<br /> What freelancers, content writers and bloggers all have in common is that they need to have a healthy dose of self-discipline to succeed in this industry. Unlike in a more traditional office environment, freelance writers usually work from the comfort of their home, and can be easily distracted if they are not required to sit in a cubicle or face their employer each day. But even highly disciplined freelancers or content writers will face writer?s block at some point in their career, and this can negatively impact their ability to work and produce quality written material. Freelancer author Marcia Yudkin, however, offers some tips on how to get over this debilitating condition as quickly as possible.<br /> Writer?s block often develops after a freelancer has been following the same routine for an extended period of time, or has been working on a lengthy project. As such, the best tip is to change the routine, environment and medium, in order to regain one?s creativity and writing skills. Freelancers who have spent weeks working in their flat should consider taking their laptop outside to a park, a local library or even a coffee shop, in order to experience a change of scenery. This can also be coupled by writing at a different time of day. Instead of leaving writing to late in the evening, or doing it early in the morning, a working lunch at a pleasant restaurant, or even a light meal outdoors might do the trick. It may also be useful to change one?s medium, at least temporarily. Yudkin suggests that instead of always typing straight into a computer, freelance writers should contemplate picking up an old-fashioned pen and notepad, if they have spent hours staring fruitlessly at their laptop screen. Even jotting down a few thoughts or notes using pen and paper may help bring back one?s creativity and productivity?both crucial assets for any content writer.<br /> Thank you to Marcia Yudkin for the initial report. </p> <p>

Finally its here!</p>

<br /> Established freelancer writer Dan Rafter became very worried when the recession hit, as a growing list of magazines and other print publications decided to cut losses and columnists. Since then Rafter?who is based in Chicago?realized that there might be another, even more lucrative option out there, during these difficult recessionary times. Rafter soon found that publishing blog entries on the websites of major companies and organizations paid more than he ever thought it could, and he would be sure to receive a fixed income for each post he wrote. In fact, Rafter suggests that freelance writers avoid stepping into the pay-per-view trap, which does not guarantee a fixed income. There is an array of websites which purport to pay authors each time an internet user reads their article. The problem with this, however, is that the money received per click is so modest, that there is no way to generate a steady, reliable income. In the end, freelancers end up writing large numbers of articles for very little pay.<br /> In contrast, Rafter believes that the corporate world has finally tuned in to the importance of including blogs on their business sites. This realization has led to the rise of firms employing teams of content writers who have the knowledge and writing skills to create regular news articles, on even the smallest niche topics. Rafter recently started writing regular news-related blog posts, which are now published on a real estate firm?s website. The freelancer also writes on insurance-related issues. In both cases, Rafter can count on a fixed, regular income, which is not tied to how many people visit the site, but rather on the quality articles that he wrote. Businesses that use the services of content providers also find themselves in a winning situation. For a relatively modest investment, they can ensure that people visit the firm?s site and potentially attract new clients by offering them useful tips and industry-related news items. Rafter believes that in order to be successful, freelance writers must be both creative and flexible. They should be willing to take on a wide range of assignments, and must learn to write in a direct and succinct manner, in order to prosper in the blogosphere.<br /> Thank you to the Examiner for the initial report. </p> <p>

<br /> Erin Nelson, CMO of the international giant Dell Computers, wrote in Forbes Magazine about how blogs have become essential marketing tools for all companies, both large and small. Despite this reality, many firms still fail to realize the importance of attracting clients through such means. Nelson estimated that only 15 percent of all major companies in the United States actually maintain blogs. This seems to be in stark contrast to non-business-related organizations, which have come to understand just how essential blogs and other social networking tools are in keeping connected with people online. In fact, Nelson noted that it even took Dell a few years before the computer firm came to grasp the importance of blogs. While Nelson estimated that there were 5,000 online conversations relating to Dell or its services each and every day, the firm failed to engage these clients and answer some of the criticism or unflattering comments that were directed at the company until about four years ago. Since then, Dell has decided to use blogs and other social networking tools as a way to seek customer input on product development and feedback on the quality of customer support.<br /> Nelson believes that blogs are essentially online ?sounding boards,? where companies can develop the most personal and direct contact with clients. In fact, both the company and the customer can benefit from a well-written blog. The firm can offer clients sound advice, tips and expert opinions on any theme or topic, while the customer can provide the firm with authentic, grassroots information on what others really think about a given product or service.<br /> Thank you to Forbes for the initial report. </p> <p>

