PREFACE

I decided to write this ebook because, as a freelance writer since 1993, and a search engine optimization (SEO) copywriter since 2007, I get a lot of questions from fellow freelancers about what to expect from SEO writing clients.

 Ease the anxiey of interacting with clients for only $6.99. [See all Inkwell Editorial Titles that Help You Live the Freelance Life!]

Learn more about me on the About page here on this site.

Template Answers Right at Your Fingertips!

Most of these are questions I’ve received from actual freelance SEO writers since 2007. You can use the in-depth answers as “cut-and-paste templates” when you respond to clients – whether via email or phone.

Terrified New SEO Writers

New freelancers particularly seemed scared to death of client interaction.

As SEO is considered somewhat of a technical form of writing, it’s understandable to be a little freaked out if you’re new to the niche.

Because SEO is a constantly changing field, it can take some time to understand the concepts around it and to get comfortable speaking the language of this niche (eg, keywords, keyword density, anchor text, organic search, etc.).

An SEO Writing Reference Guide

So this ebook will serve as a handy “SEO writing reference guide,” if you will – for new SEO writers and those who just want somewhere they can go to get answers to the questions they’re most likely to receive from clients when they start this type of freelance writing career.

Where to Get Answers to Your SEO Writing Questions

Also within, I’ll give a step-by-step tutorial on how to find answers to questions you may have that are not covered within. I’ll also share some insight on how to handle it when a client simply stumps you, ie, you’re put on the spot and you literally can’t find an answer.

The following questions are answered – in depth – in this e-guide.

1. We’d like to speak with someone [via phone] about our SEO article writing needs. Can you get back to us and let us know how/when this can be arranged?

2. How much do you charge to write SEO content?

3. Do you offer a bulk rate if we order more than a certain number of articles?

4. What’s your turnaround time [for producing content]?

5. Do you write the content or do you outsource it?

6. Does/will the copyright belong to us?

7. What about edits/rewrites?

8. Do you provide the keywords or do we?

9. How much additional if we want you to do keyword research?

10. What do you need as far as direction? Is a list of topics and/or keywords enough, or do you prefer more guidance?

11. Do you accept PayPal?

12. What are your payment terms?

13. How many keywords (aka “keys”, “keyword phrases”) do you need to get started?

14. Can you/will you upload the copy for us to XYZ site?

15. Will you distribute the copy for us (eg, to article marketing directories, free press release sites, etc.)?

16. What is article marketing?

17. What’s the difference between a blog post and a regular SEO article or regular web page?

18. Will you put in the anchor text for us?

19. How much would it cost if we want a longer article than the one stipulated on your website?

20. We’d like to hire you to provide ongoing content for our site, eg, one article per week. Can you bill us monthly?

21. Can you forward some writing samples in our niche? Or, can you write an article on ABC (our niche) so we can see if you’re capable of handling our content needs?

22. Can you write articles on ABC subject?

23. Can/will you rewrite/edit existing content we have that we want to repurpose?

24. Can you set us up an account at XYZ site?

25. Will the content you write be 100% original?

26. What do we need to do to get started?

 Ease the anxiey of interacting with clients for only $6.99. [See all Inkwell Editorial Titles that Help You Live the Freelance Life!]

This ebook is for new internet marketers, eg:

Newbies trying to make money blogging;

Or trying their hand at affiliate marketing;

Or ebook writers/self-publishers who want to sell more ebooks;

Or website owners who want more traffic;

Or in short, anyone who wants to make money online – but are utterly and completely lost as to where to start and how to go about it.

If this sounds like you, then the information here can help. Why/how? Because it covers the foundational elements you need to know to start making money online.

 Learn how to start your internet marketing career — and live life on your own terms — for only $9.95. [See all Inkwell Editorial Titles that Help You Live the Freelance Life!]

Many newbies flounder for years – and some sadly give up on ever making money online – because they never take the time to learn the foundation of how to make money on the web.

Once you understand how the web works – and some of the tech speak around it is simplified – it is much easier to put together a proactive plan to start making money (good money!) online.

How Learning the Basics of SEO / Internet Marketing Has Helped Me to Make My Living Completely Online Since 2007

I’ve been a freelance writer since 1993. In 2007, my career took off when I learned how to do SEO (search engine optimization) writing. Why? Because learning SEO writing taught me the intricacies of how the web works; specifically, how search engines find and rank sites.

Once I realized that my writing was helping clients to push (and keep) their sites to the top of search engines, I thought, “I can use this knowledge to do the same for my sites!” And I did, by creating and growing three primary income streams, which are:

(i) Writing and self-publishing my own ebooks;

(ii) Doing affiliate marketing for products produced by others; and

(iii) Niche website publishing, ie, minisite income from Google AdSense.

I’ve been able to make my living completely online since 2007. And, it all started with learning the basics of search engine optimization; the very same information discussed in this ebook. Once I had this foundational knowledge under my belt, it opened up a whole new world of possibilities. I branched out from “just” writing for clients to building my own diverse, virtual business.

Be Free to Live the Life You Want to Live

And this is freeing, because I know that no matter what happens, I can make a living on the web – from anywhere I please (as long as there’s an internet connection); and I do. I split my time between my primary residence in the states (I’m American), and Negril, Jamaica.

I don’t have to report to an office;

I don’t have to put up with a boss I don’t like;

I don’t have to commute;

I don’t have to ask for time off for vacation, sick days, etc.

My time is my own. And, this is liberating in more ways than one. How/why? Because so many barriers are moved.

Remove the “Isms” from Your Life

My race (racism) doesn’t matter

My age (ageism) doesn’t matter;

My education (elitism) level doesn’t matter; and

My gender (sexism) doesn’t matter.

The only thing that matters is that I can produce and know how to market online. You can learn how to do the same.

Here’s to your internet marketing success!

Yuwanda

P.S.: Following is a Complete Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE, Page 4

Who This Ebook Is For, Page 5

How Learning the Basics of SEO / Internet Marketing Has Helped Me to Make My Living Completely Online Since 2007, Page 4

PART I: MY 3 STREAMS OF ONLINE INCOME, Page 5

PART II: INTERNET MARKETING – DEFINITIONS OF COMMON TERMS, Page 6

Common Internet Marketing Abbreviations & Terms, Page 6

Trusted Sources to Find Definitions of Internet Marketing Terms You Don’t Know, Page 7

PART III: WHAT IS SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION (SEO)?, Page 8

What Is a Search Engine?, Page 8

How Search Engines Work, Page 8

How Search Engines Find and Rank Sites, Page 10

PART IV: HOW TO MAKE YOUR SITE SEARCH ENGINE FRIENDLY, Page 11

PART V: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT INTERNET MARKETING, Page 19

Should I register a domain name for my company blog, or is using a free service like blogger ok?, Page 19

What’s the easiest way to start making money online?, Page 20

What’s the best way to market to start making money online?, Page 20

3 Questions That Help You Clarify Your Internet Marketing Strategy, Page 20

How much of an advertising budget should I start with in order to make money online?, Page 21

My Monthly Internet Marketing Budget: What I Spend to Make Money Online, Page 21

I’ve heard about something called the duplicate content penalty? What is it?, Page 22

Will article marketing trigger the duplicate content penalty?, Page 23

PART VI: A SHOESTRING INTERNET MARKETING STRATEGY THAT EARNS MONEY FOR EVERY INTERNET MARKETER, Page 24

PART VII: SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING – THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK FOR INTERNET MARKETERS, Page 29

