SEO Copywriting: 3 Reasons to Train for this High-Paying, Work-from-Anywhere Career
September 26, 2009
Since I’ve been travelling, I’ve gotten a few inquiries about how/why I got to the point in my career where I can do this (ie, have a career that allows me to work from anywhere). This inspired the post, SEO Copywriting: Train for a High-Paying, Portable Career at SeoWritingJobs.com yesterday.
I wanted to add a little more to this.
If You Can Dream It, You Can Achieve It — IF You Plan for It
While this may sound like a trite idiomatic expression, it really is true. I bought a house in 2004, and it kind of made me stay put for a while (home ownership can be expensive!). But travelling has always been a love of mine. And I said to myself several years ago that I wanted to get back to being able to do it.
At the time, I didn’t know how I would manage it, but I “put it in the universe,” so to speak. Then in 2007, I picked up the skill of SEO writing. And, my freelance writing career took off like never before. I was able to pay off a lot of bills, save some money and now, start travelling again.
BUT this all happened because I first BELIEVED that it could. Most people can’t wrap their brains around a different existence. I’ve been a entrepreneur since 1997 (officially; unofficially since 1993). So, I’ve always thought a little differently than others. Having “just a job” never appealed to me. I”ve always been the kind to want to do my own thing.
I say all this to say that the first step in having anything in life is to believe that it can be yours — that it can happen to you too. I’m no smarter or more talented than anybody else. But what I do have is a profound belief that if I want something, I CAN make it happen.
Now, it may take me longer and may not come in the form I thought. But I’m a big believer in the fact that if you put a wish out in the universe — and work towards that wish — it will happen for you. Maybe sooner than you think; maybe later. But it WILL happen — if you put in the consistent effort and keep a profound belief that your dream is achievable.
I’m off to explore other parts of Jamaica. Rasta Man (learn more about him here) and I rented a car for a few days. I love car trips!
Get the FREE Report, Learn SEO: 6 Reasons SEO Copywriting Is the Ideal High-Paying, Work-from-Home, Recession-Proof Career (pdf file).
Always editorially yours,
Yuwanda
P.S.: Want to start a freelance writing career? Visit the Inkwell Editorial Freelance Writing Bookstore.
How to Make Money Online as a Freelance Writer – Beyond Writing for Clients
September 22, 2009
If you’re a regular reader of my articles, blogs, websites, etc. you’ve probably read where I discuss making passive income online as a freelance writer. I’ve been doing it – in earnest – since January of this year and on some weeks, my “passive” income exceeds what I make writing for clients.
What do I sell online? Mostly I sell my ebooks and a few affiliate products that teach newbies how to make money online.
Note: Passive is in quotation marks because I do put some marketing muscle into it; it’s not automatic money. But, the effort I put in pays much more dividends than say what I make writing for clients.
This is a real comfort mentally because I don’t rely so heavily on client projects to make a living. In fact, I really don’t do any real marketing anymore as an SEO copywriter. I take what comes my way, but the majority of my time is spent promoting my own products and other affiliate products.
Today, I want to discuss a couple of the tools I use to do this.
How I Make $100-$150/Day Promoting Affiliate Products Using FREE Classified Ads
Forever a fan of free and low-cost methods, I stumbled across the free classified ad site Backpage.com while I was promoting an affiliate product. I got such great results from it that I started using it almost exclusively.
Then, I ran across a software that allowed me to post more ads quicker using this site. So, I bought it and used it. It has allowed me to keep my income the same, but cut down on the amount of time I spend placing ads (which to be honest, can be a real drag).
You can learn more about how I use the free classified ad site backpage.com to make money.
Putting My Free Classified Ad Marketing on Steroids: The Classified Connection
One day while surfing for new products to promote on Clickbank, I ran across the free classified ad posting software, The Classified Connection. I was intrigued because I knew that posting ads on free classified ad sites worked from my experience with Backpage.
Make Money Placing Free Classified Ads Online
But instead of placing hundreds of ads, this software allows you to place thousands, in minutes. I tested the demo, which made it seem so easy.
So even though it was a little pricey, I thought, let me buy it so I can really see what my results will be. FYI, when you buy a product from Clickbank, you have a 60-day window to return it, so I knew it was “risk free.”
I bought The Classified Connection software on September 8th. A couple of days later, I finally revved up my brain to open it and place some ads. I say this because most technology befuddles me. I hate learning new software programs it always takes me a few days to gear up my brain to learn something new.
The Classified Connection Software: A Review – The Specifics
Once you know what you’re doing, the software is easy to use. But, you do have to figure out some things for yourself. I don’t know why but many software developers can’t give clear instructions to save their lives. This program really could use a straightforward Step 1; Step 2; Step 3 instructional guide. More on this later.
