Thanks for the good vibes–consistently!

Mandy

Ben

Well, I think it is critical to target all the “audiences” listed above (readers, search engines, ezine publishers).

You will need to write articles that readers will find useful, ezine publishers will find of interest to their readers, and that search engines will pick up.

You do this by understanding your “target market.” So, yes, I do agree that you cannot target all ‘markets’ at once. If you’re a real estate agent, for example, you may want to focus on “first-time buyers” or “people interested in refinancing”, which are different “sub markets” for the more general “people interested in real estate market.”

Once you identify the specific “market” you’re targeting, you should be able to find keywords that are relevant to that market. And, write an article that provides useful information to that market.

I think it’s important to keep in mind the difference between what I’m referring to as an “audience” and a “market.” Please note that these are just terms I’m using to distinguish these two concepts.

Hope that helps,
Ben

Deborah Tutnauer, LCSW

Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I’d expect nothing less from you!

I actually don’t think we disagree at all. I think we’re totally on the same page.

Re my Einstein comment:
- On a personal note, I asked those questions because I tweeted an Einstein quote once. I went to Google, searched for “Einstein quote” or something. Found one I like, then tweeted it. Not a bad thing to do. I found a profound quote. Except the way I went about was just, IMHO, inauthentic. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s done (or who regularly does) such things.

I mean, why not find some quotes from people who’s books or music or art or whatever has had a direct and personal impact on my life? My grandfather’s got LOTS of profound quotes. Bob Marley. Carlos Castaneda. George Clinton. Herman Hesse. Martin Heidegger (yes, believe it or not, Martin Heidegger). I could go on and on. The point is, by providing an insightful quote from someone who’s actually had an impact in my life/my personal development/my thinking, I’d be giving my followers something other than a Big Name Quote. I’d actually be revealing something to them about who I am.

- On a general note, I was using “Einstein” more as a metaphor for Big Names who are quoted on Twitter on a regular basis. I mean, if all those people were reading all those Big Names on a routine basis, I’d bet the NY Times Bestseller List would look a whole lot different that it does. I’m overstating here. But I think you get the point.

That said, it sounds like if *you* quoted Einstein, it would be that type of real expression of who you are. It sounds like he is someone who’s work/thinking/writing has had a real and direct impact on your life whether you tweeted a quote from him or not. I haven’t read his letters. His essays. His quotations. (Sounds like a smart guy, though! If that’s the case for you, then drop some Einsteinian science on us all! I’m all for it!

Re automated tools:
As I mentioned, I think automated tools are great. In fact, I plan on using Tweetlater even more in the future. My issue was that I was using tools to tweet headlines I wasn’t reading in the name of ‘providing value.’ But, if I wasn’t reading them, why should anyone else?

I notice this (or think I notice this) regularly on Twitter. People posting 2, 3, 4, 5 (I once saw 20) posts in a row from their account via Twitterfeed. I mean, c’mon. I’ve unfollowed a number of “people” because of that. And, I imagine, people have unfollowed me for the same reason. Or worse (in my opinion), just glazed over my tweets because they’d just become “Twitter noise” rather than an authentic communication from a real person that cut though the haze of quotes, marketing pitches, and other assorted goodies.

So, yes, automation can be used for Good or for Evil. I choose the good (or I’m attempting to).

You, my dear, as cited on this blog already, are an excellent Tweeter. You are clearly a real person with real things to say. With real experiences to share.

So much so, that I was honestly surprised to learn that you’d be using automated tools to such an extent. But that just goes to show me (and everyone else) that there can be a balance achieved between automating and personally providing value.

You are a prime example of that. And your excellent video on your site is a great demonstration of how that balance can be achieved.

Thanks for engaging in this dialogue and providing an opportunity for us both to expand on this topic.

Love you too!
Ben

You asked for it!! So, let’s agree to disagree before you read my response.

1. Einstein. I love Einstein. I love quoting Einstein. When was the last time I read hime - ages ago, when I was more daring I read “The World As I See It”. “Theory of Relativity” - are you kidding me? “We stand in awe of a man whose thoughts move on heights far beyond our range”

…But his letters and quotes taken from those letters, articles, speeches etc. are the condensed wisdom that I can grasp. I love to quote him (and others that I quote) because those quotes validate my own thoughts.

