Filip's Blog » Talents

Choosing a Copywriter

IBI — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:06:17 +0000

Copywriters come with many skill levels, talents, and experience. Choosing the best copywriter for your business will depend not only upon your needs, but also upon what you can afford to pay. But what do you look for when your company is small to medium-sized, and you simply don’t have that “BIG BOY” budget?

Writing is a skill that is learned and perfected, based upon someone’s natural ability to write and his willingness to constantly study his field. Many men and women consider themselves both freelance writers and copywriters based on the simple fact that they have their own websites and newsletters, have been praised by friends and family, and have sold a few pieces to other webmasters.

Technically, they are writers! But, are they the “type” of writer you are looking for? While there are many great writers and copywriters on the Internet who deserve a shot at being successful, not everyone is the perfect candidate for the job.

When looking for a copywriter for your business, consider the following:

• What’s the quality of work on his own site?

• What’s the quality of the work on his client’s site(s)?

• If you handed over a bunch of notes, could he make sense out of those notes?

• Does he ask questions to make sure he understands your needs?

• Is he willing to make changes quickly and cheerfully?

• When he speaks with you, does he make you feel important or inferior?

• If he’s writing for the web, can he add keywords and phrases in your copy, so that it still makes sense?

• Is he a yes man or will he thoughtfully discuss why your thinking won’t fit a piece and why?

• Does he offer suggestions that complement your piece and/or make it stronger?

• Is he reliable?

• What timeframe does he offer when getting your work done?

• Are his copywriting rates feasible and are they spelled out in clear detail?

• If the copywriter has never written for your industry before, do you have the patience to work with this writer until he has an intimate familiarity with your business and its terminology? If yes, does the copywriter show enough potential to warrant your time and money?

Once you’ve had a chance to interview copywriters based on the above questions, you’ll need to help your copywriter do his best job, by making sure that you have given him enough background information to understand your project. Information such as:

• Any published marketing materials

• Interoffice company memos

• Notes from business meetings

• Technical letters and product specs

• Your marketing plan

Above everything else, you need to make sure that you and your copywriter have the right “chemistry.” If you find your relationship tense, or always formal, you may want to find another copywriter. After all, success comes from “teamwork.”

So how much does a copywriter charge? Current rates vary from as little as $12.50 an hour (new writers) to well over $300 per hour! It’s true you get what you pay for, but if you’re company budget can’t afford to pay $100 or more an hour, you can still find a qualified, affordable copywriter to meet YOUR company budget.

Utilizing a more affordable copywriter may simply require a bit more of your involvement in exchange for a lower rate. You may need to provide more information so that the copywriter’s primary duty is to finesse the language and create dynamic text that will appeal to your intended audience–even if he doesn’t come to the table with a thorough background in your particular field.

Alyice Edrich is the author of Tid-Bits For Marketing Your Business With Articles. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level but can’t afford the advertisements, you’ll want to read this book! Visit: http://thedabblingmumpress.com to order a copy today!

The Ins and Outs of Copywriting Rates

IBI — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:07:27 +0000

If you’re thinking of hiring a freelance copywriter to do some writing for you, whether it be help with your Web content, brochure text, a ghostwritten article, or whatever you need a professional hand with, you might find yourself confused by the sheer range of fees charged by copywriters. You can find hourly rates anywhere from $25 to $200, page rates anywhere from $50 per page to $250 per page, and project rates anywhere from $30 to review a single page of text to $30,000 to write your book for you.

Why such a wide range?

The short answer is that writing is a service, not a tangible good. Products like televisions, kitchen tables, and tires, for example, are all basically commodity items with consistent and predictable manufacturing and distributing costs that help determine price, along with supply and demand forces from a large, relatively efficient marketplace. Writing works a little differently. Each project has its own specific requirements that make it unique. A project to write a Web page, for example, might include time spent researching. Or it might involve a lot of time spent interviewing the client for information. Or maybe the client has already written the page and is only looking for editing help. In other words, it could take an hour, or it could take several days depending on the specific circumstances.