But again, once you know what you’re doing, it literally does place thousands of ads on hundreds of sites in less than 5 minutes.
It takes about 10 minutes to key in an ad (less if you pre-write and cut/paste them), then you hit the submit button and it shows you exactly where and how many ads it’s submitting in real time.
THEN, after the program finishes running, it generates a report that tells you how many sites accepted and rejected your ad. And, you can click on the site to see your ad – the proof that it got published.
FYI, you have to check the sites soon after you place your ads because they disappear pretty quickly from the first page (because many others are placing ads as well).
What I Don’t Like About The Classified Connection Software
1. Unclear “How to Use” Instructions: As I mentioned above, it could use some detailed instructions on how to go about using it. Because I’m computer literate and can figure out most things, I was able to figure some things out that weren’t patently obvious.
If you’re online a lot, you will be too.
2. Ad Delay: Sometimes, there’s a delay when you place your ads. For example, one night around 10, I placed some ads, but couldn’t find them. I looked for like half an hour, then gave up. But, when I logged on the next day, I found them.
I don’t know if it’s a system delay or a delay by the classified ads sites themselves but so far, every time I’ve placed ads, I’ve been able to find them sooner or later.
3. The Inability to Save Different Ads: You can’t save different profiles in this software. What I mean by this is, every time you go to place an ad, you have to rekey it in if you’re placing different ones.
This is important to know because you can’t place the same ad more than once every 7 days. The last ad you keyed in will always be there, but if you’re placing ads more than this, you need to put in a different ad (even if it’s for the same product).
All of these are minor things when you consider the advantages of this software, ie . . .
What I Like About The Classified Connection Software
1. It’s Quick! The software says you can “. . . eliminate thousands of hours of manual work and expose millions of internet users to your products within minutes (emphasis added). And it’s so true.
2. Promote Multiple Products: You can promote as many products as you want using this software. To do this, simply create different profiles (you’ll see what I mean if you try the demo or buy it) and you’re off and running. So far, I’ve used it to promote 4 products.
Again, the time consuming part is creating/writing the ads for each product.
3. Works Internationally: The Backpage free classified ad posting software only works from the U.S. and Canada. For example, I can’t post to the site from Jamaica, where I am now. I’ve been able to use The Classified Connection software from here with no problems.
Making Money with Free Classified Ads: Conclusion
I want to conclude this post with two final observations:
Spend Money to Make Money: I started making more money online when I started spending money on tools that allowed me to work smarter, not harder. I still do a lot of what I think is “stupid stuff,” because I am notoriously frugal I (years of living a “feast or famine” existence as a freelance writer, I’m afraid).
But when you invest in something that really works, you’re like, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” I’m starting to loosen my purse strings a bit, especially once I have proof that something works.
Not Everything on the Net is a Scam: I’ve received quite a few emails about the backpage ad posting software along the lines of “Does it really work?” or “Can I make money promoting this product?”
What I believe underlies a lot of these types of questions is fear that “it really can’t be that easy to make money online;” it must be a scam. Well I’m here to tell you, it IS that easy, especially if you know the “secret tools of the trade.”
I no longer turn my nose up at ads that say, “Make $500/day doing X, Y or Z.” I know, because I’ve hit this mark several times – and come close to it many more times – and I’m still a newbie to internet marketing.
Now, I’m still very skeptical of outrageous claims of making say, $50,000 a week. But you know, this probably has more to do with my skeptical nature and the limitations I place on myself than the claims of “known” gurus.
The reason “known” is in quotation marks is because if you do your research, you can always find out who is legit, and who isn’t online.
I stumbled onto making money placing ads on free classified ad sites – and boy I’m glad I did. I haven’t even scratched the surface of what I want to do now that I know this is a system that works.
I hope this provides some insight into how you can get a sideline, passive income going as a freelance writer.
A Note about Affiliate Marketing: A lot of success in affiliate marketing depends on the product or service you’re promoting. No matter which techniques you use, if the market is too small for a particular product/service, or the product/service is no good, or you’re a terrible ad writer, then you’re not going to make sales. A lot of it is trial and error, so if the first product doesn’t work, try something else. The key is to keep testing until you do find a product that does sell.
Along these lines, in a future post I’ll give some ideas about WHAT I think sells online – and why.
P.S.: Want to train for a recession-proof freelance writing career? Get the FREE Report, Learn SEO: 6 Reasons SEO Copywriting Is the Ideal High-Paying, Work-from-Home, Recession-Proof Career (pdf file).
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WiFi (Online) Tips for Freelance Writers Who Work While Traveling (Part II)
September 21, 2009
I wanted to add one more thing to this list: get ”on the go” wireless internet access via a service like T-Mobil HotSpot.
