to the New Your Times and then sign up for My Alerts - new on your topic right to your mailbox - Also Google has the same type of program on gmail and of course Google reader. Hope this helps.

Your Virtual Wizard · #24 (**permalink**) 11-29-2009

Thank you, Barb. Great idea for the NYT alerts. I knew about the Google Alerts but not the NYT alerts. Good one!

Thank you!

Janine

tltfaas · #25 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009

I've been trying to take on clients who are in an industry that I'm familiar with. I did some writing and article submission for a software company but I felt uncomfortable with having to do so much research. It reduced the income I made on the article because research is included. If I'm not familiar with the topic I tend to refer the client elsewhere.

Bonnie

BobbiHunter · #26 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009

by paid article website ~ do you mean sites that you submit your articles to for pay? Or revenue generating article sites?

Your Virtual Wizard · #27 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009

Bobbi, I'm not sure if your question is directed toward me but I do reference a paid article site in a prior post.

I do not state that I submit my articles for pay. I say, "...the articles are coming in from a paid article site...' meaning that the client is paying someone to write articles about their industry which I post for the client on their blog. But I also state that these articles are too generic in nature, which is the problem when someone hires someone else to write their articles without having knowledge of the industry.

Not sure if that answers your question.

Janine

joeju · #28 (**permalink**) 01-23-2010

Thanks Jannie for the questionnaire you have provided. I'm sure it will come in handy what a client wants articles to be written on their industry and I'm totally in google alerts! It's a great way to get news and articles on different topics everyday.