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Increase Sales and Web Traffic with Target=”_Blank”

September 17, 2010 by Leave a Comment

I have a pet peeve about blogs/websites — sometimes the HTML code target=”_blank” which opens a link in another web browser is not used. If you’re not utilizing this code, you could be sabotaging your website and business. Implementing the code is easy and will help readers and potential clients remember your website! More importantly, it won’t deter them from your website.

I can’t tell you how many websites and blogs I visit that are not using the HTML target=”_blank” code in articles, blogs, and web copy. The point of the code is to make sure people stay on your website and not be taken away from it when they click on a link. If you don’t use the code, readers will have to press the ‘back button’ or worse be forced to remember the name of your website when it’s their first time looking at your website. You could lose valuable web traffic.

Benefits of target=”_blank”

  • Links open in a new web browser guaranteeing visitors stay on your website.
  • Visitors to your blog/website won’t have to press the Back button to get back to your website after they click on a link.
  • You won’t annoy or frustrate people by making them press the Back the button.
  • You’ll increase web traffic because visitors to your website will stay on your website. This will help them to remember the name of it.

Make your blog/website easy for people. They’re on your website for a reason — they want good, solid information that will provide them with links where they can find other good, solid information. And, they’re interested in the products and services you have to offer. If you don’t keep them on your website, they’ll go to another website and you will lose a sale!

Remember that most people are multi-taskers and usually do more than one task at a time. If they have multiple browsers open, they could accidentally click off of your website instead of the link they opened. And, it’s possible they won’t remember your website if they didn’t write it down or bookmark it. Closing out of your website could cost you money and web traffic!

There’s nothing worse than finding a blog or website you like only to be taken away from it. The next time you write a blog post or article or add links, make sure to use the code target=”_blank” which opens a link up in a new web browser. Visitors to your website will appreciate it!

Rebecca

What’s stopping you from learning HTML coding? Share your thoughts.

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Overcoming Obstacles, Search Engine Optimization, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: , , , ,

How to Trim the Fat on Your Writing

June 28, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Photo by Can Berkol_Stock Exchange

Some writers may faint at the thought of “slicing and dicing” their work. The thought of removing this or that could send them running for the hills! You won’t feel the pain of weeding out extraneous words if you write in a clear and concise manner.

Freelance writers know that a blog post is between 350-700 words, unless a client specifically asks for 500 words. Make good use of the space by getting to the point. Take out words such as so, just, because, really, and other words. Say what you want to say!

Writers write from the heart. It makes sense they’d want to keep every word they wrote on the page. Thank God for editors; they’ll trim the fat without thinking twice about it. Articles are written with precision to alleviate spacing issues in publications.

Cut down on these extra words

  • So
  • Just
  • That
  • Also
  • Seriously
  • Really
  • Because
  • Usually
  • This

It’s a good idea to put your writing away and come back to it with a fresh pair of eyes. Read it a few times and see if you can find words to cut. You may only find one or two words to remove; it’s better than nothing. At least you’ll have the satisfaction of taking out unnecessary words.

Freelance writers love what they do. Trimming words may be a challenge for some of them. It’s as if they’re taking a piece of their soul out of the writing. Or, they need the words in order to reach the specified word count! You may want to go back and reread your writing if you’re using “filler words” to guarantee a set amount of words. Remember, you’re a professional writer.

Ask any travel writer how to pack for vacation and they’ll tell you, “…when in doubt, leave it out!” Approach your writing this way. If certain words don’t make an impact on your article or blog post, take them out or replace them. It’s better to have a well written piece instead of one filled with puff!

Rebecca

What words do you eliminate from your writing? Share your thoughts.

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: ,

Give Credit to Stock Photography Artists

June 21, 2010 by 4 Comments

Photo from Lize_Rixt_Stock Exchange

A freelance writer knows how much time and effort they put into your writing. Therefore, you wouldn’t want someone to take strong>your or your client’s entire blog post or article without permission, would you? Artists that upload stock photography probably feel the same way. They would appreciate credit and a link when applicable. After all, they took the time to create a perfect photo that ties your blog or article together.

When you purchase stock photography from sites such as iStockphoto, Dreamstimes, Getty Images, or some other site, you own the right to use the photo. Of course, it’s best to read the license agreement twice in order to understand your rights to the photo. Since you own the photo you may not consider giving credit to the artist but it would be nice if you did. It’s a great way to acknowledge their work and say “thank you.”

FYI: Some artists require you to give them credit along with a link to their website. They’ll also request that you send them a link to your work so they can see how you used their photo.

Give credit the artist to avoid copywriting issues. Freelance writers that use Stock Exchange may be shocked to know that some artists do require you to give them a link to your site so they can see how you used their photo. You won’t know this if you don’t click on their profile. Most people who download photos probably don’t click on the profiles. The next time you download photos from Stock Exchange, make sure you click on the artist’s profile.

You can find images on Google but this isn’t recommended for many reasons. The photos are usually low res and won’t look good next to your post. The obvious reason is copywriting issues. You may not have the right to use the photos. Contact the owner of the photo to make sure you can use it.

Another alternative for freelance writers is to purchase Art Explosion. This art CD is available in 300,000, 600,000, or 800,000. You’ll receive vector and photo images. Some of the photos have been updated while others have not. If you’re looking for modern pictures this may not be the CD for you. Some of the pictures look like they’re from the late 1980s and the 1990s. Cell phones aren’t as gigantic as they used to be!

Before you use photos, make sure you have the right to do so — due diligence goes a long way. Freelance writers who know graphic artists may be able to get customized photos for a great price. Whatever you do, credit the artist and appreciate how their photo enhances your blog or article.

Rebecca

Where do you get your photos? Share.

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: ,

DIY Websites Can Give Writers a Migraine

June 17, 2010 by 2 Comments

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.

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Overcoming Obstacles, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: , , , ,

Does Your Blog Make You Gag?

June 9, 2010 by Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Overcoming Obstacles, Tips and Tricks Tagged With:
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