Social Media Marketing Advice for New Internet Marketers, Page 29

PART VIII: WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED AS AN INTERNET MARKETER, Page 31

PART IX: HOW I MAKE MONEY ONLINE: EXAMPLES THAT HELP YOU SEE HOW YOU TOO CAN EARN MONEY ON THE WEB, Page 33

Income Stream #1: Writing and Self-Publishing Ebooks/E-Courses, Page 33

Why Good Search Engine Ranking Means Dollars in Your Pocket, Page 35

Income Stream #2: Affiliate Marketing, Page 36

Affiliate Earnings: How It Changed My Life (Debt Freedom!), Page 36

How I Started to Make Good Money Online as an Affiliate Marketer, Page 36

5 Lessons about Affiliate Marketing Every Newbie Should Know, Page 37

Income Stream #3: Niche Minisites, Page 39

Google AdSense: What It Is and How to Make Money Online with It, Page 40

How to Get Google Ads on Your Site, Page 40

3 Lessons about Publishing Niche Websites Every Newbie Should Know, Page 41

PART X: HOW LEARNING SEO CHANGED MY LIFE — AND CAN CHANGE YOURS TOO, Page 43

Be Free to Live the Life You Want to Live, Page 43

Remove the “Isms” from Your Life, Page 43

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Page 44

 Start making money online today for only $9.95. [See all Inkwell Editorial Titles that Help You Live the Freelance Life!]

Get the Kindle edition of this ebook.

About the Author’s SEO Writing Experience

My name is Yuwanda Black, and I’m the founder of New Media Words (NewMediaWords.biz), an SEO writing firm.

I publish a blog about SEO writing; developed and teach an SEO Copywriting Training course (see SeoWritingJobs.com for details about both), and have written two best-selling ebooks on the subject, eg, How to Write SEO Copy That Sells; and How to Make $250+/Day — Or More — Writing Simple, 500-Word Articles.

ABOUT SEO WRITING

While it’s been around for more than a decade as of this writing (Summer 2011), it’s still a relatively new niche in freelance writing; a well-paying one, I might add. I found it so lucrative that I changed the whole focus of my freelance career to offering this kind of content almost exclusively.

Why SEO Content Writing Is So Much Fun

I’ve written on everything from wedding cake toppers to oil drilling equipment. This is what makes this type of writing so fun. You never get bored because you’re constantly writing about something new.

Why SEO Writing Is Evergreen & Lucrative

The fact is, if you want to get found on the web, you need SEO content. And, this is what makes this form of writing evergreen and lucrative (if you know how to market and charge for it).

The ebook, How to Make $250+/Day Writing Simple, 500-Word Articles, details how to do just this. It’s the blueprint I used to launch my SEO writing career, and one many others have used effectively as well. You can read tons of testimonials on that page.

How Knowing How to Write SEO Content Can Make You Money in a Number of Ways

I use my SEO writing skills to make money online in a number of ways. Two of the most lucrative are promoting my own line of ebooks and creating niche websites for passive income. Knowing how to write SEO content makes me much more successful than I ever dreamed I could be as a web entrepreneur.

Now that you know a bit more about my experience as an SEO writer, let’s get to how this ebook can help you.

Who This Ebook Can Help

This ebook is for those who may be thinking about starting an SEO writing career, but want a better understanding of what this type of copy looks like, the key concepts around it and how to write it.

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Unsolicited Testimonials

Wow! Thank you so much for recommending the e-book. It has much more info than I expected, especially for the price. If I had known about this earlier, it could have saved me many headaches (and dollars). I’ve only browsed through it so far but I’m printing it out now to read on my lunch break this evening. 

Why SEO Writing Is Not Hard – Really!

SEO copy is not difficult to understand or create, but many are confused by some of the technicalities around it. Once they see a completely laid out article, they’re usually like, “Oh, that’s it.”

And yeah, it is.

Some experts say that more than 60% of us are visual learners, so that’s why I put this ebook together. This way you can SEE what an SEO article looks like, which helps you to better understand all of the tech language around it.

Once you get past this “tech speak,” you will have no problems comprehending how to write SEO content.

In this ebook, first I’ll explain what SEO writing is; then we’ll define some common terminology associated with this trade. After this, we’ll get into some particulars about how to write the copy, then we’ll get to the actual samples.

Following is a complete table of contents.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I: INTRODUCTION

About the Author’s SEO Writing Experience: Page 6

Why SEO Content Writing Is So Much Fun: Page 6

Why SEO Writing Is Evergreen & Lucrative: Page 6

How Knowing How to Write SEO Content Can Make You Money in a Number of Ways: Page 6

Who This Ebook Can Help: Page 7

Why SEO Writing Is Not Hard – Really! Page 7

PART II: ABOUT SEO WRITING

What Is SEO Writing? SEO Copywriting Explained: Page 8

The Power of Knowing How to Write SEO Content: 3 Spots on the First Page of Google: Page 10

10 Common SEO Writing Terms Defined: Page 11

The 5 Places Keywords Should Appear in Copy: Page 18

SEO Copywriting Made Easy: An SEO Writing Template You Can Use: Page 18

PART III: 10 SEO WRITING SAMPLES

SEO Writing Sample #1: Page 20

SEO Writing Sample #2: Page 23

SEO Writing Sample #3: Page 25

SEO Writing Sample #4: Page 27

SEO Writing Sample #5: Page 29

SEO Writing Sample #6: Page 31

SEO Writing Sample #7: Page 33

SEO Writing Sample #8: Page 35

SEO Writing Sample #9: Page 37

SEO Writing Sample #10: Page 39

PART IV: CONCLUSION

Free SEO & Internet Marketing Report: Page 42

ENDMATTER: Page 43

Only $6.99

Get the Kindle edition of this ebook.

I’m Ready to Place My Order So I Can Get Started Now. $44.95

What if I told you that 30-60 days from now, you could easily be making $1,000 to $2,000/week? You probably wouldn’t believe me, and I wouldn’t blame you. But, unlike others who promise “riches,” you have to work for this. It is not promoting affiliate products or a revenue-sharing program or any other get-rich-quick, make-money-online scheme.

NOTE: Get the Special Deal Offered with this Ebook.

Finally, A Real Way to Make Money as a Freelance Writer

This is a real way to make money as a freelance writer — that surprise, surprise — you have to actually do some writing work. What is this opportunity?

SEO writing. And, I’ve been doing it since the fall of 2007. Within a couple of months, I had other writers under me. These days I routinely bill $200-$500/day — sometimes more. And, these are normal, run-of-the-mill weeks.

Learn more about me and my businesses here.

What is SEO writing?

SEO stands for search engine optimization. This niche involves writing content in a particular way to drive traffic to a website and/or blog. It’s quick and easy to do, and it pays handsomely! To learn more, read more on how to write SEO articles.

Start Bringing in Clients in Less than 1 Week — Really!

In this ebook, I detail how I went from 0 clients to 4 paid projects in less than one week writing SEO articles — at $25 per 500-word article. I now charge much more, occassionally billing as much as $100 per article. See my current SEO article writing rates on my SEO writing company’s website.

FYI, these articles take me 20-45 minutes to write, translating into a salary of $40-$75/hour. Did you know that on the low end of $40/hour, that equates to an annual salary of over $70,000 ($40/hour x 35 hours/week x 52 weeks/year)?

