If you already write for DemandStudios.com and AssociatedContent.com, you would have heard about private clients from writers on those websites. Private clients are excellent to find as they can usually pay better for web content and SEO articles. What are private clients? They can be anything from individuals who need a blogger, articles for their website or marketing companies that need search engine optimized content either for their website or clients’.
We all have our different methods of obtaining work, but I can speak from my experiences. You should know that some private clients require writers to sign confidentiality agreements or provide additional information before work can be assigned. The work is often exclusive, meaning you are giving full-rights to the client. Charging for private work depends on the writer and the agreement signed. I have done work on flat fee basis or per word, that is something you’d have to discuss with your client. If you write for the websites mentioned, you will often hear from other writers how they have a private client. Where do they find these high paying jobs though?
You Own Website – I have talked about this extensively, but a freelance writer honestly needs a website. Not a blogspot blog or another free site. A professional website, that can serve as a portfolio and a way for clients to see samples. Do not send free, unpublished samples to anyone – unfortunately there is people looking to scam writers. Send your clients to your website, so they can see work you have done, which topics you can cover and the work quality.
The website can serve for marketing purposes too. My website has a services section where I explain exactly what I as a writer can offer. Freelance writers can be bloggers as well, it honestly helps with polishing SEO skills. I get plenty of private client work through my website,
Forums – Some writers will advise you to find a single niche and stick to it. I am against that. I believe you should be flexible to write about any subject, in any category and learn to research topics you have not covered before. You’ll be surprised at all the new things you will learn – but you will also show writing skills in covering those topics.
I have joined several different forums where I can advertise my writing services. For example, one forum is technology-related and this is an area I can write about while blind-folded. You will be surprised at how many website owners and entrepreneurs are hanging out in forums, looking for qualified individuals that can write web content for their websites.
Sales person – Be a sales person, not just a writer. Present yourself as an expert in a certain category, and show off your quality work. This can be used in direct approach to business owners, utilizing social media and doing some hard work through e-mail. Think about how many business owners are in your area. You could approach them in person, over the phone, e-mail or through a sales letter. Most businesses have a website but have no clue what SEO is or how it can benefit them. Explain this to them, and state that you can turn their website content into SEO friendly content that will bring Google attention to their business. To a business, this can mean beating out competition and bringing in more sales.
Offer other services besides writing, such as helping them out with social media. Do not be afraid to approach people directly and sell your services. It takes a little hard work but it always pays off. And if you do get a private client that is local, treat them well. They will always refer quality services to another business owner.
Textbroker and Elance – I like these two services because you can find decent work, but you can also build up a relationship with the clients through these two services. I have seen often writers being approached after completing and turning in good work.
Craiglist – Some will say that Craiglist is full of scammers, and honestly it does have its share of bad apples. It also has a lot of honest business owners and people who are looking for skilled writers. Be smart though, as I said before – do not send free samples to anyone! Send them to your website instead.
Do not be afraid to try something completely out of the box. Your approach may be different, but that does not mean it will fail. Be brave enough to try something different and work on your own technique. Your first try may not be as polished as your 5th, but it can bring in a good client that will be willing to pay top dollar for your services.
I am not into gaming because I don’t have the free time, but a lot of my friends are big World of Warcraft fans. If you are into gaming, check out this gaming forum. I have to say the forum is really interesting, with all types of games being discussed, including Halo and Starcraft.
Their forum has discussions on different gaming consoles too, such as Wii and XBox. So no matter which console you are using, there is talk and advice to help you achieve new levels in your favorite game. You are also free to start a new discussion on a game you are playing, there is room for everything in this new gaming community.
Car roof boxes are a must have for families that love to travel. A roof box can give you extra storage and traveling with kids always requires packing up half of your house. UK residents have a great resource for buying cheap car roof boxes, so happy traveling!
I am having a terrible day. Not only is today a Monday, but my morning started off with technical problems and customer phone calls. That is never pleasant. I could really get away today, maybe drive to the beach and get me one of those custom beach cruisers. I would forget all about my problems, in no time.
I see a lot of locals riding beach cruisers, even though we are five hours away from Ocean City. If you would like to buy one, check out cruiserstyle.com for their large selection of beach bikes. They sell inexpensive beach cruisers bikes that can be shipped all over the USA by FedEx.
