Monday, September 29, 2008

Quick Money-Making Tip for Freelance Writers

If you drop by here regularly, then you know I'm a huge advocate of making lists to get things accomplished. It's one of the wrap-up tasks that I do before I log off at night. If I wake up without one, I'll create one before I start the day's work.

One thing I've started doing recently is not only writing down daily tasks, but allotting a certain amount of time to get each task done. So today, for example, my list looked like this:

10 Marketing Contacts (6:30-7:30)
2 Articles for Judith (7:30-9:00)
10 Articles for Kathleen (9-3)
Schedule Personal Bills (I bank online) (3:30-4)
Send out Invoices from last week (4-4:30)
1 AD (article directory) article for me (4:30-5:30)

Now, the fact that I overselpt and didn't crawl out of bed until 8am threw everything off. This means I rescheduled some tasks and will be working a little late tonight and getting up a little earlier tomorrow. No big deal.

Working on the road really showed me how much I could get done if I stopped lollygagging at home. And I'm not a real lollygagger. I tend to use my time pretty well. But it's just a fact of nature that when you work at home, it's easy to procrastinate b/c you know you can come back to a task later -- even if it's 11pm at night.

When I was on the road, I didn't WANT To come back to a project later b/c I was having too much fun in the evenings.

Try this and let me know how it works for you. You should be getting more work done, hence increasing your income.

Money-making tip: If you schedule time for nothing else, schedule time for marketing. Make a certain number of contacts each day and work will flow in eventually. That's a money-making tip you can take that to the bank!

Want to make $500/month or more in passive income? How to do it is in the latest copy of Inkwell Editorial's newsletter, which came out today. If you haven't received a copy, read an excerpt and subscribe.

Most Recent "Hot" Posts
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How to Start a Freelance Writing Career in Less than 24 Hours for $0

Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter (read all past issues!)
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
***********************************************
Freelance Success Stories! There are freelancers who make very good livings at what they love. Inkwell Editorial’s newsletter features these successful professionals who put to rest the phrase, “starving freelancer.”

Current Issue. Spotlight on How to Make $500/Month or in Passive Income as an Affiliate Marketer. Unlike a 9-5 job, freelance writers don't have company-sponsored 401K plans, medical benefits, paid days off, etc. All these are paid for by us. Wouldn't it be nice to create a passive income stream that brought in $1,000, $3,000, $5,000 a month or more? Affiliate marketing can do this. Interviews with three successful affiliate marketers reveal how. One is only 25 years old and is working on his first five-figure month after only 9 months!Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.

Previous Issue. Spotlight on YOU: Questions from Readers. Want to learn about ghostwriting, how cut to the chase and "get started" as a freelance writer, which instant download ebook software to use and concrete advice on how to land paid blogging gigs? I answer these questions, and a few more from readers who wrote in. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
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Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com. Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Why SEO Articles are the Best Free Marketing Tools on the Web Today

Search engine optimization (SEO) is here to stay. And, it behooves all of us to learn what it is and how to use it effectively. If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know that I've been an SEO copywriter since last year.

Today, I guest posted over at SEO-Scoop.com (a fantastic blog about all things SEO by the way) about how to write effective SEO content. While the post is written with potential SEO clients in mind, it contains information that all website and blog owners can apply to their online presences.

If you've ever wondered what SEO article writing is, how to write SEO articles and/or how SEO articles increase traffic and sales, this post, SEO Articles: Why They Are the Best Free Marketing on the Web Today, lays it all out in great detail.

Enjoy (and implement!).

Get the ebook on
how to become an SEO copywriter. It's a very lucrative niche!


Most Recent "Hot" Posts
How Would You Like to Make $1,000 in an Hour?

Freelance Writers: Why an Ugly Website Can be Good for Business

How to Start a Freelance Writing Career in Less than 24 Hours for $0


Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter (read all past issues!)
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
***********************************************
Freelance Success Stories! There are freelancers who make very good livings at what they love. Inkwell Editorial’s newsletter features these successful professionals who put to rest the phrase, “starving freelancer.”

Previous Issue. Spotlight on Newbie Freelancers. Want to learn how one freelancer landed enough clients to quit his job in just 12 hours? There are also some blog warning tips if you're looking to move your blog from one platform to another -- and more. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.

Issue. Spotlight on YOU: Questions from Readers. Want to learn about ghostwriting, how cut to the chase and "get started" as a freelance writer, which instant download ebook software to use and concrete advice on how to land paid blogging gigs? I answer these questions, and a few more from readers who wrote in. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
***********************************************
Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com. Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

How Would You Like to Make $1,000 in an Hour?

