Ava Fails's Blog, page 10
May 4, 2012
Finding Paid Writing Gigs Online
Check out the other posts in this series about Becoming an Online Content Writer:
So You Wanna Write for the Web
Building Your Online Writing Portfolio
There are hundreds of thousands of places to find paid writing gigs online. Some are better than others. None of them will make you rich, but it is possible to earn a comfortable living. That being said, you will be disappointed by the going rates as a writer just starting out. Until you learn where and how to look for better-paying gigs, you’ll be writing for peanuts. Like anything else, finding good-paying clients take a bit of luck.
Where to Look
Well, who needs web content the most? You guessed it! Website developers! Your best bet at securing some decent rates is to network with web designers and developers locally. That’s right, locally. This may require that you step outside your comfort zone and do a little offline marketing. If you’re just not ready to do that right now, start with webmaster and internet marketing forums.
Forums
I started at Digital Pointin 2006. Digital Point is a HUGE webmaster forum that covers LOADS of topics. In later years, it has been dominated by diminishing quality posts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find work there.
Digital Point Forums
This next one is HUGE! If your portfolio is good, you will garner some attention at the Warrior Forum. The Warrior Forum is a large and helpful community of website owners and internet marketers. The rules are tight and there is a private area for paid members, but it’s not a requirement to find gigs and gain a lot of insight into doing this web thing.
The Warrior Forum
Bid Sites
Bid Sites are websites where you land gigs by bidding. Usually, the lowest bid will win the gig. There is A LOT of work on sites like this, but it is often difficult to win gigs in the sea of bidders. A little bit of research can give you some tips on how to make your bid stand out.
Guru.com
Elance.com
oDesk.com
GetAFreelancer.com
Craigslist
Craigslist has had its moments of scandal and scam, but you can find legit writing gigs there. It’s a good place to start locally. Plus it’s free advertising. Check out their Fact Sheet. Here are a few highlights:
30 billion page views per month
50 million users in the US alone
More than 1 million new job listings each month
So now you’re thinking about how much time you’re going to spend searching all those cities? There’s a solution for that as well. You can search ALL of Craigslist in one easy place: SearchTempest.com
Wouldn’t that be a dream gig? Write for Google! Yes, please! But alas, I’m talking about searching Google for paid writing gigs. There are dozens of keyword searches that will bring you millions of results. As a writer, you need to know how to use search engines effectively to do your research. Start now by finding some places that will pay you to write.
BONUS
This is a giant list of sites that pay writers. Good luck!!!
Next Up…
I will discuss making your first money online. How to do it, different ways to get paid, and the basics of what you’ll need to start getting some money!
April 27, 2012
Build Your Online Writing Portfolio
So you’ve decided that you want to write content for the web. The first step in this process is to well, start writing. It’s not rocket science. The only requirement is a good command of the English language. It’s a good idea to know what good web writing is. YoU CaN’T jUmP oUt ThErE AnD wRiTe LiKe ThIs and using cliches like “it’s not rocket science” isn’t great either. 
There’s no place in content writing for text speech either. If u wrte like this, U will jst make ppl mad. You won’t land any paid work like that either. There’s a time and place for this type of communication…and it’s not in article writing or blogging.
Think of some articles you’ve read recently online. Maybe it was a link a Facebook friend posted, maybe it was another post in this ProWebWriter series…whatever the case, a well put together article is one that uses simple language and is consistent with its focus. It’s a good idea to format your online writing in digestible chunks using bullet points and subheadings. This caters to two types of readers: the reader who reads an article start to finish, and also the reader who scans for the specific information they want to read.
Publish
At this point, you should have a topic you’d like to write about. If you’re really proactive, you might even have some content that’s ready to publish. Now the question is where? Where to publish? Here are some options:
Content Mills — I don’t necessarily condone doing much work for content mills, but it’s a great place to start and change your status from unpublished to published. What is a content mill? A content mill is one of the many places online that hire A LOT of writers to populate a site. It might pay or it might not. Either way, don’t expect much. Very few writers have made significant money this way.
A Free Site or Blog — There are a lot of places on the web where you can claim a free website or blog. It’s a good place to start publishing your content. You can always move your work later if you upgrade to a paid website. Some places to get a free site are Blogger.com, WordPress.com, Weebly.com and Webs.com.