And, I’m not the only one who has experienced this kind of success. Below are case studies and actual testimonials of other freelancer writers who have done the same thing — in the same amount of time. One is a college student who landed 4 clients just a few days after buying the ebook — and went on to quit his job waiting tables soon thereafter.

If you want to start making $100, $200 or more per day as a freelance writer — pretty easily — this ebook is for you!

Prime Example: When I initially wrote this page on 12/17/07, I clicked over to refresh my inbox and the client I landed during my first week of marketing had just sent me 10 more articles — which I completed in 5 hours or less — for a grand total of $250. This is from one client. At the time, I had three more clients in the pipeline who wanted me to start on projects in January (2008).

Note: See tons of testimonials below, from the time this ebook was first written up until the current date.

As you can see, SEO writing is very lucrative — and it’s relatively easy to get — if you know how to market for it. In this ebook, I detail exactly how I get clients and why, after being a freelance writer since 1993, it is now my most lucrative niche.

Why the SEO Writing Field is Wide Open!

SEO writing is a new type of writing — and it’s hot right now. Getting your foot in the door NOW before the field becomes oversaturated is key. Why?

Because once clients use you, they’ll rarely jump ship to another writer. As long as you continue to turn in quality work at a rate they can afford, you’ll soon find yourself with more work than you can handle.

In fact, when I was researching this field, I found that many SEO writers stopped accepting new clients because they couldn’t handle the workload from existing clients; many outsource the work they get from clients.

What You Get in This Ebook: An EXACT Roadmap to SEO Writing Success

Sales Query: I’ll send you the exact marketing letter I sent out that garnered me a 25% response rate.

Website: I’ll tell you exactly what to put on your web page to make it bring in new clients 24/7.

Create a Niche: I’ll tell you exactly how to sell yourself to clients via niche marketing.

Writing Samples: Don’t have any? It’s okay. I’ll tell you exactly what to do to get around this — bringing in as much work as someone who has tons of samples.

How to Market for Clients: I’ll reveal to you the exact methods I use to find clients. It’s free, quick and easy.

Writing the Articles: I’ll tell you exactly how to actually write SEO articles. Again, you can start by reading this article on how to write SEO content. But, I’ll give you the tricks I use to turn them out on subjects I don’t even know about in 30-45 minutes.

Interacting with Clients: I’ll tell you exactly what to expect when a client contacts you, how to be knowledgeable (even though you’re just starting out), and how to give them what they want so they use you over and over again.

And More!

I’ll also go over billing, what to charge, how to charge, tools you’ll need to get started (if you have a computer, you’re practically there already) and much more.

I’ll also show you actual correspondence from clients sent in response to the marketing queries I sent out — and how I responded to them. You’ll have all the tools you need to start making money as an SEO copywriter almost immediately.

P.S.: Free Ebook! You get the ebook, The Small Biz Owner’s Complete Marketing Kit!, absolutely free with your purchase. Following are the case studies and testimonials.
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SEO Writing Case Study #1: Long-time Freelance Writer Who Finally Sees a Way to Quitting Her Full-time Job

This is an in-depth case study of a nervous freelance who had been trying to make a go of freelance writing for years, but had never managed to make the full-time leap.

In painstaking detail, “SEO Mary,” as I dubbed her for the series, allowed us insight into her foray into SEO Writing. From landing her first client, to the problems she experienced (I coached her through it), to landing a steady gig and making plans to quit her job.

Read the entire series from the beginning at the end of the April 16th issue of Inkwell Editorial’s freelance writing newsletter (pg 22).
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SEO Writing Case Study #2: College Student Who Lands 4 SEO Clients in 2 Days

SEO Work Success!!! (Title of the email)

Hi Yuwanda,

I just wanted to share with you my story, briefly. I am currently a 5th year senior in college, and I’ve been running a (failing) copywriting business for the last year, trying to get work from local businesses in the area. I stumbled across your website last week and bought your eBook because it seemed interesting (and was only 10 bucks*). After reading it, I decided to give SEO writing a try.

*This was the introductory price of the ebook.

This afternoon (Monday), I sent out 24 emails to companies requesting work after setting up an SEO page on my website (he listed his website). Within an HOUR, I had one email requesting samples, and a phone call requesting my services! Within twelve hours, I had FOUR companies asking me to write for them!!! (emphasis added) I’m officially a writer now!

And, because I serve tables for a living, replacing my income won’t be that hard! By the end of this week, I should know whether or not I can go freelance FULL TIME! (emphasis added) And I just wanted to send you an emphatic “thank you” for providing me the blueprint for this. The guy that called me today said I was “in the right profession” right now. I have a profession! And I don’t graduate for another month!

I am terribly thankful that this is working, and I can’t wait to see what other work I can dig up this week. Thank you so much for providing direction for my freelance writing! If there’s any way I can repay you, let me know!

TM
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SEO Writing Case Study #3: Already Turning Down Work after Less Than 2 Weeks of Marketing

I received this email from a freelance SEO writer who bought my ebook on March 20, 2008. On April 18, 2008, she sent me the following question:

Hi Yuwanda,

I received the following response to one of my marketing emails from an SEO company. I thought I was pretty bargain basement at $20 when I have no experience. I’ve been marketing for a couple of weeks, and I’ve already gotten a couple of clients so far (emphasis added) so I’m not willing to work for these rates; I don’t think I need to. But I’m wondering how I should respond to him at this point? Could he be just testing to see if I’ll bite?

Thanks BL

NOTE: Remember, the exact marketing email I send out is included in the ebook. I consistently get between a 15-25% response rate to my email campaigns, which is HUGE if you know anything about marketing. The industry-accepted response ranges between 1-3% for most email campaigns.
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Testimonial #4: SEO Writer Who Was Already Making Money but Wanted to Know How to Land More Lucrative Clients

I received this email from a freelance SEO writer who was already working fulltime as an SEO writer. She’d started doing SEO writing before I did. But, she wanted to land better-paying clients. Here’s what she had to say:

Hi Yuwanda:

I just wanted to quickly let you know that I bought your SEO writing ebook and was completely blown away with how well it was presented!

I had thought about buying it was $9.95 but procrastinated. To be honest, when the price went up to $39.95, I decided it was just too much for me to pay. See, most ebooks I’ve purchased give a generic outline of what to do, and I didn’t want to pay for that kind of advice again.

But I needed help getting more good paying clients. I lucked upon the clients I have now – they pay well, provide steady work and refer me from time to time. But I want a nice variety of well paying clients. This is where I have been stuck.

I’ve been sooo busy lately, I haven’t been able to read your book. Saturday I spent the afternoon in the [emergency room] because my daughter was sick, so I printed your ebook and took it with me knowing I’d be there for a while.
The book is so detailed! It is extremely clear. I thought I knew more about SEO writing than I actually did! I can’t wait to start my marketing campaign next week. If I get just one client with your book, it was more than worth the investment!

KB
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Testimonial #5: Freelance Writer New to SEO Writing Who Not Only Easily Landed Clients, but Got More Per Article than He Asked For!

I am living proof that if you follow Yuwanda’s ebook step by step, your only problem will be fulfilling your orders.

Just today, I got this email:

“Hi Robert,

I reviewed your work and I am interested in your services. We have a need for several articles (500-700 words) for what you are describing. What are the next steps?”

I was like “what???” They didn’t even question my rates or anything!

It’s almost too good to be true and in fact, Yuwanda, I owe you a cup of coffee or beer or whatever it is you drink for fun! LOL!!

