Freelance Writing Advice: Should You Separate “You” from Your Writing Business
March 2, 2010
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FYI, you can subscribe from any page of the site — see subscription box to the right. Now, on to today’s post …
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A few times in the last couple of weeks, I’ve come face to face with how intimately “I am” New Media Words, my SEO copywriting services firm.
The first thing that brushed me up against this knowledge was receiving four requests for proposals (RFPs) in the last two weeks for search engine optimized content; some also wanted submission services. As I was putting each RFP together, it hit me – yet again – how intricately my persona is tied to my company.
The second thing that highlighted this was a question I received from a new freelance SEO writer. He’s not new to SEO writing, as he’s been doing that for almost a decade. What’s new is the fact that he’s striking out on his own (yeah baby!). He sent me a Twitter DM, asking:
Found another domain. Should I brand myself (eg, johndoewritesseo) or a company (seowritingcorp)?
Note: Info in parenthesis has been changed to protect the sender’s identity.
My answer was:
Depends on how u want to grow. Wanna stay small; brand u. Wanna grow; brand a company. I started off branding me, then formed a company.
Even though I’m a “company”, the brand is still me. And I’m fine with that. Following are the main two reasons why.
Money: I earn as much or more from my SEO expertise as an “individual” as I do as a “company” via my seo writing ebooks and seo copywriting training e-course.
Search Engine Rank: As an individual, I rank well in search engines for industry keywords (eg, “seo writing,” “seo content provider,” and “write seo content”).
Getting to this point was not easy, so I don’t want to dismantle what I’ve accomplished. New Media Words is a small firm. If it never grows beyond where it is now, that’s just fine with me.
And in the end, I think this is what it’s all about – what your desires are. The SEO writer referenced above who contacted me tweeted back:
Thanks! Was thinking along the same lines (personal brand first, then a business brand if I grow large enough). Appreciate it!
One of the reasons I love being my own boss is that I get to mold my business to fit my life, my personality, my being. This is the joy of entrepreneurship.
2 Things to Consider When Trying to Decide Whether to Brand Yourself or Brand a Company
I would have said more to the writer who sent in the question if Twitter didn’t limit users to only 140 characters. I would have told him to consider the following when trying to decide:
1. Write out a one-year and a three-year plan for your life: Why? Because where you want to be personally will guide what you do professionally (or at least it should, in my opinion). And, this changes constantly, which is why I suggest having immediate goals (eg, a one-year plan) and future goals (a three-year plan).
2. Run the numbers: As in, figure out how much you want/need to make a year as an SEO writer to be able to meet your financial obligations – and be happy. This is different for every person. For example, I’m a 40-something year old homeowner with all the bills that come along with it. This requires a certain income level to maintain.
And personally for me to be happy, I like to “take to the friendly skies” and travel. This requires funds over and beyond paying normal, set expenses like a mortgage.
But, if you’re a twenty-something year old who shares a rented apartment with no other “life expenses” (eg, mortgage, homeowners insurance, car insurance, etc.), then you may require less to live on – and to be happy.
Personally, I don’t believe it matters – up to a certain point – whether you brand yourself or a company. If you treat your copywriting business like a business and conduct yourself professionally with each client interaction – you will have no problems acquiring clients for your SEO writing firm.
Just some food for thought this snowy Wednesday afternoon (yes it’s snowing in Atlanta; a wet, barely-stick-to-the-ground snow, but snow nonetheless).
SEO Writing Ecourse News
FYI, the next SEO writing ecourse commences on April 26th. As of today, there are 15 slots remaining. You’ll learn four ways to make money online using your newly acquired skills that will give you financial security. Get full details on the SEO copywriting training this ecourse offers.
Best,
Yuwanda
P.S.: Find this post informative? Follow Inkwell Editorial on Twitter.
P.P.S.: Want an easy, fast way to get started in affiliate marketing, making as much as $50, $100 or $150/day? Get How to Make Money Placing Ads on Free Classified Ad Sites (ie, Backpage.com). If you want to make some easy money promoting affiliate products on free classified ad sites, this ebook is for you. I’ve personally sold tens of thousands of dollars of e-products (my own and affiliate products) doing this since January 2009.
Copyright © 2010: All material on this site is copyright protected and cannot be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without my written consent (linking to is fine).
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“Help please! Am I hurting my chances of SEO success?” Q from an SEO Copywriter Answered
February 16, 2010
Back in early January, I received the following email from a fellow SEO writer. The subject line was “Help please! Am I hurting my chances of SEO success?” So, it got my attention. (Sorry T for taking so long to answer this).
Basically, she was worried that she was possibly losing clients because they felt she was too busy and/or because she worked for the competition. I’ve posted the entire email because it relays how stressed she obviously was about the situation. Of course, her identifying information has been removed. My response follows.
Let me just say up front, prospects won’t ever think of not hiring you because they think you’re too busy. Obviously, if you’re marketing, you want the work so they presume that unless you say otherwise, you can handle it.
