Web Writing Tips

March 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Writing for the web and writing for a magazine are two very different animals.  If you are just getting started with web writing here are a few simples tips to stay on the right track.

Voice

Never use a passive voice.  Active voice takes precedent on the web.

Keep Up with Relevant Topics

The web is a quick and easy way for people to do research or learn about news. Make sure that you articles are relevant and keeping up with the latest trends.  If information changes or advancements in technology are made,  make sure to update your content or write a new article.

Write Often

In addition to your paid assignments, it is good to work on your craft in the forms of a personal blog or webpage.  This will help to keep your writing skills fresh and improve your grammar.

Learn about SEO

Search engines love content.  If you want your articles to rank high in Google and Yahoo then writing with search engine optimization in mind is key.  Study up on SEO and make your content keyword rich.

Don’t write a Novel

Try to keep your web writings to 700 words or less.  Anything else is too long.  Readers lose interest quickly if content is too wordy.  Keep things concise and interesting.

Use Lists

Don’t be afraid to use lists to break down important topics or steps.  Looking at a list is easier for users than weeding through a paragraph to pull out instructions.  This works well for recipes and how to articles.

Use Links

Link your article to other relevant places on the web where users can find more information.  If you are writing for a content company, link to other articles from that company.  If you are writing on your own personal site, link to other sites that you enjoy and maybe those site owners will link back.

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Content Sites for New Writers

March 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment

If you are just getting started with writing on the web, you may be overwhelmed at first by the large amount of choice available to you when it comes to content sites.  Here are a few sites that beginners may find helpful.

Associated Content / Yahoo Contributor Network

If you have literally never  written an article before, Associated Content is the perfect place to start because you don’t need to apply with a writing sample.  You can simply log in and begin to write.  AC allows writers to self-publish content or to submit content and have an editor review it. The advantage to the second option is that if an editor reviews it, you may be eligible for upfront pay.  Self-publish articles are only paid on a revenue share scale.  Upfront payments are usually made in 24 hours once an article is reviewed and revenue share payments are made once a month if a writer has reached the $1.50 minimum.

Hub Pages

Hub Pages is a self-publish website where writers can make money through Amazon affiliates and Google Ad Sense.  Once you create a user name, your next step is to simply write your content, add your pictures and post your hub.  To monetize your hub, you will have to follow the proper steps to obtain Adsense and affiliate accounts.  Once on Hub pages, you can experiment with different topics to see which types of content can earn you the most money.

Examiner.com

Examiner.com is a website based on regions.  These jobs ,must be applied for using a writing sample.  Once accepted you will have your own area that you are free to self-publish in.  For example, you can be declared The San Diego Amusement Park Examiner  or the Nashville Restaurant Examiner.  Payment is made based on page views.

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Social Networking Tips for Writers

March 7, 2011 by Leave a Comment

If you’re going to be writing for the web, social networking can play a large part in your level of success.  Joining multiple sites and using them properly can help your career.

Twitter

Twitter is a great place to network with other writers, look for jobs and obtain readers and page views.  Always tweet links to your articles, especially if you getting money for page views or ad clicks.  But remember, it is important to also connect with your Twitter followers.  Have conversations with people, re-tweet others links and comment on others articles.

Facebook

Use your Facebook account to share your articles with your friends.  This can help you to gain a following and increase your traffic.  It is also a great way to let your friends know that you are transitioning into a freelance career, you never know who might have some connections for you.  There are also many fan pages on Facebook where you can find fans of the subjects that you write about.

Writer Forums

Going on writer forums can help you to connect with other writers and share feedback and tips.  New start up companies will also visit writer forums and post ads for employment opportunities.  Feel free to ask questions to others writers and share tips of your own.  Remember to promote your blog or website in your forum signature.  Be friendly and polite to other forum posters.  Putting down the work of others is never a good way to expand your online networking circle.

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The Challenges of Being a Freelance Writer

February 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Freelance writing can be a lucrative profession, but can also have many challenges.  People who wish to be  freelancers need to possess good time management skills, drive and dedication.

Time Management

Freelancer writers can make their own schedules. While convenient it is important to stick to some type of routine.  You need to remember that unlike a 9 to 5 job, if you are not working you are not making money.  So although it can be tempting to sleep until 11:00 or spend an afternoon watching movies, your monthly income can suffer from this behavior.  Some work-a-holics can also be effected by making their own schedules. Some people become so dedicated to their writing that they don’t know when to take their work hat off and turn their relaxing hat or fun hat on.

Multiple Streams

As a freelance writer it is vital to have more than one stream of income.  You are an independent contractor and no one owes you anything besides payment for the work done.  If you rely only on one website or one client, you could find yourself in a dangerous bind if that website shuts down or if that client runs out of work for you.  Write for multiple websites and a few private clients and your income stream will be steady.  It is also good to mix up some clients that pay frequently with some clients that only pay once a month or have a long billing cycle.

Health Insurance

Some new freelancers have trouble obtaining health insurance.  If you are fortunate enough to have a spouse who has a plan, that is one of the best and easiest ways to obtain healthcare.  If you do not have this option, you will need to budget to join an independent plan.  Decent plans can be available for around $250 a month.  You will need to budget for this when setting your monthly goals.

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