As copywriters, we all know that research is important.

Because (for me), you cannot write a single word of persuasive copy if you don’t really understand your market.

And this means, understanding your market at a deeper level… to the point that you can describe their struggles better than they can describe it themselves.

Here’s the thing: research doesn’t need to be exhausting or gruelling… whatever adjective you want to describe it.

In fact, you can make research fun and easy.

Below, I’ll show you 3 ways how I do my research. (I’m having fun doing any of these three)

So if you’re ready. Read on.

First: Do the basics.

I won’t be explaining much about this process. Because I’ve recorded a short video on how you can do this here:

https://aprilcopywriter.com/market-research-strategy-video/

You can do the same strategy on Facebook, Forums, Youtube, and Reddit.

Second: Ask your client if he has an existing email list.

If they have, you’re lucky!

Because…

You won’t need to do the research process above.

Just make sure that their email list is active.

All you need is to send a Deep Dive Survey to the list and ask them 1-3 questions related to what you’re writing.

It’s similar to the membership questions that you’ve answered before you got approved in this group.

With an email list, you don’t need to scour through several webpages.

This strategy alone slashes your research time in half.

Third: Request the research materials from your client.

This is my favorite.

When I was still starting out, I felt like it’s my responsibility to do all the research for the project. But it shouldn’t be the case.

Ba’t ko ba pinapahirapan ang sarili ko, eh pwede ko naman hingiin?

When I started doing this, writing became a breeze. Promise!

Dumali buhay ko.

Imbis ako ang gagawa ng research. My client is doing  the research for me.

During the discovery call palang, I already assess if they have the assets I’ll be needing for the project.

And… if wala, the right client  will even offer to do the research for you.

One good thing about this process is…

Aside from it shortcuts your research time, you also fast-track your success.

Hindi ka nanghuhula kasi galing na kay client yung research materials. And, you won’t feel bothered na baka mali ang ginagawa mo.

However…

Not all clients have the assets.

That’s why, if you want to make your life easy,  work with  clients that have the assets.

So what are some of the research materials that you can request from your clients?

1. RESEARCH PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS

Depending on the market, this may include:

• Scientific papers,
• History,
• Stories,
• Client’s testimonials
• Contact information or email address of existing customers (For interview purposes)
• Contact information or email addresses of the COE/ product formulator/Marketing head (For interview purposes)

2. AVATAR/ MARKET

This is to give you a clear idea of the customers . If wala sila nito, make sure that you identify your client’s customers with their help.

Wag mong i-discover mag-isa. Kasi mahihirapan ka lang.

Seek the help of those who really know the market. Get it exactly from the source.

3. SAMPLES OF WEBSITE COPY

One reason why your copy does not meet your client’s expectations is because you are unsure of what your client really wants.

While you can ask your client about his expectations during the call, the chances are you won’t get it as-is.

Parang love life: Minsan may misunderstanding. HAHA

So it’s safe to request for copy samples or inspiration.

When I work with clients, I make sure I ask for sample copy or links to websites (competitor or not) that they want to use as pegs or inspirations.

Let’s say, if you’re tasked to write a landing page, ask for a landing page sample that they think is similar to what they want to achieve.

If they want you to write a FB ad copy, ask for a sample Facebook copy that already worked for their business so you can have the idea of their voice and structure.

If they ask you to write an email, then ask for email samples.

I hope you got the idea.

Doing this gives you a clear picture of the deliverables.

The point is… research doesn’t need to be exhausting. You can always make it fun and easy 🙂  #Mindset

And just like the third strategy, you don’t need to do the entire research yourself.

Yet, you can still get to understand your market without doing much of the work. And write copy that will resonate with them.