Your Website — If you have your own website, there’s no better place to publish your content. It’s a good idea to write for a couple other places as well though if you plan to procure freelance jobs in the future.
Guest Posting – Write a guest post on a friend’s blog or site that is already established. Don’t know anyone? You can contribute to ProWebWriter. Contact me by writing your idea or pasting your original article directly into my Contact Form . I will be in touch with you within 24 hours.
Promote
When you begin publishing your writing on the Internet, share it. Post up a link to your Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Google+ or all of the above. The more the merrier. (another cliche) Not only will you get support and feedback from your friends, but it lets them know that hey, you can write for the web. It’s basic “word of mouth”. In addition, this begins building traffic to your site or articles you’ve written on other sites so it’s easier to monetize in the future.
Then What?
Next, ProWebWriter will discuss how to find paid writing work online. Having a few pieces published on the web is essential to this step, so what are you waiting for? Get started! Subscribe or bookmark us, so you don’t miss the next step!
April 19, 2012
So You Wanna Write for the Web?
It seems simple enough, right? You enjoy writing. You might even have some experience writing online in the form of a blog or even a Facebook status. Hey, it counts! No one said it had to be good…YET! With the questionable economy, many have turned to the Internet to find work just to stay afloat or supplement offline work. You might be surprised to know that thousands of people make their living working online.
I had this epiphany in 2006, and I’ve pursued it in various ways in the last 6 years. You’re reading one of them. I figure if those people can do it, then so can I…and so can you! There’s a lot of things to know about getting paid to write online. I’ll be covering these right here at ProWebWriter. Now is a good time to subscribe to the feed in your favorite Reader.
Gather Your Resources
Whadya got? No, I mean on your hard drive…what kind of writing do you have saved there? Pull it out. Your best stuff that shows you have the ability to not only string 2 sentences together, but do so coherently. It can be creative or informative. It can even be a school or college paper. Get out your diary/journal. No, I don’t want to see it! Thumb through it. I’m sure there’s something there that is brilliant and worth sharing. Find it and bookmark it.
Brainstorm
I am an avid brainstormer. Sitting within arm’s reach right now, I could show you no less than 8 brainstorming lists. I’m not saying you have to write a list, but you need to think about what kinds of writing you like to do. This will help you consider what areas of online writing you should focus on. Consider the websites you like to visit and what kind of writing you read there. If you’ve ever visited a site and thought, “I could write better stuff than this”, you are probably right.
Do Your Research
If you don’t know how to use a search engine, NOW is the time to learn. I don’t mean just “Googling” things…I mean seriously know how to find answers using a search engine. Here’s your first assignment: research some sites that will help you learn what effective online writing is like. Here are a couple hints: “writing articles for the web”, “writing for the web”, “copywriting vs. article writing”
Up Next…
I’ll tell you how to get started. Yes, making money from writing…now. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you don’t miss it.
April 5, 2012
Private Label Rights and What You Can Do With It
What is PLR?PLR stands for Private Label Rights. PLR can included different types of content and media such as articles, web copy, autoresponder series, images, video, and music. These "rights" include nearly all the rights to a created work such as web copy, articles, images, video clips and music. PLR usually does not include resell rights unless otherwise specified. This post will concentrate on written content.
Why PLR?
Because it's cheap. PLR averages about $1 per article or page. Custom ghost-written content of the same length can cost $25 and up. There is a place for both, but if you're looking for a lot of content fast, PLR is your best bet.
The One Rule
When you use PLR content, the one rule is that you MUST rewrite it. There are exceptions to this rule. It's not necessary to rewrite the content if you:
Use it as an autoresponder series
Use it in a print campaign
Use as a mail info pack
Use it as a newsletter
Why Do I Have to Rewrite It?
One simple reason…search engines do not like duplicate content.
If I Have to Rewrite It, I Might As Well Write My Own Stuff…
Not necessarily. There's a number of options. First of all, you need only add in your voice and reword it to your taste. If you're pressed for time or you're just not a writer, here are some options:
Use article spinning software (not recommended)
Hire someone to rewrite the content for you
You can usually hire someone to rewrite the content for your at fairly cheap rates since the main ideas of the content are already there.