Crystal Singing Bowl can be used as a meditation tool, during yoga for relaxation or as a spiritual home decor. Himalayan Bowls or Singing Bowls are classified as standing bells, because they do not have handles and are not hanging. The name comes from the sound their rims and sides make, which are made to vibrate when hit with a striker tool.
I am participating in Weekly Wrapup MeMe. A new post will be created every Saturday, with this cute end-of-the-week meme.
In the past week, have your contemplated your purpose or other deep, meaningful thoughts?
I like to think of myself as a thinker, heh. I’ve had a lot of time to think about my purpose, the need to do better, improve at work and do whatever necessary to help out my family. My husband’s job situation has me half way to Crazy Town.
Do you think you have a purpose? Do you want to have one?
I have found my purpose in being a mother and a nurturer. I also always have the need to establish independence and personal identity. I am not just a mommy, there is a lot more here to see.
Do you ever think about the meaning of life, the universe and everything (beyond yourself)?
Of course. It’s normal to think about what is out there, why we are all here or what we are supposed to do. I’d love to become a better person and get in touch with my spiritual side.
How do you deal with the questions that have no answer?
Think about it and walk away. Some things are more interesting when they are mysterious.
Giving birth to children is an amazing experience. Being pregnant for nine month is exhausting and stressful, but you get to decorate the baby’s nursery! You also get to prepare for birth announcements and sending these out to family and friends once your beautiful baby is born. My pregnancy with Kody was horrible, causing me nine months of severe sickness but it was all worth it.
With Kody’s birthday being in December, I designed holiday photo cards with snowflakes and his baby picture. I also included birth announcement details such as the date, his weight, length and full name. If your newborn is a winter baby too, consider sending out holiday photo cards with your little one. It adds a nice touch and makes a beautiful keepsake of the best day of your life.
I love reading a good book, especially a series from a bestselling author. Sherrilyn Kenyon’s 3-book series, ‘The League’ is now available for preview on Google Books. The First Nine Chapters of Born Of Night are available for your reading enjoyment and you can also check out the trailer video. You will especially like this book if you’re a fan of the paranormal genre. Sherrilyn kenyon fans will be thankful for this thrilling preview, as the book has been much anticipated. ‘Born of Night’, the first book from ‘the League’ series, will be available at your bookstores on September 29th.
Sherrilyn Kenyon is a #1 bestselling and award-winning US writer of both fiction and nonfiction. You may recognize her famous work Dark-Hunter vampire series. Kenyon is also credited with pioneering the genre long before the world had heard of Twilight. I had no idea that she has an annual convention. Her annual fan convention K-Con is so popular that it sells out every year. That is really impressive, especially since the tickets outsell under five minutes. Kenyon’s work is also available under a pseudonym, Kinley MacGregor with combined twenty million copies in print, in over thirty countries.
Watermark Graphics has a large online store for logo apparel and promotional items such as t-shirts, calendars, coolers, mugs and more. The items can be customized with your business name and logo, and are great to hand out to customers or vendors. Handing out items with your logo works as a promotional tool because customers get an item they can use but also remember the business name. The customers can even advertise for you by wearing some of the embroidered logo apparel!
Watermark Graphics was 1994 and is celebrating its 15 year anniversary this year. Their anniversary brings new savings and monthly prizes to customers. You can win iPod Nanos, among other cool prizes and a year end grand prize. Check out their website and see how they can print your logo on these promo items.
Halloween is almost here and it’s time to pick out a great costume. I’m glad we already took care of Kody’s costume this early. He’ll make an adorable little monkey for Halloween. Last year he was a Baby Lion, although he was not fond of his mane. This year he understands dress up better and is excited to wear a monkey suit. He seems to love his new tail!
For you Halloween adventurers, check out Jacks Quest Halloween Adventure. Quest is a character that loves adventure, funny stories, pictures and video. You can join his Halloween contest, Jack’s Quest, and get an awesome shopping coupon to Buy Halloween Costumes Online or in a Halloween Store Near You. There is over 100 prizes for this contest and you might just be a winner!
The contest is free to enter, all you have to do is submit a photo and post a “Vote for me button” on your blog, Myspace, or FaceBook profile to attract people to vote for your Halloween Adventure. Jack’s Quest ends October 25th, 2009.
I entered Kody’s first Halloween picture. We did not take him trick or treating that night because it was freezing cold out. We’re taking him this year though, so he can monkey around. Vote for his entry at Jack’s Quest and enter to win!
