In this video I start to talk a little about the content required to build a site that you could possible sell for $30,000 like I did. If you have just joined in here, you may want to follow along by starting with the first article in this series, I Sold A Website For $30,000.
Below is the example article I mentioned in the video. Click Here To Watch The Video if you can’t see it in the email feed (which, of course, you can’t LOL) Watch the video here, forget the written fluff below. 
Ok, so there is a lot going on with this article and I will try to explain some of my thinking; but I also want you guys to tell me what you notice down in the comments as well. And, in case anyone is wondering, this article is a 100% original that I wrote just for this post and it will never be used elsewhere. (wouldn’t it be funny if I started getting longtail traffic for terms mentioned below?) Could happen… never know.
Anyway, it took me 11 minutes to write the article you see here. Keep in mind that in my opinion, you will need a minimum of 30 BIG POSTS (700+ words each) for the type of mega-giant site that will make money or eventually sell for good coin. We are targeting longtail keyword traffic here. You must understand that humans talk to the Google search box like it’s got a human inside of it. That is how you target longtails on a DIY site… thinking in the same vein as the humans who talk to Google like it is also a human. Get it?
Also, I made some of the words in the post blue, and those are to represent hyperlinks to other articles that I’d use to increase my internal linking structure. Since this is just an example, there are no real links there.
Here’s the article I wrote… maybe some of you might even learn something…imagine that eh? FLUFF is GOOD!
Is Premixed Thinset or Mastic Adhesive Good For Installing Tile?
You guys know that I love DIY home improvement projects, and nothing excites me more than installing a tile backsplash, ceramic tile floor, slate tile tub surround or outdoor tiled patio. But I must confess, the stuff that holds the tile down is much more important that the actual tile itself. You gotta learn to “stick it good!” Huh?
Tile Adhesive or Tile Thinset Basic Information
For time’s sake, there are basically two ways to make a tile stick to a surface. You can use thinset mortar (a cement based product) or a Mastic (an organic based product) to adhere the tile to the surface or substraight. If you go to Home Depot or Lowe’s right now, you will find all kinds of mastic and thinset all over the shelves. Some comes in bags, others in buckets. But MASTIC and THINSET are NOT created equal! On top of that, you also should be careful of the real “fooler” in the bunch, and that is the “premixed thinset“… you definitely don’t wanna get “stuck” (pun!) with the premixed!… read on and learn ya’ll…
Drawbacks To Using Mastic Tile Adhesive
You’ve seen it… big white bucket of “ceramic tile adhesive white” for $40, simple, easy-breezy right?…
I want you to logic with me for a minute: if something (like mastic) comes pre-mixed in a bucket, and during all the months it is sitting on the shelves of aisle ‘42′ at Home Depot in that water tight bucket in a huge gloppy mass… it manages NOT to harden and dry… what makes you think it will dry in your shower walls when sandwiched between your water-proofing substraight (like Kerdi) and your hardened ceramic or porceline tiles?
Did you get that? Go back and read it again ok?… we’ll wait…
Ok, I will try to explain it another way: Mastic won’t dry properly in a situation where it is sandwiched between two water proof or nearly waterproof membranes. What’s more, if the mastic does dry after several weeks, and you get it wet again (like in shower) it will go right back to being gooey.. and this is not a good situation for a tiled wall in a shower!
I never recommend using mastic anywhere on any application that can or may get wet, period. If you do find a tile application that will not come in contact with water (such as a tile accent wall in a dry bar area) then you can use mastic and stick the tiles directly to the drywall behind. Other than that, stay clear of mastic. This is your mastic warning!
Is Premixed Thinset Any Good?
This one has fooled many DIY home improvement champs… don’t you be one!
Once again, to save time: don’t buy it! Most “pre-mixed thinset” products are really just mastic with sand added in and a grey colorant to mimic true thinset. In any case, most premixed thinset products that are marketed to do-it-youselfers like you are going to have the same problems I mentioned above. Remember, if it won’t dry inside a sealed bucket, it won’t dry between two sealed surfaces on your walls or floors.What Is The Best Thin Set To Buy Then?
