DIY Websites Can Give Writers a Migraine

Photo from Stock Exchange

Some people love DIY projects. From putting in a new floor to painting the entire the house, these folks persevere no matter what. That’s great but what about when it comes to DIY websites and templates. These can be websites or templates that are already created but require a few tweaks here and there (think WordPress templates). What happens when you’re not thrilled with the color the schemes? How do you change them? What about font and line spacing? There’s nothing worse than small font that you can’t read!

Web design can leave freelance writers feeling lightheaded. It’s overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re doing. Perhaps you don’t know what “HTML h1 to h6 tag” are. What about CSS style sheets? The thought of this language may leave you feeling defeated.

Freelance writers who understand HTML could “tweak” templates without any problem. But they may not be exactly what you want, especially color schemes. Sometimes you can’t upload a custom logo because you don’t understand how to do it. This can be frustrating.

Where to find templates

If you’re lucky, you’ll find a template that was created by a web designer who was thoughtful to include “instructions or “Read Me” text. Sometimes designers will include their email address and website. You’ll be able to contact them if you have any problems.

If you’re thinking about creating a web design from scratch, make sure you know what you’re getting into before you proceed. Hiring a web designer may be more ideal for you if the thought of web coding makes you swoon. There are many web design tutorials on the internet. If you feel up to it, design or redesign your website. Good luck!

Rebecca

Who designed your website? Share.

Does Your Blog Make You Gag?

The number of blogs on the internet increase every day. What makes yours unique? Many blogs have the same theme. Perhaps they’re about freelance writing, blogging, Paris, SEO, interior design, graphic design, screenwriting, or whatever your niche is. How do you make your blog stand out with so many other similar blogs out there? This can be quite the conundrum!

Freelance writers are no stranger to blogs. They have their own and write posts for clients. It’s their job to make sure the content is unique and strikes a nerve with readers. No one wants to read a blog post that could put you to sleep faster than a sleeping pill! Hook the reader and reel them in so they keep coming back for more.

Writing a blog can be tedious if you’re writing on the same topic as everyone else. How many “how to” posts are really needed? Be original and break out of the mold. Use a different angle if you must write a “how to” post. Provide information that hasn’t been written about yet. This may take some research time but you can do it.

Tips to creating a blog that won’t make you gag

1. Write unique posts in your style, tone, and voice. Forget about copying your writer because that’s too boring.
2. Create attention grabbing headlines and back them up with solid information.
3. Change your color scheme one in awhile. You may get bored with the look of your blog or could use a makeover. Freshen your blog with a different a color scheme and layout. It could help with your ranking.
4. Breakout of the “how to and tips and tricks” blog posts. There’s more to blogging than “How to do this or How to do that.” Be bold and daring and write posts that make readers stop and think or at least present a “How to” post in a different manner such “Create Your Blog and Attract Readers to Your Site.”
5. Find your niche. If you’re not passionate about your subject matter it will show in your blog posts. Make sure you’re passionate about what you do and have fun with it.

Blogging can be your worst nightmare if you don’t like to write. This why hiring a freelance writer is a good idea. They’re creative people who think of ideas you didn’t even know were possible. They weave your keywords into each blog post which can increase your page rank. They can also find a photo to accompany your blog to make it stand out.

If your blog is making you gag, then it’s time for a change. Step back and reevaluate why you created a blog in the first place. What’s your goal for the blog? What do want to accomplish with a blog? You may want to consult a freelance writer who’ll critique your blog and provide you with solid feedback. It could be the investment you make all year!

Rebecca

What’s your blog about and how is it unique? Share.

What do Freelance Writers and Snakes Have in Common?

Photo by Peter Kuzmichev

You wouldn’t think that snakes and freelance writers have anything in common, but they do. Now before you run for the hills because you have a fear of snakes, stay calm and continue reading. In fact, this may be a good time to shed your fears!

The keywords for snakes are wisdom, beauty, growth and awakening, and transmutation. This must be why the Chinese revere the snake.

Freelance writers often write poignant material that can help people heal their lives. Writers also create beautiful copy that entices people to buy products and services. On the flip side or shadow side, the snake is often represented by the fear of letting go the past which will hold back your new growth. Some freelance writers can’t let go of projects, clients, writing styles, and genres. They become stuck and can’t move forward with their writing.

Following your heart is often advised, but sometimes you can become stuck from doing the same task over and over again. Freelance writers who want to grow their writing business will challenge themselves to write in different styles, tones, and genres. They’ll give web content writing a try versus sticking with the safety of writing only blogs. In fact, if you stretch yourself you could increase your income.

Fact: Did you know that snakes can jump or “fly” from tree to tree? Better look out!

Freelance writing can have a great impact on people. You could ghostwrite a book that will be on the New York Times #1 Best Sellers list that will change the lives of people. You may not get credit for the book, but you’ll know that your words made an impact on many people.

If you’ve been awakened and want to follow your dream of becoming a freelance writer, don’t wait any longer. Like the snake, you’ll grow and awaken over time. You may shed genres and writing styles, but this transmutation will make you a stronger writer. If you want to take your freelance writing to the next level, let go of your fears, projects, clients, and anything else that’s holding you back. Shedding and letting go can open up a world of opportunities for you. Good luck!

Rebecca

How have you grown as a freelance writer? What do you need to shed? Share your thoughts.

Is Your Writing Moldy and Stale?

