Need a little end-of-year inspiration to take your online writing to the next level in 2017? Today I’m sharing the ten most viewed posts from 2016 to get you fired up and ready to move forward.
I’m pleased to say, the most popular topics revolve around improving your writing skills, finding writing jobs, embracing the freelance lifestyle and learning more about industry lingo. I’m loving the enthusiasm I see from my readers, both on the blog and Facebook!
Happy reading and writing to you!
10. Get Motivated: How to Write Daily, For Work, For Pay
Writing is often perceived as a hobby. It’s something to fill a lazy Sunday morning or an unexpected lull in the work day.
You wait for inspiration. Then, create.
But, if you’re one of the one in three American freelancers working as a writer, content marketer, journalist or copywriter you have to churn out words daily to meet deadlines, work goals and earn a paycheck.
Finding motivation isn’t always second nature when you have to do something daily, especially when the task requires creativity on demand.
Why do you think the phrase “writer’s block” exists? It can be very real.
I’m the first to agree that finding a writing groove on a schedule is difficult and sometimes impossible. But when you have clients waiting on copy, you have to perform. Over the past several years I’ve figured out a few ways to stay motivated.
Continue reading HERE.
9. Should You Use #Hashtags in #Headlines? (Quick List)
In the last month I’ve had two separate content marketing clients request that I incorporate hashtags into the headlines of my blog posts.
So, I started wondering, does the pound symbol, or hashtag, play well with Google? Does it make the article more searchable?
So, I decided to do a little digging.
Continue reading HERE.
8. 4 Tips for Optimizing Social Media Posts
You work tirelessly to optimize blog posts and static web pages. But, what about social media posts?
Do you just post links and witty updates?
Before scheduling your next Facebook update or Tweet, run through this simple optimization checklist to get more engagement on your social media feeds.
1. Text: All public social media feeds are searchable by Google. That means you should give your social updates as much attention as your blog posts and static website pages when it comes to optimizing the text for search. Incorporate keywords naturally into introductions about a link you’re sharing. I like to include an enticing tidbit from the article, or ask a question to try to drum up conversation.
Continue reading HERE.
7. A Day in the Life of a Freelance Writer
This summer I’ll celebrate seven years as a full-time freelancer.
A week doesn’t go by that I don’t field questions about how to be successful and grow a freelance business. The short answer: consistency. I work at sustaining and growing my freelance writing client list and income each and every single day.
So, how do I do that?
Here’s a breakdown of a typical day for me.
6:30am: Peek at my smartphone while trying not to wake up the dogs. Delete random promotional work emails that I’ll never read and catch up on Twitter notifications that popped in overnight. If I’m really motivated, I might sneak in 15 minutes of yoga or watch the news on TV.
7:30am: Feed the dogs, whip up a smoothie and get ready for the day. Since I work from home, this usually means brushing my teeth, putting my hair in a ponytail and staying in pajamas until I get dressed for the gym.
Continue reading HERE.
6. New Freelance Writer Checklist to Get Writing Jobs
Being a freelance writer isn’t easy.
It takes patience, consistency and dedication to build up a roster of clients and steady flow of income. Stay focused and determined, and you can make a living from this profession.
This summer I’ll celebrate seven years as a full-time freelancer (who earns more per year than when I worked at my last full-time newspaper job).
Each week I hear from people who want be freelance writers. They talk, talk, talk about wanting the freedom and flexibility of being self-employed, but they take very little action to make it happen.
That ends now.
Here is a checklist of action items — yes, HOMEWORK — for you to do to get out of the slump and start making things happen. I suggest doing one or more of these each day, depending on the amount of time you can devote to getting your freelance writing off the ground.
Continue reading HERE.
5. 6 Steps to Fewer (Unnecessary!) Rewrite Requests From Your Editors
You’ve written the last sentence of a blog post that showcases both your intelligence and wit. You send it off to your editor and Boom!, a request for edits lands in your inbox less than 24 hours later.
Sure, editing is part of the writing process (and personally, I love editors who polish my writing to make it more concise and engaging) but when you get these requests day after day, it’s disheartening.
And, let’s be honest, editing is time consuming. As a freelancer, you’re most likely paid by the project and multiple edits zap your productivity.
Over the past seven years, I’ve figured out a few ways to make those emails less of a regular occurrence. After all, you don’t need to waste your time working on corrections that could have been eliminated in the first place.
Continue reading HERE.
4. 6 Places to Find Freelance Writing Gigs
You’re looking for freelance writing gigs. You need online writing jobs now to pay the bills and keep your sanity.
I get it.
The first few years after leaving my last newspaper job, I was perpetually on the hunt for my next writing jobs too.
Now, I have a reliable flow of work from repeat clients and a steady writing career.
But, how did I find the best freelance jobs? Easy. They’re all online, and you can find them too.
Continue reading HERE.
3. What is Brand Journalism? (With Examples)
Buzzwords trickle off the tongues of writers and marketers at a steady pace. One trendy term is “brand journalism”. If you’ve heard the phrase, but don’t know what it really means, you’re not alone.
As a writer who tackles brand journalism assignments regularly, this type of content feels like a clever hybrid of traditional journalism and marketing writing.
Continue reading HERE.
2. 12 Freelance Writing Job Boards and Lists
Where are the writing jobs? How do I get freelance writing projects? Who can I write online for?
I get asked these exact questions multiple times each week. The easy answer is: You have to look for them. They don’t magically appear on your desk each morning. Yes, getting into the freelance writing game takes a little time and effort, but it’s well worth it.
This week on the blog, I’m sharing a helpful list of resources that answer those questions.
So, let’s cut to the chase. I hope you find your next freelance writing gig after just a few clicks below.
Continue reading HERE.
And finally…the most popular post that visitors to the Web Writing Advice blog enjoyed during 2016 is…
1. What is a Guest Post?
As your freelance writing career grows, so does your audience. Eventually, an avid reader may ask if you’d like to write a guest post for their blog.
But, what is a guest post?
In a simple sense, a guest post is a blog post written in the tone and style of the blog you’re contributing to. The host blog may dictate the topic, or a general idea, so that your contribution mixes with the flow and ideas presented on the blog.
Guest posts are generally not paid writing opportunities, however, they can be a great way to get your name and a back link to your blog or website in front of a new audience.
You have to decide if the self promotion is worth your time and effort.
Continue reading HERE.
Never miss another post from Web Writing Advice in the new year. Get email updates each Thursday morning by subscribing HERE. As a bonus, I’ll send you my free e-book, “18 Ways to Increase Online Writing Productivity and Earnings”. Write on, friends!
Awesome articles Angela! I never thought of using hashtags on headlines. Will be reading your post about that later.
Thanks for stopping by, Sammy! I hope the articles are helpful! Have a wonderful day! ~Angela