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Leave the Writing to a Freelance Writer

September 22, 2009 By 1 Comment

As an owner it’s not your job to perform every function of your business. However, it’s your job to make sure that certain functions are accomplished each day in order to grow your business. When you focus on all aspects of your business such as writing, how will the marketing get done? Hiring a freelance writer to write articles and blogs will save you time and money in the long run.

Freelance writers are skilled in creating copy for websites, newsletters, and brochures. When you feel pressured to write articles or blogs three or more times a week, you can produce low quality writing. Your readers will find another website that offers more informative, unique content that can help them. Before you know it, your profits and traffic can plunge!

Hiring a freelance writer is the best decision you can make for your small business. They adhere to deadlines because they know that your time is just as valuable as theirs. There’s no point in committing to a project if it will not be completed.

A freelance writer can save you time and money in the long run. How many hours a week do you dedicate to growing your business? What would you do if you had to scale back on networking? It means that you stand to lose referrals. When you hire a freelance writer, you can attend networking events and receive those referrals.

Small business owners believe they can do it all. The truth is that sometimes it’s necessary to ask for help. You may not even enjoy writing so it makes sense to hire someone that does. This is a great way to avoid mediocre content on your website. When you’re not passionate about your work it will shine through. Your customers will receive the wrong message about you and your business.

Hiring a freelance writer is an investment that can pay off for years. Some websites have been on the internet for many years and still receive traffic. Why? The content is outstanding and still pertains to what readers are looking for. This could be your business. All it will take is for you to make the decision to hire a writer who knows how to write with style!

Rebecca

How can you benefit from hiring a freelance writer?

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Search Engine Optimization Tagged With: , , , , ,

Don’t Miss 30 Second Elevator Pitch

September 15, 2009 By 2 Comments

Many small business owners advertise in the Yellow pages, online, and in newspapers. You’re throwing your money away if your ad doesn’t stand out from your competitor’s. For example, let’s say you own a flower shop and advertise in the Yellow Pages. Your ad is probably next to another flower shop advertisement. The ads probably use different words, but the message will be the same. Using an elevator pitch in your ad help you stand out from the crowd. More importantly, customers will look to you as the expert in the field.

An elevator pitch is “an overview of an idea for a product, service, or project. The name reflects the fact that an elevator pitch can be delivered in the time span of an elevator ride (for example, thirty seconds and 100-150 words).”

Elevator Pitch

Elements of an elevator pitch

An effective elevator pitch answers the following questions:

  • How you solve the customer’s problem?
  • What is your product, service, or project?
  • What does it do for the buyer, investor, or sponsor (benefits)?
  • Who you are and why your organization will be successful?

If you’re not a strong writer, you may want to hire a freelance writer to create your elevator pitch. This could mean thousands or millions of dollars to you and your small business. This is why hiring a freelance writer is the best solution. Take the stress out of writing an elevator pitch so you can concentrate on growing your small business.

Example of an elevator pitch

Here’s an example of an elevator pitch for a flower shop from One Coach…

HOW TO GIVE YOUR WIFE EVERYTHING SHE WANTS IN ONE QUICK AND EASY 10-MINUTE STEP!

We solve the dilemma forever by starting with the universal symbol of love, the rose…and developing it into a “super rose” with bulbs twice the normal size and colors so dazzling they let that special someone know that you carefully selected the very best and that you love them no more than ever before!

All it takes is one elevator pitch to increase profits. You could create two different elevator pitches and see which one does the best. Analyze which one brings in the most business. If you receive a ton of business from the freelance writer’s elevator pitch, you may want to forge a long-term relationship with that writer before your competition “snatches” her away from you!

Rebecca

How is your elevator pitch working for you? Share your experience.

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

Take Advantage of a Bartering Service

September 8, 2009 By 2 Comments

Many freelance writers and small business owners can benefit from using a bartering service like Premier Barter located in AZ. This is a great way to exchange services and network at the same time. Not only will you receive what you need, but you’ll meet great people and possible clients.

Bartering is nothing new. People have been bartering for centuries. Due to the current economic conditions, bartering services have been receiving a tremendous amount of attention. Some services charge a monthly fee while others charge a flat fee or commission. The fee you pay will pay for itself because you’ll save time and money on the services that you need.

“Bartering occurs when you exchange goods or services without exchanging money. An example of bartering is a plumber doing repair work for a dentist in exchange for dental services. The fair market value of goods and services received in exchange for goods or services you provide must be included in income in the year received.” Visit the IRS for more information on bartering.

Benefits of bartering

  • Networking opportunity. You meet other small business owners from different industries and develop relationships with them. Eventually, they can become paying clients.
  • Exchange of goods and services. If you’re a small business in need of advertising services, you can exchange your products and or services and receive the advertising and marketing services that you need for your business.
  • Save money. You’d be surprised at the amount of money you save from using bartering services. It really is a win-win situation.

Working with a bartering service is a great idea no matter how tough the economy is. In times of economic unrest, small business owners do their best to cut costs wherever they can. Bartering can help defer costs like advertising and marketing which take up most of a business’s budget in addition to payroll costs.

If you use a bartering service you must report it on your taxes. The form to use is the 1099-B. Consult your CPA if you’re not sure how to report bartering services on your taxes. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the IRS.

Research bartering companies before you select one. Attend networking events because you’ll find at least one or two representatives from the local bartering company. Schedule a time to meet with someone from the company because you’ll gain a better understanding of bartering services. Getting the facts before you sign up will save you time and money in the long run.