<br /> Do you have problems writing effective headlines & blog post titles?</p> <p>When writing copy for the web it is vital to use headlines and titles effectively to grab the attention of the reader.</p>

<br /> When British Columbia resident Rebecca Bollwitt started blogging a couple of years ago, she saw her fledgling website as little more than a favourite hobby. Bollwitt?s Miss604.com site might have started off rather modestly, but today it has become one of the top websites offering information and commentaries on a range of local events in the Vancouver area and throughout British Columbia?s Lower Mainland. What Bollwitt learned is that blogging can be much more than a hobby, noting that it can ?help one?s business,? provided that the freelancer writer has something valuable to share. Bollwitt told Peace Arch News that her blogging success has landed her a contract with the City of Surrey and as such, she has been asked to write a blog for holidays and community events, such as Canada Day and the Winter Fest.<br /> Bollwitt?s blog has not only caught the idea of municipal officials, but served as the spring board for a brand new personal business. Bollwitt decided to launch the Sixty4Media consultancy firm and suggests that others can take this approach as well, so long as they view their blog as a website, and not just a personal online diary. Whereas the distinction between blogs and websites was much more apparent only a couple of years ago, today many company websites function as blogs, mainly because this format allows for much faster updates, easier browsing and more effective indexing by major search engines. Bollwitt believes that blogs should now form a major part of business marketing campaigns. In fact, blogs now serve as one of the most cost-effective ways to keep in touch with current clients and attract prospective customers.<br /> Thank you to Peace Arch News for the initial report.</p> <p>

<br /> Columnist Tara Weiss of Forbes Magazine explored the factors that can turn a regular, run-of-the-mill blog into a real success. A well written and widely-read blog can not only help build a small company by offering a noteworthy online presence, but?as Weiss writes?it can also help develop the author professionally. The on-going recession and rising unemployment mean that professionals must go the extra step to secure an interview if they are looking for a top-notch job, and having a well-written blog can help differentiate the candidate for other applicants.<br /> The secret behind a successful blog is to ensure that posts are concise. As such, posts should not usually exceed 500 words and, in fact, it is often well worth making them shorter. Regular blog visitors much prefer succinct pieces, and are certainly not looking for a lengthy academic essay or novel. Each post should have either a theme or central argument, and the author should avoid getting off topic. Weiss suggests that those looking to build a blog in order to cement their professional career should avoid certain hot button issues, such a religion or partisan politics, in their posts. Professional bloggers should aim to become trusted voices in a given industry or business sector by offering blog posts that are nuanced, cleverly written, balanced and as dispassionate as possible.<br /> In addition to being concise, bloggers should aim to post on a regular basis. Most blogosphere experts, freelancers and veteran content writers suggest at least three to four posts per week. This will ensure that visitors keep checking back for new content. One of the main goals of a blog is not only to attract new users, but to turn one-time visitors into regular readers.<br /> Thank you to Forbes for the initial report. </p> <p>

