Episode 124: Building a Business on Content with Tim Stoddart at Copyblogger Media

Tim Stoddart, a successful entrepreneur and co-owner of Copyblogger Media, has made a name for himself in the digital marketing industry through his mastery of writing and effective communication. After stumbling upon an interview with Seth Godin that encouraged him to start a blog, he began his journey into the world of online writing and SEO. Today, he oversees a conglomerate of media companies while continuing to write daily blog posts. 

Discovering the power of writing

Tim's affinity for writing can be traced back to his childhood when he developed a deep appreciation for words and literature through his mother's love for poetry and their shared reading rituals. 

Around 2010, he listened to an interview with Seth Godin, who gave a nugget of writing advice. He said to start a blog, write consistently, and don’t tell anyone about it. Tim saw an opportunity to explore his writing skills using the online BlogSpot platform. Despite having no prior experience, he created a blog and began sharing his thoughts and experiences. And even though he didn’t tell anyone about it, his blog started gaining traction, leading him to delve into the realms of SEO and content marketing. This revelation opened up new possibilities for him, as he realized the potential to turn his writing into something meaningful and impactful.

Tim decided that he was going to make a career out of it, even though he had no idea what that looked like. He dove into it head-first, and now he heads a conglomerate of media companies.

Building Sober Nation and Expanding Horizons

Tim’s blog eventually evolved into Sober Nation, a highly successful blog and media site dedicated to supporting individuals battling drug and alcohol addiction. As he wrote his Sober Nation blog posts, Tim researched other successful blogs for ideas. He admits to blatantly copying formatting. For instance, if he read a list post on five ways to be more aware in your writing, he would write his own list post on five ways to be more aware in your sobriety.

Leveraging his newfound knowledge of SEO and content marketing, Tim established Sober Nation as a trusted resource in the behavioral health industry. Recognizing the demand for specialized marketing services in this field, he ventured into digital marketing and founded Stodzy Internet Marketing, an agency catering to behavioral health facilities. This strategic move allowed Tim to merge his passion for writing with his expertise in marketing, providing tailored solutions to a niche market.

Managing to get in early on behavioral health SEO, rapid growth followed. Stodzy has stayed at the top in its niche thanks to Tim’s commitment and dedication because of his personal experience in the space. 

Copyblogger: a turning point

One pivotal moment in Tim’s journey came when he discovered Copyblogger, a website that taught him the art of blogging and content creation. Reading Copyblogger became a daily ritual, and he even adopted its formatting and style for his own articles on Sober Nation. He crossed paths with Brian Clark, the founder of Copyblogger, leading to a friendship and eventual partnership. Tim acquired a majority stake in Copyblogger, fulfilling a long-held aspiration. Over time, he assumed the responsibility of upholding Copyblogger's legacy, inspiring new writers and offering them guidance and direction.

The power of writing and effective communication

Tim firmly believes that strong writing and communication skills are vital in various aspects of life, including sales. Although he acknowledges that he may not excel as a traditional salesperson, his writing prowess enables him to connect with people and foster meaningful relationships. Writing long-form blog posts and crafting newsletters continue to be fundamental aspects of his daily routine and contribute significantly to his professional success.

The journey to Copyblogger Academy

In addition to his involvement with Copyblogger, Tim ventured into the realm of subscription-based membership sites. He established Copyblogger Academy, a platform that offers valuable resources and educational content for aspiring writers and marketers. However, building this membership site posed its fair share of challenges. Tim faced hurdles in finding suitable software and infrastructure that would ensure a seamless user experience. After several trials and errors, he settled on Circle, a membership platform that provided customization options and integration with other tools. His perseverance paid off, and Copyblogger Academy now thrives as a community for individuals seeking knowledge and guidance in the realms of writing and digital marketing.

Tim's journey embodies resilience, adaptability and a continuous thirst for knowledge. Through his experiences, he has gained valuable insights into the digital marketing landscape. He emphasizes the importance of effectiveness over mere usefulness, allowing businesses to address their clients' specific needs and deliver tangible results. He also recognizes the significance of personalization and uniqueness, as they differentiate businesses in an increasingly commoditized market.

AI and automation

Tim acknowledges the potential impact of AI and automation in various industries, including digital marketing. While he recognizes the benefits these technologies offer, he firmly believes that the human touch and shared experiences will always retain their value. He predicts that community-building and storytelling will continue to play crucial roles in the future, providing something that AI cannot fully replicate or replace.

Tim’s journey from blogging to building a conglomerate of media companies showcases the power of writing and effective communication. His passion for writing, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, has propelled him to remarkable success in the digital marketing industry. From founding Sober Nation and Stodzy Internet Marketing to acquiring a majority stake in Copyblogger, he has continuously expanded his horizons and embraced new opportunities.

His story highlights the transformative potential of writing and the possibilities that await those who dare to pursue their passions. Through his dedication to his craft and his commitment to delivering value, Tim has built a solid career in the world of digital marketing. His insights into the industry, emphasis on effective communication, and focus on building meaningful connections continue to shape his success and inspire others to unlock their full potential through the written word.

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