We'll get to the title of today's post in just a second. Before then, wanna know . . .

What's It Really Like to Work While Traveling as a Freelance Writer
?

My post over at BloggingTips.com today highlights the pros and cons of working on the road as a freelance writer. Hope you enjoy it.

Today's Newsletter: Today, Inkwell Editorial's newsletter was supposed to be published. But, one of the travails of working on the road is not having all of your equipment at your fingertips. I write the newsletter in Word and convert it to a pdf file before uploading it.

Duhh, I don't have word on the laptop, so I'll publish it on Monday. But, I didn't want to leave you high and dry. So here's a sneak peek at what you'll be reading.

How Would You Like to Make $1,000 in an Hour?

The subject of this month's newsletter is affiliate marketing. And, not some cheesy programs that promise to make you thousands of dollars a day. BUT, real ways to make a few hundred to a few thousand extra bucks a month. So, I went in search of real affiliate marketers and was lucky enough to land interviews with three who were kind enough to share their experiences, their methods -- and their income.

Boy was I blown away with how successful these gentlemen were -- and within a relatively small time frame. Here's a sneek peek at what they had to say:

Affiliate Marketer 1: Set a modest goal of $550 to $1,000 a month. Has hit it and and sometimes surpasses it. How does he do it? He writes: "- I ONLY promote compatible products and services that are in alignment with my niche.

Affiliate Marketer 2: Bumped along for almost three years before he finally hit on a money maker. What was it? An ebook he wrote and published in 2004 for his consulting practice. It started to generate more than $1,000/month in the spring of 2007.

In answer to the question, "What were you initial income goals?" he wrote:

Initially, my marketing goal was to build credibility for my business consulting practice. Somewhere in the months that followed, I found my blogging to be the perfect mouth piece to promote the book that I wrote (and self-published) in the spring of 2004. My activities finally evolved in late 2007 to a more robust money maker, and started generating in excess of $1000 per month.
Affiliate Marketer 3: Is working on making five figures a month -- and he only started taking affiliate marketing seriously this past January. He writes:
So, once I realized that it was make or break, my goal was to make $200 in a month. Then, from there... you gradually move it up and up as you grow and learn more (and take action). I've basically almost doubled my "goal" from the previous month each month... and I so far I've been lucky enough to beat it every time. Now I'm shooting for my first 5 figure affiliate marketing month (I'm almost there)... recently I hit my goal of a $1,000 day (actually it was $1k in an hour... and a bit over $2,500 in a 48 hour period)...
As you can see, this is an exciting issue coming up. Sorry for the delay in publishing (remember, it'll be out on Monday). If you haven't subscribed, here's how to do so.

Most Recent "Hot" Posts
How to Start a Freelance Writing Career in 24 Hours or Less for $0

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4 Things You Can Do to Land More Freelance Writing Jobs: Fall Marketing Tutorial

Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter (read all past issues!)
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
***********************************************
Freelance Success Stories! There are freelancers who make very good livings at what they love. Inkwell Editorial’s newsletter features these successful professionals who put to rest the phrase, “starving freelancer.”

Previous Issue. Spotlight on Newbie Freelancers. Want to learn how one freelancer landed enough clients to quit his job in just 12 hours? There are also some blog warning tips if you're looking to move your blog from one platform to another -- and more. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.

Issue. Spotlight on YOU: Questions from Readers. Want to learn about ghostwriting, how cut to the chase and "get started" as a freelance writer, which instant download ebook software to use and concrete advice on how to land paid blogging gigs? I answer these questions, and a few more from readers who wrote in. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
***********************************************
Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com. Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Freelance Writers: Why an Ugly Website Can be Good for Business

The heading of this post was today's topic over at BloggingTips.com (BT). An excerpt:

I was reading an interview featuring Markus Frind of PlentyofFish.com. Mr. Frind’s site is the world’s largest online dating website. According to published reports, Markus pulls in over $10,000 to $20,000 a day from Google AdSense alone. His overall income is $5 million to $10 million a year.

Plentyof Fish.com is one of the ugliest sites online. It looks like a newbie web designer threw it up, got it operational and turned his interest to something else. So, why then is it so successful? Read the rest here.

Last week at BT, I wrote about why globalization almost demands that freelance writers get upfront payment. Yeah, I've been keeping my blogging commitment to others, but have been a little lax with my own.

I'm hitting the road!

I'm off to New York City tomorrow. Have lined up a meeting with an internet marketing firm there, and plan to catch up with some friends as well. I'm psyched. After that, I'm off to St. Paul Minnesota for a week to visit another dear old friend -- I'll be working all the while I'm gone, but it's still gonna be nice to get away.