This freelancer sent me another email that said the following:

I followed your ebook and did everything that you recommended and I cannot believe how good it worked!!

It’s insane!!

Let me post an email I got just last week:

“Thank you for contacting us. I have a particular format of articles we want. If you can do them I can offer you $40 per article. Otherwise we get seo articles for $10.

We need articles in this format to use our program. We currently have an article writer and we are always looking for talented SEO influenced writers. If you want we can try $200 worth of articles aka 5 articles. Let me know.

This after submitting my rate of $35/article!!!!!

Thank you Yuwanda!
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Testimonial #6: Experienced Journalist and Freelance Writer from Spain Who Learned How to Make Some Real Money in the SEO Writing Niche

Hi Yuwanda,

I felt I had to get back to you to tell you about my progress so far.

I bought your ebook last week and read it thoroughly. It inspired me, so I decided to follow your plan and see what would happen. I’ve been writing articles for years and I have always felt that I am worth a lot more than I have been getting. I don’t mean to brag, but I can write pretty good, and $5 an article – if you can get that much these days – is simply an insult!

Anyway…

I spent a bit of time concentrating on getting all the parts of your strategy right. I already had a website for my writing, so I decided to spruce it up a bit and make it more focussed [sic] on SEO article writing.

I chose some articles I’d already written and re-wrote them in a more SEO-friendly manner and put them on the website as samples. I spent some time getting the details on companies [like you detail in your ebook] and made up a spreadsheet. Everything was ready this morning (I had other work to do in between too), so I started sending out my query letter.

After about 20 minutes, I had a Skype call from one of the companies asking for articles. It seems he was sitting at his desk wondering who could do a batch of articles for him that a client needed. His usual contact was already overworked and he wasn’t sure how to find another one (he told me this later). When my email arrived, it was exactly what he needed. He made contact, we discussed it and that was that!

The bit that amazed me was when he asked for my rates. I told him I was charging $25 an article (yes, I copied your strategy exactly and he didn’t even balk one little bit. [emphasis added] His actual words were, “Yep, that sounds spot on.” I knew at that moment I could probably have asked for $35 or even $45 an article and have gotten it too!

Anyway, I now have 32 articles to do at $22 each as they are 350-word articles and I was quoting for 500-word articles. I didn’t drop the price much as there is some more research than usual involved, but nothing too hard. The price was in British pounds as the SEO company is in London . It came to 384 GB pounds, so he rounded it up to 400 GB pounds – somewhere around $735 – which I thought was a nice gesture. I should be able to complete them in a few days (I could get used to this!)

I had been worrying that my being in Spain might prove to be a problem, for while I clearly state that my first language is English, the only thing that clients seem to see is the word, ” Spain ” and they assume that I am Spanish! Luckily, this didn’t prove to be a problem.

This [marketing method outlined in your ebook] works! I fully expect to get a lot of other work too, and I’ll certainly keep trying.

Thanks again for opening my eyes to what is possible in freelancing. Your ebook is worth a lot more than what you sell it for – believe me! In fact, don’t sell any more – I don’t want the competition

Kind regards,

John C., Spain
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Testimonial #7: Current SEO Writer on the Hunt for More Lucrative-Paying Clients

She wrote:

I wanted to let you know that your SEO book is really helping me get new clients. I will send you a more detailed account of my experience in the next couple of weeks.

In a separate email, she wrote:

I have a lot of projects scheduled for September. Of those one is with a new client and I am negotiating projects with three others – all because of your book. [emphasis added] I will definitely be sending you a testimonial as soon as I can stop and catch my breath.

Kimberly B., Georgia
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Testimonial #8: New SEO Writer Who Lands 2 Clients in 5 Hours (Yes, hours!)

He wrote:

I appreciate the follow-up very much [in response to questions he had after purchasing the ebook].

I’ve gotten 2 clients in less than 5 hours since sending query letters. (emphasis added) . . . do yourself a favor, folks: buy the book. You won’t be disappointed. It is still less than 24 hours since I purchased the book, and I already have a payment in my Paypal account. Wonderful advice that works!

–JL
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Testimonial #9: SEO Writer Reaches the $200 Per Day Mark Based on Marketing Strategy Outlined in Ebook

She wrote on 8/17/2010:

First let me say thanks for answering my question(s) in your previous blog posts. I am writing to let you know, that I had my first $200 day after following the steps you outline in your e-book. I sent . . . emails pitching myself as a niche writer . . . A few days later, an SEO company called me, explained the scope of the project and sent me the funds through paypal without hesitation. . . . they are a local company. They said if they like my work, they will have much more in store, and are willing to pay higher fees.

For some reason, I thought your advice would only work for you. I know, call me naive, but I guess it seemed too good to be true. Luckily, I discovered you and liked what you had to say. If it wasn’t for you, I think I would still be trying to break into magazine writing. (Is it okay if I say thank you now, for all the blog post you respond to. I know that I will have more questions along the way).
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Testimonial #10: New SEO Writer Lands First Client — a $250 Order

He wrote on 8/9/2010:

Hey,

Got the deal that I was working on. . . . My first project was for ten articles for a talent agency and I’m charging them $25.00 an article. Excuse me while I go outside and scream. (LOL)
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Testimonial #11: Kudos for Good Info

A New Content Writer Wrote on 10/28/2009:

Hi, Yuwanda. My name is [GJ], and I’ve been diligently reading your ebooks. I’ve already started doing some content writing for a couple sites, and your SEO booklet really clarified things for me. Thank you.
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Testimonial #12: Thanks for Solving the $3 Per SEO Article Writing Problem

An Aspiring New SEO Writer Wrote on 12/4/2009:

Hi. I’ve been reading your book and like it very much. I appreciate the amount of attention and detail you’ve given to the subject. This is clearly not just another generic “how to” book. I purchased because first, I wanted to see how you solved the $3-seo-article problem, and second, to see how you would structure a business around the seo content niche.

Thank you and best regards,
ED
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Testimonial #13: Kudos for Being Worth Every Penny!

An Aspiring SEO Writer Wrote on 1/26/2010:

Dear Yuwanda

My name is [KK] and I purchased your “How to Make $250+ per Day Writing Simple 500-Word Articles” ebook last night. I want to tell you that it was worth every penny! I couldn’t stop reading, so I actually got through all 36 pages of the first ebook in one sitting. I’m really excited to get started . . thank you again for such a good ebook!
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Testimonial #14: Laid-off & Transitioning into a New Career

Laid-off Worker Has Fears Allayed as He Starts a New Career Wrote on 4/15/2010:

. . . Yuwanda.

I will be laid off effective April 15th. I purchased your excellent ‘How To Make Money Writing Simple 500 Word Articles’last week, and as a result, am even more confident about launching my writing career.

I intend to do SEO writing articles and web pages and just see where that takes me. Print media seems to be dying slowly, and I like the idea of getting work fairly quickly to not only make money but increase my confidence…my excuses and procrastination won’t work any more!

Have a nice evening,
SJ
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Testimonial #15: A Successful Launch into a New Career!

New SEO Writer Who Landed Jobs Quickly Wrote on 12/1/2010:

Yuwanda,

I just bought your ebook on SEO writing in early November and have launched my business already, and have gotten a couple jobs, . . . I’m keeping up with my marketing emails every day and I’m getting a lot of positive responses. . . I am encouraged that I’m going in the right direction.

Take care and God bless!

PL
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Testimonial #15A: Continuing Success!