The exception is if it’s a really big project and they need it fast, eg, 100 articles in a week. Then, they’ll probably query you about whether you can handle it or not. This is why it’s always a good idea to have the contact info of a few other SEO copywriters on hand, just in case you have to outsource.
FYI, don’t put yourself out there as “just a freelance SEO writer” – not if you want to grow. Operate your SEO writing business like a small business which means, “Of course we (you/your firm) can handle bulk projects.” And, be sure that you build in resources so that you can.
QUESTION FROM AN SEO COPYWRITER
Hi Yuwanda,I know you are currently relaxing somewhere in the tropical confines of Jamaica and are super busy (can you sense my envy? LOL! My husband is actually from Jamaica and it’s been too long since we’ve been back…but I digress), so I will try to make this as quick as possible and please feel free to respond at will.
I just finished corresponding by e-mail with a potential SEO/SEM client who seemed “surprised” that I wrote for a certain SEO company (I’d submitted samples upon request) and they even went so far as to say “So ——- hired you to write these for them? I would have thought they do copywriting themselves from the looks of their site. Are you a regular contractor for them?”
While it sounded like “hateration” on the potential client’s part to me, after confirming that I am a freelancer for that company, I was left feeling like the potential client was taking a dig at my current client (or myself) for using me as a freelancer, but more importantly that I’d inadvertently done something wrong by revealing this info.
On my copywriting site, [her site URL]I currently have samples of blog posts/copy in my portfolio that I’ve done directly for current SEO/SEM companies (these are some of my best samples, as I have only recently graduated to acquiring better paying clients and am still currently developing a more comprehensive portfolio). While this isn’t in violation of any of my NDA’s, I’m sensing that this may be a hindrance of some sort to acquiring new SEO/SEM companies as clients.[Editor Note: For those who don’t know, an NDA is a non-disclosure agreement.]
I’m feeling that maybe some companies are hesitant to hire me because they feel I will be too busy or because I write for the “competition.” I’m not quite sure how to tackle this issue or if it is one at all, since even without the portfolio samples I’ve included, companies will want to see examples of my work and/or my resume (which will include the names of these very same SEO companies) and many who’ve contacted me seem to find my posting of online samples refreshing and helpful.
Could you please let me know if you think that I am potentially hurting or jeopardizing my chances by using (or removing these samples), or in the way I am submitting samples in general? (emphasis added)
P.S. As you will notice, my site is heavily based upon yours. I’ve done this only because in the past you’d stated that you weren’t offended by it (please let me know if I’m wrong on that) and because prior to recently, I’ve ignored the importance of differentiating myself.
So, I say all that to say, please let me know if I am offending you by borrowing heavily from your site’s style (emphasis added) and I will change it immediately. And please know that I am actively incorporating all of your advice in 2010, including branding!
Thanks for your time and please have a cocoa bread and a beef &cheese patty with a Ting for me!
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MY ANSWER
I bolded the sections that highlight what her questions to me are.
QUESTION #1
In answer to the first question — ie, is she hurting or jeopardizing her chances with future clients by using clips from current client projects and/or by submitting samples at all — the short answer is . . . maybe. Why?
Because clients don’t like it when you use the work you’ve done for them to snag other clients. This is why I never do this. And it’s a surprisingly easy thing to fix. Following are two ways to get around this situation.
(i) Create “Like” Samples. Let’s say you write copy for a drug company – and you think it’s some of your best work and you want to use it as a sample – don’t. Instead, create a like sample.
For example, you could create a fictional drug and write about it just like you would a real drug. If it’s a drug that helps with diabetes, talk about it as if it was a real drug. You can use real statistics, draw from real case studies and mention real publications where the “drug” was featured.
Just point out to clients that this is a sample. However, because everything else you’ve used is real, the sample will clearly demonstrate your writing and research ability, as well as your knowledge of the subject matter; in this case, pharmaceuticals.
See what I mean?
(ii) Get Permission: If you do want to use actual client copy in your samples, then get permission from the client. Ask them if it’s okay if you have it as part of your portfolio. Over and beyond asking the client for permission to show the sample request to potential clients, ask them if it’s okay that you list it on your website.
While they may give you permission to send a piece out as a sample when prospects ask for it, they may not want you to put it on your website for all the world to see at any time.
In my opinion, it’s not something you should do.
How I Handle Client Requests for SEO Writing Samples
I’m lucky in that I rarely receive requests for SEO copywriting samples. When I do, I have a few pieces that I send out. Funnily enough, when I first started out, I didn’t even have SEO copy in my portfolio. If you know my story, then you know that I pitched myself as a real estate/mortgage writer primarily. So when I first started marketing for SEO writing work, I just sent along some old articles on those subjects that I had.
One client wrote back saying, “This is nice writing, but it’s not SEO writing.” So I simply rewrote a few articles I had using SEO guidelines (ie, choosing a keyword, optimizing it for 3-5% keyword density, chopping it down to 500 words, etc.).
Over and beyond this, I’ve never had to provide other samples. This is why I tell all new SEO copywriters to create a few samples in each niche they want to target.