I used to travel quite a bit. Since I bought my house in 2004 though, I've been a homebody (a big a** mortgage kinda demands it), but I'm starting to fly the coop a little more.

Sushi in Minnesota?

FYI, if anybody has any ideas about what I should do in Minnesota, let me know. I've never been, so am excited to see something new (I love going to new places). I love sushi, so if anyone knows of any good sushi restaurants, email me (info-at-inkwelleditorial.com). Put "sushi" in the subject line please, cuz I'm only gonna be skimming my inbox over the next week or so.

The Gosh Darn Affiliate Program!

It simply is not ready to be uploaded. Even though I have only one pithy report to put finishing touches on, it's the other stuff that hangs me up -- ie, converting it to the right file format, uploading it, checking that all links work, yadda, yadda, yadda. I need an assistant!

I really could release it without the reports, but my Type A personality won't let me until I finish some tools I think will help make it worthwhile for you. Once it's up, it'll be ongoing forever, so that's why I keep pushing it back. I'm not even gonna say when again. The next time you hear about it, it'll be an announcement that it's ready. How's that?

And the Floodgates Opened: Is Anybody Else Swamped?

I swear, the harder I tried to prepare for this little trip, the more projects came out of the woodwork. It's like clients knew that I was trying to leave and wanted to get their order in beforehand. Today alone, three clients (two old, one new) placed new orders. One was big, which is what I'll be working on next week. This week alone, I've had 7 new projects come in . . . and this past Monday, I had just one sitting in my inbox. What a difference a few days make.

I'm not complaining, but it just goes to show you, if you market consistently, suddenly the floodgates will open and you'll be swamped. In August, I sent out tons of queries -- 100-200 a week. Now, all of that effort is coming to fruition. And just in time because I just got my annual property tax bill in the mail -- rats! At least paying it won't be a problem.

Most Recent Posts
How to Start a Freelance Writing Career in 24 Hours or Less for $0

Job Security for Freelance Writers: Lessons from Lehman Brothers & Merrill Lynch

4 Things You Can Do to Land More Freelance Writing Jobs: Fall Marketing Tutorial

Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter (read all issues!)
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
***********************************************
Freelance Success Stories! There are freelancers who make very good livings at what they love. Inkwell Editorial’s newsletter features these successful professionals who put to rest the phrase, “starving freelancer.”

Previous Issue. Spotlight on Newbie Freelancers. Want to learn how one freelancer landed enough clients to quit his job in just 12 hours? There are also some blog warning tips if you're looking to move your blog from one platform to another -- and more. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.

Issue. Spotlight on YOU: Questions from Readers. Want to learn about ghostwriting, how cut to the chase and "get started" as a freelance writer, which instant download ebook software to use and concrete advice on how to land paid blogging gigs? I answer these questions, and a few more from readers who wrote in. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
***********************************************
Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com. Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

How to Start a Freelance Writing Career in 24 Hours for $0

I receive anywhere from 5-10 emails a week (a couple a day), asking me the same question, “How do I get started as a freelance writer?” The short answer is to just do it.

But, many wannabe freelance writers hold themselves back by simply not starting. They put roadblocks in the way that just astound me. Eg, I need a website, I don’t have samples, I don’t have any clients yet, etc. If you want to be a freelance writer, it's time to start being a doer – not a planner, a talker, or a dreamer – a doer!

Following is plan of action you can take to start a freelance writing career in 24 hours, or less -- for $0. Stop over thinking it and just do it!

3 Steps to Take to Start Your Freelance Writing Career

Most Recent Posts

Job Security for Freelance Writers: Lessons from Lehman Brothers & Merrill Lynch

4 Things You Can Do to Land More Freelance Writing Jobs: Fall Marketing Tutorial

New Website for Freelance Writers to Make Money: Review of TheSyndicatedNews.com

Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter (read all issues!)
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
***********************************************
Freelance Success Stories! There are freelancers who make very good livings at what they love. Inkwell Editorial’s newsletter features these successful professionals who put to rest the phrase, “starving freelancer.”

Previous Issue. Spotlight on Newbie Freelancers. Want to learn how one freelancer landed enough clients to quit his job in just 12 hours? There are also some blog warning tips if you're looking to move your blog from one platform to another -- and more. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.

