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How To Start A Review Blog
byLyn Lomasi,Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
Do you like trying new products or reading new books? Want to make money or earn free samples for it? Here's how to start a review blog.
Choose a Platform For Your Review Blog
The first step in starting a review blog for books or other products is choosing the platform you will use. There are many to choose from, such as Weebly, Blogger, and WordPress. I personally recommend Weebly because of the versatility and the fact that beginners can jump right in. If you're also a pro, not to worry. You can edit the CSS if you want to, but the default drag and drop options make it simple and fun for everyone. In addition to hosting, if you want a dot com domain, you will also need a domain manager. I recommend rcomexpress.com. However, there are lots to choose from.
Build Your Blog
Once you've chosen your platform, it's time to build your blog. This is relatively quick and simple if you've chosen one of the more easy platforms. You can choose your template/theme, colors, and so on. You should also be able to choose which pages you'd like and customize each page with the text, images, and anything else you need to. If you're going to be reviewing products, you'll want sections for ads on each page. This will help you earn revenue.
Make Sure You Have These Important Pages
At the very least, in my experience, every review blog should have a homepage, a blog page, an about/contact page, and a review policy page. By law, you will need to have a review policy and disclose when you receive products or cash in exchange for reviews. All of the pages and policies mentioned will help your audience have a positive experience with your blog.
Monetize Your Blog For Revenue
Join affiliate programs, such as Amazon Associates, Rakuten LinkShare, CJ.com, and Google AdSense in order to generate revenue. This will allow you to earn revenue with ads that are aligned with the products you review. Sometimes you can align an exact product this way for the best results. Be careful to read the terms of each company and make sure you are following their guidelines if you join. Some may require your blog to be a certain age or have a certain number of posts first.
Start Writing Posts
Once you have made all of your pages, done what you can to monetize, and have something to review, start making posts. The more active your blog is, the better chance you have of people seeing it. At first, it might seem you are talking to yourself. Don't worry. People will come if you keep writing. Be sure to learn some whitehat SEO techniques to help that along.
Market Your Blog To Companies
Once you have some posts up, you can market your review blog to companies via proper SEO, social media, and by sending pitches out to those who share your interests. It may take some time to build a steady following and you may need to at first review products and books you already own. But in no time, you will start getting more requests than you can handle if you do it right.
Happy blogging! If you have any questions, please comment below or Contact Us and we will do our best to assist.
Many factors go into determining work and payments from business owners and other clients. These can differ depending on several things. While following this guide may not guarantee that you will receive more work with higher payments, you may see greater opportunities by adhering to the following suggestions. The key is not necessarily to increase every single payment, but to maximize the opportunities available, as well as maximize your long-term benefits from said work.
What types of content are eligible for payment?
All of it! Whether you are soliciting jokes, articles, blog posts, recipes, web page content, product descriptions, photography, or any other creation, it deserves payment if it's quality material. The key is to submit to the most appropriate venue for best results.
Focus on a specific issue
When you have a tight focus on one topic, readers are more likely to be looking for your content. Think about the things you look for when searching the Web. For instance, instead of general tips on pet adoption, you may want something geared specifically toward the pet you are considering adopting. "Where to adopt a poodle in Denver" should perform better than "How to adopt a pet," as an example. Write your articles on specific subjects that will be relevant and useful to readers looking for that topic.
Follow assignment details
If you are hired for an assignment, be sure you follow the exact instructions. That means if the instructions say something different from any advice herein, defer to the assignment. When editors and business owners see that you can follow all assignment details reliably, they may be more likely to offer you future opportunities. Remember that, while you should be creative, the content you're creating is not for you. It's for the person you are creating it for. Therefore, it should be the way they want it. It's good to suggest corrections of facts that might be wrong or improvements that might help the client or their website. But again, if they do not agree, unless you are breaking the law or doing something you are strongly against, just do things the way the client wants.
Do your research
When you need to back up your content with facts, be sure these facts are from reliable sources. Also, make sure to cite those sources properly, according to submission guidelines and any additional assignment guidelines. Using multiple highly-trusted and relevant sources also helps to build credibility. Wherever possible, use sources from your client's website, in addition to the others. This helps them build more relevant inbound linking.
Examine the intended website
If you are submitting to a new client, study the website you are interested in writing for. Think of topics that could work well there but are not yet covered. Having an idea of what could potentially align with a particular property can give you a greater chance at getting accepted. Being unique is key. That means that you don't want to submit something you already see covered on the property. Instead, try submitting something that works well alongside existing content, provides a new angle, or has not been covered at all but could appeal to that property's audience.
Consider the audience behind the topic
Are you writing about parenting? What stages? Think of the age of the kids you're writing about - and then think of what ages the parents are likely to be; they are your most likely audience, and you should cater your content to them. The tone and style used in your article should be something readers can identify with. For instance, if you are writing an article for kids, using complicated business terms is not going to keep them reading. Acceptances of paid submissions are more likely on content that shows attention to detail in this and other areas.
Personalize the experience
When you write an article or blog post, readers should see the real person behind the story (unless your client is not interested in first-person accounts). At the same time, you don't want to ramble about something that has nothing to do with the subject matter. Find that perfect level at which the article provides the information needed with relevant personalization where it fits in with the main point of the article. For instance, if I'm writing an article about picking the perfect daisies, instead of telling a long story about a time when I picked daisies, I would mention how I determine which daisies to pick. I would do that in a way that readers can tell I am knowledgeable and passionate. But it would also need to be something readers can benefit from to answer their questions. When you can use your own unique experience and style, readers can relate more easily. But at the same time, you don't want to say so much that they get bored and click away.
Focus on evergreen material
Focusing on evergreen material is one way to maximize your earnings, as most business owners can use long-lasting content. Evergreen content is that which will draw a reader's interest for long periods of time, such as unique ways to solve common parenting issues. Evergreen slants can also be applied to trending topics. Some editors may value those topics that have a longer shelf life. This is not to say that other content will not be valued, as articles with a shorter shelf life can be useful as well. They each have their own place and are both great ways to maximize your work in different ways. Getting the most out of paid opportunities often involves taking advantage of more than one way to earn.