Remember, what clients want to know is that you know how to write SEO copy; they don’t care if you’ve worked for X company or Y firm. And to me, this is what makes SEO content writing so easy to get – as long as you can prove you can do the job, and all other factors are okay with a prospect (eg, your SEO writing rates), then you have a good chance of snagging gigs.
How to Handle Writing for Clients Who May Be Competitors
Most SEO writers will never have to deal with this problem, so don’t let it bother you in the least. I’m just touching on this just in case you ever come across it.
As a general rule, if you write for more than one internet marketing firm, then you’re writing for competitors. So what do you do? Offer to sign a nondisclosure agreement. I’ve had exactly two companies ask me to sign one in my three years of writing copy. One of them never even used me (go figure, huh?). The other client I worked with for over two years on a weekly basis– and I still get work from them from time to time.
Note: You are under no obligation to tell prospective clients who your current clients are, unless it’s covered in your NDA. And even then, you don’t have to give specific names.
For example, your NDA might say, you can’t work with our leading competitor in such and such industry. It may even spell out specific companies. THEN, of course it’s okay to divulge. Or if you don’t want to give specific company names, you can simply decline to work with that client.
I have never divulged the names of companies I work with. I simply tell prospective clients about the types of companies I work with, eg, internet marketing firms, real estate companies, computer services firms, etc. And I tell them the types of content I provide, eg, SEO copy for their websites, for article marketing campaigns, for industry blogs, etc.
This is more than sufficient.
SEO Writing Testimonials
On my SEO writing company site, I have testimonials. You’ll notice that most of them list names (usually a first or last name and an initial) and types of firms; not the actual names of the firms. This is because clients want – and expect – confidentiality.
The few testimonials there that list actual names/website URLs are those where the client actually sent in the testimonial, and I asked if I could list it on my site, including their identifying information. I’ve found that most small companies and/or individuals who operate websites tend not to mind giving you permission to list their indentifying information.
Mid-size to large firms do mind.
The bottom line on using client samples/testimonials is to ask permission. If you ask, you can never go wrong because all they can say is yes, or no.
That sums up the first question. Now, on to the second question, which was . . .
QUESTION #2
Please let me know if I am offending you by borrowing heavily from your site’s style. (Thanks T for asking this . . . which gives me the opportunity to explain as it’s happening more and more).
You know, as much as I hate to admit it, it does bother me when others copy my site’s style and wording. Before I offend anyone, please let me explain.
When I say to other SEO writers, “feel free to use my site as a guide,” it never occurred to me that so many would do it so directly. I thought that people who had no idea about how to go about it would borrow some ideas from my site, but go on to put their own imprint on it.
I’ve run across SEO writing sites that look exactly like mine – in words and in design. While borrowing my design doesn’t bother me as much, it really does rankle me when others use my wording – almost verbatim. You are a writer; so to me it’s almost like stealing when you borrow wording so heavily from someone else.
This brings me to a later email from this writer. She wrote:
I will also be editing the copy on my services to reflect my own personal brand, instead of yours. You’ve taught me well, so I can take off the training wheels now (besides the more I thought about, the more I realized that it just didn’t sit well). . . . I’m declaring that 2010 will be the year I make it happen. It’s amazing what you can and will do when you resolve to put on your “big girl panties” and handle business. But you already know this.:)
Hilarious!
As for my site’s design, why anyone would want to copy the site is beyond me. It’s so plain and so simple that really (at the risk of repeating myself), it just never occurred to me that it was worthy of being “copied.”
Since I’ve put it out there though that I don’t mind others using my site “as a guide,” I can’t very well get too upset about it because it is what it is. But, people . . .you can do so much better. My SEO writing site is a reflection of my limited web design abilities. Anyone with even a tiny bit of web design talent can do better – as this writer’s site proves. It’s gorgeous, which makes me jealous.
In conclusion, as the writer here said, you have to “put on your “big girl panties” and handle business” if you want to grow. This is what being a small business owner is all about. At the end of the day, the decisions you make — good or bad – are all yours — and so is all the glory!
SEO Writing Ecourse News
FYI, the next SEO writing ecourse is scheduled for April 26th. As of today, there are 17 slots remaining. Get full details on the SEO copywriting training this ecourse offers. In next week’s post, I’m going to talk about making money with minisites. The little experiment I’ve been conducting is going really well. The SEO writing eocurse teaches you how to use your SEO writing skill to make money in four different ways, one of them being creating minisites. Stay tuned for next week’s post.
Best,
Yuwanda
P.S.: Find this post informative? Follow Inkwell Editorial on Twitter.
P.P.S.: Want an easy, fast way to get started in affiliate marketing, making as much as $50, $100 or $150/day? Get How to Make Money Placing Ads on Free Classified Ad Sites (ie, Backpage.com). If you want to make some easy money promoting affiliate products on free classified ad sites, this ebook is for you. I routinely make $100-$150/day.
Copyright © 2010: All material on this site is copyright protected and cannot be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without my written consent (linking to is fine).