The foliage is typical of what you see EVERYWHERE in Jamaica. It is a breathtakingly beautiful country.
I don’t have it yet, but my sister does. She gave me her information so all I had to do was log in while I was waiting in the airport (there’s no equipment or anything needed). Thanks to her, I was able to get some article writing and marketing done while waiting for my flight.
It was the only work I did the day I travelled — and as regular readers of my blog/website know, I’m an avid fan of article marketing because it works so well. It’s the way I make a lot of my passive income from ebooks and various affiliate products I promote, which I’ll talk about a bit more in tomorrow’s post.
Cost: $10/month (for T-Mobil wireless access).
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with T-Mobil as a wireless user. I only recommend it here b/c the connection worked great for me in the ATL airport (I also have a T-Mobil cell, so I’m pretty familiar with their products).
P.S.: Want to train for a recession-proof freelance writing career? Get the FREE Report, Learn SEO: 6 Reasons SEO Copywriting Is the Ideal High-Paying, Work-from-Home, Recession-Proof Career (pdf file).
Tourists from all over the world gather on this little island to eat fresh-caught lobster cooked over an open flame by the locals. It's such a warm vibe. Dripping in butter and garlic, no 5-star restaurant serves lobster better. And yes, you can buy beer here too! Yet ANOTHTER thing to do in Negril, Jamaica on the beach.
Freelance Writing Job: WiFi (Online) Tips for Freelance Writers Who Work While Traveling
September 18, 2009
Citronella (Negril, Jamaica): Cabins by the Sea
1. Wireless Internet Connection: I know this may sound obvious, but if you don’t travel a lot and are just used to making reservations without checking, you can easily forget to see if they have a wireless internet connection (WiFi). I always look for this in the description on the website. If I don’t see it and it’s a hotel I want to stay at, I’ll call, just to make sure that the person who did their website didn’t simply forget to put this information in.
I’ve found that most major chains have WiFi, but some smaller hotels may not. So be sure to ask, and also ask if . . .
2. The WiFi Is Free: In some hotels, it’s not. Again, most of the major chains have a connection you can simply log into, but some smaller hotels may not. You may be charged a fee. One more thing about WiFi on the road . . .
3. Is There a Passcode: In the hotel I’m staying at here in Jamaica, they have a passcode you have to type in to access their FREE WiFi. This is the first time I’ve encountered this, as most hotels allow you to just log in — on an unsecured connection mind you (more on this in a minute).
I simply went to the front desk and told them that I was getting a message that I needed a passcode and they gave it to me — no problem, mon (love Jamaica!).
Catch a Falling Star: Luxury Condos by the Sea in Negril, Jamaica. View from Condo Balcony.
4. Unsecured WiFi Connection: If you’re used to logging on from home or work, you’re probably accustomed to having secure connection (eg, no one can see the information that is being passed over the net when you’re logging into and out of accounts.
But when you’re on the road and logging in from a hotel, for example, you will get a message that says something like, “You’re logging into an unsecured network, which means that others can see the information you send.”
This can freak you out if you’re not used to logging in from an unsecured network.
But, people do it everyday. I don’t spend a lot of time logging into my financial accounts though (eg, bank, paypal, clickbank). I jump in, see what I need to see, and log out. While ostensibly someone could hack into any account if you log on from an unsecured connection — even if only for a few seconds — millions do it every day.
Financial Institutions Work Hard to Protect Your Info
Knock wood, I haven’t had any problems and I’ve been working and travelling a lot in the last year and a half. I think it’s because banks and other financial institutions work hard to protect your info. In another post, I’ll give some tips for protecting your info online when working on the road.
That ends the “professional” part of this post.
Part Deux of Lust in Jamaica
Quite a few people have emailed me about my love interest, which is why I traveled back to Jamaica so soon. Following is a little about that, and the trip in general.
First, I landed sick as a dog. I got bit by something back home (a tick, a spider, who knows what) and had a swelling on my tummy, a fever of 103+, an upset stomach and a headache to die for. I’m not one to run to the doc — especially in a foreign country — so I wanted to wait it out. The next morning though, I knew I couldn’t.
Rasta Man (the nickname I’ve given my guy here) was sooooo sweet. Off we went to his doctor, who wasn’t in. I had to wait about 5 hours (hey, remember it’s Jamaica mon) for the doc to get in. Rasta man took me to a friend of his who runs a business on the beach. I laid out in a beach chair she graciously provided and promptly fell asleep while he ate, drank rum and discussed politics with his friends – in a way that only Jamaicans (especially rastas) can (ie, loudly).