Pay attention to spelling, grammar, and style
Category and vertical style guides are used for many assignments that offer pay. For the best chances at getting those assignments accepted, be sure to follow them closely. This also goes for any and all other instructions mentioned within the assignment details. Proofreading, even after using spelling and grammar checkers, has always been a lifesaver for me when writing for any venue. Yes, I am a great editor. But, I am also human, so it's best to double and triple check. Read silently, out loud, and even have a writing buddy take a gander. Programs can miss little things, such as skipped words or typos that are actual words, but not words you intended to use.
Optimize your content for the Web
Studying The Yahoo! Style Guide is a great way to learn basic html, grammar, editing, formatting, and style as it all pertains to writing for the Web. Most content that is submitted to potential clients must be publish-ready. While some venues may have an editor, never rely on editors to fix poor writing. If your writing needs to be thoroughly edited, it is much better to study up so that your submissions are more likely to get acceptances than rejections. You can then submit at a later date when your skills allow you to submit content that is more in line with the platform's needs.
Good Web content displays certain qualities. Apart from being interesting, it must be easy for a wide audience to read. It also must be easily found by search engines. Keep your articles concise and informative in an easy-to-scan format. Web readers often look for something that answers their question quickly and accurately in an engaging manner. For more on writing for the web, again, The Yahoo Style Guide is an invaluable resource.
Maximizing payments on your content is about taking advantage of the many ways to earn. It's also about covering your bases all-around. A solid article is not just well written, but also speaks to the intended audience, giving them exactly the information they expected and needed in a clean, easy-to-scan format.
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
Writing articles online has quickly become a popular way to earn money. This is in part due to the loss of income from layoffs and other job loss. However, many find out the hard way that the ability to maximize earning potential in online writing actually takes some thought. Online article writing is indeed a legitimate way to make money. Anyone can earn a few dollars at it here and there, but to turn it into a business, you'll first need to discover things that will help maximize the earning potential of each article.
Spelling, Grammar, and Proper English
Accurate spelling, grammar, and English can maximize your earning potential on every article you write. Potential clients look at writing for those strengths. If you spell and write so poorly that even spell check and grammar check can't save you, it's time to get back to the basics. That's right. You're going to have to study. Can't afford classes? Grab a book and teach yourself. Find free online resources. Study with a friend. Practice, practice, practice! Every good writer starts somewhere - the sooner you learn the basic skills, the better.
SEO Skills
If no one can find your article, no matter how good it is, no one is going to read it either. Take the time to learn to SEO skills, including LSI. SEO will greatly maximize your earning potential in online article writing. Many online writers get paid for their content per page view either solely or in addition to other payments. This is why it is so important to learn SEO to draw traffic to articles. This is one method that is always changing and doing the wrong thing could give you the opposite results you intended. So be sure your knowledge stays up-to-date.
Focused Headline and Topic
Readers need a clear picture. They need to know from the start what your article is about. Focus your headline directly on the topic at hand, not just part of it. The headline (or title) "Maximize Earning Potential in Online Article Writing" tells me this article offers advice on how to earn more money with articles written for the web. If the title instead was "Pay Attention to Grammar, Titles, and More" that could refer to a book, a lesson at school, or any number of things. It does not tell me it's about article writing on the internet or how I can earn more money. When writing headlines for articles, maximize the earning potential by fully focusing on the topic at hand.
Abstract Focus
Focusing on the topic, as well as the SEO in the abstract is one more great way to maximize earning potential in online writing. Just as the headline needs focus, so does the abstract (or first few sentences). This is what search engines show with your article link. Therefore, it should clearly represent the complete focus of the article. Take out all the fluff and just get straight to the point.
Focus and Readability
Web readers want to find their info fast. That's why they search for it online - instant gratification. This means that content needs to not only be discoverable, but straight to the point and in simple language. If a reader can't understand the language and focus right away, they likely won't read the rest of the article.
Clean Formatting
Online article writers also can maximize earning potential by using clean formatting. There is no exact format o recommend because it will be different depending on the venue. However, if your article looks like one long paragraph, readers may stray away. Generally you need to break up articles into sections. Subtitles can also be used if desired. Whatever formatting you choose, be consistent throughout the article for the best readability results.
In line with the SEO skills mentioned above, promotion is another great way to draw readership. To be the most effective, they should go hand-in-hand. Article writers can maximize earning potential with promotion in many different ways. Post links in forums (where permitted), on your blog, in other articles, on social networks, and more. If you have a website, share your work there as well. There should also be a way for readers to subscribe through both RSS and email. If you have an RSS feed of your articles, it can be submitted to online article directories. There are many, many ways to be promote. The main thing to remember with promotion is to be consistent and to do it only where allowed and by the rules. You don't want to be known as a spammer. The goal instead is to be a source of interesting and informative content.
*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
Many of you have been asking me about ChatAbout since I've been posting about it on Facebook. Do I really get paid to chat, post, and complete tasks? How much money can you make? Is it worth the time? How can you get started and why should you?
Do I really get paid to chat, post, and complete tasks on ChatAbout? You bet I do! If I wasn't getting a benefit, I wouldn't be using the site. Most of you know how busy my days can get. Therefore, I only dedicate my time to things that are worthwhile for me and this is one of them. I'm getting extra money for something I might already do on Facebook or other social sites for free. So why not get rewarded?
What exactly can I do on ChatAbout? This site has discussion areas based on topic and if you don't see what you want, you can create your own. You can chat and create topics in these areas, as well as complete other tasks. Some of the other tasks include taking surveys, playing games, writing short articles, and watching short videos.
How much will I make on ChatAbout? Like anything else, you'll get out of it what you put into it. I don't yet know anyone getting rich from using this site. However, my personal experience is that it's been good for extra money. You can cash out for various rewards and prizes, but I always redeem for PayPal cash. I don't visit every day and when I do, I usually only put in a couple hours or less. With that, I am able to cash out fairly often. Therefore, someone who put in more effort than I do might be able to earn a lot more. It's all in what you do and the effort you personally invest. Like anything else, you're not going to get something for doing nothing.
Should I join ChatAbout? Well that's entirely up to you! if you like taking surveys, chatting, or completing tasks, it may be for you. That's especially true if you'd like the chance to earn while doing it. If you don't like completing tasks, being social, or both, I don't recommend it. But if you do, then why not get paid some extra cash to do what you may already be doing on other social sites?
Ready to give it a try? Click Here to sign up using my link, which benefits me as well. Happy chatting!