On top of that, writers have their own unique talents and skill-sets. A writer who has a lot of experience at writing for the Web might be able to charge less than a writer less-skilled because he or she will be more efficient at it. It might take the experienced writer half an hour to do something the other writer might labor over for two hours. On the other hand, the more experienced Web writer might be able to justify a higher rate because of that very experience. In the end, it’s up to each writer to decide what he or she is worth for any particular project.

Sometimes a writer will also factor in whatever else they have going at the time. Hey, if you’re sitting around with nothing going on, and in desperate need of the work, you’ll have a tendency to work a little cheaper than if you’ve got more work than you can handle.

So what does all this mean for the person seeking a freelance writer? It means shop around diligently and don’t be afraid to ask your potential writer a lot of questions. In general terms, you can normally be assured that, like most other services, you get what you pay for. If somebody’s willing to work a lot cheaper than others, there’s normally a good reason for that. Conversely, a more expensive writer is typically worth the extra dollars. But find out why. Is the writer especially experienced in the kind of writing you’re seeking? Ask to see some samples of their work. And don’t be afraid to ask for references. A decent writer who has been at his or her trade for any length of time, ought to have several clients you can call and talk to.

As for rates themselves, most decent writers will find out beforehand exactly what’s involved in your project and quote a flat rate. Be wary of those who work strictly on an hourly basis. Hours can rack up, and this kind of an open-ended arrangement means you’re never really sure (until the final invoice) just what your costs are.

And, as with any business arrangement, make sure to get it all in writing. A contract with a freelance writer ought to cover costs, terms of payment, and time-frames. It should be rather specific in detailing exactly what is expected of both parties. It should be clear as to how revisions are handled. Are they included, or are they extra? (A decent freelance writer will factor in the cost of revisions in his or her original quote.) And there should also be a clause explaining what happens in the event the project’s scope increases in size from the original agreement.

Finally, regardless of rate, make sure the writer is somebody you can work with. You have to feel comfortable with the writer, and know that he or she has listened to you, will be attentive to you, and knows exactly what is expected

Jerry Payne is an experienced freelance copywriter. You can find him at www.yourcopywriter.net

Ways To Effective Online Copywriting

IBI — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:08:37 +0000

Online copywriting is surely the ‘in-thing’ nowadays. That is because with the rapid popularity of the Internet as a medium, people are almost always getting online for many of their traditional transactions.
Yes, the Internet is different from other media in a way that it facilitates the convergence of all types of media portals, be it the television, the radio and the newspaper.
Banking transactions can now be coursed through the Internet, as well as shopping purchases, education, books and basic services. Everything that is sold through the conventional stores can now be sold through the online medium.
Online businesses are making use of the talents and skills of seasoned copywriters, who are hired to provide the Internet site with convincing content that basically aim to sell.
Thus, demand for online copywriting has been accelerated through the years. Many writers see this development as an added opportunity that could be translated into further revenues.
But one problem is arising. It is estimated that only 2% of all online businesses worldwide are actually succeeding to sell products and services online. What happens to the other 98%?
Well, they are left in the cold, probably because the content posted through their sites are not as good and as convincing as those posted by the successful 2%.
What could be the problem? Well, experts have identified copywriting. Is it the fault of the copywriter, or the business owner? The answer is neither. Read on and find out who is the real culprit behind those failures.
Online copywriting
Online copywriting is no different from traditional copywriting. Both make sure that the outputs are creating interests among readers and significantly generating sales.
But the problem is there is information overload over the Internet. And there are millions of online businesses, making the competition more intense.
Thus, the ordinary copywriter must strive harder to be more effective that the competitors. And there are thousands of copywriters abounding online that are equally, if not more, seasoned and well-accomplished.
The treatment of online copywriting is no different in a sense that focus is particularly given to the readers. The styles are also the same—persuasion. So why do others beat the rest of the pool of online copywriters?
Effective Online Copywriting
There are a few measures that would help an online copywriter be as effective as he can be. The following are some of the recommended ways on how you can be an effective online copywriter:
·Write for your intended readers, not the online business owners. Many copywriters fall to the trap that they must write to impress, so they use complicated words that the readers must check on to the dictionary to comprehend what he is saying.
·Persuade. Make sure the words you use strong adjectives and verbs that could almost directly command readers to move and make the purchase abruptly.
·Arouse interest among readers. This is where a simple research on the readers’ demographics would set in. If you know their common interest, then you can use that when crafting lead statements.
·Be engaging. Write as if you are personally talking to the intended online users of the content. Do not be overly boring nor too extravagant and vulgar just to catch attention.
·As much as possible, reflect sincerity in your outputs. Sometimes, you have to make some lies to be effective. For example, if you yourself are not believing on the product you are selling, you could do some white lie. But make sure you still sound genuinely sincere.
·Pay particular attention to the content rather than to grammatical correctness. It would be advisable of you remain grammatically flawless, but sometimes, writers find it hard to maintain focus while being overly attentive to the requirements of grammar and usage. Your editor will proofread the material, anyways.
·Be straight-to-the-point. Be concise, but accurate.
Overall, effective online copywriters are motivated to come put with their quality outputs. To establish that much needed motivation, you could bear in mind that in the copywriting world, you are as good as your last output.
Thus, if your copies are good and effective, more projects and clients will come your way. You could generate more income, and enjoy the perks of generating more money to spend on your simple luxuries.
Still not enough to kick your online writing juices?

Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on copywriting or becoming a copywriter checkout his recommended websites.

Achieving Success with Your Business Blog

IBI — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:48:03 +0000

If achieving success online with a home business blog is a goal of yours you’ll be interested in knowing it will simply take more drive then talent. That’s right; blogging to make money require more of your resolve then it does you learning new skills. In fact the key to success in making yours the best blog site in your chosen niche will weigh more heavily upon your efforts then it will upon your talent. If you stop and consider most popular blogs are those that update frequently with fresh and interesting content and on a consistent basis. Think about that! What goes into accomplishing those tasks? Research, diligence, and persistence!Now let’s consider the type of planning you need to do and mindset you’ll need to acquire to make your home business blog the success YOU want.List Your Goals & ObjectivesBe realistic by choosing objectives that you can achieve. Keep them with you for constant reference and as a reminder.It is important here from a personal development standpoint to set goals that match up well with your talents and ambition. Targeting objectives that do not challenge you however, will therefore not motivate you and as a result bringing out your best is not likely to happen.Continually challenge yourself, overcome these challenges and move on to even more challenging goals. This is how you’ll build a bigger and better business.Think big and you’ll accomplish big but if you think small …nothing will happen!Dispel Negative ThinkingBlogging results do not occur over night but instead take time to develop before you’re able to see the fruits of your labor. It is during these times on ‘non-visual’ results that the evil demons on negative thinking can plant their seeds and side track or derail our actions.This type of thinking will only clutter your mind, fog your thinking, and dampen your spirit. Winners think positively and move forward while ‘others’ think of why they can’t succeed and ultimately find that negative thinking is usually the reason why.Always think positively but remember to add just a dash of realism! If mistakes occur learn from them but don’t dwell on them!Make Your Own LuckI regard the word ‘luck’ as often times meaning what happens when careful preparation and the proper mindset meets skillful execution. You sight your objectives, you plan how to meet those objectives and then you implement your plan and bingo objectives met! Now where’s the luck in that?Achieving success with a home business blog is not the result of learning an art or being technologically savvy. No, blogging to make money is more about persistence. If you got the resolve then you possess the key to success in making yours the best blog site in your niche. Once you’ve achieved that you’ve achieved the independence you no doubt were seeking! Congratulations!

TJ Philpott is an author and Internet entrepreneur based out of North Carolina.
For additional Money Making Tips and a free guide that demonstrates how to find both profitable markets and products visit:http://blogbrawn.com/

How Too Brand yourself for Your Internet Business

IBI — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:46:09 +0000

How do i brand myself? Looking for a top mentor too show you? Mentoring or coaching is simply an exchange of information. Some of us know more than others, some of us think we can go it alone and succeed with our journey. But a large amount of us do not. We need guidance and advice along the way. We are only human, we learn and teach to those who are not so experienced.