Ways To Use PLR
Well, besides the obvious like blog posts, web copy, etc. I'm going to provide you with a link. This isn't just any link. It could be the most valuable link you've come across online in ages. You might already have it.
Where to Get It
Try my new PLR site: http://prowebplr.com
Don't see a pack you can use? Try my friend's site: http://plrcontentmarket.com
March 26, 2012
Gearing Up For a Busy Summer
Waughtown Roundabout Daffodils Spring 2012
Spring has sprung in ProWebWriterville. I got the cleaning out the way last month. I rolled out a new theme and gave you a sneak peak of a few exciting things coming to PWW. I didn't anticipate the evolution of events. I had originally planned a rather large relaunch of PWW that would include a store where readers could purchase content. However, in thinking the concept through a little more completely, I launched a new site instead.
It's been a quiet launch so far as I am testing things and ironing out the kinks. This is my first e-commerce endeavor and well, I have to say so far, so good. Within the next month, I will be building up to an official launch inviting friends and contacts from various places around the web. I thought it would be nice though, to offer my readers an exclusive peak at what I'm working on.
Buy PLR?
ProWebWriter.com Homepage
If you've visited the homepage recently, you can't miss the gigantic banner inviting you to "BUY PLR". That's right, ProWebWriter is now offering the most affordable solution to web content: Private Label Rights content. At $1 per article, you can't beat it! Clicking that banner will take you to PWW"s new sister site: ProWebPLR.com Give it a click and check it out. Keep in mind it's still under development.
Anything Else?
Yep. There's another secret I'm keeping. I'm gonna share it with y'all though. If you're following along and paying attention, you deserve the sneak previews of everything that's going on. Last year, ProWebWriter had a couple exclusive offers. The first one was the $50 website. This offer promised you a website of your own on the same quality level with what you see here at PWW. That offer had NO takers, but it still stands. I'll be promoting that offer more strongly as time goes on. Right now, it's linked on the homepage and well, in this post.
The second offer I launched was an invitation to contribute to ProWebWriter. I had a couple offers and even some posters who contributed some great articles to the site. This offer also still stands and is linked above and on the homepage. ProWebWriter is for Writers and Readers. Our offerings are limited by takers at the moment, but you want to get in on the ground level of what is going on here. More on this in a moment, but let's get that secret out of the way.
ProWebPLR.com Homepage
With the expansion into e-commerce and PLR content, ProWebWriter in association with ProWebPLR will be offering stock photos at DRASTICALLY reduced prices. Get a sneak peak of what it's all about over at ProWebPLR.com/photos/ . This is the only live link to see what's going on over there until the official launch next month. I'm still working on the store, but everything you can see there is live and currently up for sale. You won't find stock images cheaper anywhere else for the largest size. Our smallest camera is 14 megapixels and all our images are the largest size available for a buck. That's right ONE dollar.
That's Nice, But I'm a Writer and I'm Looking For Writing Stuff
It's coming! Now is the time to subscribe to PWW in your favorite RSS reader AND to our updates. Sign up now using the simple form to the right –>, and receive a free copy of WordPress Websites for Writers…the e-book that has sold more than 100 copies on Amazon and is currently in its Second Edition.
In the coming months, ProWebWriter will take you on a journey to developing your own content writing empire. We'll show you how to self publish using Smashwords and give you insider tips. Big things are happening, and we are looking for takers for what we're giving. ProWebWriter now staffs an Editor and Photographer. The next staff member could be YOU.
As Always…
Thanks for stopping by and reading. Check the links, ask questions, and join the conversation in the comments. 
March 11, 2012
Staffing Your Web Empire
Let's Face It…It's a feat to do this web thing on your own. It's not impossible, but if you're doing it right, it eventually becomes a full-time endeavor. If you look over any of my other sites, you will find they are in varying stages of production. Unless you have an endless cash flow that enables you to buy stock images and hire help as needed, then you're about the busiest person on the planet.