Some freelance writers experience burnout or writer’s block which translates to stale writing. Ideas are not as fresh as they used to be or they’re nowhere to be found. You scramble to think of something to write, only to be mocked by the blank page that appears before you. What’s a writer to do? Take a chill pill, calm down, and continue to read this blog.

I’ll admit that sometimes I feel like my writing’s stale. How many times can you read a blog post about “How to start a blog? How to get started in freelance writing? Or What’s a blog?” With so many blogs on the internet, I’m sure you’ll find your answer and it probably won’t be that much different from mine. I remind myself that unique content is king not plain old content. My goal is to provide readers with posts they haven’t seen before on the internet. I know it’s a stretch. Spiritual gurus believe we share “collective consciousness” which means there’s a chance someone already wrote the post that I want to write. That’s okay because I’ll add my flavorful spin to it!

Kicking up your writing

Do you remember that famous business catchphrase “think outside the box?” It could help you freshen up your writing. Brainstorm for topics that you’d like to cover and that your readers would find interesting. Peruse the internet to see if the topics been covered. You can always write a post that has your personal touch.

Don’t shy away from controversial topics. Some people are afraid of conflict which is why they don’t write them. Luckily, I don’t shy away from controversy. I happen to enjoy knocking at the doors of people perceptions to see if I can persuade them to look at a subject from a different perspective. Remember what Napoleon Hill said, “…opinions are the cheapest commodities” so you may as well throw your opinion in once in awhile. Don’t be shy about it. No one’s judging you. Okay, there will be a few people who may judge you. But who cares, it’s not like you’ll meet them face-to-face. Then again, it’s a small world and you could meet face-to-face. Don’t allow that stop you from standing your ground and speaking up.

Need a refresher course?

Writing classes could revive your writing. And, it’s a great way to get social. Writers are solitary folks who stare at the same four walls every day. It’s good to get out and mingle. The bonus is you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people who already have a connection with on some level.

Writers conferences and workshops can re-energize your writing. Learning new writing techniques or trying something new will enhance your writing and bring you out of a rut. Again, the networking opportunities are endless. You could strike up a conversation with a couple of editors and land writing opportunities.

Keep your writing fresh, hot, and clean

Don’t allow your writing to become moldy and stale. Every writer faces burnout in their writing career. Sometimes it’s good to take a hiatus from time to time. Go away for the weekend and commune with nature because it will open you all of your senses. Give meditation a try when you sit in nature. Let go and release all thoughts. You’ll be surprised how be silent and still can give you new ideas.

Get back in touch with “why” you became a writer. Perhaps you need to go in a different direction. If that’s the case, mourn your previous writing years and begin anew. It may be scary but once you take the first step, you’ll find your footing. Sometimes all it takes is a new perspective. Find yours today and tomorrow your writing will shine again. Good luck!

Rebecca

How do you keep your writing fresh? Share your thoughts.

The Case of Pro Blog vs. No Blog

Photo by Jason Morrison

“Hear ye, hear ye. Court is now in session. Today’s matter is about settling the case between having a blog and not having a blog for your business. Some business owners are not convinced having a blog is worth the time and effort. Others feel a blog adds more depth and dimension to their website and it could potentially draw more clients. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Is there no right or wrong answer? Let’s find out.

Make no mistake about it; there are millions of blogs on the internet. The key to making yours stand out is to provide unique, useful content. Even then, it could be a shot in the dark to draw readers who could become potential clients. If you think the housing market was overbuilt, peruse the internet and see how many blogs are posted on the internet!

You may be thinking you don’t need a blog and maybe you’re right. But people have become conditioned to asking questions such as 1) Do you have a website? and 2) Do you have a blog? That’s the way it is. If you don’t have a website, you may want to get on that right away before you create a blog.

Pro blog

People love FREE information! That’s the way it is. This is why you receive pens, hats, bottle openers, key chains, pencils, yo-yos, and other merchandise when you attend an event. It’s a thrill to receive something free just for showing up. Think of a blog as a marketing tool. You’re drawing people to you because you provide them with pertinent information that can have a great impact on their life. You can be the one responsible for helping them to change their life for the better.

You can Tweet about your blog, you can post your blog on Facebook, Digg your blog post, and post your blog on LinkedIn. These are the top social media places that can help drive traffic to your website. You never know who’ll discover your blog. They could be your next client or customer.

Take your blog post, change it by at least 30%, and post it on Ezine Articles which is the number one article marketing website. You can drive more traffic to your website by utilizing article marketing. This is yet another opportunity for you to show the world what you can do for them.

No blog

Blogs take too much time and effort. Since there are millions of blogs on the internet, why even bother creating one? There’s no guarantee that your blog will be part of the top 10 blogs within search engines. Why waste time and effort on a blog when you can take that energy to grow your business with traditional marketing efforts? You take the energy that you’d use to create a blog to come up with new promotions for your business, products, and services.

Blogging will become ancient history in a few years. Some statistics show that blogs aren’t as popular as they used to be because there are so many of them. Some business owners are choosing not to have a blog. They may offer a few articles on their websites but that’s it. Why start something now if it could become a relic of the past? Stick with the tried and true marketing endeavors such as direct mail, radio advertising, brochures, and newsletter.

Conclusion

Anyone that Google’s your keyword will find you one way or another. Whether or not you have a blog is up to you. Please note that most people are in the habit of looking for a blog on a business’s website. You could provide relevant articles instead of a full blown blog. Whatever you decide, make sure you weighed the pros and cons. Good luck!

Rebecca

Do you have a blog? What has it done for your business? No, blog. Why not? Share your thoughts.