Discussing the Content Vs Buzz Question

There was a very interesting discussion going on over at the BlogCatalog.com titled Is Good Content Overrated.

I was surprised that some people really believe that you should focus more on buzz then you do content. I offered the following;

In my humble opinion, content is more important than buzz.

But there are many factors that go into deciding which is more important to you as a blogger. One major consideration is what are your goals?

Because different bloggers have different goals, they focus on different parts of blogging.

As stated some (1) blog for the joy of creating good content, (2) some blog for money, (3) some blog for recognition (comments), (4) some blog for the sense of community, and this list could go on and on.

So I think it is difficult to definitively say which is more important without taking the goals of the blogger into context.

What I enjoy the most is creating good content (and sometimes I think I actually pull it off), but I also know that I have to create a certain level of buzz if anyone is to read or enjoy the content that I create. I have to be part of a larger community that passes my blogs around and considers what I write.

All in all it is just good to get the opinions of so many different bloggers and to see what is important to them.

A Reminder: Focus on Content.

Sometimes I spend more time looking at stats, things like the number of visitors to each of my blogs. The number of impressions, clicks and purchases. But when you really get down to it, what I really need to be doing is this;

Focus on the quality of the content, and everything else will take care of itself.

High Quality Affiliate Content

The most powerful part of the whole internet to me is the ability to find high quality content in the blink of an eye.

This is something that affiliate marketers have to put to good use.

I get a lot of emails from both the affiliate networks and the advertisers that I am an affiliate for. Some of this stuff has some great info in it. And is what I would call high quality content or information.

So lets see, people search the web for high quality content, and my affiliate networks send me high quality content. I wonder if there is a way that I can use that content to my advantage.

Well the answer is of course there is. If your affiliate networks are sending you emails with links and with info on the deals from advertisers then use that info. Put it out to your readers, let them decide if they want or need the info.

Of course you have to do this in a thoughtful way. Your web site or blog probably serves some niche market. You have to sort through the info that you get and apply it in the correct niche market. For example, if your advertiser sends you info on a music promotion that they are having, it want do you much good to post that in your blog about pet food.

If you do this correctly you will probably serve your customers and your advertisers by doing this.

For example;

Motorola MOTORIZR Z8 Black (Unlocked)

FOR $254.98 + Free Shipping Regular Price $274.98

Buy a LG 225 phone at TracFone and get $30 off, plus double minutes, an accessory kit and free shipping!

Whats Shakin at Buy.com!

Knowing your Advertisers so you can know their content;

As an affiliate marketer you really have to know your advertisers. If you are just starting out in affiliate marketing you may just be glad that your were accepted by the affiliate network and that you have gotten all the administrative BS out of the way.

But hold on there sparky!

One thing that you really need to understand is what the various advertisers bring to the table. And how that fits in with your website or blog.

Here are a few questions that you may want to ask.

1. Does the advertiser have links that promote their affiliate program or do they have recruitment banners? This may not seem important, but if the advertiser also promotes their affiliate program then you may be able to post these links and have it be another revenue stream.

Use Recruitment banners to endorse our program so you can earn more money! When a webmaster visits your Website and joins the program through your link, they will automatically become one of your recruited Websites. You can earn bonuses and commission on all recruited websites.

For example;


Webmasters Make $$$

2. What kind of rules does the advertiser have about paid advertising? This can be a biggie, you want to have a clear idea of how your promotional campaigns could conflict with your paid advertising.

3. Does your advertiser send out a news letter? Do you read it? Is there any valuable info of high quality that you might be able to pass on to your readers? Are there in new coupon codes?

For example OverStock.com offers monthly special coupons;






All of which come from their email news letter.

What I have tried to convey in this post is that one place that you can get high quality affiliate content is from your advertisers. By knowing what kinds of content they offer and the rules for using it you can offer your readers content from your advertisers and it should be a win, win, win situation.