I received a follow-up email from the SEO writer just above (remember, he started in November of 2010). On 2/11/2011, he wrote to me saying:

It’s been a while since I wrote you. I just wanted to let you know that I’m still alive and my SEO writing business is doing great. I’m so busy sometimes, I barely have time to do anything else. I guess it’s all worthwhile. I just want to again say thanks for the guidance you provided in your ebook.

You know, everything you said would happen in the ebook happened. All I had to do was follow the plan! This is the first time I’ve ever bought one of these business plans that actually worked. It’s truly amazing.

Well, anyway, I just wanted to say hi and tell you those things. It’s late here and I’ve been writing all day, so time to sign off. Have a wonderful weekend!

PL
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Testimonial #15B: Location Doesn’t Matter as an SEO Writer: This SEO Copywriter Lives in the Philippines and Had His First $1,000 Week!

I received (yet another) follow-up email from the SEO writer just above (remember, he started in November of 2010. On 3/23/2011). He wrote the following in response to this newsletter:

Thanks so much for all the support you provide. Just to update you, I’m busier than ever. In fact, this will be my best week to date (and it’s only Wednesday)! I’ve already broken $1000 for the week for the first time and may end up close to $1500. [emphasis added] Granted, some of this is money coming from bigger projects already completed, but still a very good week.

I am amazed and humbled that others are having trouble tapping into this business. I feel so blessed that I’ve been able to land several well paying clients, and I still have my steady 100 marketing emails going out every week. I seem to add a client or two each week from them, and I pay my niece to send them out for me.

I can also attest to the fact that location makes little difference. I’m living in the Philippines, [emphasis added] but I don’t tell people until they become clients and start working with them. At that point, I think it’s helpful for them to know the time zone difference. Other than the time zones, I don’t think location is all that big a deal.

Again, thanks for all you do, and keep encouraging those that haven’t quite made it yet. All I can say is the good paying jobs are out here, and all they need to do to get them is follow your plan from the ebook.

PL
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Testimonial #16: SEO Tips Helping another Small Biz Owner to Grow

On 3/9/2011 a researcher sent me the following email, saying:

Hi Yuwanda,

Although I’m not doing SEO writing now, your information applies to my research business. In fact, your tips and high quality content are helping me grow my business. As a former student [in your SEO copywriting training e-class], I’m so glad I took your class, and I aspire to provide the same value to my clients as you do with yours. May you continue to be richly blessed!

Kimberly
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Testimonial #17: Persistent, Consistent Marketing as Outlined in Ebook Paying Off — In Unexpected Ways

On 7/20/2011, I received the following email from a fellow SEO writer who was “persistently and consistently” following the marketing plan I outline in the SEO writing ebook. She wrote:

Hi Yuwanda,

I’ve been following your email marketing campaign advice for a couple of months now, with some success at gaining new SEO clients. The weirdest thing keeps happening, though, and I thought I’d share it with you.

I seldom get the client I target with the email campaign. However, I get another client from a referral from the client I targeted. It’s crazy – but it just happened again today! I sent out 15 marketing emails this morning. Then, this afternoon, I receive an email from a small business owner who received my name and contact info from one of this morning’s targeted clients. [emphasis added] And this is the third time this has happened in the last few weeks!

So, all that to say that clients don’t always come from the places you expect them to, but come they do, with consistency and persistency. BTW, the fellow that referred me was one I had contacted previously with no response. I thought I’d try again today, and while I still haven’t received a response from HIM, his referral is enough….LOL

Thanks for the wonderful advice and the career building inspiration! Have a great day!

SS
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Testimonial #18: So Swamped — Ongoing (Almost) $2,000/Month Order — from one Client!

On 7/21/2011, I woke up to find the following email in my inbox from a swamped SEO writer:

Hello Yuwanda,

I’m writing this letter to you to first update you on my success so far, and also to ask questions that I need the answers to soon.
I don’t have much time as I’m starting to get very busy, but I did exactly what you said to do in your ebook, and after contacting one SEO company they asked me to write 8 articles, then another ten before monday, and next week I start on writing 79 articles for the month at $25 each. I will be writing at least 79 articles each month, but probably more. [emphasis added]

Tonight I had two more inquiries. One has asked how much do I charge to rewrite an SEO article so it will pass copyscape. What should I charge? The other enquirer asked me what do I like to write? Should I base that on experience and/or what topics he might have in mind for me.

Kind Regards,
GD

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Testimonial #19: Landed Client Using Sample Letter in Ebook

On 8/4/2011, I received the following email from a fellow freelance writer. He wrote:

Hi,

Thanks for the nice, simple SEO article book you put together. I’ve done a lot of freelancing in the past, some SEO articles, and am getting back into it given the dismal state of the economy.

I already got a client! Just emailing a version of your simple letter to health product firms (that’s my niche).

Question – you don’t address all those freelancing job sites out there I don’t think. Did you ever use them? I have tried a few times, but it seems like it’s always 1000 freelancers chasing 10 jobs. And half of those pay 3 bucks an article. I think it’s probably just as well to just email companies as you suggest. Esp. as I have plenty of samples available . . . . Thanks!

~JP
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Testimonial #20: Lands First Client in Only 12 Hours!

On 9/6/2011 I received the following email from a new SEO writer who’d recently purchased this ebook. She wrote:

Hi Yuwanda,

Just wanted to say thank you – as a result of the advice in your SEO writing e-book, I got my first order within 12 hours of sending out my first batch of 10 marketing emails (emphasis added).

Best regards,
~PT
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Testimonial #21: Excited to Land First Client!

On 9/6/2011, another “SEO writing success story” landed in my inbox. This new SEO writer wrote:

Hi Yuwanda,

I wanted to write in to let you know that I got my first client today!! . . . it took me three weeks of constant (10 – 15 emails a day and even a handful of cold-calls) to get a nibble that turned into a client. . . . Thanks again for all your help! It’s really great that you help people start in this industry – so many who make money are more interested in keeping out competition.J

~AB
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Testimonial #22: New SEO Writer Getting a 10% Response Rate Following Plan Outlined in Ebook

On 9/14/2011, an excited new SEO copywriter wrote:

Hi Yuwanda,

I just wanted to check in with you to let you know that my marketing [for SEO writing jobs] is going phenomenally well! I have been sending out marketing e-mails the past 3 days, and I’ve received nearly a 10% response rate. I am absolutely thrilled about how well it’s going. . . . Have a wonderful evening, Yuwanda, and thank you so much for everything.

P.S. I have a phone interview with a client in the morning. I’m a little nervous.
~LW
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Testimonial #23: New SEO Writer Getting Gets $40/Article Right Out of the Box

On 10/18/2011, a new SEO writer — who didn’t even have a website yet! — wrote:

I’ve been a subscriber for a couple of years and have gotten some valuable lessons from your newsletter, ebooks and ecourses. Thank you.

I had my eye on your SEO book for a while. Finally, I purchased it in Dec of last year when you had your holiday giveaway (buy one, get one free). And finally (again) I decided that it would not do me any good to have the book and not read and implement what I read. (I have been writing for a while but really wanted to try launching more deeply into SEO.)

Okay, I got delayed a bit because of the website. (The do-it-yourself route is definitely too time consuming for me.) Anyway, last week I decided to start marketing without the website in place because I needed to get started and could use my online articles for samples.

