Losing Faith in OutSourcing and Automation Software - Anyone Else Feeling This Way?

[Ofthemix]

So, I outsourced a bunch of article writing because I had some extra money to spend. All of the articles targeting one of my keywords got rejected by EZA for not being unique and informative enough. Every article I myself have written on the keyword has not been rejected. I'm going to post the articles at GoArticles, but I definitely do not feel like I got my money's worth, since EZA traffic is better.

I also own a bunch of automation software for social bookmarking and directory listing. I noticed that if I run the software, and then go back over and manually check if the links stick, they usually don't.

I think the moral of the story is, if you want something done right, it's best to do it yourself. Perhaps I'm just getting paranoid. I think while I have the time, I'll do link building and article writing on my own. Though I know I'll eventually need to switch to primarily outsourcing. I guess finding good people to outsource to is trial and error, like many other things in IM. Anyone else feeling this way?

[nitin22]

I know and can feel your pain. The key in outsourcing is you have to think like an employer. Obviously the best always is do all yourself. But doing all yourself has certain limit.

While outsourcing you have to layout the clear targets and deliverables. For example in this specific case, you should have put specific term that all articles should be acceptable to EZA and any rejected articles will be returned and will not be paid for.

Indeed at the end outsourcer might have charged you $1 extra but it will be $1 worth spent than getting crappy articles that are of no use.

[gsport11]

I have had some success outsourcing. A compromise is to outsource articles, then edit them prior to submitting. Always be very careful with what you submit to EZA, as poor submissions can have a lasting impact on getting to the platinum level.

It is possible to get what you pay for, but it's not a guarantee. Reward good freelancers with bonuses.

[Shannon Herod]

Put on your brakes! Unfortunately, sometimes automation software doesn't work the way it's supposed to.

Unfortunately, sometimes people that you hire don't necessarily work out.

But... and this is a very big but, if you find someone that does the job right, and at an affordable price, you'll be amazed at your return on investment.

You do need to go through the process of finding that person though. Not everyone is going to work out. Unfortunately, that is just part of business.

When you get that one employee that really kicks it, you will understand what I'm talking about.

Sometimes automation software does not work the way it's supposed to work. But, if you find a piece of software that is properly maintained and put together by the right programmer... Your results will be fantastic.

Outsourcing employees and work for hire contractors is part of the game. As you get bigger it's just going to be impossible to do it all yourself. So, please do not let a few negative experiences cloud your judgment when it comes to outsourcing and automation software.

Talk soon,

Shannon Herod

[Ofthemix]

I guess that also boils down to the old saying, "you get what you pay for". Another crappy thing, is that the articles that did get accepted, didn't get near as many page views as the ones I write myself. The oddity in all of this, is that the articles were written by several different individuals. You would figure that at least one of the articles on the keyword I was going for would have been accepted, since they weren't all written by the same person.

[Heuristic]

I have also tried this, and with similar results. I outsourced some articles for use on EZA and they just seemed to flop. Some were rejected for the reasons you stated, but of the articles that were approved, the CTR was less than half of what my own articles were getting. It was obvious that people weren't reading to the resource box.

For some reason, the articles lacked the style and substance needed to be effective. They were full of fluff and too generic. I tried several writers in this price range with similar results.

As a test, I hired a writer that charged double what I was paying. The result? No rejections and a great CTR. I already knew they would do well as the writing style put the others to shame.

One problem though: I couldn't recoup my cost, let alone make a profit. So I have since gone back to writing my own.

[Ofthemix]

I can't afford to let it cloud my judgement. When I start working full time again I plan on outsourcing all of my marketing stuff, or as much as I can afford to. At which point I'll be picking the brains of Warriors to point me towards reliable sources. For now I don't have a ton of money to use on outsourcing, so I was hoping the money I did have to spend would have gone to good use. Just venting a temporary frustration.

[acrasial]

If you are losing faith in them, you are really losing faith in yourself and your ability to adequately work in these fields.


As you come to find out there are crappy writers, cheaters, and all other kinds of things, you may realize it's actually difficult then to weed through all the B.S. ... BUT if you cannot weed through all of this, then you can either be disappointed at the entire field itself... or you can think and say hey...


What am I NOT DOING, or where am I still not looking so that this thing can work for me, or should this thing even have to work for me?


Maybe there are other solutions for you that can get you the income or other things you are looking for, which could be found in completely different regions of internet marketing.

[Maria Gudelis]

Originally Posted by Ofthemix

I can't afford to let it cloud my judgement. When I start working full time again I plan on outsourcing all of my marketing stuff, or as much as I can afford to. At which point I'll be picking the brains of Warriors to point me towards reliable sources. For now I don't have a ton of money to use on outsourcing, so I was hoping the money I did have to spend would have gone to good use. Just venting a temporary frustration.

Great attitude to not let it cloud your judgement!