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SEO Copywriting: How to Start This Career While Working a Fulltime Job
February 2, 2010
As is so often the case, this newsletter addresses a question sent in by a loyal reader of InkwellEditorial.com. You guys have no idea how easy it is to write a post when you’re answering a question directly. So if you have more questions, send them in. If it’s “universal” enough, I’ll definitely answer it.
Yesterday, I received the following email. I promised to give the reader a thorough answer today, so here goes (I’ve disguised some details to protect her identity) Note: This post is over 1,800 words long so settle in for a good, informative read.
Hello Yuwanda,
I understand that you are busy. And you may not respond to this message. However, I thought I would just throw it out there. This may be a topic that appeals to a lot of part-time freelance writers.
I work a full time job [in the hospitality industry]. So, it is very stressing, I try not to take things personally. . . I am on the phone with a guest for 5 minutes because they only hear what they want to hear. I play all the tricks of the trade; put a pink cloud, kill them with kindness, hold your blue rock, etc, etc. And still no budge! By the time I finished my 8 hour shift I am mentally drained and just want to clear my mind from all the negativity.
I know Seo articles [writing SEO content) is the way to get [freelance writing] clients in the door. However, you say write 10 a day. I can’t wait for the day that I can do that with ease. I really want to quit my job because I am like you: Type A personality, wanting to dance to my own tune, travel and write, etc, etc. I know if I jump right in I will be a success, but I have to be practical, because I have no savings. If it wasn’t for my SCORE mentor, I would have taken the leap already, but he keeps me in check.
You say you are going to work 10-12 hour days, I can’t wait to the day I can do that as well. I am curious to know if you will be willing to share exactly what you do for 10-12 hours a day. (emphasis added) I have [a couple of days during the week] off from my job. However, I use that time for Networking (takes more time since I gave up my car and bussing it everywhere). So, it will be very helpful for me to find out how to structure my 10- 12 hour days with my limited availability.
I understand that you are busy, but as always thank you for all of your time and knowledge. You are truly an inspiration to me and other writers as well.
Thank You
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First let me say to this reader, I appreciate you being such a loyal reader of the site and am inspired to keep doing what I do because it inspires others like you to reach for their dreams.
Now, to answer your question.
As an SEO copywriter, my days have changed dramatically from when I first started doing SEO writing. That’s because I’m working towards different goals, which I’ve talked about on many occasions here and on my SEO writing blog (see section entitled “Personal Freelance Writing Goals for 2010: On Track, or Not?”).
A Day in the Life of a Successful SEO Copywriter: An Hour-by-Hour Rundown
I covered what my days used to look like when I first started writing SEO content in a blog I used to write for back in 2008. I started to rewrite this content, but figured that linking out to it is better because I was “in the fire” then, so to speak. Hence, I probably had greater clarity then. The post is A Day in the Life of an SEO Writer.
One thing I want to point out is that marketing for SEO writing work was the first thing I did each day. This is particularly important when you are just starting out because, as with any new venture, marketing is going to eat up the bulk of your time. In fact, it should take up 50%-75% of your work day.
If you don’t have clients, all of the other “busy stuff” you may preoccupy yourself with doesn’t mean a hill of beans because without clients, it’s all for naught.
So make marketing the first thing you do every day. And, commit to a certain number. When I first started, I made contact with at least 20 new contacts a day. The busier I got, the more I cut back. Now, I may market once a quarter (maybe) – literally. Why? For three reasons:
Why I Barely Market for SEO Writing Work Anymore
I. I Have Steady Clients: I have about 30 clients I work with; about a dozen of them are very regular. This keeps me busy enough to pay my bills, but not so busy that I don’t have time to concentrate on other work, which brings me to the second reason I barely market for SEO writing jobs anymore . . .
II. Retiring from Writing Client Copy: As I previously discussed in this post (which is the one I linked to above about freelance writing goals), by the end of the year, my goal is to retire from actually writing for clients and step into a full managerial role at New Media Words, my SEO writing firm. This has been a dream for the last few years . . .one I’m doing everything in my power to make come true by the end of this year.
I currently contract with four SEO writers, but I still do a lot of writing myself. My days can be really, really crazy with everything on my plate . . . which brings me to the last reason marketing for SEO writing work is not a top priority these days.
III. Hands in Many Pies: I have my hand in so many projects, it’s ridiculous. For example, I co-author books with my sister, who has a real estate services line of ebooks.
I conduct freelance writing ecourses (SEO and regular freelance writing);
I produce two weekly newsletters;
I write and market my own line of ebooks on freelance writing;
I do affiliate marketing; and
I build minisites as passive income.
This is in addition to writing for clients.
But I’m too scattered. Once I’m no longer writing content for clients, I can get my professional (and personal!) house more in order. I have a list of projects I want to finish and some I want to start within the next two years (I have three and five-year plans I constantly update).
But, I can’t add anything else to my plate right now. Realizing this (and my dream of travelling more) is what really made me push my date for retiring from writing for clients up. Something just had to give if I was going to realize other dreams.