Current Issue. Spotlight on YOU: Questions from Readers. Want to learn about ghostwriting, how cut to the chase and "get started" as a freelance writer, which instant download ebook software to use and concrete advice on how to land paid blogging gigs? I answer these questions, and a few more from readers who wrote in. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
***********************************************
Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com. Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Job Security for Freelance Writers: Lessons from Lehman Brothers & Merrill Lynch

This morning I turned on CNN and the lead story in financial news was the Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch debacles. Lehman Brothers filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and Merrill Lynch is being sold to Bank of America for some $50 billion. And, not only that, AIG, the world's largest insurer, sought a bailout from the Federal Government, who turned it down.

What does all of this have to do with job security for freelance writers? Read today's entry on job security to find out. If you haven't taken the plunge into freelance writing, this article will open your eyes as to why you should -- even on a part-time basis.

Affiliate Program: Later on today, I'll finally upload the affiliate program info. I got busy with some last-minute client projects last week and just didn't have time to finish it up.

New Ebook: How to Find Unpublished Freelance Writing Jobs.

Most Recent Posts
4 Things You Can Do to Land More Freelance Writing Jobs: Fall Marketing Tutorial


New Website for Freelance Writers to Make Money: Review of TheSyndicatedNews.com

How to Convince Clients That You’re the Right Writer for the Job

Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter (read all issues!)
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
***********************************************
Freelance Success Stories! There are freelancers who make very good livings at what they love. Inkwell Editorial’s newsletter features these successful professionals who put to rest the phrase, “starving freelancer.”

Previous Issue. Spotlight on Newbie Freelancers. Want to learn how one freelancer landed enough clients to quit his job in just 12 hours? There are also some blog warning tips if you're looking to move your blog from one platform to another -- and more. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.

Current Issue. Spotlight on YOU: Questions from Readers. Want to learn about ghostwriting, how cut to the chase and "get started" as a freelance writer, which instant download ebook software to use and concrete advice on how to land paid blogging gigs? I answer these questions, and a few more from readers who wrote in. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
***********************************************
Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com. Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

4 Things You Can Do to Land More Freelance Writing Jobs This Fall: Freelance Writers Fall Marketing Tutorial

The break was nice, but now it's back to the grind. Three things today:

1) Freelance Writer Fall Marketing Tutorial: If you’ve writing jobs have been slow throughout the summer, now is the time to get the business flowing back in. To that end, following is a fall marketing tutorial for freelance writers that helps you hit the ground running now that potential clients are focused on work again.

Questions about Freelance Writing: At the end of this tutorial are answers to some questions sent in by freelancedr, ie, pricing, negotiating higher rates, blogging platforms and more. Hope my responses help.

2) Affiliate Marketing Program: I have to put the finishing touches on one more report, then I'll publish the details (on Thursday).

3) Which Ebook/E-course to Order: At least half a dozen times over the last 6-8 weeks I've been asked how to discern which product to order -- the freelance writing e-course, or the SEO writing ebook. I finally updated the order page with my answer, so if this is something you've been wondering about, you now have an idea of how to tell. For your convenience, following is my response to this question:

Which product to order all depends on where you are as a freelance writer. What I mean by this is, if you have little or no experience and want to learn about freelance writing in general, what it takes to succeed and how to formulate a concrete plan to get started, then the freelance writing ecourse is best.

If you want to learn how to start an SEO writing business, then the SEO writing ebook is the right choice. Basically, the ecourse teaches everything you need to know about starting or growing any kind of freelance writing business. The SEO writing ebook only discusses SEO writing and how to market for this kind of work.

New Ebook: How to Find Unpublished Freelance Writing Jobs.

Most Recent Posts
New Website for Freelance Writers to Make Money: Review of TheSyndicatedNews.com

How to Convince Clients That You’re the Right Writer for the Job

Freelance Writers: How to Prioritize Your Schedule to Make More Money

Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter (read all issues!)
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
***********************************************
Freelance Success Stories! There are freelancers who make very good livings at what they love. Inkwell Editorial’s newsletter features these successful professionals who put to rest the phrase, “starving freelancer.”

Previous Issue. Spotlight on Newbie Freelancers. Want to learn how one freelancer landed enough clients to quit his job in just 12 hours? There are also some blog warning tips if you're looking to move your blog from one platform to another -- and more. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.

Current Issue. Spotlight on YOU: Questions from Readers. Want to learn about ghostwriting, how cut to the chase and "get started" as a freelance writer, which instant download ebook software to use and concrete advice on how to land paid blogging gigs? I answer these questions, and a few more from readers who wrote in. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
***********************************************
Copyright © 2008 InkwellEditorial.com. Except where noted, no part of this site may be reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the publisher. Violators will be prosecuted.