It's no secret that many people are looking toward the internet to make additional money. Freelance writers who have been writing on the internet for quite some time have a head start but there are a few things that every freelance writer can do to increase her earnings. Here are a few tips on how freelance writers can supplement their income by writing online content.
- Write focused articles. Articles on a broad topic covering a wide range of information are less helpful to readers who are looking specifics. Writing about digital TVs as a whole lot different than writing about a Samsung LCD 46" TV. Readers want specifics.
Writing an article that covers a broad topic is best written in a cluster (I like to call them sticky clusters). There may be an introductory article introducing the reader to the topic, and then follow up by linking to several additional articles that detail the specifics. In essence, the writer becomes a 'subject expert' by providing several detailed articles on a given topic.
- Repeat keywords. Keywords are the way web surfers find articles and information. Someone looking for inexpensive makeup will most probably use keywords such as "inexpensive makeup," "cheap makeup" or even "discounted makeup." Therefore, freelance writers looking to capture those readers must use those keywords in the article several times.
The trick with keywords is the ability to pepper the article with the keywords without going overboard to make the article read like spam. Good freelance writers know how to write keeping both the search engines and the reader in mind.
- Write for reliable sources. Not all online content sources are the same. If you're starting out, it's best to align yourself with a popular website that already has a good reputation and a large readership base. In addition to writing for online content sites, freelance writers should start a blog and/or website of their own.
Having a blog and/or website allows the writer to experiment on her own while simultaneously earning money by writing for an established site. Over time, with proper tweaking and search engine optimization techniques, a writer's own blog may prove to be a valuable marketing and money making tool.
- Perform article research and then put on blinders. Once a writer has completed her article research, it's best to
put on blinders go someplace quiet and write. Whether a writer chooses to write all day, 5 hours a day or one hour a day, it's best to keep the blinders on and to not stop until the article is complete. Come up for air every once in a while to make sure the world still exists and that the article topic is still pertinent and will gain traffic. Once having confirmed that the world is still in order and the article is still pertinent, go back into the room and continue to write.
Freelance writers tend to waste a lot of time searching the internet comparing their writing style with other writers. Spending too much time making comparisons to other writers can cause self doubt and insecurity.
- Monitor Writing Progress. One luxury that most freelance writers don't have is the luxury of time. Therefore, writers must spend their time wisely. By monitoring progress, writers can quickly determine which sites are worth writing for and which one need to be kicked to the curb.
Evaluate the number of articles written, the amount of money earned, the time it takes to write the articles and make a decision whether or not to continue writing for the site. What works for one writer may not work for another. Only the writer will know what works best for her.
It is possible to earn a substantial income as an online freelance writer. It takes time, patience and a willingness to learn the ropes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Felicia A. Williams is a freelance writer and webmaster of this website, Visit Hudson Valley.com and No Job for Mom.com. She is also the Insurance Feature Writer for Suite 101.com
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