Research methods for writers refer to the techniques and strategies used to gather, evaluate, and analyze information for writing projects. That can include using research tools, identifying reliable sources, fact-checking, and organizing information to write accurate, credible content.
Strong research can set freelance writers apart since clients demand factually accurate, well-referenced content that encourages reader engagement and promotes trust in the content they publish. If a reader enjoys an article or a well-researched blog post, they will likely return to the site time and again, generating traffic and making the client’s project successful.
This article examines the types of research used by freelance writers, discusses effective search engine research techniques, and introduces some handy fact-checking websites and tools.
Offline research tools and methods are also reviewed, and guidance is provided on how to research different types of writing projects. Finally, we show you how to organize and use your research, including digital and analog note-taking systems, citation, and handy reference management tools.
Good research is critical for producing high-quality writing that clients love! Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about highly effective research methods for writers.
What Are the Types of Research for Freelance Writers?
Let’s start by discussing the various types of research you can use during the research process.
Primary Research
Primary research involves collecting data through various methods, including interviews, experiments, and surveys. This research is tailored to the writer’s needs and can help them gather first-hand information about their topic.
Primary research is often used in academic writing, market research, and investigative journalism.
Secondary Research
Secondary research involves collecting information from books, journals, reports, articles, and online sources. Writers often use this type of research to gather data on a particular topic without conducting their own primary research.
Secondary research is used in various fields, including academic writing, content marketing, and journalism. It’s important to note that not all sources of secondary research are reliable, and it’s up to you to check your sources carefully to ensure that the information is accurate, up-to-date, and from a trustworthy source.
Reliable vs. Unreliable Sources
Distinguishing between reliable and unreliable sources is a critical part of the research process for any writer.
Reliable sources are an essential part of the research process for any writer. These can include academic journals, government reports, reputable news outlets, and books written by subject matter experts.
These sources are typically peer-reviewed, fact-checked, and written by professionals in their respective fields. So, if you use a reliable source, you know that you’re getting trustworthy information you can use to support arguments or provide evidence in your writing projects.
In contrast, unreliable sources often contain inaccurate, biased, or unverifiable information. Examples of unreliable sources usually include personal blogs, social media posts, and websites with a clear bias or agenda. These sources often lack evidence or proven data to support their opinions, or the information is outdated and inaccurate.
In short, by using reliable sources and fact-checking information, you can ensure your work is always of high quality, trustworthy, and credible.
What Are Some Reliable Online Research Tools and Strategies?
In this part of our guide, we introduce reliable online research tools and strategies beyond simply Googling!
Effective Search Engine Techniques
Most computers offer a variety of search engines beyond basic Google that can help you in your research.
Use Advanced Search Operators
Advanced search operators are special characters that help you refine your search results. For example, you can search by using quotation marks around a phrase, which will give you an exact match. If you use the minus sign before a word, that excludes certain results, and by using the site operator, you can search for results on a specific website.
Explore Other Search Engines
Although Google is probably the most popular search engine, don’t forget to try alternatives, such as Bing, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo. These search engines often provide different results for your search query, which can be more relevant.
Browse Social Media
Social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit can be a goldmine for finding specific information. I always use these options since they often throw up interesting snippets of contributors’ personal experiences that I can use in my articles. You can find dozens of discussions and posts related to your search query by searching for relevant hashtags or keywords.
Use Specialized Search Engines
There are specialized search engines for specific types of content. For example, if you’re looking for academic research papers, Google Scholar or Microsoft Academic are excellent. For images, try using TinEye or Google Image Search.
Use Search Engine Plugins
Many browser plugins are available that can make searching for information much easier and quicker. For example, the Google Dictionary extension allows you to quickly look up the definition of a word without leaving the search results page.
Utilizing Academic Databases and Industry-Specific Resources
Academic databases and industry-specific resources are excellent research options for writers. They allow you to access scholarly articles, research studies, statistics, and other relevant information for your writing projects.
Some excellent academic databases include JSTOR, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. These databases give you access to peer-reviewed research articles, academic journals, and other academic publications. Advanced search options allow you to filter results by date, author, and other criteria, making finding the data you need easy.
Industry-specific resources are tailored to fit specific fields or industries. If you work within a particular niche or specialized sector, you’ll probably be familiar with its best websites. Alternatively, you can use trade publications and industry reports to get the needed data.
Fact-Checking Websites and Tools
Fact-checking your work is just as important as researching. Fortunately, there are several excellent fact-checking websites and tools.
- FactCheck.org: This website monitors the accuracy of political statements and is extremely handy for checking facts relating to politics, political parties, and the like.
- Snopes.com: This popular fact-checking website investigates rumors, urban legends, and news stories to determine their accuracy.
- Google Fact Check Explorer: This tool, developed by Google, allows users to search for fact-checked articles from reputable sources.
What Are Some Offline Research Methods?
You can still carry out some old-school research without a computer or internet connection.
Libraries and Archives
Libraries and archives are invaluable resources for any writer, offering access to extensive information and research materials. Here, you’ll find a peaceful, focused environment free from the distractions of the internet and a plethora of books, manuscripts, and historical records.