Very early Saturday morning, I sent out a handful of emails just to get the ball rolling. Voila! I received an almost immediate response from the president of one company saying he or a staff member would be getting back to me shortly. How long is shortly, I don’t know. This morning, however, I received the following response from a different company:

Now, I had already decided that I would charge $35/500-word article, but when the question was posed I starting wondering if that was a good price. (My husband said I should charge $40). I quickly went to your site for answers and decided to purchase “Freelance Writing Advice for SEO Writers“.

Before I could even get the book downloaded and read, the client called wanting to know my rates, which I had not stated in the email.

I had to make a quick decision so I charged $40 for a single article (400-500 words) and $35/500-word article for orders of 6 or more articles. The client was pleased and promptly ordered 9 articles. (emphasis added)

Thanks again for sharing your path to success.
~LD
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Testimonial #24: $5,000 in Work Lined Up; Able to Quit “Crappy Job”

On 10/18/2011, a grateful SEO writer wrote me a long email. It stated:

I expect no response, but would greatly appreciate one. Yuwanda I just wanted to e-mail you and thank you for your “How to Make Money Writing Simple 500-Word Articles” E-book, which came to me recommended by a friend.

In the past year, my wife has experienced disastrous health problems, rendering her unable to work anything other than very part-time hours at low-wage jobs. I’ve been laid off and have been doing everything possible to help make ends meet, and now I’m working at an employer who treats me like garbage. I felt trapped because as a [stated his field of employmen], I didn’t know how I would ever make a salary that would help us buy a house and lead the lives we wanted. I feared working 70 and 80 hour workweeks just to make our ends meet.

Fortunately, I have a strong entrepreneurial drive, and doubly fortunately, my friend recommended your e-book. I am pretty cynical and skeptical of anything coming from the internet, but I figured I’d give it a try. Well, good thing that happened.

I made $2000 my first month, and have $5000 in work lined up from clients who I know will pay. [emphasis added]

I have about $400 floating out there from clients who are slow to pay, but it doesn’t bother me because I have $5000 lined up with more coming in! I can now quit my part-time crap job if I’d like, but I’m still going to hang on to it for a few weeks yet. The part-time job is [job listed] rewarding, but it pays a paltry $13 per hour and most likely is capped at a maximum of $16 per hour…a poverty wage in this modern era!

Thanks to you, my dreams of becoming a small-business owner are probably going to materialize…in a terrible economy! My wife will be able to stay home from work in a few months when I have more business, and we’ll be able to live the lives we dreamed of!

I can now work 60 hours per week and make LOTS OF MONEY, or I can work 35 and not have such expensive material possessions. It’s MY CHOICE! And, given the demand I’ve seen so far, I believe that the sky is the limit! I am already looking at hiring additional writers and splitting the profits with them, just to get more business. It’s crazy!

I would call myself an above-average writer and fairly tech-savvy, however, I wouldn’t say that I’m anybody super special. Turning SEO article writing into a living is a distinct possibility for anyone who can write at about a C or B average at the college level!

~DS
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Testimonial #25: “The ONLY Business I have EVER Succeeded at in My Entire 43 Years”

 On 11/17/2011, An American freelancer living abroad wrote: 

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I think it’s worth repeating-this is the ONLY business I have EVER succeeded at in my entire 43 years on this planet!

Sure, I’ve had plenty of “jobs” where I’ve worked for someone else and done well, but I’ve attempted I don’t know how many different businesses, from MLM (pre-internet and post internet) to affiliate marketing to I can’t think of what else off hand, but this is the only one I’ve ever been able to make a living with. And it’s not just scraping by either.

I’m making more money with this business  from my laptop in the Philippines than I believe probably 60-70% of Americans working in the U.S.-either at a job or self-employed. A year ago when I was laying the ground work for launching this, I hoped that could happen, but I think deep down I probably thought this would turn out like everything else I’ve tried. Thanks for proving me wrong!

~PL
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Testimonial #26: New SEO Writer Receives First Payment Ever from a Client w/i Just 8 Days of Marketing

On 11/23/2011, a new SEO writer wrote: 

Hi Yuwanda

I had to let you know that I have billed (and been paid for) $105 in writing work for a client already. I started my email marketing efforts on November 12 and I received my first ever payment from a client on November 20.

Tonight, I have two more articles to write for two different clients. I am happy with how this is going and continue to find your blog and newsletter very helpful. In fact, I’m thinking about purchasing more of your ebooks (particularly this one on marketing emails: and this other one, How to find unpublished freelance writing jobs).

I can’t wait to expand my freelance gig even further into a proper business with its own bank account, employees/outsourced people, and the like.

Please keep up the good work!

~BH
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So, there you have it. Real stories from real people starting real SEO writing businesses — all using the very same methods I used to start my SEO writing career.

If all of these people can do it, you can too!

As these testimonials highlight, my success can be duplicated. From college students to long-time freelancers, if you can write, have access to the internet and a burning desire to make some real money as a freelance writer, this is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss.

Ok, You’ve Convinced Me. I’m Ready to Get Started. $44.95, or this package SEO writing ebook deal.

Totally new to online writing? Get SEO Copywriting Training.

Still think you can’t do it? Read Why Web (SEO) Writing Is an Easy Career to Start Compared to Other Types of Freelance Writing for additional, in-depth insight.

P.S.: Don’t forget the free ebook on marketing, The Small Biz Owner’s Complete Marketing Kit! that’s included!

P.P.S.: Visit http://SeoWritingJobs.com for weekly advice, info and tips on the SEO writing industry. Note about returns/refunds: Refunds are only issued if we fill an order incorrectly.
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For fastest delivery, e-books are published as .pdf documents. About .PDF Files: To read PDF files, you need the Adobe Acrobat Reader. It is a free software installed on almost all computers automatically. If you don’t have it, visit Adobe.com to download it. It only takes about a minute, and again — it’s FREE.

A couple of weeks ago, when I was conducting the ebook writing workshop, I handed out info about SEO. The same thing happened in the article marketing workshop. When I was working on my outline, it hit me:

. . . you can’t do crap online these days without knowing some SEO.

 And, as a freelance writer, it’s important that you at least learn the basics because not only will your clients come to expect it, you could lose jobs to those writers who do know it.

The Importance of SEO for All Freelance Writers, Not Just SEO Copywriters

I. SEO Is Where Your Potential Clients Are Spending Their Money

Companies large and small are spending money online. Proof?

According to a December 2010 article, Forecast predicts internet marketing services revenue growth, on Clickthrough-Marketing.com

A new report from Zenith Optimedia has forecasted where advertising budgets will be spent in 2011 and beyond, with global online marketing services seeing growth of nearly 50 per cent in the next three years. . . . total spending is expected to be over $91 billion by 2013, an increase of 48 per cent. . . . The figure for 2011 is predicted to be $70.5 billion, with around half of that coming from paid search.

More proof?

BtoBOnline.com, an e-mag devoted to B2B marketing, conducted a survey that included marketers, ad agencies and marketing industry executives. They asked them what they thought were the top 10 trends in 2011.

The first thing they mentioned was that companies are shifting their budgets to online spending, specifically saying:

This year, 78.5% of b2b marketers plan to increase their online budgets, according to BtoB’s “2011 Outlook: Marketing Priorities and Plans” survey (see story, below). One-third of b2b marketers said more than half of their total budget will be spent online . . .

This part that caught my eye inthis piece specifically was the following. The article went on to note:

As more and more marketing channels roll out, including social media networks, landing pages, blogs and thought leadership events, marketers must continuously create and maintain content used for marketing purposes. . . . According to a study published by Junta42 in September, 51% of b2b marketers said they will increase their content marketing budgets this year, and content marketing will make up 26% of overall b2b marketing budgets.