Why My Schedule as an SEO Copywriter May Not Work for You
I’m single and I don’t have children. So I can literally work around the clock if I want to. So don’t get discouraged if you’re thinking, “I can’t possibly keep up.” You can. You just have to find a schedule that works for you.
An Inspirational Story of “Making It Work Because You Have To”
I have several girlfriends who are single moms. One went back to nursing school in her early 40s, right after she had her son. She was broke, with patchy childcare and she had a job. But, she found a way to go to school.
She said she’d get up at 4 am to study every morning; two hours before she had to get her son up to take him to the baby sitter’s, or pre-school (once he got old enough).
I couldn’t study chemistry and biology at 21 with enough sleep and no child responsibilities. Can you imagine:
Working at a minimum wage job you hated;
Then going to class (and staying focused);
Then picking up your child from day care, feeding and caring for them;
Then sitting down to study for an hour or two after you tucked them in . . .
AND getting up and doing it all over again – for four years (it took her that long to finish because she had a child) – averaging four to five hours of sleep per night, if you’re lucky?
My girlfriend used to say, “I have to make it work Yuwanda; I have no choice. No one else is going to take care of me and my son and I can’t make it on minimum wage.” Now, she has a cushy job in a plastic surgeon’s office where she works banker’s hours … and she makes a very good salary.
And this is why to me, single moms (scratch that, single parents) are God’s angels on earth. I literally don’t know how you all do it, but my hat (and scarf, and gloves, and pants, and shoes and underplunders!) are off to you. You make the rest of us look like lazy slobs!
My point is, if you want it bad enough, you will make it work.
Earlier today, before I sat down to write this post, I received this email from another reader of the site. It dovetailed with the first reader’s question so well, that I know that this post was meant to be (I believe God works in mysterious ways, and this was an issue that obviously needed addressing).
More Questions from Another Reader about SEO Writing
She wrote:
I’m considering purchasing your SEO Article Writing ebook. With your system for getting seo content writing jobs:
Could someone working full-time use the system? You mentioned that you received a request for 10 articles that were completed in 5 hours. Not sure how I would handle this working full-time. When working with these SEO firms, are you able to refuse assignments without penalty?
###
To answer her questions:
Could someone working full-time use the system [outlined in my SEO writing ebook]?
Yes, if you’re employed full time you can use the system I outline in my ebook to start out part time. You just have to realize how much work you can take on . . .and still meet deadlines. In the beginning though, you might have to burn some midnight oil. For example, if a client says they want 10 articles in 24 hours, you might say, “That’s a little tight, I can have them to you in 48 hours though.”
For the record, most don’t expect a 24 hour turnaround. 48-72 hours is perfectly acceptable.
24-hour turnaround is a tactic I used to use all the time though to hook clients. I wanted them to use me again, so I’d work through the night to get an article order done if I had to. But again, I’m single; I don’t have children. Only you know your limits.
When working with these SEO firms, are you able to refuse assignments without penalty?
This depends on the client. Just starting out, you’re going to want to say yes to most clients simply because you don’t want to give the impression that you can’t handle the workload.
Clients don’t “penalize you;” they just may not call on you again (which many may consider a penalty). The only reason I turned down work in the beginning was if someone couldn’t meet my SEO writing rate.
I’ll talk more about this tomorrow in the post on SeoWritingJobs.com. This post has run on long enough, and I’m dying for a glass of wine.
I hope I’ve given you enough food for thought though, and shed some light on what life is like as an SEO copywriter.
SEO Writing Ecourse News
FYI, the next SEO writing ecourse is scheduled for April 26th. I’ve upped the limit on the number of participants from 15 to 20. Get full details on the SEO copywriting training this ecourse offers.
Best,
Yuwanda
P.S.: Find this post informative? Follow Inkwell Editorial on Twitter.
P.P.S.: Want an easy, fast way to get started in affiliate marketing, making as much as $50, $100 or $150/day? Get How to Make Money Placing Ads on Free Classified Ad Sites (ie, Backpage.com). If you want to make some easy money promoting affiliate products on free classified ad sites, this ebook is for you. I routinely make $100-$150/day.
Copyright © 2010: All material on this site is copyright protected and cannot be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without my written consent (linking to is fine).
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How & Why to Effectively Market Your Freelance Writing Business Using Free Press Releases
November 23, 2009
The post, Recession Proof Income: Online Entrepreneurs Raking in Hundreds (Sometimes Thousands) of Dollars a Day, is a press release. I use these from time to time to promote this site and some of my niche websites.
It’s a very effective form of marketing — that I’m embarrassed to say I don’t utilize enough. Mainly, it’s a time crunch thing. As in, I do a lot of article marketing. Each of these could easily be turned into press releases, but it’d probably take 20 minutes to half an hour to revise each article into press release format.
How to Write a Press Release; Press Release Writing Tips
FYI, if you don’t know, learn how to write a press release that the media will really be interested in. The number one thing to remember here is that the media doesn’t care about you, your product or your service.