Outsourcing - there is no magic bullet on finding the 'perfect' resource...seriously - it is like running a company and hiring employees, some work out - some don't...

when it comes to outsourcing - i find for every 3 I try - one works out that I stick with...and then you have to 'monitor' their work as sometimes after about 4 months their quality goes down- i sometimes see them 'outsourcing' their work too!

alas - have you tried 99 cent articles or team shuman for articles or fellow warriors - i've had success with all 3 - just google them as I don't know if I'm allowed to give urls - no affiliation to them - i just use them and full time staff as wel!

[Ofthemix]

Thanks Maria, I wrote down your recommendations and will give them a try next time I decide to outsource article writing.

I've been at IM for 7 months now and though I have my down moments, I know this is what I was meant to do with my life . . . so I will work at it til I succeed, outsourcing or not. I like to stay busy, and IM keeps me busy when I'm not working.

[ShaneRQR]

I have not outsourced any writing yet, but I am using submission tools.
The way I see it: The submission tools don't get 100% of the submissions right, but that doesn't really matter.

If I did it myself, I'd only submit to a handful of directories before running out of patience or time. An auto-submitter will run in the background and attemt 200 or more submissions. Even if it fails at half of them, that's still a lot more completed submissions than I could do myself.

Since I write the articles myself, I've never had a problem with them getting rejected.

Originally Posted by acrasial

If you are losing faith in them, you are really losing faith in yourself and your ability to adequately work in these fields.


As you come to find out there are crappy writers, cheaters, and all other kinds of things, you may realize it's actually difficult then to weed through all the B.S. ... BUT if you cannot weed through all of this, then you can either be disappointed at the entire field itself... or you can think and say hey...


What am I NOT DOING, or where am I still not looking so that this thing can work for me, or should this thing even have to work for me?


Maybe there are other solutions for you that can get you the income or other things you are looking for, which could be found in completely different regions of internet marketing.

I think you are being a little harsh here and I think you are missing most of what M is trying to say..

Automation for one thing has it's place and not everything should be automated by some junk software that promises the world. I know what software M is talking about and I will agree with her 100%.. You get what you pay for. I have many customers that have complained about the same software M is talking about.

As for outsourcing it is a hit and miss game, you must work WITH someone and get to know them. I disagree with the "you must act as an employer" thinking. I have had a staff working for me for a good long time and I do not look at them as employees but as friends. I do not refer to them working for me, I refer to them as working WITH me. There is a huge difference.

Working with someone and getting to know them will net you the best results overall. When you work together as a team then you can get a great deal more done and have it done properly.

M, you are a great person and I know you will make it to where you need to be just keep in mind that you have resources and friends that will be there to help you along the way.

James

[jaiganeshv]

Yes it sometimes happen. the quality might affect you adn your business and bring back negative effect

You should have a personal consultant and possibly continue with him....

[Ofthemix]

Hiya James ^_^

You're such a friendly guy.

I'm really not too worried. Everything will fall in place eventually.

[AidanKay]

I understand where you're coming from.

Though, you can't say that about outsourcing. I've been hired to create designs or write articles, build links or whatever - and I do a great job (not me saying this, it's the clients opinion).

You can't bag outsourcing.

But!

I've dealt with my fair share of outsources.. and I'm trying to be careful here.. but, I've had the most problems with the Indian outsources.

Now, I'm not being racist. I've dealt with a lot of good Indian outsources. I think the main problem is the communication. The language barrier.

The thing is, I keep coming back - like an abused girlfriend, it's the promises (and cheap prices) that keep me coming back for more.

You really just need to be careful who you hire, no matter the country of origin or first language!

Anyone can state that they are good at something. It's also very easy for someone to show a different person work as their own.
It all comes down to you. You need to put the effort into finding an outsourcer who has the references and work to backup their claims.

Just be careful.

Cheers,

-Aidan.



P.S: This post is not intended to offend anyone in any way. If it has, I (or a mod) will gladly remove it straight away. .

[Maria Gudelis]

Originally Posted by TheRichJerksNet

I think you are being a little harsh here and I think you are missing most of what M is trying to say..

Automation for one thing has it's place and not everything should be automated by some junk software that promises the world. I know what software M is talking about and I will agree with her 100%.. You get what you pay for. I have many customers that have complained about the same software M is talking about.

As for outsourcing it is a hit and miss game, you must work WITH someone and get to know them. I disagree with the "you must act as an employer" thinking. I have had a staff working for me for a good long time and I do not look at them as employees but as friends. I do not refer to them working for me, I refer to them as working WITH me. There is a huge difference.

Working with someone and getting to know them will net you the best results overall. When you work together as a team then you can get a great deal more done and have it done properly.

M, you are a great person and I know you will make it to where you need to be just keep in mind that you have resources and friends that will be there to help you along the way.

James

James is bang on ....I forgot to mention also

that when you do find someone great -

structure a bonus / performance plan for them - based on results - it is great to share your growth in sales as a percentage with key players on your team!

Plus it allows them to feel part of the company!

Cheers, Maria