In addition, librarians are on hand to give you expert assistance and guidance to help you find the information you need.
Interviewing Subject Matter Experts
Depending on the nature of the project you’re working on, you might need to interview subject matter experts to gain their opinions and views. Here are some tips on how to get the best from an interview:
- Prepare open-ended questions on the subject to guide the conversation and keep it flowing.
- Begin with a friendly introduction and establish rapport with the interviewee by having a light conversation, remembering to show genuine interest in the expert’s insights.
- Follow your guidance notes, but be ready to encourage the expert to elaborate on their comments and explore the subject further.
- When discussing a sensitive topic, frame your questions tactfully and respect the expert’s boundaries.
- Be careful when deciding how to capture information during the interview. If you decide against taking written notes and want to use a recording device, always ask permission first.
- Wrap up the interview by summarizing the key points you discussed, thank the expert for their time and expertise, and ask them if they would like to receive a copy of the document you produce from their input.
Leveraging Local Resources
When researching, leveraging local resources to add depth and context to your work can be helpful. That includes contacting local organizations, experts, or community members with relevant experience related to your topic.
For example, if you are working on a blog post about the impact of a new housing development project on your local community, you could speak to local community groups to get their perspective. Or, when working on a travel blog about a particular location, you could talk to local tourism offices or businesses to learn more about the area’s history, culture, and must-see attractions.
How to Research for Different Writing Projects
Researching for writing projects can involve using different methods, depending on the nature of the work. Below, we outline the best way to research content, such as blog posts and website content, long-form articles, case studies and white papers, copywriting, and marketing materials.
Blog Posts and Website Content
- Define the topic and identify key areas you want to cover. That helps to narrow down your research and keep your focus on finding relevant information.
- Use keyword research tools to help you find content that fits your target audience’s search queries.
- Use credible sources such as official government reports and reputable news feeds, but avoid personal blogs and social media posts that might be biased or inaccurate.
- Fact-check your information to verify accuracy and credibility.
Long-Form Articles
- Narrow down your research focus by defining the topic you’ll be writing about.
- Create a research plan that might include questions you need to answer, sources you want to consult, and a timeframe for completing the research.
- Conduct preliminary research using search engines, online databases, and other reliable sources. Next, use primary sources to obtain first-hand information for your article.
- Consult secondary sources to understand the topic and identify different arguments and perspectives.
- Ensure your sources are reliable, current, and relevant.
Case Studies and Whitepapers
- Identify authoritative sources in the industry or field of interest, such as academic journals, industry publications, or relevant websites.
- Carry out primary research, such as surveys, interviews, or focus groups.
- Analyze secondary research, including case studies and industry reports.
- Use reliable sources and fact-check for bias or conflicts of interest to ensure your work is accurate and credible.
Copywriting and Marketing Materials
- Before researching, identify your target audience to understand their needs, pain points, and preferences.
- Research competitors to understand their branding, messaging, and marketing strategies. This will help you differentiate your content and present a unique selling point that makes you stand out from the competition.
- Use online analytics tools to analyze website traffic to identify popular industry topics and keywords.
- Follow relevant social media accounts, industry publications, and blogs to keep up-to-date with the latest news and trends.
How to Organize and Use Your Research
There’s no point in researching if you don’t organize your findings and understand how to use them properly. Here are some tips on how to do that.
Note-Taking Systems
Regardless of your preferred research system, note-taking is an essential part of that process. There are two primary methods of note-taking: digital and analog.
Digital note-taking uses software or apps to record and organize your research notes electronically. Some useful digital note-taking tools include Evernote, OneNote, and Google Keep. These tools allow you to organize your notes into categories within virtual notebooks, allowing you to search for specific information quickly and easily.
You can also add images, audio, and video to your notes, making this a versatile, powerful research tool.
Analog note-taking involves jotting down notes and ideas using a pen and paper, bullet journaling, mind mapping, and the Cornell method.
Bullet journaling uses a series of bullets to indicate different types of information, like events, notes, and tasks. Mind mapping involves creating a visual diagram showing the relationships between ideas and concepts. Finally, the Cornell method entails dividing a piece of paper into three sections for notes, key points, and a summary.
Your choice of note-taking system depends on your personal preference and the type of project you’re working on.
Citation and Reference Management Tools
Citation and reference management tools are software programs that help writers keep track of their sources and references. These tools benefit writers working on long-term writing projects requiring extensive research.
Here are some examples:
- Zotero
- Mendeley
- EndNote
- RefWorks
These handy tools can automatically format your citations and bibliographies according to your citation style, whether APA, MLA, or Chicago.
Conclusion
Knowing how to research effectively for different projects is a crucial skill that all writers must develop, but it’s an ongoing process that needs constant refinement.
You can use several research methods, including digital and analog approaches, as well as primary and secondary research. You must also understand how to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different online research tools to find what works best for you, and learn how to organize and utilize your research to the best effect.
That approach helps you create high-quality, trustworthy content that meets your clients’ needs. So, keep exploring new research techniques and stay updated with the latest tools and resources. With time and practice, you’ll become a skilled researcher and successful professional freelance writer.