They care about serving their viewership — giving their viewers insight/information into solving a problem they have. If your product/service just happens to do that – then they’ll be interested. If it doesn’t – no matter how well crafted it is – they won’t be interested.
Keep this in mind as you write, and you’ll stand a chance of making it newsworthy (always the goal!).
How I Use Press Releases to Grow My Freelance Writing Business
Obviously, press releases keep your name in front of the media. But really, I don’t even do it for that (to get media coverage). I use them for three other reasons (besides the media coverage):
(i) SEO Press Releases: Press releases are just content written in a certain format. But, they are indexed just like any other content. So when I write a press release, I write with SEO in mind; I write “SEO press releases”;
(ii) Writing Samples to Attract Higher Paying Clients: The press releases I produce serve this kind of writing sample. You can land higher paying clients when you know how to write (and distribute) PR pieces.
I charge $150 to write press releases (this is about to increase; all my rates are going to in January). It takes me about an hour to write one, depending on the client.
Sometimes clients will have an idea of how they want you to slant a release. If not, I’m a pretty quick study in coming up with ideas. Remember, I’ve been at this for years and have written hundreds (if not a few thousand) releases.
(iii) Prestige: Being quoted in a press release gives your business prestige. If you post them on your site (in the “Media” category; a page I have to create for this site), when prospects come, they’ll be impressed by the fact that you have a “Media” page.
Believe me, subconsciously, this ups your value immensely because you’re immediately thought of as a professional writing firm/writer (if everything else on the site says this also).
Using Free Press Releasese Can Lead to Media Coverage
Finally, I do write (SEO) press releases with the idea of getting media coverage in mind. The fact that I have a “shot at” being interviewed/quoted by a media source is icing on the cake.
When I ran my ethnic furnishings business a few years ago, I got media coverage relatively easy because my products were unique.
As a freelance writer, it’s rare that you’re “unique.” When I write press releases for my freelance writing products and services, I keep current events in mind (eg, career training, telecommuting, work from home, PT job, etc.). These are all topics that can be explored that you can be quoted on in a press release as a freelance writer.
After all, you telecommute, maybe started PT, maybe had to be trained in this discipline, etc. This is good news fodder.
Even one line/quote in/on/from a mainstream media outlet can bring a ton of freelance writing work your way. So yeah, it’s worth it! And if this never happens, you have the other reasons cited here to write and distribute free press releases (don’t forget the distribute part!).
So, get busy using this marketing method. After all, promoting your freelance writing business via press releases is FREE – the best form of marketing!
Happy Thanksgiving and I’ll see you back here next Tuesday (still nibbling on Turkey, I’m sure!).
Yuwanda
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P.P.S.: Want to start making money from home as a freelance writer? Visit our freelance writing bookstore for informative info on everything from freelance writing ecourses to how to make passive income with your writing skill.
P.P.P.S.: The SEO Copywriting Training Ecourse is Filling Up; 9 Spots Left for the Jan 25th Class.
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SEO Copywriter Success Story: Living the Dream
October 20, 2009
In the last post here, I promised you an update on SEO Mary, a freelance SEO writer who was (is) kind enough to let us follow her foray into SEO writing – ie, why she started, how she landed her first clients, how she learned about SEO, the problems she encountered with difficult clients, etc.
Read her story from the beginning here (it’s a hilarious, insightful case study on SEO writing you’re sure to enjoy): Part I; Part II; Part III; Part IV; Part V; Part VI; Part VII. Now, on to the surprising news.
SEO Mary Part VIII: Making Changes
No one could have been more surprised than I was to get the following email. I’ll discuss in a bit why the news surprised me – although I really shouldn’t have been. Last week, I received the following email from SEO Mary:
Note: Some text has been bolded and italicized and subtitles have been added, but the text of the email is exactly what she sent in.
SEO Mary Sends a Surprising Email
Hello from “SEO Mary.” Good morning, Yuwanda. I’ve been meaning to e-mail you for about a month, but 
decided to wait until you returned from Jamaica. I want to give you (and perhaps your readers) an update.
I’m now working full-time as an SEO content writer. Have been so for about a month. I finally left my full-time job and I couldn’t be happier. Even in THIS economy.
It was just . . . time to leave my employer. I’ve been miserable ever since I started there. Miserable, as in crying as I saw the building rise up on the crest of the hill as I drove in to work. I spoke with my husband and he knew how unhappy he was. I’ve been working part-time with (source was named) and, while the volume wasn’t as much as I would like, took the leap of faith and quit the dreaded “day job” in early September.
Leaving a Job She Truly Hated – Even When She Was the Main Breadwinner of Her Family
And, here’s the kicker, I was the main breadwinner for my family of three! My husband is working in a seasonal job and it does not pay a living wage.
Regardless, I’m not worried. I know SEO writing is THE niche for me. I get up every day rarin’ to go. I love my life right now.
Ahhh, She Makes Me Blush!