People become successful online with a few key methods, Focus on what you are going too achieve, an incredible idea with great concept or products. And lastly but most important, Guidance. I would not be where i am today if i had not followed the guidance that i was given.

My internet business has taken a massive leap from nothing too incredible success with just a few simple methods and techniques that 95% of budding entrepreneurs do not know. How can you become a success with a home business? Simply learn how the successful figures are doing it within that market.

Imagine the perfect package too success was put in front of you, would you open it up and show it too the world? Or would you keep it too yourself? If you find the answer to that question right away then you still need some work too become a successful entrepreneur within out modern market today.

My name is craig jenkins, i am a success mentor with a home business opportunity myinternetbusiness.com We have taken lead within the online community showing how a real home business should be done.

We develop, and evolve with the growing market of home business, showing people too get too where they want too be. Making it easier too take full advantage of your abilities and talents.

The way you view yourself reflects on how other people perceive you. if you feel confident and focused. Your protege will reflect your image.

Tips & Tricks on how too get ahead with a home business.

Myinternetbusiness with Craig Jenkins & Direct Marketing Group

Blog- http://www.craigjenkinsbiz.wordpress.com

Opportunity- http://www.mynetbiz4u.com

Marketers used techniques unknown too the commercial world, and only now are the secrets being revealed too a select few. Large organizations have dominated the limelight and now it is time for the little guys too get up and take a piece of the pie. My Internet Business is leading the way with home business online. Streams of passive income are being rewarded too those who take advantage of the opportunity.

Seo – Where To Find An Seo Ghostwriter

IBI — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:53:39 +0000

Sometimes you have great ideas but no talent for writing. This is when it becomes a good idea to hire a writer. Or you may be a very busy professional or expert in your field that is already really busy but needs an e-book or scores of SEO articles and have no time to write them. If either of these situations describes you, then you might consider hiring a ghostwriter.

There are several sites on the web where writers advertise their talents but the best two for ghostwriting SEO, blog writing and e-books are www.guru.com and www.elance.com. Both of these sites require a paid membership but it is well worth it as that fee (which is paid by both clients and providers) is there to keep the rank amateurs out of your face. The competence level on both of these sites is pretty high. On both sites writers bid competitively to get your job and you can assess a writer by looking at their comments and feedback. However keep in mind that both these sites are slanted to get the providers to do writing for as cheap as possible and many inethical marketers give bad feedback in hopes of getting a discount on their product. Talking directly to a writer on guru or elance and asking for samples is the best indication of whether you are hiring the best ghostwriter for you or not.

Also it seems that of all the brokerage or agency type sites on the web most freelance writers who specialize in web writing seem to have conglomerated on either of those two sites, so if you are serious about hiring they are definitely worth checking out if you are looking for high quality writing. Guru and elance are also the cheapest places to find SEO ghostwriters on the Internet as well.

Chris Angus is a SEO and website promoter, he can be contacted at sales(at)brilliantseo.com Car Insurance
Mobility Scooters
Computing

Finding The Best SEO Blogging Software

IBI — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:52:46 +0000

When you have the best available SEO blogging software you are free to focus your creativity and genius on the quality of the content on your blog. But how do you know where to begin to find the very best software for your blog?

The invention of the blog has made successful entrepreneurs of many people who would otherwise have no way to enter the business world. It has given us a group of creative people who can now show us their talents and deliver their products to us any time of the day or night. For these bloggers to be successful at what they do, great blogging software is an absolute necessity. Without great search engine ranking and traffic to the blog, the business will not succeed. It is like opening a store and refusing to let anyone know about it. There really is no excuse for not optimizing your blog with the great software that is available today.

Your job with the blog should be to focus on the content that your visitors will be reading. Many visitors will be disappointed in the blog and leave very quickly if the material isn’t fresh and offers new thoughts pretty regularly. They should also be written to encourage a nice exchange between the blogger and the reader. This is enough of a job for the blogger. When you are looking for SEO blogging software there are a couple of things to look for.

The first thing you should look for is Meta data. The keywords that are chosen for your blog are what bring those visitors scrambling to your blog. The keywords will need to be placed in the proper spots on the blog. Meta title, meta description and meta keywords. Each of these keywords will later be turned into tags. A separate page is created for each tag and the search engines will index those pages.