Behind the Scenes
Maintaining a website or blog is a ton of daily tasks. Skipping a day could mean skipping a dollar or several dollars. Aside from the obvious like writing content, here's a glimpse of the daily behind the scenes here at ProWebWriter:
Check Analytics
Check and reply to email
Brainstorm topics
Make lists of things to be done
Create graphics
Find royalty-free images
Take pictures
That list is JUST for PWW, and doesn't include any special things like theme and page updates or integration of services like AWeber and e-commerce.
Who Should You Hire?
There are several options. I began with family members. I've had my brother proofread for me, or my partner check over a graphic for an objective eye. Most recently, I've hired my nephew to proof for me and will be paying him. You can always outsource any aspect of your tasks as a website owner. There are tons of sites that allow you to hire freelancers who do just about anything. Elance.com and GetAFreelancer.com are a couple ones that come to mind. Even more affordable are sites like Fiverr.com that allow you to hire people to do all sorts of things for $5. It's worth perusing that site just to get some out-of-the-box ideas. Proceed with caution. You are trusting your content into the hands of a stranger.
How Am I Supposed To Pay Them?
Well, this is where family and sites like Fiverr are helpful. If you're not rolling in the dough, you have to pay for services as you can afford them. Like with my nephew, I'm paying him Fiverr prices for editing. He and I have agreed on a word count and dollar amount. It's affordable to me, I can trust him totally, and he will learn some new things in the process. Heck, he'll probably teach me a thing or two! If you're hiring freelance, you will more than likely need a PayPal account, so you might as well get that out of the way.
It's Not For Everyone
Maintaining a site has meant years of acquired skills for me; an evolution if you will. If you're only running one site say to display your writing or simply a personal blog, then a staff will not be necessary. For those of you putting your blood, sweat, and tears into your little corner of the web, outsourcing a few of your tasks could be the answer.
March 1, 2012
An Exclusive Sneak Peak
Alright, well, what can I say? I've changed my mind again. Remember the other day when I mentioned that delve into web design? I scratched the idea (yes, already) due to time constraints and lack of ability. Temporarily. ProWebWriter will have a custom design, but I'm going quick and dirty on it. I think it's pretty clean and sexy…ESPECIALLY compared to the alternative.
I've promised you a lot of new stuff coming, and if you clicked on the Home page the other day, you've seen a few non-working links to what's in store. The Home Page is still a mess, so don't look at it…SERIOUSLY.
Today, I've been running a small promotion on my Facebook Page. Ten "Likes" and I'll post a sneak peak of the new design…WITH an added bonus. A glimpse at the train wreck of a PSD I was putting together to slice and code by hand. Feel free to post your "LOL's" in the comments!
A Little History
This was ProWebWriter about a month after it's launch courtesy of the WayBack Machine; dated March 26, 2010.
Click all images to view them in a larger size.
I thought this was pretty snazzy at the time, but whew, it's got problems! Moving on.
I'm not going to run through the whole history. More recently, ProWebWriter took on the following "cleaner" look.
Well, it seemed "cleaner" compared to the previous um, look. I was pretty proud of those banners. They took a couple hours in Photoshop and some finagling to get "right". They served their purpose. It's time to move on. Can you believe before I put the logo as the background for these, it was giant picture of my face? Ugh. Narcissistic much? Not really a label I want to claim.
In the last couple weeks, ProWebWriter has been sporting this:
Gah! I know! It's a WRECK. This was an experiment in headlessness…er, or headerlessness. Whatever. It's not very modern. It *looks* quick and dirty. I hope what I'm working on right now, won't.
Without Further Ado
So here's the sneak peak you've been waiting for and that I have promised my amazing Facebook friends. This is what 10 "Likes" will get you. Murder my darling honestly in the comments if you wish. Please keep in mind that this is DRAFT ONE of the design and I'm presenting it to you in its rawest form…freshly squeezed. I will be visiting this multiple times over the next few days. You know how it is when you sleep on things. ProWebWriter WILL be sporting the finished product Monday, March 5, 2012. Bookmark me and check back!
Oh wait, I almost forgot…the BONUS…
Ugh, this is embarrassing. I guess it explains why I quit my degree in Graphic Design and settled into writing. Laugh! It's funny.