And I owe it all to you. If I hadn’t found your blog many years ago and then watched as you discovered SEO writing, wrote your e-book, etc. two years ago, I wouldn’t be here today. I also had researched SEO article writing and saw the low pay. But with your book, and following what you did exactly (do what the successful people do, is my motto), I’m now growing my business and will undoubtedly be able to support my family within six months.
Any success I may earn all started with you. You have changed my life for the MUCH better!
I’m thinking of starting a blog on my journey from working for someone else to leaping from it in this poor economy and going on to support my family. When I do, I’ll send you the link so that your readers may watch my progress.
### [END OF EMAIL]
Why SEO Mary’s Email Took Me by Surprise
Quite frankly, most people don’t have the courage to make the leap. I’ve seen this sooooooo many times. For those of us who have previously worked for someone else and now make a full-time living as freelance writers (or any type of business) – we know how freeing this feeling is.
And, we try to explain to others that you just have to . . . well, take the bull by the horns and just do it. Make a plan, of course. I’m not advocating simply up and quitting your job. But most people stay stuck and use every excuse in the book to stay stuck – out of fear.
In a later correspondence with SEO Mary, she wrote:
“I’m So Happy Now”
. . . you’re so right — I am so happy now. I am so glad I did this. In fact, my parents are ailing . . . and I’m heading out . . . for two weeks next week [to see them].
Have the Time to Attend to What’s REALLY Important – Family
I had planned to do this at the day job, but — oh the hassle of asking for FMLA. Plus, FMLA is unpaid. Now, I can work some. Also, I had planned on taking just one week of FMLA. Now I have the freedom to go for two weeks, and I may go again next month.
Note: While SEO Mary is going to visit her ailing parents, I went to Jamaica for three weeks. The point is, this career allows you the freedom to do what’s important to you.
The Bottom Line on Freelancing as An SEO Writer (Or Any Type of FT Freelance Career)
“Experts” can preach until the cows come home. We can give you systems, processes and advice that have worked for us. BUT, nothing happens until you make it happen. And, there are no guarantees. There never is with any type of business.
But if you’re really sick and tired of living the way you’ve been living, the only way to get something different is to do something different.
Here’s wishing SEO Mary good luck and if/when she sends in another update and/or a link to a blog she told me she was working on about her SEO writing journey, of course I’ll share it with you.
Want to Start a Career as an SEO Writer?
We have three products in this niche – all for various skill sets and groups.
Inkwell Editorial SEO Writing Product #1: How to Make $250+/Day Writing Simple, 500-Word Articles. Read case studies and testimonials of others who’ve duplicated my success using the exact steps I outline.
This ebook is for wannabe or existing freelance writers who want to add this skill to their portfolio of services.
Inkwell Editorial SEO Writing Product #2: How to Write SEO Copy That Sells: An SEO Copywriting Training Manual for Small Business. Read a 13-page preview of what this SEO copywriting training guide contains.
For small business owners and/or freelance writers who need a step-by-step guide to how to write SEO copy. There is no marketing portion to this guide. It differs from the one mentioned above in that it is teaches you how to train your staff (or yourself) to write SEO copy.
Inkwell Editorial SEO Writing Product #3: SEO Copywriting Ecourse.
This ecourse is for those who: (i) are new to freelance writing and/or who’ve never even heard of the acronym “SEO;” and (ii) new or existing freelance writers who want to learn – from the ground up – how to write SEO content and run a fast-paced freelance writing business.
You’ll learn how to handle clients, a full marketing plan you can hit the ground running with, how to price services and more. In short, it’s for those who feel they need some intense handholding initially, but are ready to fly with the right information, secure in the knowledge that that they can handle whatever comes their way.
FREE Report. Learn SEO: 6 Reasons SEO Copywriting Is a High-Paying, Work-from-Home Career (pdf file).
Next Tuesday’s Post: Next week I’ll discuss some “recessionary” marketing tactics for freelance writers.
Best,
Yuwanda
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SEO Copywriting Services: Is This Niche Becoming Too Crowded?
October 14, 2009
Recently, I received an email from an SEO writer about the business. She brought up some interesting points that I receive queries about a lot – especially from newbies.
I responded to her personally, but as a lot of this site’s posts come from questions readers send in, I wanted everyone to benefit from the correspondence, so following are my [modified] responses to her.
SEO Copywriting Services: Is This Niche Becoming Too Crowded?
The freelancer who wrote in asked me if the SEO writing niche is as wide open as it was two years ago.
I answered:
In my opinion, the field is as wide open, but it is maturing. This means more professionals are entering the field, which makes competition for jobs stiffer.
HOWEVER, we are so early into SEO (I still have to explain it to more than half of the new clients I get) that this field will be wide open for at least the next 5-10 years. The reason is, many who are online still use the web just to send email, perhaps interact on Facebook and make travel/dinner reservations.
When it comes to higher-end use like setting up a blog, publishing ebooks, listening to podcasts and even Twittering, most people’s eyes glaze over – they have no idea what you’re talking about.