We are conditioned to get validation. We often don’t believe we are good enough, or we could express our thoughts as poignantly. The reason we love to quote then is to express our own thoughts through condensed and tested snippets of wisdom others can relate to also.

2. I, for one, love to use tools to get things done. Work smarter thingie. I love to use some tools that help me get great followers. For the longest time I resisted sharing what I did with others. I enjoyed having others wonder “How does she do it?”.

I got over it. It is my duty to share - and I feel strongly about it now.

I am only as good as the tools I use, and the tweets I tweet. I use the tools to attract people, then it is up to me to keep them. And that’s an art.

Twitter tools, like any tools - a knife, a gun, or whatever, could be used equally for good and for evil. Our intention is the only thing that matters.

My 2 cents.

Love you.

@LarisaBelliveau
http://www.TwitterResultsFast.com

I am so flattered to be the top of your list and grateful for your friendship and the wonderful things you had to say! You not only rock but make me feel like a rock star! You are always kind and thoughtful, share my love of music and have already started to help me with ideas for my blog! I was thinking the same thing, fyi! I love how Twitter brings so mnay wonderful people into your life!
xo-
Bonnie

Like you, I use article marketer and ezine articles, and starting to include a few others like AffSphere. Article marketing should be part of every online marketer’s arsenal for site promotion and affiliate promotions.

Phew…I meant to get to this yesterday, but I’m so glad I finally read the WHOLE list today. The beautiful part is that there were so many great people on your list who I had not met yet. So I read your intros and went to each link and connected. I NEVER do that anymore with the regular follow friday thing..it’s become too impersonal.

I knew you were a super-smart guy from our first conversation. This is a super idea. I feel honored that you included me in your list. We have many projects to accomplish together, and I’m blessed that we’ve become friends and business associates. Your insight into internet marketing and attraction marketing has expanded greatly in the short time we’ve known each other. You are definitely a person to be watched over the next few months. Everybody…FOLLOW BEN!!

Peace and Abundance,
Deborah

Very funny. Ain’t no shame in peddling something (even on Twitter). I’d say it’s more about the ‘how’ than the ‘what.’ I’m glad to know you are promoting something ’cause I’m sure it’s at least worth a look. If not more.

Thanks for the @iEndorse tip. Will definitely check it out.

And, keep on keeping it real!

Best,
Ben

Once again, thanks for the props. It really means a lot to me that you value the the things that I say about internet marketing. Like you mentioned, I don’t tweet that often, but I appreciate the fact that you pay attention to the things that I say when I do tweet. I have never meet anyone online that has continuously given so many people so much respect and love like you do.

I have been keeping an eye on you since our first conversation on Facebook, and you have come a long way in a very short period of time. I am proud of you and I wish you all the best.

Vernita Sherman

Thank you kindly for including me on that list - it is very humbling, indeed. Right when I was about to start peddling something, you announce to the whole world that I have \with no agenda\. What’s the girl to do now?!

I treasure how lovingly you describe the people on this list - I for one, want to make sure I follow everybody. It also speaks volumes about you.

I have been attempting to make it easier for my twitter friends to follow good people, my attempt is not as deliberate, but has the same intention in mind. If you are looking for good people to follow, follow those that I am Following from @iEndorse.

Ben, thank you again for the honor.

Good twitizens, Unite!

I knew you rocked, but this just totally blows that perception right up! This is the best “FollowFriday suggestion list” I’ve ever seen.
And no… its not just cause I’m on it, and near the top ; )

I know just what you mean by your eyes glazing over - I find the same thing happening to me. When I participate in FollowFriday, I always try to give a good reason why the person I am recommending should be followed. Gone are the days of just long lists of usernames. I know I don’t pay attention to those… why would anyone else?!

I know I have been quick to tell you this before, but you can never hear it enough - You are an exceptional person!

Wishing you life’s best,
Melanie Milletics

Thanks for the props man I am honored.

How’s SEO Networker treating you?

Speaking of which, we’ll get started with the coaching soon, stay tuned!

Looking forward to working with you.

Raymond Fong

@Follow_Steph