<br /> According to a report in the Miami Herald, a growing number of Americans are turning to the world of content writing and other freelance work, in order to secure a regular income during a time of increasing unemployment and deep recession. As the number of full-time permanent positions decrease, people with writing talent are turning to short-term contracts or online content writing work instead. Sara Horowitz leads the US-based Freelancers? Union and as head of this organization, she has noted a marked increase in the popularity of freelancing work. The organization estimates that freelancers now comprise fully 30% of all jobs in America. Not all of these freelancers are content writers, as some are illustrators, paid video bloggers, grant writers or even consultants.<br /> New freelancers or content writers can often take inspiration from the veterans of this booming sector. For example, Michelle Goodman has been a freelancer for many years and even published a book, entitled Freelance Life?How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire. Goodman noted that the number one biggest advantage of working as a freelancer is the flexibility this line of work offers. No other employment would allow people to work from the comfort of their home, early in the morning, late into the night, or at any other convenient time of day.<br /> The rise of the Internet and especially the advent of blogs, have helped fuel the freelance industry. Companies around the world have come to realize that by creating blogs or publishing original written content on their sites, they can expand their customer base and keep loyal clients in such a way that traditional advertising would never make possible.<br /> Thank you to the Miami Herald for the initial report. </p> <p>

<br /> Celine Roque, a columnist with the Web Worker Daily online publication, explored the issue of whether freelance writers work based on a rigid schedule, or if their content writing work is without a formal structure. It appears that most freelancers choose to adopt a flexible schedule, which means that while content writers may avoid the rigid and sometimes mundane routine of 9 to 5 office work in a cubicle, they do try to set aside a specific amount of time each day for writing. This means that while flexibility still exists, most full-time freelance writers end up working almost as many hours per week as someone employed in an office environment. For example, the European Medical Writers Association conducted a survey recently, in which it discovered that 52% of freelancers worked for a minimum of 32 hours per week on their writing. Another international survey conducted in 2008 found this figure to be as high as 41 hours per week.<br /> Yet what many freelancers enjoy most about their work is the flexibility that they have when it comes to scheduling their hours. Unlike at a traditional workplace, freelancers and content writers can schedule their hours to fit around their daily schedule and other responsibilities. For example, freelancer Molly Feuer noted that she has developed a routine, which allows her to be both productive, while also taking care of her family and running errands. Feuer has found it best to work early in the morning, before her child goes to school, then around three hours before a lunch break. The afternoon usually involves another couple of hours of work, allowing her to keep her evenings open for relaxation and other engagements.<br /> While it is not necessary for freelance writers to have rigid routines, most will want to give some structure to their lives by dedicating a set number of hours each day to their craft. Setting realistic and workable goals is one of the most important factors in becoming a successful freelancer.<br /> Thank you to the Web Worker Daily for the initial report. </p> <p>

<br /> Search engine optimized (SEO) content is playing an increasingly important role for small and medium-sized online businesses, as this material is what ensures that internet-based shops and services attract the visibility they need to succeed. There are two factors to take into consideration whenever publishing SEO web content. First?and most importantly--the written content must include keywords that will allow those seeking information on various issues to find the site through major search engines. Even the most cleverly written article, the best research and the most engaging writing style won?t be enough, if the piece in question fails to include keywords that might help people find the site through search engines and which may also ensure a given site?s priority listing whenever Google generates search results.<br /> Once the article in question includes keywords, the freelance writer producing the material must also ensure that the information provided is fresh, original and useful. There are few things that annoy people more than finding what appears to be precisely the site that someone is looking for, only to discover that the written content posted is little more than a string of poorly written keywords, loosely-linked catch phrases and advertisements. As such, SEO content writing means that the author must strike a balance between including useful information and the right keywords to guarantee top search engine visibility. When freelance content writers produce SEO articles for business and organization websites, they take both of these factors into consideration.<br /> The question, however, remains: how does one discover what may be the most effective keywords for any given site, and which phrases attract the most visitors? Those using blogging software, such as that provided by Wordpress, can improve a site?s search engine placement and increase the number of visitors by using blog statistics to find out how people are finding the website. Such blogs usually show which word combinations surfers use to find the site through the Google search engine. As such, the key is to use those terms which best describe the given business, while also keeping tabs on the most popular, recurring keywords that surfers use to discover the site through Google. </p> <p>