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Tim Ferriss on How to Reinvent Yourself with Blog Marketing

written by Brian Clark
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Tim Ferriss on How to Reinvent Yourself with Blog Marketing

You know Tim Ferriss as the best-selling author of The 4-Hour Work Week, the man behind the popular Experiments in Lifestyle Design blog, and now as the author of his new book, The 4-Hour Body. But it obviously wasn’t always the case.

What does Tim credit for his rapid emergence into the public eye? His blog and his blogger outreach strategy, which took him from unknown to successful author, angel investor, and social media celebrity is a few short years.

In this episode Tim and I discuss:

  • How to develop an enduring content strategy
  • Why pitching bloggers doesn’t work (and what does)
  • The acceleration strategy that took Tim beyond books and blogs
  • The novel launch tactics he used for the new book
  • The credibility benefits of generous content marketing

Hit the flash player below to listen now:

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About the Author: Brian Clark is founder of Copyblogger and CEO of Copyblogger Media. Get more from Brian on Twitter.

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Reader Comments (36)

  2. Downloading right now. I am most interested in

    pitching bloggers doesn’t work

    I have noticed that recently, bloggers are not responding that much and something else is needed. Can’t wait to hear what it is.

  4. Brian:

    Tim Ferris must be marking the interview circuit this week. I also found a video interview this week on Zen Habits, entitled, “The 4-Hour Body: The Tim Ferriss Interview on Zen Habits.” For those who don’t know who Tim is, just Google his name and read the Wiki article.

    I like publishing rejection stories. Four Hour Work Week rejected by 25 out of 26 publishers? Chicken Soup for the Soul was rejected by several publishers. The author – I believe – self published, before being picked up by a major publisher. The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand was rejected by 12 publishers (if I recall correctly).

    It’s interesting he talks about his blog. Why not? Isn’t blog marketing the topic of this radio show? The Wiki article says, “The release of his book moved Ferriss’ blog to the Top 1000 on Technorati.” The Wiki article goes on to say that he’s now an angel investor to other companies.

    I’m happy that Tim likes direct response advertising, along with the authors Joe Sugarman and Dan Kennedy. Both have great copywritng/marketing books at Amazon.

    I don’t agree with Brian that you can’t get rich on writing books – just that very few do so (i.e. Stephen King or J. K. Rowling). I’ve also meet writers at writer’s conferences – not well-known – who do make six figures. But blogging is more practical for making money. Seth writes bad headlines, Brian? – You’re probably right. Copywriter Brian Keith Voiles believes in crafting at least 100 headlines for each campaign.

    Great interview today. Now I’ll watch the Vimeo video interview at Zen Habits.

    Randy

  5. No matter how busy I am, I always take time out to listen to Tim speak and once again, I was not let down. Amazing interview. Well done Brian, you really extracted some awesome nuggets.

  6. I’m looking forward to listening to this interview. I always find I have the most interesting ideas after reading, listening, or seeing this man in action. Thanks for posting. I’ll be back with my (I’m sure rave) review!

  7. Great interview!

    A year since reading 4 Hour Work Week my life is completely different. I still work like a crazy lady but I spend less time doing web admin for my lingerie boutique (all shipped off to my VA in China), I’ve now started my own marketing business, given up my job in telecoms and am now working for myself which is giving me the freedom to travel.

    I am also not stressed out to the max, and pretty much having a great time. That book was definitely worth the £9.99. Will definitely be buying the next one!!!

  8. Thanks Tim and Brian! This is a great podcast, and thanks for taking the time to put it together and share it with us. Now some thoughts.

    Many of the successful bloggers found here and elsewhere already have extensive experience and expertise in the area that they blog in. In Tim’s case, he had a sales job, started his own business, and traveled the world for a couple of years before he started his blog.

    Tim’s point about writing posts that grow in value over time is a very important one. I agree that writing “evergreen” content is critical to the long-term success of your blog, and it raises a question that I’ve had for some time:

    How do you write “evergreen” content when you lack in expertise?

    I’m very passionate about and extremely interested in the things I write about, but at this point I feel somewhat tethered to writing about the news of the day. I lack the expertise which comes from years of working experience and serves as the foundation for the blog and provides original content.

    I’m committed to blogging, and I think it’s a good fit for me because I love to write and respond to comments (Tim’s two criteria). I’m also interested in using it as a business tool to learn, experiment, and grow as a professional. If anyone has any tips, advice, or resources about getting started as a blogger and/or getting your foot in the door, please let me know!

  9. Great Post,

    In process of doing this right now with my blog http://www.nosmokeandmirrors.com .
    I found I needed to “eat my own dog food” and answer the question; what problems do I solve?
    I asked my clients, network, and the answer was very clear; “you fix sales problems” .
    Now all my content will be focused on sharing how to fix sales problems.

    I look forward to listening to your content and applying it in my efforts to focus my blog to serve business leaders.

    Mark Allen Roberts

  11. Great interview Brian. I love that Tim gives real, honest answers and not just what he thinks will sound best.

    It’s that kind of transparency that has played a huge role in his success.

    (That, and kickboxing people in the larynx when they don’t buy his book.)

  13. Another fantastic interview. I’ve got the book in transit, but it will take a while to reach Europe it seems. A late Christmas present it will have to be.

    Great stuff. Always looking forward to these IMfSP Radio thingies, so keep ’em coming!

  14. Guys I really like what you’ve got going but maybe you could consider changing the intro tune?

    Personally I’ve developed a bit of an allergic reaction to iLife stock tracks after having been involved in quite some video productions, and I suspect there are more marketeers/media people suffering from this?

    Also I don’t really get the “the number you have dialed” thing. Or is it me.

    Otherwise great, keep it coming.
    J

  20. Great interview!

    I loved the 4 hour work week. Even though that seems to be impossible but for the few that are fortunate enough to have that luxury, but the mindset behind it is ingenious and is one that is needed to leverage your time and money and really start building a business for oneself.

  21. This was awesome…as always. I particularly liked the advice about giving away until it becomes uncomfortable, which I’ve decided to do for 2011 in a big way! The advice and guidance is much appreciated gentlemen!

  23. Vital in today’s environment. We must be able to step into new roles and be faster on our feet to meet new and more challenging demands.

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