Writing Your Way to More Dollars
Writing Your Way to More Dollars
Even in today’s shaky market, there is always someone who needs something written for them. A professor who needs a dissertation typed up – but must also prepare lectures to give his class, an author who is starting a second novel – but needs a ghost writer to help her finish the first book, or even a manufacturer who needs a product reviewed. Freelance writers use their words to generate income either part time or as full time jobs. What a great way to grow your business.
You can be a freelance writer. All it takes is a willingness to learn the ropes, a solid work ethic and getting to know the people in the areas you want to work. For instance, if you want to write technical manuals, get acquainted with people who already write these types of manuals and see what they do. Shadow them for a little bit and see if it is something you are truly interested in. If so, see if one of them is willing to teach you or at least point you in the right direction. You would be amazed at how willing people are to help out.
As for the work ethic, once you have asked for some help, you cannot expect your new-found mentor and friend to do all of the work for you. You need to learn some of the ropes yourself and do more research on your own. You cannot be spoon fed every tidbit of information because that is unfair to the person who has worked hard to get where they are. Learn what you can by studying them and other materials and then go back and ask questions.
Once you have decided which area you would like to start with, check your local newspaper, magazines, online job boards, craigslist, networking, etc. for positions that might be interested in hiring new writers so you can start getting some sample clips, or articles, together. Work your way from there as you start getting more and more pieces under your belt.
There are many resources available to starting freelance writers. The biggest tip is to take the first step and start somewhere; because if you don’t start somewhere, you won’t go anywhere. Writing on the side is a great way to build some cash for your online business.
Ways to Advertise on the Internet for Little or No Money
Ways to Advertise on the Internet for Little or No Money
Advertising is the number one way businesses make money and get more customers. But did you know it takes little or no money to advertise your business online? It’s true. Advertising online can be done in many ways and most of them are free.
The following are three ways you can get started advertising your site or services for free:
Blog – A blog is one of the fastest growing marketing tools you can find on the Internet today. There are many sites on the net offering free blogging services, or free website building services. You can promote or advertise a product or service on your blog or you can have someone else place an advertisement of your services on their blog. This doesn’t cost any money on either end, just a sharing of links.
Forums – There are millions of forums on the Internet where you can find your niche market being discussed. The simple way to advertise on these sites is by adding a link to your site in your signature and then start posting. Make sure you have catchy phrases contained in your link, like the word “free: to catch the attention of the reader so they will want to click on your link and visit your site.
Social Marketing – Signing up for various social networking sites like Myspace, Facebook and Twitter can get your service or product noticed almost immediately. All of these services are free; you just need to make a page dedicated to your particular product and linking it back to the web page where the item or service can be purchased. There are millions of people on these sites, therefore a million possible customers for your business.
Classified – Placing a free classified ad is another way to promote and advertise your business.
There are so many ways you can utilize the above suggestions to promote your site or products. You just have to start slow and over time you will see your business boom!
Using Your Signature Line to Advertise, Market, and Promote
Using Your Signature Line to Advertise, Market, and Promote
If you are Internet savvy and know your way around the various social media sites, then you already know how important a signature line can be. A signature line, for those who may not know already, is a link placed under your name that can be clicked on and used to direct people to your website.
Signature lines have become the fastest growing advertising strategy for people who want to get the word out about their business. There are two ways to utilize a signature line; the first is to attach a signature to your email, you may already be aware of this but never thought to use it. When attaching your signature to your email, you are able to market and promote your site every time you send an email message, as it will be contained within the email.
The second step is to place a signature line in any online forums or message boards you frequent. There are some boards or forums that won’t allow this, so be sure to check the FAQ on every board you are on. By placing the link in your signature you are advertising your site or business with little effort at all. All you have to do is post.
People are curious by nature and having a signature line in your emails or posts can peak their curiosity especially if you have a catchy signature. Think of something to grab your reader’s attention such as offering something for free, and build it from there.
It is important to keep your signature line small; one sentence is all you need to effectively market your site. In no time you will see your website traffic increasing. Your business will begin growing all from just placing one little line with your name, website and any other pertinent information about your business.