I don’t have the time or space to go into all the ins and outs of thinset mortar in this article, but I will say that true thinset; the good stuff that is made to adhere tile to properly prepared walls and floors comes dry in bags and you must mix it yourself. (which means you must purchase a quality half-inch drill also)
This type of thinset is portland cement based and will dry within 24hrs when applied properly. This is because it dries due to a chemical reaction within the slurry, and not based on “getting outside air.” When you add water to dry thinset mortar, the chemical reaction begins! Oh, the magic of DIY!!!
You can modify thinset with polymers and such to give it better flex for certain applications, but as I mentioned, we will get to that in another article.Final Notes On Thin Set Mortar, Pre Mixed and Mastic
Guys, just don’t use anything that comes premixed in a pail for tiling applications. Remember, it is your house that you are working on here, and one of the things I always preach is that you, as a DIYer, can do quality work just like the pros, while saving money and getting a huge sense of accomplishment (plus some love from that adoring wife!).
So before you start that next tile shower project or tiled backsplash project, make sure you get the right thinset for the job.. and mix it your-own-dang-self!
Ok, so here are a few clues as to how I think when I write:
1) I think like a human, not a keyword analysis tool
2) I spell the words like humans would in different places ie: pre-mixed/premixed/pre mixed — thinset/thin set
3) I write like a human writes an email… loose and free on the punctuation. I also write “folksy”
4) I bold keywords all around. This does benefit humans, and Google too
5) I am a smart sucka.. so I can write for humans and search engines… you can too!
6) I come off as an authority because I freaking am an authority, but also a hobbyist like my readers
7) I link out to relavent articles on my site
I would include at least one picture. I prefer to take my own pics.
9) what else do you guys see? Can you see the longtails I am targeting with this puppy?
Now I am going to use this article over many of the coming posts. I will show you how I monetize it, of course, but I will also be talking about product review posts and “quick blurbs” in the near future and how they interweave with the BIG POSTS.
I mentioned in the video that I have not yet talked about buying a domain, and that is because I want you to decide if you can even make the commitment to this type site first. If you are not willing to build this kind of site, then don’t waste your money on a domain. There is a TON more info coming on this subject, prolly enough to make Darren Rowse blush and John Chow eat Panda Express … so stay tuned.
Excellent post my friend… Now all I have to do is ramble on about how people can improve their kitchens and bathrooms with the perfect amount of thinset and mortar. But all joking aside a perfect example of where to begin. Obviously, nobody expects to learn everything there is to know about creating a website and flipping it, but if they can save themselves a few dozen hours of learning this post would be worth its weight in gold.
I am reading the same book after they arrived just the other day. Tim has a sweet contest on his facebook and I collected 5 free books from him for myself and friends. Score.
@josh– you hit the nail on the head: I can’t teach everything here by no means. I am just hoping that some people will get on board and realize that building sites OUTSIDE of internet marketing and tech is where the fun and money begin (at least that is how it works for me)
BTW– I have been a fan of Tim Ferris for along time. I like the fact that he updated the book, but even the old info I already read last year has new meaning for me.
Hi Allyn,
I don’t understand why some people say that to write blog posts, there is only one “correct way.” Your post writing style and mine are almost at opposite extremes and yet I like your post styles with the bold text and run on sentences. I write the way I do to accurately reflect the anal retentiveness that is an important part of who I am.
@Gordie– exactly! you gotta write how you feel comfortable on your site. For me, talking to frustrated do-it-yourself homeowners, i wanna come across as a regular dude just like them.
Allyn,
I am waiting for the grammar and punctuation police to find this video/post and rip you to shreds. (I’ll miss you buddy. LOL)
@rhonda– If they come and rip me to shreds, I may have to drop some f-bombs for old time’s sake, LOL j/k
Allyn,
I came across this cartoon and it gave me a flashback to this post. Hope your angry mob has subsided by now.
http://www.makeuseof.com/tech-fun/internet-cant-ignoere-grammar/
LOL, that’s good Rhonda! I don’t know where the angry mob went, I think they went to another posting.
Grammatical errors? In a post? What is the world coming to ? Where are the standards? WTF? I bet the company that buy’s ruims it by letting an editor lose on the site LOL
@lissie– funny you say that, as I actually still write for the site I sold. They pay me $.15 per word and need just one article every couple weeks. Not a bad deal IMO. but most importantly, they said they wanted me to continue writing with my current “voice” …so I guess they appreciated my style. Cool eh?
