Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Freelance Writing Job: Write 4 Pages for $1,500

If you saw a freelance writing job ad like this, you’d probably look at it. But, you’d probably bypass it, thinking it was some kind of scam. But, it’s not. Welcome to the world of case studies.

What is a Case Study?

A case study is really an elongated client testimonial. They are frequently referred to as success stories. What makes case studies different from normal testimonials is how they’re presented. They’re written in a semi in-depth, journalistic style.

Case studies can vary in length, but they are usually 3-4 pages; 1,500-2,000 words. They consist of 3-4 parts, depending on the layout you use. The one I like is the following. Note: New Media Words, my new SEO writing company, is the firm profiled in the following faux case study.

Part I: Company Profile. This is where you’d write the client profile, eg, type of business. Remember, case studies are short, so you don’t need a lot of info.

Example: New Media Words is an SEO writing and internet marketing outsource firm.

The company partners with web design firms, advertising agencies, internet marketing firms, and other new media enterprises to provide affordable SEO writing, social media marketing and internet marketing solutions to their clients.

Part II: Problem. Here is where you’d list the problem that the client product/service solved.

Example: XYZ Widget Company's problem was how to drive traffic to its new website. It had recently been redesigned with an eye towards increasing online sales.

Part III: Solution. This is the proposed solution.

Example: New Media Words’ solution was three-fold.

i) The first was an in-depth consultation. The purpose of the consultation was two-fold: (a) to gather all the necessary information to provide effective short- and long-term internet marketing solutions; and (b) to assist clients in gaining a better understanding of how online marketing works, and the results to expect.

ii) The second part of the solution was to implement a short-term plan of action: A social media marketing campaign was recommended to start gaining some immediate web traffic.

iii) The third part of the solution was to implement a long-term plan of action. An ongoing article marketing campaign was recommended to sustain – and continually grow – web traffic.

Part IV: Results Achieved. This is where you spell out how using the company’s product/service helped their customer. This is the real “selling portion” of the case study. It’s where the company gets to shine.

Example: During the first 90 days, XYZ Widget Company’s tripled its web traffic. As a result, online sales increased by 22% -- more than 10% over XYZ Widget Company's projections.

To gain the most traction from the social media marketing campaign, New Media Words authored an industry report, which went viral and accounted for the bulk of this traffic.

The report continues to generate buzz, and XYZ Widget Company has decided to have New Media Words write this report every year. This allows XYZ to set itself up as an industry authority, giving it a competitive edge over its competition. The report will be a free giveaway every year.

After six months, XYZ Widget Company had achieved front-page Google results for three of its most profitable keyword phrases, all due to the aggressive article marketing campaign implemented by New Media Words. After six months, online sales had increased by 37%.

John Doe, the marketing manager said of New Media Words:

We didn’t know a lot about internet marketing. Most of our marketing efforts have been concentrated offline. But luckily the New Media Words team did. Their command of online marketing strategies like social media marketing and SEO article writing achieved results we didn’t expect to see for two years. They did it in six months. We couldn’t be more thrilled!

And that, people, is the power of a case study. After reading that, wouldn’t you want to hire New Media Words to handle your online marketing needs?

Here is an actual New Media Words case study on how we helped our client, Ephricon Web Marketing, to get results for their clients.

The 3 Elements of a Good Case Study

A case study is only as good as the information presented. You need three elements primarily, ie:

a) You have to present the problem in a way that others can relate to. Eg, “Yeah, how do you drive traffic to a newly designed website if you know very little about online marketing?”

b) You must present concrete solutions. This means explaining how the solution was approached (eg, New Media Words’ three-pronged attack). You want potential clients to think, “Wow, now I see why they chose to go that route. Maybe they can help me put together an online marketing strategy for my business.”

c) You must provide real, tangible results: This means using numbers, (eg, increased online sales by 37%, tripled web traffic in 90 days). This not only makes it believable, it starts client minds to churning with thoughts like, “If they can do that for that business, even if they only achieved half the results for mine, I’d be happy. Let me give them a call.”

How Much Should Freelance Writers Charge to Write Case Studies?

As mentioned in the beginning of this post, case studies start at a low of $1,500, and can go on up to $20,000 or $30,000. Most fall in the $1,500 to $5,000 range.

At New Media Words, we charge $750. Why less? Because most of our clients are online businesses. Hence, they tend to want short, sweet case studies that don’t require as much interviewing and research as a traditional, offline business for example.
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The Rest of the Week: That's it for this week's posts. Enjoy the following old favorite. I wrote it a couple of years ago, and it's one of the most popular articles I've ever written: The Freelance Writer's Thanksgiving Prayer.

To my American counterparts, here's to a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. To my friends in the rest of the world, wish us Americans good luck as we try to squeeze back into our pre-Thanksgiving Levi's!

Turkily yours,
Yuwanda
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
P.S.: Where are all of the freelance writing jobs? Find out in the 2008-2009 Freelance Writing Jobs Report

Hot Stuff Around Here!
Get the Latest Issue of the Newsletter -- Topic: The #1 Way to Make the Most Money as a Freelance Writer

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

How to Start a Freelance Writing Career in Less than 24 Hours for $0 ***********************************************
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: Wanna know what it is? 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.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Holiday Blog Marketing: Are You Making This All-Too-Common Mistake?