The bottom line is, when companies start to put their money where their mouths are, that’s where the freelance writing jobs are gonna be. Are you prepared?

II. Learning SEO Helps You to Market Yourself Better Online

If you have a website, and you want clients to find you online, SEO it – particularly for local search.

As an aside, this is something I never did in my SEO career because I actively sought out clients. I no longer actively market for SEO writing work, but clients continue to find me online because I’ve written so much on SEO so my sites/my name pop up in searches related to SEO writing.

But if you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of “SEOing” your site.

III. Learning SEO Helps You to Create Income Streams beyond Writing for Clients

I’ve written a lot about the importance of diversifying your income streams as a freelance writer. In the SEO copywriting training class offered by Inkwell Editorial, I explain four ways to make money with your newly gained knowledge. In the course description, I describe it this way:

First, the course teaches you how to make money writing SEO content for clients. Secondly, I reveal to you how to make money online promoting affiliate products. Third, I teach you how to make money writing SEO content for “write for pay” sites. And finally, I reveal to you how to make money from products you create (if you want).

Last year for the first time, the income I make from products I create outpaced what I make writing for clients. Knowing SEO has not only allowed me the knowledge I need to create products, but given me the tools I need to successfully promote them online as well.

Learn SEO: Keep Up or Lose Out

I remember when I worked at a publishing company in the late 80s in New York. Many of the lawyers still used long yellow legal pads to write on, in spite of the fact that all of them had computers. But, many never took the time to learn how to use them.

They trudged on with what they knew.

But eventually, the department head sent around a memo that commanded them to all start using their computers. In the same memo was a mention of training classes that those who needed them were “strongly encouraged” to take.

I feel like this is where we are now with SEO. You’re either going to have to learn it as a freelance writer, or be prepared to lose out.

Which road will you take?

P.S.: SEO Copywriter Training Class Discount. Sign up to the newsletter to get the discount offered (limited time) on Inkwell Editorial’s SEO copywriting training class. See red, highlighted text at end of this week’s newsletter for details.

To subscribe, see the sign-up box to the right (top of column) on every page of this site. Once you subscribe, you will immediately be emailed the latest post, as well as all previous posts where a subscription is required.

As an aside, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about SEO writing lately, especially about SEO copywriting rates and how to grow this business. This is good, for it means many are taking the plunge and doing quite well, as tomorrow’s post on SeoWritingJobs.com will illustrate.

An SEO writer wrote in wanting to know when and how to raise his rates because he’s doing so well at his current rate (there’s more detail in today’s newsletter and stay tuned for tomorrow’s newsletter). Now, back to today’s post.

QUESTION FROM A FELLOW SEO WRITER

Hi Yuwanda,

First let me say thank you for answering the question about U.S.P’s). It was very helpful.

On other news, I know you are a big fan of researching if you can’t find the answer to a question. I usually research answers, and if I can’t find/like the answer that’s when I reach out. And this happens to be the case, and to give the last question of the year from me(Lol), Here it goes:

Your last newsletter stated about setting and reaching goals. I am going to be 30 in 2011, and the biggest birthday gift I want is to be able to break that six-figure mark by my 30th birthday. So, I guess the question is…. Is it realistic to set a high quota and meet it.

I’m very analytical , so I broke it down into a few scenarios. I won’t go into too much detail here ( I need to learn how to ask a short question). But, anyway, I would like to make $1,250 a day. I can raise my rates and write 12 articles, or I can outsource to a team of 4 writers ,where I keep $750 and then the rest will be pay-outs. I would have to meet a sales quote [sic, should be quota] of 38-40 articles on a daily basis if i have a team of writers.

So, I guess my question is: is it feasible to produce 38-40 articles on a consistent basis when you have a team to help you? From your personal experience, what would you say is a realistic goal to aim for? Any insight will be helpful! Thanks a million!

MY ANSWER

There are actually a few questions here to be answered, ie:.

Question #1: Is it realistic to set a high (SEO article writing) quota and meet it?

Question #2: From your personal experience, what would you say is a realistic goal to aim for?

Question #3: I would like to make $1,250 a day. I can raise my rates and write 12 articles, or I can outsource to a team of 4 writers ,where I keep $750 and then the rest will be pay-outs. (Although this wasn’t asked in the form of a question, there is a point here that I want to address).

The answer to Question #1 is . . .

You must be a subscriber to read this post in its entirety. See the sign-up box to the right (top of column) on every page of this site. Once you subscribe, you will immediately be emailed this post, as well as all previous posts where a subscription is required.

Submit a Guest Post: This site and its sister site, SeoWritingJobs.com, accepts guest posts. Get the guest post submission guidelines.

Now, on to today’s post.
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Last week, I received the following email from a fellow freelance writer about pen names. She wrote:

QUESTION

Hi there Yuwanda,

Did you use a pen name early in your writing career, or is Yuwanda Black your real name? I write for Helium, Brighthub etc under a pen name. These sites actually have a spot where you can actually put it in. But I wonder as I move forward with my writing career whether it’s ok to keep using the pen name, or will I look unprofessional, or does it not matter as long as I’m upfront with the client.

thanks for sharing
L-

MY ANSWER

I fired off a short answer, as I didn’t have time to get into detail, and I wanted to save my longer response for this week’s newsletter. The short answer I gave was:

You must be a subscriber to read the rest of this post. Don’t worry, it’s free! See subscriber details below.

Submit a Guest Post: This site and its sister site, SeoWritingJobs.com, now accepts guest posts.   Get the guest post submission guidelines.

P.S.: Want to start a successful career where you have the mobility to live and work where you please? Visit our freelance writing bookstore for a ton of opportunities (freelance writing and internet marketing) to get you started.

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.

Note: As of April 6, you must be a subscriber to read new content on InkwellEditorial.com and its sister site on SEO writing, SeoWritingJobs.com. New content includes all posts written after 4/6/2010 (4/7/2010 on SeoWritingJobs.com).

To subscribe, simply look for the subscriber box to the top right-hand side of the page. There’s one on every page of the site.

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Why Subscribe? Get Real, First-Hand Advice from All Types of Freelance Writers

Week in and week out here, you get first-hand “freelance writing stories from the trenches.” I routinely relay my freelance writing experiences — everything from setting rates, to how to market, to knowing when to say no to a project. Also, I answer questions – in great detail (no fluff here!) — from other freelancers writers (new and experienced).

Recent posts you may have missed by not being a subscriber include:

Why I Turned Down a $2,000 – $3,000 Freelance Writing Job That Could Have Led to Even More Work and

How to Land More Clients by Making Your SEO Writing Stand Out from Others.

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Yuwanda
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QUESTION FROM A FRUSTRATED SEO COPYWRITER

Hi Yuwanda,

I hope Jamaica is really doing  you well. I haven’t had a chance to read your blogs about Jamaica, however, I do read your posts and newsletter about freelance writing.  I am writing this letter because, I am stuck.   First, I don’t know what the hell I do.  I am a SEO Content Writer, but I know HTML, how to upload videos, create a website and all that techy internet stuff.  The more I think about it, I think I am more of a Virtual Assistant than a writer.  However, I want to be known for SEO Content Marketing.

But, my dilemma is – choosing a niche and wondering if I should market my self as a VA or market myself as A Writer with strong technical skills? You see, I have no problem researching a niche and seeing what they want.  My problem is- I get bored.