Hi Allyn
I absolutely love the new direction you’ve taken this blog – you were sort of losing me during your ranting phase.
I’m sure I remember you saying in a post a long time ago that you love writing and that it comes naturally to you.
I think it’s amazing that you wrote such a well formed, easy to read and enjoyable, 700 word post in just 11 minutes!!!!
A similar article would have taken me a couple of hours, which makes me wonder whether the ability to write fast and well can be learned or is a god-given talent.
Bloody hell… this comment has taken 10 minutes to write!!!
Hi Hadi– I am fortunate that I do enjoy writing and that I have had a lot of practice. If you are unable to write like that, you can always outsource. I know lots of homeschool moms who have teenagers that need writing assignments for their daily studies. That is one very good source of articles for me when I need them for other projects.
CLARIFICATION: guys, I want to clarify my stance on the way I write in regards to grammar and punctuation. There is a fine line between commanding a writing style, and then just plain looking like an idiot.
I am not telling you to go out and slay the English language. But I am saying it is ok to deliberately use “my-own-self” “gonna” “ain’t” and other such words, as well as… ya know… use lots of crazy punctuation if you need to for effect!
This is just my way of mimicking the style of emails that I trade with my friends and I must figure that others do it as well.
Uhh…$30,000 is a lot of money but you only got $30,000 MINUS TAXES right? Right Allyn?
BTW…my two biggest money making keyword ideas were straight out of my head as I correctly guessed what people would be typing in Google. Just like you said, it pays to think like humans.
@Jessie– well of course I paid my capital gains tax… which just happens to be much less than my personal income tax rate.
@J. — best of luck with your sites man. I think these tips are really nothing that hasn’t been said before, but maybe my different spin will help out a little.. that’s what I am hoping for.
@Mace– yeah, I didn’t mention this, but it is always nice to leave in some choice words so that the real “pros” that come to your site will also give you some love and respect. In the article example here, I mention a product called “Kerdi” that is not really meant to be a DIY product, but pro tile guys use it… so if one of them saw the post, they’d see that i really do know what I am doing since I mention that product. Pretty cool how that works out!
@Sire– yeah, I don’t have that cool accent like you do, but maybe I will try to do a cross between a Brit and a Kiwi here in my next post, just for your benefit, LOL
@Shane– yeah, you know, Vic taught me about keeping you internet marketing terminology out of your keyword research. he is a master of that and I think that I took what be taught me and just used my own personality and influences to tailor it to my own way of thinking.
@dwep– nice man, nice! ROFL.. and yeah, I do like to form my post titles in a question format… it seems natural to me.
Good stuff Allyn. I’m trying to follow this advice now with some of my sites and I’m sure I’ll have the same result.
BTW – the new tone of the videos is just fine, my friend. I’m happy, for your sake, you made the switch.
P.S. – check your email.
I could not agree more. I have a few legal websites where I found myself writing like a lawyer. Those posts resulted in very few long tails that gathered any attention. I then edited those same posts, took out most of the legalese, and the long tail hits increased exponentially. Of course, I cannot resist keeping some in, even if it is for my own benefit.
Hey Allyn, I have to admit this theme is a lot easier on the eyes than your last one mate. I like the fact that you can think for search engines and google at the same time. I’d like to say I’m exactly the same but I don’t actually just write it as it comes out mate. I do have one advantage over you, ant that’s my Aussie charm that comes out in my posts. People just love it.
I tried a free keyword tool once but chucked that baby out quick smart because it took the enjoyment out of blogging.
As to the stuff you use to glue tiles to the wall, I’ve always tended to mix it on the spot.
Dude, the idea of separating “Internet marketing mind” from “normal Internet user mind” is pretty brilliant.
I also think that bolding essential bits is very useful. People tend to just skim over text and bolded bits give them something to latch on to. That’s my take, anyway.
Cool video, as always, Allyn.
Cheers,
Shane
I see you are also using header tags in the form of questions in the article, pretty smart dude. I also can agree with the use of pictures on a blog, even though they take up a lot of hosting space they are considered great content by google and I get a lot of traffic from image searches…
11 minutes? dude you type pretty fast – maybe I should start drinking coffee instaed of beer when typing posts, but then I would worry about spllechecking and not get all thse misspled keywirds google will punsh you fore.