Why SEO Copywriting Writing Is an Advanced Skill That You Can Capitalize On
Never forget how much more ADVANCED you are as a web writer than most. If you don’t believe me, ask your friends and family who use a computer about some of the things listed above. Ask specifically about SEO. I’ll be that the vast majority will go blank, especially when you query them about SEO.
Why You Shouldn’t Worry about the SEO Copywriting Niche Becoming “Oversaturated”
Therefore, as an “early adapter,” you have the upper hand; a chance to make your mark and differentiate yourself before the field becomes oversaturated. FYI, this is something I don’t think you need to ever worry about as an SEO copywriter.
SEO writing is a skill. And much like many other professionals in crowded fields (eg, real estate agents and recruiters), it’s how YOU run your business that determines your success; not how “crowded” a field is. Otherwise, I’d never make a sale as an ebook writer.
Marketing Your SEO Copywriting Services: How Many Responses Should I Expect When I Query
The freelancer who wrote in said she was worried about her query to response rate. She wanted to know what she was “doing wrong.”
I answered:
This is the busy season for editorial (eg, freelance [SEO] writers, web developers, bloggers, etc.). HOWEVER, we are still in a recession (despite what economic experts have said recently). This means businesses are evaluating every dollar they spend, so you have to send out more queries to land the same number of clients as you did w/ fewer queries before.
The fact that you’re landing new clients (she was averaging about one every 10 days or so — which is phenomenal by the way) demonstrates that there is a lot of business out there. As I say in the post, Freelance (SEO) Writing: Do You Have What It Takes to Succeed? When NOT to Take the Plunge, “. . . this is where you really become a bona fide entrepreneur. You face a situation, figure out a solution and move forward . . .”
SEO Copywriting Services: Two Ways to Land More Clients
Note: This freelancer had purchased my ebook on SEO copywriting more than a year ago.
1. Change the marketing letter up: While it definitely works (as you’ve experienced), personalize it; make it yours. Again, make your business . . . your business. My ebook definitely started you down the right path, now it’s time to start growing as a small business owner. And that means taking chances on trying new things.
Some will work out; some won’t. But you’ll learn from each success and failure. And, this is what entrepreneurship is all about. Again, read the post Freelance (SEO) Writing: Do You Have What It Takes to Succeed? When NOT to Take the Plunge.
I reference this post again because I received some heartfelt responses to it touching on how it has helped some to “push through their fears” and look for solutions to their small business (which is what freelance writing is) problems.
2. Target a niche: For example, when I first started, I used my experience in the mortgage/real estate industry to target different clients. If you don’t have a niche, simply create one by writing 4 or 5 sample articles to add to your portfolio, then target businesses within that niche. You can even set up a separate website (eg, SEOMortgageWriter.com (just a sample; not an actual site)).
I’m a big believer in the concept of “nicheing it to success.” This gives you a leg up on the competition (at least in that particular niche) and once client use you to write one kind of copy, they usually contract with you to write other stuff as well. I’m sure you’ve experienced this.
SEO Copywriting: Why This Profession Is High-Paying & Growing
This profession is growing by leaps and bounds. Proof? According to the January 2009 article on BusinessWeek.com, Web Work: Searching for Hitmakers:
The number of SEO jobs listed on Indeed.com, a help-wanted site, grew 20% in 2008 . . . Salaries range from $30,000 to well into six figures [I can attest personally to this] . . .
The same article goes on to state that the type of talent sought were [SEO/Online] Strategists, Link Builders . . . and of course, SEO Copywriters.
Why SEO Copywriters & Other Web Professionals Are Sought-After Talent
SEO and other web professionals are sought after for three reasons in my opinion:
(i) there is a paucity of real talent in this niche (again, it’s still very new);
(ii) web marketing is cheaper than traditional marketing (eg, newspapers, radio), so more companies are using it; and
(iii) it’s easy for advertisers to track their results and change their campaigns if they’re not getting the ROI they expect (this again makes it a very attractive marketing medium).
Providing SEO Copywriting Services: Some Final Thoughts
SEO copywriting is no different from any other business, ie:
It is sensitive to the economy – which means you have to market more to bring in the business;
It matures as a profession – which means you have to be creative in how you market to bring in the business; and
It is a BUSINESS – which means you have to treat it like one and not back down from the challenges that providing SEO copywriting services presents.
P.S.: Next Week’s Post. Remember SEO Mary? Read her entire story to date via the links below. I have an exciting update on her story coming next Tuesday. You won’t believe what she went and did! Stay tuned.
The Story of SEO Mary: Part I; Part II; Part III; Part IV; Part V; Part VI; Part VII
P.P.S.: Updating InkwellEditorial.com. FYI, for right now, I’ll be updating this site once a week. I intend to post more probably at the beginning of the new year. I still have a lot of loose ends with the site redesign to tie up (you’ll see what I mean when you click on the links above to read about SEO Mary). AND, I’m super swamped with other revenue streams (eg, the SEO Copywriting Training course) and client projects.
Enjoy the week everybody, and I’ll see you back here next Tuesday.
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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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.
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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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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).
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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
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