Help Where You Can
by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer
I've said it before and I'll tell you again. Helping others is an important part of being a web writer. Not only can you use your words to do good in the world. But you can also use them to help other writers get where you are.
But I just started. How can I help? No matter where you are in your web writing career, you've done something or learned something that can benefit someone else. Maybe you discovered a new venue others may not know about. Perhaps you learned of a resource that might help. Maybe you struggled in life and you can help someone else with a similar struggle.
Won't helping others hinder my success? No, no, and NO!! There is plenty to do for everyone. We each have our own unique goals and talents. We also each have our own styles and areas of expertise. For more insight, I discussed this aspect at greater length in the post: "Am I Creating Competition by Helping Others Succeed?"
But I don't have time to help others. What? Sure you do! You can help others while doing your normal work. Help can occur within the posts you might already make daily. Also, think of some of the moments you might waste in the day, such as time on meaningless forums or Facebook posts. Instead, use that time on forums and Facebook posts that might help others. You don't have to ditch all of your fun. But it's not that hard to find some time to help others.
Why should I help other people? Why not? It's simply a good thing to do. For me, this is always my favorite part of what I do. But there are other benefits as well, if that's not enough. Oftentimes, those who help others have the most success. They usually find something people need and help them achieve it or maybe they are just so nice and helpful that people are attracted to them or their business. It also may help you build important business connections. There are various reasons helpful people succeed. Therefore, if the joy of helping someone isn't enough, at least think of the possible financial rewards.
Have you helped someone today? What are some of the ways you help people?
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
Online article writers serious about their writing must remember the purpose of our content is to provide someone else with the information they need. Even when the writing goes to a client that will not return any page view or click revenue, remember that their audience still needs accurate and relevant info as well. Ultimately, someone will be reading the finished content. Here are five ways online article writers can get and keep clients.
Get and Keep Clients by Learning SEO
I know I must sound like a broken record to regular readers, I mention SEO so often. There's a reason for that. SEO skills are an absolute must if you are serious about making money as an online article writer. The main purpose clients purchase web content is to draw traffic where it's placed. If your articles do not have proper SEO, clients will look elsewhere to meet their content needs. If you often lose out on higher paying clients, gigs, and assignments, SEO skills may be to blame. If so, get and keep clients by reading up on SEO and implementing it into your work.
Get and Keep Clients by Providing Consistent Effort
Some online article writers make the mistake of putting less effort into lower-paying gigs than they would with others. This makes no sense. First, this shows a lack of pride in one's own work. Secondly, your name or pen name will be attached to everything you write. Do you really want potential clients to read one of those lesser-effort articles? Would someone want to hire you after reading them? Online article writers are lucky in that many of us enjoy doing this for a living. Plus, we can make money writing articles from anywhere we prefer - even at the beach. However, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't maintain consistency and professionalism. Putting effort into each and every piece of content you produce gives you better odds of being noticed and appreciated by clients.
Get and Keep Clients by Making Assignments Unique
When a client gives out an assignment, there are times where you may feel the topic is too broad for their audience. To solve this, write on the topic the client has assigned you, but choose a unique slant. Most will likely appreciate the extra effort. For instance, if the client asks you to write about bathrooms for seniors, you could write about eco-friendly bathrooms for seniors. Go for an angle that isn't saturated all over the web. Some clients might need reasoning behind your changes, but in my experience, most understood when I explained about topic saturation. I rarely receive rejections on my work. Sometimes clients will reward the extra effort with extra money or be appreciative enough to buy more content. Even so, don't get upset with those who don't seem appreciative. Just make any revisions and move on. That's another way to keep clients.
Get and Keep Clients by Setting Up and Maintaining an Updated Website
Setting up and maintaining an updated and professional website is an absolute must for online article writers for hire. A website will give you a place to share writing samples and a background on yourself and your writing skills. Have a contact form on your website as well as an alternate email in case the form experiences a glitch. Potential clients may like something they see on your site and bookmark it for later if they aren't yet ready to purchase content. Keep the website updated with current information so that people will want to continue visiting. Maintain a blog with writing tips and business updates. Get and keep clients by referring them to your website for business, rather than an email address. This is an important way to establish your personal brand as a freelance writer.
Network With Fellow Writers
Learning and growing is a big part of being successful in an online writing career. Things change so rapidly that it's important to stay connected with other writers to learn and grow together from each other. Just because you've been writing for years does not mean you know everything there is to know. While you may have expertise on one aspect of writing, another writer may be an expert in a different area. Get and keep clients by networking with other writers to share and discuss knowledge. This will keep you up to date in the online writing field. Plus, it can be a great deal of fun.
*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network
Web Writing Tips: Legitimate Clients Vs Scams & How to Protect Yourself
Web Writing Tips: Make More Money
8 Musts on a Freelance Writer's Website
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
When freelancing for a living, a business website to refer clients to is a must. This is a simple and professional way to let clients know what services and expertise you can provide. But what information is essential to share? As one who has been freelancing for years, here are 8 things I feel are absolute musts on a freelance web writer's website.
A bio describing some of your experiences, interests, and areas of expertise should be included in a prominent area. This lets potential clients know exactly what you are all about. You want them to know this because it helps them decide if you may be what they are looking for. Would you rather hire a construction contractor who was upfront with their skills and experience or one who simply stated he was a contractor with no additional information? Freelance writing is no different.
Experience is touched on briefly above, but you may be wondering what to include. Experience can refer to degrees and it also can refer to work or research that you've done. For instance, are there special clients or media agencies you have worked for? Do you have a degree that contributes to what you produce as a freelance writer? How many years have you been freelancing? These are just some of the things you can discuss on your website.
Writing Samples
Potential clients will need to see what type of work you are capable of. It also is a good way to show your professionalism and skills to more people. You can still email samples to potential clients, but it will be much easier for both of you (and provide a wider reach) if you make these easily available on your website. Some may choose to display these as files that can be downloaded. Others may choose to link to work they've done around the web for various clients and content sites like Associated Content.
Contact Form
A contact form is an easy way for potential clients, as well as readers, to communicate with you. These are easy to set up and can be customized to fit your purpose. These forms will forward directly to your email address. It makes contacting a simple and quick process for those who visit your website. They also can help to cut down on spam requests, as many can be customized to track IP addresses, ask for a captcha code, and other preventative measures.