Gee I don’t know Al, I reckon you should just stick with what you know mate. Anyway, I ain’t the one with the accent, you are.
Sire´s last blog ..The Difference Between Flexibility And FlexSqueeze
Well it’s nice to see that someone can actually write like a human. Honestly, 90 percent of my sites are soley from outsourcing content….I HATE WRITING! (but love the dollars made on the internet even tho i stopped working for 3 straight months! LOL).
That post you showed for the example, would take me at least 25.67 minutes to write and i would rather use that time for KW research or building links with outsourced content. You are a natural writer and obviously had some education in it
I have a hard time telling writers “how” to write, you know, what voice to use in the article??? But whatever, i just go through it for a couple minutes and maybe change some things. btw, I know only use articles that are at least 800 words because who the eff knows if THIS site could become a big one???
fyi-this comment took me 13 minutes to write (and im a fast typer haha)
@Eric– outsourcing is a great way to get things done in the writing realm if it is something you don’t like doing. You can find local college students who know how to write in “blog style” already and they will work for cheap.
… that is really cool that you can take long trips like that and work and see interesting places at the same time. you are a regular Tim Ferris! LOL And if you have a site making $1000 per month, then you have to decide if you can get it to $2000 per month, or can you make more money now by selling it?
@James– thankks man, we’ll see if I can still be edgy without all the f-bombs!
@hospital–thanks, I fixed it.. much appreciated, please let me know what else you see that could be better… tweaking themes is NOT my thing.
@Forest–speaking of a guy who is an EXPERT at tweaking themes..
@frank– yeah, I am sure that happens quite often. When I monetize this post, I will be covering that angle too.
Hi Allyn,
SY
just a quick off topic remark from one Atahualpa user to the other. Your “recent comments” section in the sidebar links only the authors name to their own site, but not the first line of their comments to the comment/post here on your site. Don’t know if that is intentional or mistake, but I thought you like to know. Now I am off to listen to few more of your videos
hospitalera´s last blog ..An emergency? I think not!
Well Allyn,
Very nice vid…. I am thinking of reading the 4-hour work week and may get someone to bring it over for me soon.
I went on a trip the last few days and had 5 hours of train riding so wrote 12 human articles for my Frugal Website….. I know I could have written more but I was chatting and doing other things…. The point is, the lack of internet and lack of keyword tools etc etc forced me to think just a like a real human… the kind I am when I am not plugged into the internet.
I am excited to see how the articles perform compared to keyword researched posts that I have been posting on various sites.
One of my sites makes somewhere between $500-$1000 a month right now and is a few years old so the idea of selling it for $30k or so is very very tempting as I could live for a year on that cash!! Anyway i’ll be intently following (and going back over) this series.
Hope you are well.
Forest´s last blog ..Me My Debt and I
Allyn, I look at that article and I think, “Geez, that looks too complicated for me. I wonder who I could get to help me with that kind of home improvement project?”
Frank C´s last blog ..How to Earn Fast Legit Cash
Ha ha, thanks Allyn… Yeah I am working on a few sites with a possible view to sell…. Not fully decided yet. Looking forward to following this series through to the end.
Forest´s last blog ..UK Readers, Want To Be In A BBC Documentry About Money?
Allyn, One more question: one this site you sold, you were writing in the first person right? Not as “we” like you were a big company blog or something.
I have a hard time putting my name on a lot of things out there, in fact, I don’t want my name associated with any of my sites…so what type of writing style do you suggest, or should I just write in the 1st person and use a fake name?
Eric,
I always right in the first person, it is just natural and harbors trust immediately from the reader. You can call yourself “DIY Daddy” if you want… you don’t have to reveal your real name. on the site I sold, I did not use my real name.
AL
I’ll be interested in hearing how
you allocate the money from the
sale that is staying in the business.
That’s an interesting ‘problem’ to
have.
[...] Allyn Hane: Master Of My Own Domain « Sold For $30K: The Commitment To BIG Posts [...]
Another fantastic video! I learnt a heap here so far, and am spreading the word amongst family and friends… Allyn Hane Rocks!
earnest´s last blog ..James Taylor and Carole King concert Melbourne Australia