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Freelance Writers be Prepared for Natural Disasters

October 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

No matter where you live, a natural disaster could occur. There are some places that may be more susceptible than others, but how prepared are you if one strikes in your area? Freelance writers, what would you take with you? Are your files in one area? How many computers do you have? Are your computer files backed up? Take preventive measures now to avoid panic and catastrophe later.

If you live in certain areas of the U.S. or the world, you may face tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, fires, violent thunderstorms, and other natural disasters. Most freelance writers probably don’t think about this. Make sure you back up your computer files on a jumpdrive or with an outside company. This way when you leave, your files and you will be safe and sound.

Freelance writers, do you know what you’d take with you if you had to leave your home? Freelance writing is your business. Make sure your home office is organized. This way you won’t panic or freak out if you have to leave your home for some time.

Here’s a list of business items you may want to take with you

  • Laptop
  • Desktop
  • Jumpdrives and CDs that have your computer files
  • Tax files
  • Computer peripherals such as power cords, router, modem, and other items
  • Client files
  • Personal journals
  • Desk or wall calendar (if you use these to keep your writing schedule)
  • Cell phone, Blackberry, recorder, and other electronic devices that are important to you
  • Insurance policies
  • Books that are important to you

Natural disasters occur and sometimes they are “freak” occurrences. Freelance writers who are prepared to deal with these will be able to resume their freelance writing business with ease. If you have precautionary procedures in place now, you won’t be scrambling to gather your materials later!

Rebecca

How prepared are you if a natural disaster strikes your area? Share.

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

Freelance Writers Improve Their Freelance Writing with Affirmations

October 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Many people are familiar with the book and movie The Secret by Rhonda Bryne. The premise of The Secret is based on the law of attraction which states ask, receive, and believe. Many “spiritual gurus” advocate the use of affirmations in order to activate the law of attraction. Freelance writers who need more confidence or would like to increase their business may consider using affirmations to do it.

What are affirmations? These are positive statements, repeated many times in order to penetrate your mind and “re-write” your internal beliefs and thoughts. They’ll effect and change your vibration when you say them with passion, desire, and conviction.

Suggested affirmations for freelance writers

  • I am a great writer.
  • I love and enjoy writing.
  • I work with honest, trusting, and paying clients.
  • I receive wonderful pay for my writing.
  • I am a published author.
  • I have a wonderful agent who works on my behalf.
  • I receive exciting writing projects.
  • I have plenty of ideas.
  • My writing fees are paid without question.
  • I have a thriving freelance writing business.
  • My writing improves and strengthens with every piece I write.
  • I only attract on the best clients to me.
  • Clients who are not for my highest good fall away from me and are replaced with clients who are for my highest good.

Saying affirmations can help you to reverse any negative beliefs or thoughts you may have about yourself as a freelance writer. Perhaps someone told you your writing was spotty or you can’t make a living from freelance writing. These negative words were imprinted into your subconscious mind. You now believe what people said to you. How do you know if what they said to you is true? Are they a freelance writer? Do they have a six figure freelance writing business? Do they know how many clients you currently have? You can’t allow other people to dictate what you believe, think, and feel. That’s called giving up your power!

If you don’t believe in the law of attraction or affirmations, give it a try to see if it works for you. Remember, you must test a hypothesis to either prove or disprove it. Saying affirmations may increase your confidence as a person and freelance writer!

Rebecca

Do you use affirmations? What are they? Share.

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

The Fundamentals of SEO for the Average Joe

October 13, 2010 By 2 Comments

The Fundamentals of SEO for the Average Joe by Alyssa Ast is a great tool for beginning freelance writers who are new to the world of SEO and SEM. If you’re unfamiliar with SEO and SEM, you’ll find this book easy to follow and use. It’s also a great refresher course for those already familiar with these practices.

Part I: Search Engine Optimization

Some freelance writers don’t understand how to use SEO and SEM, therefore, they miss out on writing opportunities because clients expect writers to know and understand SEO and SEM. Not knowing how to use keywords/phrases and meta tags can cost you money!

Part I of The Fundamentals of SEO for the Average Joe is all about SEO. You’ll discover the benefits of SEO, how to optimize content and website titles, how to find and use keywords and phrases; learn about keyword density, and much more.

When you write content titles you want to use words that grab a reader’s attention like Free, Danger, Warning, How to, Best of, Top 10, and other titles. Alyssa explains that you want to have at least two words between keywords/phrases. For example, “Freelance Writers Find the Best Publishing Information Here.” The primary keyword/phrase is “freelance writers” and the secondary keyword/phrase is “publishing information.”

Alyssa also provides a breakdown of the number of times you should use keywords/phrases. As she says, “it’s simple math.” The key to using keywords/phrases is to ensure your writing flows. Forcing the use of keyword/phrases is not recommended.

