Why are some online writers so much more successful than others?
All the marketers out there would like you to believe it's because you haven't purchased their e-book, product or "secret formula". Some people would like you to believe that it's because you don't know enough about "keywords" or SEO yet, but for a small fee they will be glad to sell you this or that product that will magically make you a millionaire overnight.
All of those people are about to be really mad at me..lol!
The reality is that successful writers of any type, online or off, write quality content and follow a simple formula that hopefully we all learned in grade school. So what is this simple formula?
"I call it the 5 habits of successful writers."
All of those people are about to be really mad at me..lol!
The reality is that successful writers of any type, online or off, write quality content and follow a simple formula that hopefully we all learned in grade school. So what is this simple formula?
"I call it the 5 habits of successful writers."
Contents at a Glance
"Spell check! Spell check! Spell check!"
Habit # 1.) Good Grammar Matters
Always Using Good Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling is the Rule not the exception!
Unless you are already a world renowned poet, writing in all lowercase letters is not artistic, it's just plain lazy!
WRITING IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS is also a big mistake amateurs make. It does not let the reader know that what you are saying is important. It actually makes the reader feel like you are screaming at them. Do you hear what people are saying when they scream at you? Well, no one hears what you're saying when you scream at them in your writing either.
Successful writers take the time to spell check and visually edit what they write multiple times. Yes, we are all only human, and even the most careful writer is subject to the occasional typo. There is a big difference between an occasional typo and consistently mis-spelled words, bad grammar and lack of adequate punctuation.
Think of it like this, if the writer doesn't seem to care enough about whatever subject they are writing about to use proper grammar and spelling, then why on Earth should anyone care enough to actually read it?
"Be Dramatic!"
Habit # 2.) Presentation Is Important!
Presentation is especially important for online writers.
The Internet is a highly visual experience. How others perceive your writing can be greatly influenced by the way that you present it.Notice the photos of the gentleman to the right. In the top photo he conveys an attitude of fun and playfulness. When you see the top photo you expect something entertaining and good to happen next.
Now look at the same gentleman in the bottom photo. He is still dressed exactly the same, yet this time he conveys a serious attitude. When you see this photo you expect something unpleasant or important to happen next.
You wouldn't use the top photo to sell catastrophe insurance and you wouldn't use the bottom photo to sell party supplies.
Successful online writers take the time to make whatever they are writing look as visually appealing as possible. They use spaces between short easy to read paragraphs. They use visual aids like photos, bullets, numbers, section titles and HTML whenever possible.
Successful writers do not present big blobs of text that has no beginning, middle or end. They take the extra time needed to make their writing easy to read and pleasant to look at.
The Well-Fed Writer
Financial Self-Sufficiency As a Freelance Writer in Six Months or Less
In this era of entrepreneurialism, Atlanta freelancer Bowerman shows those timid (but talented) souls how almost anyone can forge ahead as an independent writer. His advice is good, couched in brassy prose that is easy to read. He anticipates every conceivable question and issue, including typical charges, marketing oneself, types of available work, and dealing with deadbeats. There are great common-sense tips, too, in the psychology of handling clients who think they are writers, those with limited budgets, and others demanding creativity. Personal anecdotes make the life of a freelancer real; the author includes samples of cold-calling scripts, thank-you notes, and a story or three about starting a writers' group and partnering with other professionals. For beginning scribblers only; more experienced soloists may disagree with some points made. ~ Barbara Jacobs, Amazon book review.
BUY NOW!
"Give the Readers What They Want!"
Habit # 3.) Stay On Topic
Successful writers keep the content of their writing relevant to their subject matter.They do not suddenly segue into a 2 paragraph long story about their cat's urinary habits in the middle of a story about college football.
People read Internet articles to get information. If the writer does not give the information that the reader is looking for, in a timely, concise and easily understandable manner, then with the click of a mouse that reader is gone. Or even worse, that reader decides to rank that article low or give it a bad review.
"Successful writers deliver the information that the reader is looking for!"
The Well-Fed Writer: Back For Seconds
A Second Helping Of "How-To" For Any Writer Dreaming of Great Bucks and Exceptional Quality of Life
Perhaps you're a writer - seasoned or aspiring. Or maybe a home-based business-seeker or at-home Mom - looking to leverage past business experience into a lucrative, flexible income. Regardless, if you're looking to turn your love of writing into your living - a GOOD living - this might be the direction for you.
With 95% new content, "TWFW: Back For Seconds" is a companion volume (the other 5% is a 12-page encapsulation of the TWFW) that builds on TWFW with dramatically expanded sections on sales and marketing - demystifying subjects that often terrify creative types. Marketing by phone, fax, e-mail, direct mail, Web sites and networking are all covered.
