Alternatively, if you’re an expert in your own field, then I would only count on yourself to write the content! This is the case for me and yes, it takes a long time and yes, it’s hard, hard work and yes, you struggle but if you keep doing a bit each day, you see the progress.

There are distinct advantages to writing your own content:

1. You learn how to write by writing! I don’t consider myself a writer, but it’s my passion to get my message across to my readers that keeps me highly motivated. Believe me, you get better at it.

2. Your content is always going to be fresh, interesting and unique (that’s if you really know your topic!). Again, it’s so important to have some knowledge about what you’re writing – this way when an article subject is competitive, I can write an article from a new perspective – even give advice that I know no-one else has covered. This makes your site content unique and highly competitive.

3. You’ll need to be able to write your own work at some point! You can’t hide away from writing for long – you’ll have to write an article or two shortly and if you don’t know your subject, believe me, it shows! (Sorry, I’m not putting you down, just highlighting when I see many sites discuss my topic, I can see they lack experience).

I agree that you should have articles ready before launching your site. I’m now 4 months into just the article writing – I have to close myself away and get on with it – it’s the only way I think it can get done. Otherwise we have a part empty site ‘under construction’ – which I hate…lol!

Ta, Becky

I’m new to online communities and i dont know too much about them but i was going to build an affiliate business, considering online communities could benefit us making some revenue i decided build a community. I’m gonna build a community for avid book readers but i dont know what kind of content should i put on my website to make the best. i would appreciate if you give me some advice.

cheers!!!

I don’t think $30 for a 500 word article is expensive at all, by the way. I think quality is far more important than price.

Vyoma – Many of us forget about our ‘real’ world friends when we are working online. If you are happy to share your online world with your offline one, then by all means you should drag in your friends and get them to help you create content!

Smiley – Your forum is a perfect example of hard work paying off. If you take the time to create content and dedicate yourself to your community, it can succeed and it will succeed.

Sue – I couldn’t agree more!

Mike – Again, the reason why I detailed the process I undertook in this article was to demonstrate how you can evaluate the quality and commitment of the people you are after. I agree though, that if possible it is always beneficial to bring on board people you already know and are familiar with.

Ramana – I don’t think there is anything wrong with having varied writing styles; indeed I think it is an advantage. Different people prefer different writing styles so by bringing on a number of writers you are able to please and engage with a larger proportion of your visitors.