The next thing you will need is a good URL. Those all important keywords must be in the URL of each post. Good SEO blogging software will give you the opportunity to add your post title into the URL of the post. If you use the keywords in your title, then guess what, the keywords end up on your URL.

When you write great blog posts it is only natural that people will begin to comment on your posts. This is what you want them to do. Many of these comments will have URL’s in the reply comments. If your SEO blogging software is good it will let you have the option of adding a do follow tag or a do not follow tag. This gives you the choice of sharing the SEO in the outgoing links.

These things should be a part of good quality SEO blogging software. You will find that it reduces the amount of work the blogger must do and also eliminates a lot of the headaches associated with performing SEO tasks. Make sure you shop around to get the best software for your blog. Blogging is one of the fastest rising Internet businesses going. If you decide that you want to get in, then make sure you do it right and get the best available and give your blog the best chance it has to be a success.

Davin Ogden is an accomplished internet marketer and viral marketing strategist. He has helped thousands of aspiring online entrepreneurs focusing on innovative viral and SEO blogging software techniques. For a limited time claim the *exclusive* “Creating A Winning Mindset For Success Report” at http://www.groovytastic.com/EliteBreedSq/.

Locating The Best SEO Blogging Software

IBI — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:52:35 +0000

Utilizing the most effective SEO blogging software available will leave you to free to express your creativity and genius, while still focusing on the quality of content you put in your blog. How do you determine what the best blog software actually is, and where do you find it?

The invention of the blog has been an important stepping stone for the many entrepreneurs who would have otherwise, had no access into the business world. It has supplied us with an outstanding group of creative people who are able to showcase their talents and deliver their products at any time. Excellent blogging software is vital to the success of these bloggers. Blogs that have low search engine rankings, are blogs that fail. It’s as simple as that. It can be compared to opening a store, but refusing to advertise it in any way. There is such a great selection of blog software readily available in today’s market, that you really have no decent excuse for not optimizing your blog.

Your main focus in your blog should be providing useful content that your readers will desire and utilize. Visitors like to see blogs that are updated frequently, and they will quickly seek out the competition’s blogs if yours have become stale and outdated. You should attempt to write your blog in a way that encourages positive interactions between the blogger and the readers. This in itself is a full time job for the blogger. When shopping for SEO blogging software, there are a few things that you need to bear in mind.

The first thing that you want to keep an eye out for is Meta data. The keywords that are chosen for your blog, will directly affect the number of visitors that you have coming to your blog. This is why it is vital for your key words to be properly positioned within your blog. You will have a meta title, meta description, and meta keywords. These keywords will later be transformed into tags. A separate page is formed for each tag, and the search engines will work to index those pages.

A good URL is important to your blog, as well. Your important keywords must be included in the URL of each and every post. Great SEO blogging software will allow you to add the title of your post to the URL of the post. Using the keywords in your title allows you to effectively include them in your URL.

If you are an effective writer who can generate awesome posts, it’s only natural that people will start to comment about what you are saying. You want the people talking! Many of theses people’s comments will include URL’s in the reply comments. Great SEO Blogging software gives you the opportunity to add a “do follow” or “do not follow” tag. This means that you have to opportunity to share the SEO in these outgoing links.

These are necessary things that should come standard in any good quality SEO blogging software. They will reduce the work load for the blogger. The will also eliminate a lot of the frustration that often comes with performing necessary SEO tasks. The key is to do your home work and shop around, before you make the commitment of purchasing software for your blog. Blogging is a skyrocketing Internet business. If you want to jump on that rocket ship, you need to make sure that you do it the right way. Buy the best available software, and give yourself the best chance possible to make your blog a success

Davin Ogden is an accomplished internet marketer and viral marketing strategist. Check out his findings on the unique Super Affiliate Blogging software. For a limited time claim the *exclusive* “Creating A Winning Mindset For Success Report” at http://www.groovytastic.com/EliteBreedSq/.

How To Make Over $50 A Day With Twitter In No Time Flat!