Come back here you. Yes, you! I know you're in holiday mode and everything, but before you rush off, you have one more thing to do. If not, you could be making the biggest mistake many freelance writers, bloggers and online entrepreneurs make.

It's almost 2 pm EST, and I'm about to close up for today -- BUT, I did this before even thinking about heading out to do some holiday shopping and errands. Did you? Find out what it is here.

From Laid Off New Mommy to Freelance (SEO) Writing Success!

I received this email from a new freelance writer who has really taken the SEO freelance writing bull by the horns and is running with it. I share this to remind those of you who may be wondering if you can succeed as a freelance writer, who may be scared to try, or procrastinating on starting . . . it proves that if you put out the effort, the rewards can be yours.

Katrina wrote:

Hi Yuwanda!

I have some very exciting news for you. I have to send you a major thank you because your SEO book has opened a whole new career opportunity for me. We spoke on the phone last month. I called to ask you about pricing and communicating with potential clients. You were so very gracious in our phone conversation and led me through what I needed to know.

Well, I started writing for a few websites in addition to individual web designers. One of the websites was Bright Hub. I applied what I learned through your articles/books and other sources about SEO to write my articles. All the ones I optimized ended up on the first page of Google for their keywords.

The VP of Marketing for Bright Hub contacted me a few weeks later to let me know that she had heard great things about me and my articles. She asked me to be the managing editor for the new fitness channel they were starting! I was so thrilled when I read the email from her that I didn't know what to do besides squeal (and scare my husband in the process). :-)

I couldn't have done this without learning what you teach about being a good writer in general, managing my time, SEO, and all the other great info you share on a regular basis. I will be referring my writers to your blog to learn about SEO and all the other things they need to know about being a good freelance writer.

I'm so richly blessed by God, I have to tell you. I was laid off earlier this year a few days before I was supposed to return to work after maternity leave. I had a new baby, lots of bills and no job.

It was so hard to tell my husband that I didn't have a job to go back to. I decided that I could either pout about it or add to my skill set and start marketing myself (emphasis added -- this is the kind of chutzpah needed to make it as a freelance writer!). I became self-employed as a freelance writer thereafter, and it turns out that getting laid off was a blessing!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

View Katrina's BrightHub profile.

Tomorrow: Case studies, as in, how to make money with them. They're so easy to do - and clients pay a mint for them!

Sincerely,
Yuwanda
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
P.S.: Where are all of the freelance writing jobs? Find out in the 2008-2009 Freelance Writing Jobs Report

Hot Stuff Around Here!
Get the Latest Issue of the Newsletter -- Topic: The #1 Way to Make the Most Money as a Freelance Writer

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

How to Start a Freelance Writing Career in Less than 24 Hours for $0
***********************************************
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: Wanna know what it is? 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, November 20, 2008

The $150,000/Year SEO Writer

Hey, be careful what you wish for peeps, b/c you just might get it! In the latest edition of Inkwell's newsletter, I put the power of intent to work. I stated that my goal for my newly launched SEO writing company was $150,000 next year.

What It Takes to Make $150,000/Year as a Freelance Writer

I've been getting up earlier, and taking on more work. In essence, I've decided to put the pedal to the metal and challenge myself to live up to my full potential. My new motto is, if a black man can become president of the United States of America (which I never thought I'd live to see in this lifetime), I can certainly make $150,000 year as an SEO writer.

And I'll be darned if projects haven't been flowing in like crazy! It's as if the universe is saying, "Hey, if you're willing to put in the work, I'll throw you all you can handle."

My week so far:

On Monday I wrote 20 SEO articles and did a blogging gig. I outsourced the remainder. I usually outsource the bulk of my projects. The reality is, I don't work nearly as hard as I could; I haven't for years.

But, I've decided to dive in and do more of the work b/c like I said, I just want to push myself to see what's possible. In essence, get off my toukas and work like my parents and grandparents always did. My record had been 18 articles in one day.

On Tuesday I wrote a record 27 SEO articles and completed a blogging gig. I outsourced some other work that came in. I'm never doing that again. I now know my daily writing limit (15-20 articles).

Yesterday I wrote 20 SEO articles, and did a short blogging gig. I was exhausted from the previous two days, so didn't even attempt to do anything else. I outsourced a few other projects.

I've been marketing all day today, finishing up a case study, tweaking the new site and catching up on correspondence.

Remember, I'm also training for a marathon, and also do marketing for InkwellEditorial.com and write and publish my own ebooks. I've been falling into bed exhausted, but excited that I'm already on track to surpass the $150,000/year goal - not that I'm trying to, believe me.

Tomorrow, I already have another 20 articles on tap and 6 blog posts. I also have 3 ebook writing proposals out that I'm waiting to hear back on (seems clients are really enamored with that service all of a sudden).

There is TONS of Freelance Writing Work Out There!