Bartering for goods and services can help put your small business on the map. Once you establish a rapport with other business owners, you can grow your business. Word-of-mouth advertising still works. Remember, a person knows at least five or more people. Not only will you receive great services and or products, you’ll receive referrals as well. It’s another win-win situation!

Rebecca

What’s holding you back from using a bartering service?

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing Tagged With: , ,

Turn Words into Traffic and Wealth

September 1, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Many small business owners have websites that are sitting on the internet collecting cyber space dust. You can have a spectacular looking website, but you need words to bring it to life. You can turn words into wealth and traffic. You just don’t know it yet!

Turning words into traffic and wealth requires unique content that will leave your readers and visitors wanting more. What does your small business offer that your competitor does not? What benefits do visitors receive from visiting your website? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you find the direction for your business and website. Another tip to turn words into traffic is to know your target market. Who are they? What are they searching for?

Hire a freelance writer

Hiring a freelance writer to turn words into traffic for your website is a step in the right direction. A freelance writer who is familiar with SEO can help you to optimize your website through keywords and keyword phrases which can turn words into traffic. If you’re not familiar with SEO concepts such as keywords, you’d benefit from consulting with a freelance writer.

Perhaps writing is not your strength and you’re unsure how to turn words into traffic for your website. A freelance writer can alleviate the pressure to come up with blogs or articles each day. All you have to do is come up with the topics you’d like a freelance writer to write about and the rest they “say” is history. You and your writer can always “brainstorm” together if you need help deciding what blog copywriting you’d like on your website. This will ensure that the writer will turn words into traffic and wealth for you and your associates.

Words1

Words that will make you wealthy

Choosing your words carefully carries a lot of weight on the internet. Websites are more than just “flashy” designs with cool graphics and other multi-media functions. To turn words into traffic you need to know your target market. If you have a “gag gift business” the tone of your website will be light and humorous not dark and serious. You’d want blog copywriting that are funny, full of sarcasm, and make people laugh out loud. The copywriting will entice visitors to purchase your products which will contribute to the wealth you gain from your online business.

Online business

Small business owners who want to take their website to the next level will take a look at the words on their websites. To turn words into traffic means you may have to start over and revamp the copywriting. It may seem daunting at first but you can work with a freelance writer to help you revise your website. It will take the anxiety away so you can focus on growing your business.

Operating your business online can be very lucrative (wealthy) if you know how to turn words into traffic. Captivate your target market with copywriting that makes them bookmark your website and “Tweet” about it. Remember, word-of-mouth advertising still works. Hire a freelance writer if you’re not sure how to write content for the web. The “muse” (freelance writer) that you find could spin words into gold right before your very eyes!

Rebecca

How well is your website turning words into traffic and wealth?

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing Tagged With: , , ,

Freelance Writer Gets Word-of-Mouth Referrals

August 27, 2009 By 3 Comments

Being a freelance writer is a great job. Actually, it’s not a job because it’s so much fun! The perks of the business are setting your own hours; working with clients from diverse industries, working with clients around the world, and helping clients gain new business through word-of-mouth referrals. Most small business owners are backwards about being forward when it comes to referrals. This is where a freelance writer comes in handy.

Word-of-mouth referrals are a great way to grow your business. The use of words on your print materials such as business cards, brochures, and postcards can make the world of difference. Think of a freelance writer as your muse who can bring your business of out the deep, dark forest and into the bright world of small businesses.

Networking events are the most popular way to obtain word-of-mouth referrals. When you had out your business card make sure it stands out by using a catchy headline or quote. A skilled freelance writer can whip up a snappy headline and tagline in no time. For example, if you’re a health and wellness coach you may have a headline such as “Health Equals Wealth” and a tagline such as “Investing in Yourself Today will Yield a High Return Tomorrow.” This eye-catching headline and tagline is sure to spark interest.

Business Female_Networking1

Most small business owners don’t know how to get word-of-mouth referrals or they’re too shy to ask. Don’t be shy about promoting your business. Stand by your business and be confident. Even if you stumble at first, you’ll find your footing. It may help to write out a note card to take with you to ensure that you hit all of the key points. Remember, you’ll only have about 5-minutes to speak about your business.

Using the services of a freelance writer to get word-of-mouth referrals is a step in the right direction. After all, these are people who write for a living and enjoy it. They’ve written countless blogs, articles, headlines and taglines, and other materials they’ll be able to get your message across.

It’s important to communicate with your freelance writer to ensure they convey your message to your audience. You’ll have to spend some time meeting either in person or over the phone if you want to receive plenty of word-of-mouth referrals.

Business referrals can come from anyone. You could be at the grocery store and strike up a conversation with the person in front of you in the checkout line. He or she may require your services. When you present your business card, give the person two or three cards. Ask for referrals. You have nothing to lose.

You may consider giving clients an incentive to give your business referrals. You could give them a discount on their services, provide them with a gift card, or give them a gift certificate to a restaurant. There are many ways to say ‘Thank You’ for the referral.

A freelance writer can assist you with referrals. If your current marketing materials are not working, contact your freelance writer to see what revisions are necessary. Perhaps it’s time to hire a new freelance writer, one with a multitude of experience and creative ideas that seem to go on forever!

Rebecca

How’s your word-of-mouth referrals?

Filed Under: Clients, Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Networking Tagged With: , ,
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