3 Reasons I Don't Use PLR Content (and
Why You Shouldn't Either - Ever).
Quite the controversial topic, for sure...
In fact, it raised my eyebrows when I saw it.
I actually DO use PLR, which is Private Label Rights content, and I use it fairly often.
I use content templates and article starters as well. I find them quite helpful in producing quality content on a consistent basis.
In the article, Jeff shares three very good reasons why he feels you should not use PLR. He feels it won't share your unique voice or perspective, that it's confusing to your readers if they find the same content elsewhere online, and that it's a dishonest way to communicate and/or build a relationship with your readers...
What is PLR?
Private Label Content comes in many different formats, including PLR reports, ebooks, articles, graphics, templates and even videos.
While licenses differ with each author and seller, the basic premise is that the license permits buyers to re-brand the content under their own name and brand (excluding copyright). In general practice this means that the product can be modified, sold, resold or repurposed in many different formats. -source
It's important to note that PLR licenses vary, and you should always read the documentation that comes with any PLR content you purchase.
How To Use PLR... Correctly!
Jeff makes some great points in his blog post, but as I mentioned above I do use PLR and other content products - such as templates and article starters. There's definitely an art to using it successfully, and avoiding the three concerns Jeff pointed out.
Of course, this is considering that you're doing personal branding with your online business, and communicating directly with your target audience as a Market Leader.
1. Any type of content help you use, including ghostwriters and PLR etc, should be edited by you personally before it's published to your blog or anywhere else online. Give it your personal "voice" and style, and make sure the message matches your "personal branding" and your overall objective.
2. Never use PLR, Article Starters or Content Templates as-is. Even with outlines, I always edit the title and the main points to be unique so that they aren't confused with anyone else's version.
3. Consider your objective with every piece of content you publish. Content alone isn't the key, it's what you do with that content - and how you use it to lead your readers into a specific decision (ie Call-to-Action).
While some people think Public Domain Content or Private Label Rights is the easy street to putting out mass amounts of content, those that are truly doing well with it are using it as a base for content ideas and product or content outlines.
Mainly for inspiration, and as a starting point.
Consider all the ways you can repurpose these types of content into different mediums. A single PLR article can make a great "script" to do an informational video, webinar or podcast.
PLR articles or reports can be broken down and used as an email autoresponder series. See: How to Use PLR in Your Email Marketing Plan
Multiple PLR articles on the same topic, from different sources, can be put together (and edited by you!) into an informative how-to report.
PLR Sources & Live Examples
My Favorite PLR & Content Sources include:
- Easy PLR by Nicole Dean
- Public Domain Blueprint by Tony Laidig
- DIY PLR by Alice Seba (Great deals!)
- Easy Article Starters by Peggy Baron
- Jiffy Articles by Jonathan Leger
Here are live examples of content I've created with these sources, all of which are "unique content" and were personally edited by me and written in "my voice."
First, to show you HOW I use private label rights and other content sources, see this detailed post: PLR Article Rewrite Dissected & Exposed
Like I said, I find these tools incredibly helpful in coming up with content ideas and giving me an outline to create GREAT blog posts and articles!
Six live examples:
What it Takes to Become a Super Affiliate
When You Can’t Afford To Invest In Your Biz
Create One Site or Hundreds of Sites?
5 Reasons To Join A Paid Forum Or Group (My Guest Post)
Those four posts were written using Easy Article Starters by Peggy Baron. See my review of Easy Article Starters...
How to Stick to a Low Carb Diet (on my low carb blog)
5 Easy Topic Ideas For Your Next Blog Post!
Both of those posts were written using Jiffy Articles by Jonathan Leger. See my review of Jiffy Articles here...
I could show you many more examples from my 8+ years of blogging and content publishing, but honestly... I look back at my archives and have a hard time telling the difference between posts I wrote myself and posts that were inspired by PLR content! My readers can't tell either, which is how it should be.
How do YOU feel about PLR, Public Domain & Templates?
I would love to hear your thoughts. Do you use PLR Content, or other sources such as templates and article starters to help you come up with ideas or create web content? Why or why not? Leave a comment below!
Best,
p.s. If you still have questions, or need creative ideas for using all the great PLR on your hard drive, check out this PLR Q&A Guide which comes with a "cheat sheet" and Progress Report to help you make the most of your PLR purchases.