My point in relaying all of this is two fold: (i) there is TONS of freelance writing work out there; and (ii) intent coupled with action is a powerful thing. I really do need to pick up that book, The Secret. Isn't that what it's all about?

Now, I just wished intent worked this way when I wish for thinner thighs -- so far, no dice.

Get Featured, Get Published!

Freelance writing website cuckleburr.com seeking submissions. The editor, Kay wrote me the following, "I'm always looking for quality submissions so if you know of anyone else that would be interested in sending us something, I'd be grateful if you could tell them about us."

There you go Kay!

No pay, but exposure. They featured one of my articles today. I think they found it on EzineArticles.com (that's the power of article marketing folks). It's a very professinally done site, so if you have a product/service of interest to writers that you promote, you definitely want to send something over to Kay.

That's it for this week folks.

Next Tuesday -- case studies, as in, how to make money with them. They're so easy to do - and clients pay a mint for them!

Sincerely,
Yuwanda
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
P.S.: Where are all of the freelance writing jobs? Find out in the 2008-2009 Freelance Writing Jobs Report

Hot, Popular Posts
Why Being Told Your Freelance Writing Rates are Too High is a Good Thing

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

How to Start a Freelance Writing Career in Less than 24 Hours for $0
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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: The #1 Way to Make the Most Money as a Freelance Writer. Wanna know what it is? 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.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The #1 Way to Make the Most Money as a Freelance Writer

The latest issue of Inkwell Editorial's newsletter, How to Start a Successful Freelance Career, was published today. The topic, maximizing your freelance writing income.

I've been at this since 1993 and I'm constantly amazed at how my career evolves and how much more there always is to learn. Learn from my mistakes and insights. I divulge the #1 way to make more money as a freelance writer -- as well as some other sage advice.

How to Make $12,000 a Year from Your Blog

I've been a little lax blogging here, which I talked about in this post.

But, I appear three times a week over at BloggingTips.com. Read the latest posts, a two-part series here: Blog Marketing: How to Make $12,000/Year from Your Blog, and here: The $12,000/Year Blog Marketing Campaign Explained.

Sincerely,
Yuwanda
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
P.S.: Where are all of the freelance writing jobs? Find out in the 2008-2009 Freelance Writing Jobs Report

Recent Hot Blog Topics
Being Told Your Freelance Writing Rates are Too High is a Good Thing

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

How to Start a Freelance Writing Career in Less than 24 Hours for $0
***********************************************
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: The #1 Way to Make the Most Money as a Freelance Writer. Wanna know what it is? 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, November 10, 2008

New SEO Writing Company Launch -- & Some Other Stuff

Even though I'm sick as a dog today (slamming toothache which has led to a headache, stomach ache (medicine I took for the toothache) and cold, clammy chills), I'm really excited about the launch of my new SEO writing company -- New Media Words.

For Clients Who Want Social Media Marketing

FYI, the new site offers everything a client would want in the way of new media marketing, including social media. Check out the expanded service listings -- and place your order today!

Sorry about the promotional digression, but I am a marketer at heart!

And Now, Back to the Particulars of the Site

I'm 90% done with the site, and will be finishing it up either later today or tomorrow. In my last post here, I talked about the need to update all of my web presences (InkwellEditorial.com, this blog, SEO-Article-Writer.com and SEO-Articles-for-Sale.com). Well, I wasn't kidding. I'll be forwarding SEO-Article-Writer.com and SEO-Articles-for-Sale.com to NewMediaWords.biz, my new SEO writing site.

That leaves InkwellEditorial.com and this blog, InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com.

New Posting Schedule for InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com

Once I finish with the New Media Words site, I'll be turning my attention to learning all I need to know to work with my newly designed site, which was completed this past summer in wordpress. As I said in my last post here, it's gorgeous and I can't wait to get it up and going.

Realistically, that's going to take me the rest of the year to do. I have to upload and redirect over 300 pages on InkwellEditorial.com to the new site, which is a task in and of itself. Before that's done though, I need some lessons in wordpress, which I'll be starting next week.

Hence, I won't be posting regularly here again until the new year. Only if it's absolutely necessary. You guys really gave me a kick in the pants to bring my sites into the 21st century. And, I'm so glad you did.

Blogging Jobs: How Much Should You Charge to Blog?

If you want to catch me on a regular basis between now and mid-January, I post at BloggingTips.com every M-W around 10 am EST. Today's post is entitled, Blogging Jobs: How Much Should You Charge to Blog? Enjoy it!

Sincerely,
Yuwanda
Contact: info *at* InkwellEditorial.com
P.S.: Where are all of the freelance writing jobs? Find out in the 2008-2009 Freelance Writing Jobs Report

Recent Hot Blog Topics
Being Told Your Freelance Writing Rates are Too High is a Good Thing

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

How to Start a Freelance Writing Career in Less than 24 Hours for $0
***********************************************
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: How to Make $500/Month or in Passive Income. Wouldn't it be nice to create a passive income stream that brought in $500, 1,000, or $3,000 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.
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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.