Drawing from the author's own experiences and dozens of firsthand accounts from commercial writers around the world, the book discusses building the business in small towns or rural areas, on a part-time basis, in unusual niches, along with effective networking strategies and much more.
BUY NOW!
"Welcome the Reader Into Your World!"
Habit # 4.) Make the Reader Feel Welcome
Use first person narrative sparingly.
Unless you are writing a memoir or your autobiography, it's good to get into the habit of writing in second and third person as much as possible.First person narrative in small doses can help to make a story more personal and is especially useful when giving the reader a recommendation or when writing a review.
Good writers though, use a combination of narratives to help the reader feel welcome and a part of the story. No one wants to read an entire article or story that just revolves around what I want, what I like, what I feel.
It's rude and very unwelcoming to the reader. The reader wants to know how you can help them. How they can get the best deal. How the mascara made her eyes look fantastic!
See the difference? A successful writer helps the reader feel like they are personally involved in the story.
Start & Run a Copywriting Business
Another great opportuntity for Freelance Writers
* Learn the secrets of freelance copywriting * Earn top income working from home * Put your creativity to use
Corporations and agencies outsource most of their copywriting and need copywriters more than ever today-including for Internet marketing. Most copywriters cannot keep up with the demand for their services, and many make between $50,000 and $150,000. Start & Run a Copywriting Business is your essential guide to getting started and prospering in an industry that offers substantial income, flexible hours, and stimulating work.
This book will provide new copywriters and old pros alike with proven, step-by-step strategies on how to find and keep clients, complete common copywriting tasks, set up an effective office, and overcome the unique challenges inherent in this business.
Topics covered include: * Deciding if copywriting is for you * Mastering basic copywriting techniques * Getting started in the business * Setting rates and quoting on assignments * Tapping into top markets * Effectively marketing your services * Managing your work, time, and money * Troubleshooting and getting help
Turn your talent into dollars by learning to write ads, brochures, direct mail, websites, and business-to-business and e-mail marketing materials. Start & Run a Copywriting Business will show you how to write copy your clients will love.
The worksheets and checklists on the CD-Rom are included in MS Word and PDF formats for use on your Windows-based PC.
BUY NOW!
"Mind Your Q's!
Quality & Quantity!"
Habit # 5.) Successful Writers Write!
Quality + Quantity = Success!
The difference between a successful writer and a mediocre writer is rarely based on actual talent. A writer can have all the talent in the world and still fail, if they don't actually use that talent. Now talent can make the difference between a successful writer and a great writer, but few of us are Shakespeare.It really comes down to a combination of high quality writing and high quantity of actual item written. Successful writers spend the majority of their time actually writing, submitting and publishing their work. The more quality items they publish, the more successful they become.
To become a successful writer you have to spend your time wisely and actually do the hard work of writing, editing, submitting, publishing and promoting your work.
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- Tipi Tipi Jun 25, 2009 @ 1:02 pm
- This is very good information Bambi and advice. I really like the insight that you shared and this is a helpful resource ... and well done! :)
I hope you have a great summer and much success!
Susie
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- DeboraR DeboraR Jun 12, 2009 @ 11:18 pm
- Very good lens. Great example of the kind of writing I want to do given time.
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- aj2008 aj2008 Apr 21, 2009 @ 4:01 pm
- Very good lens Bambi - in fact so good that I have blessed it! Also bookmarked in Tagfoot as I will want to be able to find it again quickly!
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- AndrewShim AndrewShim Apr 20, 2009 @ 6:38 am
- Truly mystical MysticalMama! You'll make a very pretty Giant Squid.
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- Kylyssa Kylyssa Apr 20, 2009 @ 12:59 am
- You've explained the subject well. Five stars - one for each tip!
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About Mystic Mama
Lensmaster mysticmama has been a member since January 8 2009, has rated 2,295 lenses, favorited 282, and has created 117 lenses from scratch. Bambi Watson donates their royalties to Humane Society of the United States. This member's top-ranked page is "Squidoo Support Sites Mentor". See all my lenses
My Bio
Welcome and thank you for visiting my lens.
My name is Bambi aka: Mystic Mama
I am your Citizen Squid Support Sites Mentor, here to help answer any questions you may have about the many different types of sites & tools available to help you along your Squidoo journey.
I am also a Giant Squid 100 club member, an honorary Squid Angel, & a RocketMom.
GNXFSBN8391503
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by mysticmama
Welcome and thank you for visiting my lens.
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