When I finally got to the doc, he gave me two cortisone shots (in my rear which hurt like heck) and 3 prescriptions for meds. I feel 200% better today, my second full day here. Thank goodness! Downside: No alcohol until I finish the meds in a week — bummer!
Needless to say, I like Rasta Man. Anyone who barely knows you, waits for you patiently b/c your flight got in 4.5 hours late and tells you you look gorgeous even when you know he’s lying b/c you’re a rumpled, sweaty, feverish, sick mess, gets tons of kudos in my book. He’s started off on the right foot!
It’s just past 1pm here, I’m almost done with work for today and then I’m off to pick up my bathing suits from Rasta Man’s shop (he’s a tailor and is doing some minor alterations I asked for). Then, we’re off to the beach for a run and some fun!
That’s my life as a freelance (SEO) writer — on the road. It CAN be yours too (minus the sick part, of course)!
FYI, I’ll upload some more pics from this trip (these two are from my last trip) to my facebook account as soon as I can figure out how to get them off the new digital camera I just bought (electronics of any kind just befuddle the heck out of me!).
Have a good weekend everybody — I fully intend too now that I’m feeling better,
Yuwanda
P.S.: Want to train for a recession-proof freelance writing career? Get the FREE Report, Learn SEO: 6 Reasons SEO Copywriting Is the Ideal High-Paying, Work-from-Home, Recession-Proof Career (pdf file).
Inkwell Editorial’s New Look, Lust in Jamaica and Other Musings
September 2, 2009
Arrrrrgggggghhhhhhhhh is all I can say about this redesign. It’s coming along sooooooo slllllowwwwwllllly.
What the *&%$ Is Up with the Two Designs This Site Seems to Be Sporting?!
Anyway, I wanted to let you know what to expect when you land here. Instead of waiting to copy all of the old pages into the new design (which is taking for friggin’ ever), I decided to move all the old pages over, then put up redirect pages AS they are slipped into the new design. This way, at least you’ll have access to the content.
BUT . . . it is in the old design. So, what that means is you see gorgeous pages in the new design and ugly ones (with the same good content, mind you!) in the old design. That’s just the way it’s going to be for a while.
Jamaica, Lust and Other Musings from My Fried Brain
I went to Jamaica last month for a week with friends. I got more done in a few hours there than a full work day at home. So, why am I mentioning this. . . . Well . . .
I’ll be returning in a couple of weeks. I’m going for three weeks (this is where the lust part comes in . . .) . . . I kinda met someone, so will be returning for that reason . . . and to get a lot of work done on the site. This is one major perk of being an SEO writer — the work flows plentifully, it pays well and I can do it from anywhere.
Three weeks in Jamaica at the drop of a dime . . . no problem Mon!
The Traveling Freelance SEO Writer: Working at Home As Opposed to Working Abroad
Another perk of working abroad (or just away from home period) is that you get more done. When you’re home, the laundry calls, the dinner dishes from last night calls, Jehovah’s Witnesses call (on you during the middle of the day when you’re on deadline and don’t want to see a friggin’ soul!), etc., etc., etc.
So, as I said in yesterday’s post, please be patient with me and this never-ending site design a bit longer. It’s coming along. Besides 1,000 and 1 problems — the lessons of which I’ll definitely blog about when I’m done so hopefully you can avoid my website redesign disaster – I’m enjoying its coming together.
InkwellEditorial.com has been on the web for almost a decade. This is the most extensive redesign we’ve ever undertaken; one I’m most proud of.
I hope you’ll stick around long enough to see it!
Best,
Yuwanda
Inkwell Editorial Has a New Look!
September 1, 2009
Finally – InkwellEditorial.com looks like it belongs in the 21st century!
While I’ve moved in, my new home still needs a lot of work. There are still:
–>Boxes to unpack (files to upload);
–>New furniture to be bought (plugins to be added)
–>Old furniture to be rearranged (files to be renamed/redirected) and
–>New roommates to move in (new resources to be added).
So, please be patient with me a bit longer. I’m getting it together (slowly, slowly).
THANK YOU!
. . . for sticking with me throughout this process. You guys have been so great, still coming back for content when I haven’t posted for months; still digging through old posts to find the info you need; still encouraging me to just hang in there when all I wanted to do was chuck the whole thing (you have no idea how many times I thought about just quitting this site altogether).
I’m getting teary just typing this, cuz I don’t think there are many sites where readers really stick with you through broken links, horrific design, irregular posting, etc.
Just so you know, it’s meant the world to me.
In a way, this break has been good, because it’s allowed me to store up a wealth of material to share with you. I’ll start posting again regularly in a few weeks once I get all the kinks worked out here — and boy do I have some wham doozy posts coming up.
Until then, enjoy the upcoming holiday . . .
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