This is where you can engage and interact with your audience. It's where you can talk about different aspects of the writing business, give writing tips, and also give updates on your business ventures. Don't be afraid to add some fun things in every now and then. Who you went out with last night and what you did may not be a good topic for a blog on your business website, but adding an appropriate personal touch is good. It helps followers and potential clients connect with you.
RSS and Email Subscriptions
Freelance web writers should always have a way for their audience to stay updated on their work. RSS feeds and email subscriptions can be extremely helpful here. Some content sites that freelancers may write for already have RSS feeds available to the writer. These can be placed in widgets that allow readers to view or subscribe to the content via email or feed readers. Each time a piece of content is published to the feed, those who are subscribed will be updated. Making this available on your website can be helpful in building a following.
Social Media Connections
If you are using social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc) to increase your online presence or to make connections in the writing world, place those links on your business website. This will help people connect with you around the web and can be useful in creating a following. Not everyone is comfortable with every form of communication. Social media helps create a variety of ways to connect with your readership.
Every freelance web writer should have some form of interaction on their website. RSS, blogs, and social media links are a few ways people can interact with you and the site. You may also want to have an advice page where readers can use a simple contact form to put in suggestions or ask advice that you can answer in upcoming articles. A forum is also a good source of interaction, but only create one if you have time to keep up with it. The main point is to have some way that readers can interact with you and/or your website. This will keep people coming back.
Web Writing Tips: Why You Need a Website
Why All Web Writers Need a Website
Why All Web Writers Need an Online Resume Page
*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network
When One Door Closes ...
by A.L. Woods, Contributing Writer
As many of you in the online writing world know, a number of us were displaced due to the unexpected closing of the Yahoo! Contributor Network. When one door closes though, another one always opens. Many former Yahoo writers, including me, have already found new writing homes and haven't missed a beat in generating continuing income. Unfortunately, others are still trying to replace this most needed source of revenue for their household.
There's a lesson to be learned here for those of you who are new to freelancing, a lesson that many vets have continually tried to convey – that is, that it's important that you diversify your income streams. Whether this means to always be in a circumstance that you're working for multiple clients, that you've created a number of passive revenue sources (books, ebooks, writing for revenue share sites, having monetized online writing properties), or that you might even have an offline part-time gig or two on the side, it's important that you understand that you must always have a mindset to diversify.
If Yahoo had been my only source of income when they announced their closing I would have literally been washed down the drain because even though they may be turning their interests to other projects, my financial obligations still require a source of income to be fulfilled.
Take the time today to research at least two other potential income streams that might be a good fit for you, develop a plan to get started with them, and actually work your plan. And then like those of us who had the wisdom to know that we couldn't totally depend on Yahoo, when your day comes, you too will one day be able to dodge your own bullet and shrug your shoulders and say, oh, well, when one door closes …
Happy writing!
Writing sites that I recommend:
Writer Access
Writers Domain
Write W.A.V.E Media (of course!)
*Photo: F Delventhal via Flickr
A.L. Woods has been working as a freelance commercial writer since 1989. She is an author, editor, and lover of all things tech. When asked about her writing mantra, she states, "Building my own little corner of the world one word at a time."
Her writing interests include technology, health and fitness, medical, religion and spirituality, cars, Jeeps, Internet, digital and social media, and lifestyle.
Twitter: @writerangela
Pinterest: writerangela
"Wordsmithing is the spice of life." ~A.L. Woods
by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer
Knowing the right time to write can make or break your web writing career. When is the best time? How do you know when yours is?
I get this question often and the answer is actually quite simple.
Write when the inspiration comes. This may be the same time every day and it may not be. For busy people such as parents, you may not feel inspired or have a chance to write until the wee hours of morning.
It's not as important to have an exact schedule, as it is to know when you are ready to write and take advantage of it. Write every moment you have the time to -- and most importantly, when you feel the most inspired to do so.
A.L. Woods has been working as a freelance commercial writer since 1989. She is an author, editor, and lover of all things tech. When asked about her writing mantra, she states, "Building my own little corner of the world one word at a time."
Her writing interests include technology, health and fitness, medical, religion and spirituality, cars, Jeeps, Internet, digital and social media, and lifestyle.
Twitter: @writerangela
Pinterest: writerangela
"Wordsmithing is the spice of life." ~A.L. Woods
A.L. Woods has been working as a freelance commercial writer since 1989. She is an author, editor, and lover of all things tech. When asked about her writing mantra, she states, "Building my own little corner of the world one word at a time."
Her writing interests include technology, health and fitness, medical, religion and spirituality, cars, Jeeps, Internet, digital and social media, and lifestyle.
Twitter: @writerangela
Pinterest: writerangela
"Wordsmithing is the spice of life." ~A.L. Woods
by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer
Many factors go into determining upfront offers and those factors can differ depending on several things. While following this guide may not guarantee that you will receive higher upfront payments, you may see greater opportunities within the network by adhering to the following suggestions. The key is not necessarily to increase every single upfront payment, but to maximize the opportunities available, as well as maximize performance payments.
What is an upfront payment and what content is eligible?
An upfront payment is an initial payment for rights to the content. This is any payment that occurs outside of (and before) the Performance Payment that most content is eligible for. An upfront payment can be made for both solicited and unsolicited content. Assignments for various Yahoo! verticals can come with a higher upfront than unsolicited content. Exclusive, Non-Exclusive, and Display-Only are the three most common rights options. However, there can be others as well, such as Work for Hire. Display-Only content is not eligible for an upfront payment, whether solicited or unsolicited.
Focus on a specific issue
When you have a tight focus on one topic, readers are more likely to be looking for your content. Think about the things you look for when searching the Web. For instance, instead of general tips on pet adoption, you may want something geared specifically toward the pet you are considering adopting. Write your articles on specific subjects that will be relevant and useful to readers looking for that topic.
Follow assignment details
If you claim an assignment (targeted or general), be sure you follow the exact instructions. That means if the instructions say something different from any advice herein, defer to the assignment. When editors see that you can follow all assignment details reliably, they may be more likely to offer you future opportunities.