IBI — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:53:33 +0000

The economy is seeing some rough times right now. As it turns around, we wait anxiously for the increase in jobs and assistance we desperately need. While this is a hard time for many of us, with so many losing jobs you may be wondering what to do. Well there is a way that you can make money using your twitter. Working from home is an amazing alternative as you can set your own hours, don’t have to call in if you are sick, and can make a living after losing your job in these rough times. Twitter is a great way to do this!

Twitter can make you money, if you know how to use it! Think about your unique skills and talents and figure out what you need to do in order to use these online. Building an online business and advertising to customers using twitter is a cost effective way to get clientele. If you can write, set up a writing site and find people on twitter who need the services of a writer. If you can do secretarial work, you can look for people who need virtual assistance. If you can clean, start a cleaning business and look for busy people who can use help with housework. Many business owners use twitter, as well as individuals that can use your services. Find them and market yourself, linking them to your twitter and your website.

Post on twitter often about your business and what you are currently doing. Keep the posts professional and about business. If you want a social twitter, set that up separately and keep social contacts separate from business contacts. Twitter about relevant topics that pertain to your business and advertise specials to clients to get them interested. Once you provide a service and have a happy client, ask them to twitter about the job you did so that others can see this, which will help provide you with even more clients. Before long, you will have a large following of happy clientele that will happily pay you and twitter about what you have done.

If you aren’t the type that feels they have the energy to start an online business, you can become an online advertiser for others businesses. In doing this, the business pays you to advertise their products to clients on twitter. You would have to find the clientele as you would if you were starting your own business, but this takes out some of the work, while allowing you to market products easily and make money. Again this needs to be for advertising purposes and you should keep your social twitter separate from this one to show that you are professional and keep people interested in what you are selling.

Twitter can be a great way to make money whether you own your business or are advertising for other businesses online. Make sure that you post often and look for clients daily, as new people are joining all the time. Put money in your pocket with this quick and efficient way to supplement or provide yourself with an income.

Joel has been involved in the Internet Marketing world for quite some time. It is his passion! If you want to learn a real way to get 1000’s of targeted leads in a matter of days goto his website for his 4 free reports. At the same time learn how to double your average sale per customer! http://www.fastcashunlocked.com

Submitting Articles Now Brings You Money

IBI — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:53:21 +0000

I started doing some kind of web business a while ago. So far, I have had several websites, with more or less success. I sincerely enjoyed making, creating websites, but the problem was that I had no ideas. The recipe of success on web is to have unique idea. I am unique guy. I like to be unique in every field; where everyone go, I don’t etc. I once started building a website, but soon afterwards, I discovered that a website of a such kind already exists (twitter.com).

Some time ago, I was at my cousin’s nearby. We were talking about usual family stuff and so. Suddenly, out of nowhere, an idea appeared; the light bulb finally showed above my head. MyArticleReview.com . Yes. I know I have article/essay writing talents, but I didn’t want to use my talents for a few cents per word! I wanted something more. Article directory? Nah. Thousands of them. However…an article directory where visitors would submit articles that would later be criticized by article writing experts, plus, the visitors would be able to earn money by placing their AdSense on the website! Woah! Wow wow wow! I stopped talking with my cousin and stared at one point on the wall. He was all like, WTF?! But it’s over. I pulled my cell phone out, got into “Notes” and wrote only “MyArticleReview.com”.

When I returned home, I started working on it. I think describing the very process of “building” this website would be boring, but, the result is that this site is online. Yes, it is unbelievable! The main idea is:

1) Register for free

2) Fill in your AdSense Pub-ID

3) Submit an article

4) Wait for 24 hours for it to get reviewed. In comment box, tips on how to improve your article(s) will be posted.

5) Voila! Your AdSense is displayed on the pages which contain your articles!

The website I was talking about above is http://www.MyArticleReview.com :: where your articles reach perfection.

Bob Mill is an article writer in true terms of it. It is his profession; he works for local IT magazine. He’s also a proud bearer of the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English. He owns http://www.MyArticleReview.com , a place where your article are criticized by experts, and where you earn money from your articles