I don’t know if you remember, but I have a Type A personality, (that’s not an excuse) but I get so bored targeting one market.  I am what they call the Jack of all trades and master of none.  I like targeting different industries, simply put, I like being a generalist because I don’t get bored.  I know I have to customize my marketing to each industry.  But can I just niche in being a SEO Content Marketer for all industries? Your help is greatly appreciated!

MY ANSWER

This is actually a common conundrum for a lot of freelance writers; not just SEO writers. I’ve always believed in the concept of . . .

You must be a subscriber to read the rest of this post. Don’t worry, it’s free! See subscriber details below.

Submit a Guest Post: This site and its sister site, SeoWritingJobs.com, now accepts guest posts.   Get the guest post submission guidelines.

P.S.: Want to start a successful career where you have the mobility to live and work where you please? Visit our freelance writing bookstore for a ton of opportunities (freelance writing and internet marketing) to get you started.

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.

Note: As of April 6, you must be a subscriber to read new content on InkwellEditorial.com and its sister site on SEO writing, SeoWritingJobs.com. New content includes all posts written after 4/6/2010 (4/7/2010 on SeoWritingJobs.com).

To subscribe, simply look for the subscriber box to the top right-hand side of the page. There’s one on every page of the site.

Of course, your contact information is protected — it is never sold, rented, leased or compromised in any way. It is used solely to send you information from InkwellEditorial.com (and its sister site, SeoWritingJobs.com) about freelance writing.

Why Subscribe? Get Real, First-Hand Advice from All Types of Freelance Writers

Week in and week out here, you get first-hand “freelance writing stories from the trenches.” I routinely relay my freelance writing experiences — everything from setting rates, to how to market, to knowing when to say no to a project. Also, I answer questions – in great detail (no fluff here!) — from other freelancers writers (new and experienced).

Recent posts you may have missed by not being a subscriber include:

Why I Turned Down a $2,000 – $3,000 Freelance Writing Job That Could Have Led to Even More Work and

How to Land More Clients by Making Your SEO Writing Stand Out from Others.

I look forward to having you as a subscriber.

Yuwanda
P.S.: Find this post informative? Follow Inkwell Editorial on Twitter.

SEO Copywriting Training.  You’ll learn 4 ways to make money online using your newly acquired skills. Get full details on the SEO copywriting training this ecourse offers and sign up today.

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).

Following are five questions (and the answers to them) you will most likely be asked as an SEO writer from first-time clients.

I. What Is Your Rate for XX-Word SEO Articles? Even though you will have this information on your website, I’ve found that most clients still ask this when they contact my SEO copywriting services firm the first time.

For example, they may ask, “How much do you charge for 400-word article?” or “How much do you charge for 250-word blog posts?”

So memorize your pricing AND your word count. While this may seem obvious, I can tell you I’ve gotten tongue-tied a couple of times when they asked about rate and word count in the same sentence.   For example, at New Media Words, a blog post is anything up to 350 words.  

Any word count over that is an article. So when one client asked about 300-word “articles,” I misquoted him because I based the pricing on our article rate instead of our blog rate.

Of course, I corrected my error, but it was embarrassing not knowing my own word count/rate rate off the top of my head. So get this info down pat.

You must be a subscriber to read the rest of this post.

Get Advice to Help You Transition Successfully to a New Career

Note: As of April 6, you must be a subscriber to read new content about freelance writing on InkwellEditorial.com and its sister site on SEO writing, SeoWritingJobs.com. New content includes all posts about freelance writing written after 4/6/2010 (4/7/2010 on SeoWritingJobs.com).

To subscribe, simply look for the subscriber box to the top right-hand side of the page. There’s one on every page of the site. Of course, your contact information is protected — it is never sold, rented, leased or compromised in any way.

Why Subscribe? Get Real, First-Hand Advice from All Types of Freelance Writers

You get first-hand “freelance writing stories from the trenches.” I routinely relay my freelance writing experiences — everything from setting rates, to how to market, to knowing when to say no to a project. Also, I answer questions – in great detail (no fluff here!) — from other freelancers writers. Recent posts you may have missed by not being a subscriber include:

Why I Turned Down a $2,000 – $3,000 Freelance Writing Job That Could Have Led to Even More Work; and

How to Get Freelance Writing Jobs Advice: How a New Freelance Writer Landed a $150 Gig with No Experience, No Samples & No Website – 4 Things She Did Right.

I look forward to having you as a subscriber.

Yuwanda
P.P.S.: Find this post informative? Follow Inkwell Editorial on Twitter.

Get SEO Copywriting Training:  In addition to learning how to start an SEO writing career and earning $50,000 to $75,000 your first year, you’ll learn 4 ways to make money online using your newly acquired skills.

Get full details on the SEO copywriting training this ecourse offers. Next class is June 14th and has limited enrollment.

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).

What is Freelance Friday Tips Day?  

I read a lot of info about everything from making money online by building profitable websites, to how to find more profitable freelance writing jobs, to quick and easy internet marketing strategies.

How to Build a Successful Online Business: The First Step to Becoming Forever Self-Employed   

I’ve been self-employed for years, but in order to continue to grow and never have to worry about going back to work for someone else again, I constantly educate myself about how to build my little online empire.  

I want to pass some of the best info I find online on to you so that if you ever make the leap, you can stay “forever self-employed” as well.   Or, if that is not your dream — then use the info to help you accomplish whatever it is you want — eg, build a successful hobby site, make a part-time income so you can have more disposable income, or just to make some extra money to start that nest egg.  

Whatever it is, the tips I’ll share with you on Freelance Friday Tips Day are all designed to  help you build a successful online business — as a freelance writer, an online entrepreneur, an affiliate marketer, etc.  

Freelance Friday Tip for Building a High-Traffic Website  

I ran across this tip that, as someone with a lot of experience in article marketing and SEO writing, got me to thinking, “Hmmm, this sounds about right.” The tip is . . .   

You must be a subscriber to read the rest of this post. Don’t worry, it’s free!

Get Help to Get Paid to Do What You Love

Note: As of April 6, you must be a subscriber to read new content on InkwellEditorial.com and its sister site on SEO writing, SeoWritingJobs.com. New content includes all posts written after 4/6/2010 (4/7/2010 on SeoWritingJobs.com).

To subscribe, simply look for the subscriber box to the top right-hand side of the page. There’s one on every page of the site.

Of course, your contact information is protected — it is never sold, rented, leased or compromised in any way. It is used solely to send you information from InkwellEditorial.com (and its sister site, SeoWritingJobs.com) about freelance writing.

Why Subscribe? Get Real, First-Hand Advice from All Types of Freelance Writers

Week in and week out here, you get first-hand “freelance writing stories from the trenches.” I routinely relay my freelance writing experiences — everything from setting rates, to how to market, to knowing when to say no to a project. Also, I answer questions – in great detail (no fluff here!) — from other freelancers writers (new and experienced).

Recent posts you may have missed by not being a subscriber include:

Why I Turned Down a $2,000 – $3,000 Freelance Writing Job That Could Have Led to Even More Work and

How to Land More Clients by Making Your SEO Writing Stand Out from Others.

I look forward to having you as a subscriber.

SEO Copywriting Training — Class is Now OVER Half Full. The next SEO writing ecourse commences on April 26^th.  You’ll learn 4 ways to make money online using your newly acquired skills. Get full details on the SEO copywriting training this ecourse offers. Class has limited enrollment.

Have a good weekend!

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).