Do your research
When you need to back up your content with facts, be sure they are from reliable sources. Also, make sure to cite those sources properly, according to submission guidelines and any assignment guidelines. Using multiple sources also helps to build credibility. Wherever possible, use Yahoo! sources, especially within the vertical for which you're writing (excluding user-generated sources, such as Associated Content).
Examine the intended website
Study the Yahoo! website you are interested in. Think of topics that could work well there but are not yet covered. Having an idea of what could potentially align with a particular property can give you a greater chance at upfront opportunities. Being unique is key. That means that you don't want to submit something you already see covered on the property. Instead, try submitting something that works well alongside existing content, provides a new angle, or has not been covered at all but could appeal to that property's audience.
Consider the audience behind the topic
Are you writing about parenting? What stages? Think of the age of the kids you're writing about - and then think of what ages the parents are likely to be; they are your most likely audience, and you should cater your content to them. The tone and style used in your article should be something readers can identify with. For instance, if you are writing an article for kids, using complicated business terms is not going to keep them reading. Upfront payments are more likely on content that shows attention to detail in this and other areas.
Personalize the experience
When you write an article, readers should see the real person behind the story. At the same time, you don't want to ramble about something that has nothing to do with the subject matter. Find that perfect level at which the article provides the information needed with relevant personalization where it fits in with the main point of the article. For instance, if I'm writing an article about picking the perfect daisies, instead of telling a long story about a time when I picked daisies, I would mention how I determine which daisies to pick. I would do that in a way that readers can tell I am knowledgeable and passionate. But it would also need to be something readers can benefit from to answer their questions. When you can use your own unique experience and style, readers can relate more easily. But at the same time, you don't want to say so much that they get bored and click away.
Focus on evergreen material
Focusing on evergreen material is one way to maximize upfronts. Evergreen content is that which will draw a reader's interest for long periods of time, such as unique ways to solve common parenting issues. Evergreen slants can also be applied to trending topics. Some editors may value those topics that have a longer shelf life. This is not to say that other content will not be valued, as articles with a shorter shelf life can be useful as well. They each have their own place and are both great ways to maximize upfronts in different ways. Getting the most out of upfront opportunities often involves taking advantage of more than one way to earn.
Pay attention to spelling, grammar, and style
Category and vertical style guides are used for many assignments that offer upfront pay. For the best chances at getting those assignments accepted, be sure to follow them closely. This also goes for any and all other instructions mentioned within the assignment details. Proofreading, even after using spelling and grammar checkers, has always been a lifesaver for me when writing for Yahoo!. Programs can miss little things, such as skipped words or typos that are actual words but not words you intended to use.
Optimize your content for the Web
Studying "The Yahoo! Style Guide" is a great way to learn basic html, grammar, editing, formatting, and style as it all pertains to writing for the Web. Content submitted via Yahoo! Contributor Network must be publish-ready. While some content may be edited slightly, never rely on editors to fix poor writing. If your writing needs to be thoroughly edited, it is much better to study up so that your submissions are more likely to get upfronts than declines. You can then submit at a later date when your skills allow you to submit content that is more in line with the platform's needs. Good Web content displays certain qualities. Apart from being interesting, it must be easy for a wide audience to read. It also must be easily found by search engines. Keep your articles concise and informative in an easy-to-scan format. Web readers often look for something that answers their question quickly and accurately in an engaging manner. For more on writing for the web, start with the Contributor Academy course titled "Writing for the Web 101". The Yahoo Style Guide is also an invaluable resource.
Maximizing upfront payments is about taking advantage of the many ways to earn. It's also about covering your bases all-around. A solid article is not just well written, but also speaks to the intended audience, giving them exactly the information they expected and needed in a clean, easy-to-scan format.
More from Lyn:
Maximizing Performance Payments on the Yahoo! Contributor Network
How Much Money Can I Make Writing for Yahoo! Contributor Network?
Why Am I Not Making Money at Yahoo! Contributor Network? Page Views, Offers, and More
**Image credit/copyright: Lyn Lomasi
***I originally published this content at Yahoo Voices on 10/5/2011:
Web Writing Tips: Make More Money
by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer
As a long-time web writer who now also helps fellow writers succeed, people often ask me how to make more money. What are the best ways to succeed in web writing and how does one apply them for the maximum reward?
Maximize your content. Keep the rights to your content as often as possible and re-purpose it when you can. Many publications will accept non-exclusive work, which means you can do the work once and get paid for it repeatedly. Just be sure that the information stays up to date and syncs well with each publication it's submitted to. Even if you have ti make a few changes now and then, it will be easier than writing new content every time. While new content has its place as well, there's no reason you can't re-purpose existing content when appropriate.
Be flexible. We all have our own habits and methods. However, sometimes it pays to bend personal rules if it makes a client happy to do so. You of course want to always let a client know when you feel what they want isn't what's best for them. However, you should also be flexible in some of the ways you work so that may better provide the service in the way clients expect. They each will expect something different. Therefore, it pays to listen, keep an open mind, and be able to adapt to varying situations.
Meet or exceed deadlines and expectations. Happy clients will often be repeat customers, which means there will be more money lining your pockets (or your PayPal funds). A big part of keeping clients happy is meeting the deadlines and guidelines laid out in the contract. When you can do this every time -- and exceed expectations when possible, clients are more likely to use you again or even recommend you to others. Just like any other business, word of mouth can be paramount to making more money in web writing.
Spread your talent. Some people will be content with just one client. I've been there before. However, no matter how well one client pays, it's always good to have more than one. That way, if something happens unexpectedly, you don't lose all of your income. Keeping a variety of clients also provides more experience writing upon request in varying styles and topics.
All web writers need a website. I've said this many times before. But I will say it again and again. All writers need a website. Your website is where clients can find more about what you do and contact you for services. A good writer's website should include at the bare minimum a contact form, an online resume, samples, and a blog. For more on what to include, please read "8 Musts on a Freelance Writer's Website." If you use your site correctly, you'll be making more money just by having an easy way for clients to interact with you.
Maintain a blog on your professional website. As mentioned above, a blog is an essential part of a writer's website. In addition to helping fellow web writers succeed, keeping an active blog helps showcase what you can do to clients, which can lead to more money. Some things successful web writers can blog about include writing tips, marketing tips, information for clients, book releases, tour/book signing dates, events, and special features of your work. The possibilities are endless. Just keep it active and keep it relevant. The more you blog, the more traffic your site will get if you do it right. This can lead to more clients. Active writers generally make more money than those who are simply waiting around without action.