You’ll find Part I jammed pack with useful information that will clear up any misunderstandings you may have about SEO. You may feel relieved that you can learn SEO. It’s not as scary as some people make it out to be.

Part II: Search Engine Marketing

According to Alyssa, “Search engine marketing (SEM) is a marketing method used to increase web content traffic and to generate a profit. SEM involves incorporating links within web content to advertisements
and other sites to boost traffic and profit potential. SEO is the foundation of SEM. Content must be search engine optimized prior to incorporating SEM methods or SEM is not possible.”

If you don’t know how to use SEM or may be using it incorrectly, Part II of The Fundamentals of SEO for the Average Joe will clear up misconceptions and answer questions you may have. You’ll learn about hyperlinks and other types of links, outbound links, link building and backlinks, and how to make money with pay per click. Ms. Ast also provides readers with a Glossary which is a handy reference guide.

Final thoughts

Freelance writers who want to learn SEO and SEM will benefit from The Fundamentals of SEO for the Average Joe as will those already experienced with SEO and SEM. This book is great addition to your writing and or technical library of books. Purchase it today and tomorrow you’ll be an expert in SEO and SEM!

Rebecca

Alyssa Ast is the co-owner of The WM Freelance Writers Connection and other WM websites such as The WM Review Connection, The WM Pet Connection, and The WM Parenting Connection. Visit Alyssa Ast’s website to learn more.

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: , , , ,

Why Using Contracts and Proposals Are Important?

October 11, 2010 By 3 Comments

Some freelance writers accept assignments and projects without getting anything in writing. This is a big mistake and a red flag. If you’re approached by a publication who wants you to write for them, demand a signed contract. If the publisher is flippant about it, insist on getting something in writing. If they don’t want to use a contract or put something in writing, run as fast as you can.

Unfortunately, writers will meet unsavory business people. These people don’t have scruples and will take advantage of you if you let them. Stop writing for these people and find real clients! You could be spending time writing your book or working with honest people. Don’t wast your time with dishonest and untrustworthy people because it will do you more harm than good.

Most publishers will send you a contract. If they don’t, be wary of writing for them. Before you accept an offer, do your homework. Look at Preditors and Editors and other websites just like it. Post a discussion on LinkedIn or Facebook and see what other writers have to say about a publication. Make an informed decision because it will save you time, money, and aggravation in the long run.

If you don’t use a contract or proposal, your client may not pay you. You could use a collection agency but you will have to pay for it. You could take your client to small claims court but that could drain your energy. Unless you have something in writing, it could be difficult to prove in a court of law that a client owes you money. Your emails could be evidence but it may be a tough sell. Going to court is very draining. You could avoid all of this unnecessary drama if you use a contract.

Please make informed decisions about the people you work with and the assignments you accept. Stop saying “yes” to every offer or project that is presented to you. You may be disappointed that you had to turn down a magazine but it could be worth it in the end.

Rebecca

What’s stopping you from using contracts and proposals? Share.

Filed Under: Clients, Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Overcoming Obstacles, Publishing, Screenwriting Tagged With: ,

Is Your Facebook Page Personal, Business, or Both?

October 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

There are more than 500 million active Facebook users. Of course, with the movie The Social Network that number will either increase or decrease the number of users. The one drawback to Facebook is that you must choose either a personal or business profile — they are not the same. A personal profile has more options than a business profile which is why most professionals opt for a personal profile page. However, this may not be a good idea if your family and friends want to “friend” you.

What do you do if you have a personal profile page and your family and friends want to friend you? How do you handle it? Do you really need to know everything that’s going on in their lives? Do your potential customers and clients need to know? How about your business and industry associates? What about your co-workers? Using Facebook can be a sticky situation for some professionals. You may not want your family and friends on your Facebook page. If they post offensive material it could scare off potential customers and business partners.

The selling point of Facebook is that professionals and businesses can use it as marketing tool. You can create fan pages which people can “like” and you can advertise on Facebook. Using these tools can help you increase sales and the bottom line. It’s also a great way to network and build a database of potential clients, collaborators, and partners.

If you opt for a personal page, your family, friends, and childhood schoolmates from 20 years ago can find you, and they may want to be your friend. Is this a good idea if you’re trying to build a business? Probably not. Who wants to know that your cousin Larry and his wife partied every night on their Caribbean cruise? Furthermore, who wants to see the photos from the cruise? Looking at pictures of people in drunken stupors may not be a great selling tactic unless you’re a psychologist who treats alcoholism.

Before you join Facebook, ask yourself why are you joining? Is it to keep in touch with family and friends and to find your long lost high school love or is it to build your business? If it’s the latter, you may opt for a business profile page. If you want all the options that come with the personal profile page, gently tell family and friends you’re on Facebook for business reasons. And whatever you do, use Facebook responsibly!

Rebecca

Who’s on your Facebook? Business and industry associates? Co-workers? Clients? Potential clients? Family? Friends? A combination of all of these? Share.

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