February 27, 2012
Please Don’t Mind the Dust – Renovations Underway
As I said in my last post, PWW is undergoing some major changes. DON’T click the Home button…no, no, don’t…awwww. You did, didn’t you? It’s a mess over there. So, for the time being, I’m going change the Home Page to the blog posts. It may stay that way, but as of right now, I like the idea of having a Home Page that will launch you to all the most popular areas of the site.
The problem is…the theme.
While PWW has always had a custom theme, it’s been one of the quick and dirty variety. So, I’m delving into theme development. SERIOUS theme development. As soon as I finish typing this post, I’m heading over to Photoshop and mocking up the layout. I’ve done this before, but never used the resulting theme because I never completed it. This is where my ADD is apparent. You’ll never meet another person as enthusiastic about starting a project. Here’s the rub…I have a follow through issue. I often run out of attention and enthusiasm between 50 and 80% completion. Can you relate?
Waaaaait for it…
I have no idea how long this will take, but I’m running out of time. I’ve already missed my relaunch deadline, but keep in mind that I am working on this while maintaining a full-time job. Please bear with me. Good things are coming! I promise! This site is for YOU…and especially for Writers. Please bookmark it and check back on the regular. I’m still available via email via the various contact forms around the site, but the Contact Page is the best place to start.
Nothing but raw honesty here…
I will keep you updated and some GREAT content backed by a shiny new layout is on the way in the very near future. Thanks for reading!
Please Don't Mind the Dust – Renovations Underway
As I said in my last post, PWW is undergoing some major changes. DON'T click the Home button…no, no, don't…awwww. You did, didn't you? It's a mess over there. So, for the time being, I'm going change the Home Page to the blog posts. It may stay that way, but as of right now, I like the idea of having a Home Page that will launch you to all the most popular areas of the site.
The problem is…the theme.
While PWW has always had a custom theme, it's been one of the quick and dirty variety. So, I'm delving into theme development. SERIOUS theme development. As soon as I finish typing this post, I'm heading over to Photoshop and mocking up the layout. I've done this before, but never used the resulting theme because I never completed it. This is where my ADD is apparent. You'll never meet another person as enthusiastic about starting a project. Here's the rub…I have a follow through issue. I often run out of attention and enthusiasm between 50 and 80% completion. Can you relate?
Waaaaait for it…
I have no idea how long this will take, but I'm running out of time. I've already missed my relaunch deadline, but keep in mind that I am working on this while maintaining a full-time job. Please bear with me. Good things are coming! I promise! This site is for YOU…and especially for Writers. Please bookmark it and check back on the regular. I'm still available via email via the various contact forms around the site, but the Contact Page is the best place to start.
Nothing but raw honesty here…
I will keep you updated and some GREAT content backed by a shiny new layout is on the way in the very near future. Thanks for reading!
February 15, 2012
A PWW Update
Greetings Writer and Readers,
I apologize for my post delinquency as of late. There's a TON going on behind the scenes at PWW, and I think some of you will want to be a part of the result. I don't want to give too much away, but I'll give you a quick overview of some hints of what is coming. It's all for YOU!
Now is a great time to Subscribe.
I don't push subscriptions too much around here because I know you're busy and your reading time is limited. I'd be honored if you added PWW to your list.
What's Coming To PWW?
Email subscriptions. You'll not only be able to read PWW in your favorite reader, but you can also get updates directly to your email. Sound horrible? Don't worry, I'll be sending our useful info and you'll be able to unsubscribe anytime.
New FREEBIES. You've already had access to free publications such as the class The University of Hard Knocks by Ralph Parlette and a completely FREE ebook on Basic HTML for Kindle Publishers by yours truly including sample documents for you to customize. ProWebWriter also offers a few FREE exclusive WordPress themes through our partner site DabblingArtist.com. Coming up here at PWW, a new ebook release. This book has sold more than 100 copies on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Now YOU will be able to get it HERE FREE. You'll also be seeing some new themes.
More great content. PWW is already packed with decent content. You'll seen an increase in frequency in 2012 and that content will be more relevant to YOU as a Writer. First up, I'll take you on the self-publishing ride with me. This time we're going through Smashwords in addition to Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Everything you want to know, you'll find here at PWW.
Is That It?
There's always more. I'll keep this short and mysterious though. You'll have to come back and see or SUBSCRIBE. There's a lot of exciting things coming and I want YOU to be a part of it.