Web Writing Tips: Why You Need a Website
Why All Web Writers Need a Website
How This Writer & Advocate Gets Both Exercise & Productivity Without Going 100% Insane
How to Make the Most Money in Web Writing
5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Web Content
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
"Amy who?" If you get that question often, you need some help branding yourself. Have you ever thought about twitter? Perhaps you've tried twitter already but don't know how to brand your company with it. You're just talking to thin air, right? Wrong. If you use twitter correctly and tap into the available resources, you have access to a very wide audience. I've been using twitter to brand myself in several niche areas for years. So how do I do it?
Follow people who represent what you stand for. This is one of the most important ways to show people what your company is all about. If you want people to know you are involved in a particular activity, be involved in it everywhere, including twitter. One of my missions in life is to help rescue and bring appreciation to small animals. Anyone who knows me, even for a second, knows this. Why? I put it out there. I talk about it, write about it, have a web page about it, facebook about it, and yes, twitter about it with a twitter account dedicated to that alone. On that account, I interact with other animal lovers. Following and keeping up with these people not only shows I'm involved, but it keeps me up to date with what's going on in that niche area.
Tweet tips about your purpose. If your purpose is to bring attention to homelessness and you're tweeting about your new cat and his cute tricks, you are targeting the wrong audience. It's one thing to have random fun posts. But most of your posts should be related to the niche you want to brand yourself or your company in. Otherwise, your followers will be very confused as to what exactly you represent. Do people need to ask what your purpose is? Do your followers often have nothing to do with your niche? If so, work on tweeting more about your purpose, lest you branded for something completely unrelated, such as silly things cats do, instead of fighting homelessness.
Tweet links to more information. This shows your followers you know what you're talking about. An authority on a topic should have an outlet where the topic is further discussed. This could be a blog, a website, a facebook page, or all of the above. Tweeting these links helps to brand your name (or company name) to a niche topic because it shows activity on a particular topic. I am well-known for my parenting and pet content. Why? I live it, write about it, and share content about it regularly. Those links go out to twitter every single time so that followers know what I stand for. When your followers know what you're about, they will start to look forward to this information. That's when you know you've done a good job branding. But don't stop. Keep up the momentum.
Use hashtags that represent your purpose. This helps readers and potential followers find your tweets. If you tweet about homelessness, you might use the tags #poverty, #homeless, or #homelessness after your tweet to indicate what you're talking about. If you do this with every single tweet, people come to associate you or your brand with the topic. To reach the maximum amount of people, experiment and search twitter for various hashtags that mean the same thing. Choose the ones that produce the most results. The more people that regularly use a hashtag word or phrase, the better.
Use hashtags that represent your brand. You can also take it a step further and create tags that represent your company or name. Place those tags, as well as other related tags, in every tweet so that it's easier for people to find you and associate you with certain topics. I add #LynLomasi in many tweets that I want associated with my brand. One of my websites is called Life Successfully. When I tweet about something I want branded to that website, I use the hashtag #LifeSuccessfully.
There are many ways to brand yourself on twitter. Be clear and consistent in the methods you choose to gain the most positive results. Be fair and don't spam too many links or over post. That will actually cause you to lose followers, rather than gain them. Be authentic and use twitter to enhance what you already believe in.
**Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi
by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer
I've said it before (Gloomy is Good, Too) and I'll say it again. Authenticity is the key to returning readers. Being the true you creates trust.
You may not win over everyone by being you. But your goal is not to please everyone. If you think it is, you may need some serious rethinking time.
No matter how much it may seem that you have different thoughts than others, there will always be someone else who can relate. I am finding this out lately as I open up more on a personal level with certain friends.
Even if no one agrees with you, it is better to be authentic than to fake it just to save face. Readers like honesty and although they may not always agree with you, they'll respect you much more for being real than they will for being fake.
Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi
I originally published this on Write W.A.V.E. Media.
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
Last night, I may have slept in total (not all at once) for just about an hour. Why? Well for one, I've been battling a toothache that's getting better. But that wasn't what kept me up. My brain wanted to create song lyrics – lots of them. After tossing and turning and trying to fight it, I gave in and did a writer-all-nighter mainly for something other than my web writing.
When your brain is running full blast with thoughts, the best thing you can do is get them down. I've been a writer for a long time – since I was three years of age, in fact. Trust me; those thoughts will remain until you get them out. And you will feel much better when you get them out. As annoying as this writer's habit is at times, it can be very beneficial to your career.
Not only did I manage to write song lyrics, but I also wrote some other things, got some work done for my day job, did some design work on one of my sites, and more. All of those will be beneficial for my various careers. I also had fun – so much more than I would have had if I had just laid there and let my thoughts and ideas torment me.
It may seem like a good idea to try and get some rest – and sometimes it is. But the thing is, if your brain wants to do something else, you may just have to let it. I've never been one to stick to strict rules on many things. I'm a go-with-the-flow kind of gal. I tried being a perfectionist once – for years. It was hell. There's no such thing as perfection.
Listen to your ideas. Listen to your intuition. Take risks and just go with what comes. Life's too short to spend it stressing.
You're welcome.
Image Credit: Lyn Lomasi
I originally published this elsewhere (no longer published there)
I'm an Extreme Multitasker
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E Media Staff
OK, so those of you who know me real well probably figured this one out a long time ago. But for those who haven't or just don't know me, I'm an extreme multitasker. When I say extreme, I really mean it. No exaggeration here.
A normal work day for me is something like this: Do a couple hours of work for my F/T job, open a bunch of tabs in FireFox that consist of all my social media outlets and possibly some research and other stuff too, open a bunch of blank docs all at once and write about half of them, possibly eat sometime in between, do 6 more hours of my F/T career, fill up the other half of those blank docs with more awesome writing from my head (hey, writers write), take care of a bunch of kids and pets during that time, and more.
Wait, there's more? Of course there's more. There's always more when you're talking about me and there's always a way to squeeze something else in. Don't I ever get overwhelmed? Every now and then I will have a frustrated moment, but generally, no.
I thrive on having multiple tasks at once. It's when I am at my happiest. This is true in all aspects of my life, not just work. If I actually watch TV (rare for me), you can bet I am doing something else too, like writing an article, playing a game with kids, or talking on the phone with a friend – most likely all of the above.
When it comes to pretty much everything, I don't do just one thing. I just don't. OK, so if someone I care about asks me to, I'll deal with it. But I don't prefer it at all. Yup I am an extreme multitasker and I love it.
But, give me a little credit for still being able to live while I do all this. My kids and I have many awesome adventures regularly. Also, I did recently just slim down my app notifications by miles.
Do you multitask? Why or why not?
Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi
(Photo is free to use for both commercial and non-commercial purposes with credit to Lyn Lomasi as the photographer and a link back to this page as the source)
I originally published this elsewhere (no longer published there)
Is it Easy to be a Web Writer?
Many people are looking to the internet for careers they can do at home. Naturally, web writing is one of the choices people often consider. You log on, string some words together, and someone buys them. Sounds simple, right? People ask me daily if it's easy to be a web writer. In turn, I instruct them to figure out if web writing will be easy for them because each person is different.
How easy is it to get started in web writing? The answer to this actually depends on what your goal in web writing is. Who will you write for? Yourself, community-based sites, private clients, or some other venue? Once you make that decision and learn more about how that particular web writing career works, then it will be fairly easy to figure out how to get started.
Can anyone make money writing for the web? Yes and no. Honestly, anyone can make some kind of money in web writing. But only those with talent and dedication will make consistent and legitimate income as a web writer. Like any other career, you have to put in real effort in order to succeed. It's only an easy career choice if quality web writing comes easy for you often enough to make it a career.
Is writing for the web easy? Writing takes time and effort, as with most other careers. If the type of writing talent needed comes easy to you, then this role may suit you. Of course, even if it takes a bit more effort, that doesn't mean it isn't right for you. It may not be as easy to dedicate yourself to web writing if each piece produced comes with too much difficulty.
How do I know if web writing is the right choice? Do you enjoy spreading the word about causes close to your heart? Maybe reporting sporting events or celebrity news is your forte. Do you have special experience in subject that is close to your heart – and can you write about it? Can you meet deadlines imposed by clients with their specifications? Ask yourself these and other questions, based on your research of writing for the web as a career. Figure out how many words you can reasonably write in the time period you want to dedicate to this. Then, figure out how much you would potentially make for that number of words. If your ideal income is nowhere near those figures, then web writing will not be an easy career choice for you.
Quick Web Writing Tips: Be Consistent
Part of branding yourself to help develop an audience in writing lies in consistency. If your style is all over the place, it will be harder to create your writing brand.
Be consistent in the following:
*Topics - You can have more than one writing niche. But if there are no clear areas of expertise in a writer, it will be harder to develop a consistent audience.
*Style - Your writing style should match in all of your work. Frequent readers should be able to tell that a piece is written by you just by the style.
*Voice - Be yourself in all of your work. Let your writing light shine so that readers know the real you. The real you should be consistent in all of your work and should match your true writing personality.
*Advice - If you advise readers to do one thing one day and another the next, this causes confusion. Be consistent in methods and beliefs that are present throughout your writing.
Why would online article writers need a website if many article submission sites allow a professional profile? This is a question I get asked often when I mention the idea. Learn some of the many reasons all freelance web writers need a website of their own.
Writer's Resume
When applying for online writing jobs and gigs, reference links and/or a resume are often required. This will be much simpler for those with a website. Some may create an area where a client can download their resume by requesting the link. Others may post links to samples. Yet others may do both or handle it another way. Online article writers need a website in order to reference their work all in one place.
Professionalism is key, even though you don't see your clients face-to-face when writing online. A freelance writer's website is like a virtual resume, meeting place, and office at the same time. This is where you can let your clientele know you are professional by including all of the right things. A bio, samples, and a contact page are just a few. Read "8 Musts on a Freelance Writer's Website" for more details on those and other must-include items for professionalism.
Info Source
Even if a client finds your work elsewhere, they may want to know more than they can find in a limited bio attached to your profile on a content site. This is where your website comes in handy. Many content sites allow article writers to place a link to their website in their profile or bio. Also, be sure to link to it from any blogs or other profiles you have. Giving clients (both potential and current) a place to find more information about you as a person and as a writer is very beneficial to them as well as to your writing career.
If you have any big writing projects, off days, exciting news, etc it can be posted to your website. Of course you don't want to announce information that is too personal, but a web writer's website can serve as a great way to spread the word. Doing this has many benefits. Some include letting clients see that you are accomplishing things, engaging with your audience, and also depending on the announcement it might bring in more readers or clientele.
File Storage
Depending on how much bandwidth your site allows, this can be a great place to store certain files. Of course you still need a hard copy backup, but storing them in a secure, hidden location on your website can help you keep everything related to your online article writing all in one spot. This also can free up space on your computer if you'd rather not have the files there. Just be sure, as mentioned above to keep a hard copy if you go this route.
Do you have non-exclusive writing lying around collecting dust? If you write for a living, chances are that not everything you submit or publish is exclusive to one party. What are you doing with the work that you still hold publishing rights to? If you answered "Nothing" you are not making the most of your work.
Offer reprints.
What are reprints? Put simply, reprints are pieces that have been previously published but can be published again.
If you submit your work to someone non-exclusively, you still have publication rights. Always read the fine print everywhere that you publish your work to be sure who has the rights. Just because you still hold the copyright, does not always mean you still hold publication rights.
Once you have determined that you do hold publication rights, there are several ways you can offer reprints.
Here are some of my favorites:
You spend hours on a submission perfecting every little detail when along comes an editor to mess with your masterpiece. If you're going to make it as a writer, you will have to work with editors. A necessary part of the publishing process involves dealing with editors.
Learn to compromise. Editors can and often do change things. That's what they're there for. They catch the little mistakes we make (and we all make mistakes). They also may make changes that are better for structure, your audience, the web, and more. Though you may not always agree with their changes, you will have to deal with many of them. Depending on the publication, you may be able to form a compromise with the editor.
Let it go. That may be easier said than done in many cases. As writers, we see our writings as our little babies, if you will. We work hard on it and it means so much to us. Altering it can feel like someone is trying to change us. After all, it does have our names on it. But at some point, we have to learn to let it go. If the work never bypasses an editor, it may never get out in front of the audience. Try not to get too attached and let the work go once its complete.
What's the change? Instead of becoming to attached to the way the piece is written, focus on the message. If the edits do not take away the message, don't be so hard on the editor. It's perfectly fine to address the editor if you feel that the changes are unsatisfactory or take away from the message. But if the change is nothing that takes away the message, why waste all that energy getting upset? Write another article.
Report the editor. This is only for extreme cases. I say that because as a writer, you will need to learn to deal with the fact that your writing will be changed by editors if you want it published with major companies. If the editor really is making changes that are unreasonable (and not just changes you don't like - changes that affect the quality of the work significantly), that's when you report the editor. I advise not taking this route unless necessary because a writer and editor need to be able to work together peacefully. But obviously, if there is an injustice it should be reported.
Switch venues. If you just cannot deal with a particular editor, write somewhere else. Ultimately, you should be happy with your writing (or any) career. If that's not happening, you haven't found the right venue/s to write for yet. Realize you should not be switching venues every time you don't like what an editor does. But if there is a true problem, remember that you can move on.
Write for yourself. If you truly cannot deal with anyone at all messing with your own work, only wrote for yourself. When someone is paying you to produce work, it should be what they want, hence part of the reason for the editors. If you create your own venue, such as your own website or blog, you make the rules. Even if you go this route it can still be a wise move to have an editor or at least a writing buddy that is willing to be a second pair of eyes. But you'll have the most freedom when writing for yourself.
Bottom line: Editors are a part of the writing and publishing business and writers need to be able to adapt to that fact. Work with (not against) your editor, unless you have a legitimate claim against them.
You're browsing the web and you come across a piece of work that looks familiar....wait, that's YOUR work! But you didn't give that website or blog permission to publish it. So, what can you do?
How to Determine a Copyright Violation
First, visit ChillingEffects.org to see if your work is protected and what to do about it. There are resources to report the violations, as well as information on copyright laws as they pertain to the digital world. All content displayed on the web must comply with the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA). If it does not, you may need to report the violator or send a DMCA takedown request.
Initial Steps To Report a Violator
Secondly, if the blog or site that has violated your copyright is displaying ads by Google, you can report them to Google AdSense. Google will then revoke their access to make AdSense money with your content if they agree the site has violated your copyright. Whether they are using Google or not, you can also do a Whois Lookup and report them to their domain registrar. This may cause them to lose their domain or to take down the violating content.
DMCA Takedown Request Form Letters
Below, I have included examples of form letters that I have used to request action regarding my own content that has been used without my permission. I am not a legal expert, just a writer who has also experienced unpleasant situations in which someone else has published my work without the rights to do so.
Before using these form letters, please be sure to read all of the information provided at ChillingEffects.org, as well as Copyright.gov. If you feel my form letters will suit your needs after studying the copyright law, feel free to use them and edit them as needed for your personal use.
These form letters may not be sold, redistributed, or otherwise published without my permission. However, they can be used for your personal needs as necessary. I make no claims as to the legal validity of said letters. Use your own discretion.
Exclusive Form Letter Sample:
Non-Exclusive Form Letter Sample:
Readers and fellow writers often ask me why I enjoy helping so many people? Am I worried about creating competition for myself? Why do I just freely give advice and inform others of what I do to succeed in writing? Am I creating competition by helping others succeed?
If I were creating competition, I am not afraid to play the game and I'd play it fair. However, I don't believe I am. Why? There is a vast sea of opportunities, gigs, jobs, and contracts in the writing world. It's not humanly possible for me to have every writing task to myself, nor would I desire to.
Aside from that, I am wise enough to know that every assignment is not for me. I don't know everything there is to know. Also, each writer has their own style. Why take on a project I know I can't do when there could be someone else better suited to it and who may need it more than I do? Instead, I could refer a good writer and move on to something better suited to me.
I have always believed in helping others, no matter the situation. Whether in my career or in every day life, if I see someone who needs help, I'm going to provide it if I have the means. If you knew a secret that could change the whole world for the better, would you keep it to yourself? Of course not - at least, I hope not.
No, writing advice is probably not going to change the world. However, if I can offer some guidance that can help change someone's perspective or career for the better, you can bet I'm going to tell them. One small piece of advice or word of encouragement could be all that is standing in the way of someone living their dream. How do I know this? People have given me that kind of hope and assistance. Were it not for fellow writers pushing me and offering me advice, who knows where I'd be today?
So, am I creating competition by helping others succeed? Does it really matter?
Even the best of writers make errors. From typos to grammatical mistakes to run-on sentences, mistakes in writing are common. In internet writing, many writers are editing their own content. This works well most of the time, but we all have our off days. Even a star editor can make a mistake in their own writing. So, how can you solve that? One way is to get a writing buddy.
What is a Writing Buddy?
A writing buddy is another writer whom you trust with your work. This writer also must entrust their work to you. Writing buddies give their final proofread copies to each other to be sure the work is of good quality.
What exactly do writing buddies do?
Writing buddies read over each other's final drafts and make correction suggestions if needed. If both writers also are good editors, there may not be many corrections, but it always is good to have more than one set of eyes looking over a project. It's a great way to ensure quality work is produced as often as possible.
Why Should I Get a Writing Buddy if I Never Make Mistakes?
Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone. No one is perfect. I'm sure that anyone combing this very post will find at least one (if not more than one) suggestion to make. There always is more than one way to look at writing. Also, like I stated, nobody is perfectly accurate all the time. I have gone over pieces of work several times, thinking they were up to par. Then, after they've been published of course, I've found grammatical errors or typos. Having a writing buddy can minimize the chance of inaccuracies.
How Do I Find a Writing Buddy?
If you're a writer, chances are you know at least one other writer. If not, you really should start networking. Having other friends who write can be extremely beneficial in more ways than just the one listed here. I recommend choosing your closest writing friend for this particular project. Be sure that you and this person can fully trust that neither will misuse the other's work in any way. I won't give legal advice on this because I am not a lawyer. Only you can decide how you should handle the legalities. But, I will say that it can be extremely helpful to have a fellow writer give an opinion on work before it is turned in to the client.
How Many Pieces Should My Writing Buddy Check?
All of them, if possible. However, if you are like me, then that may not be possible. I write way to many articles in a day to fairly have a buddy check them all. You and your buddy should decide on a fair number that is feasible for you both. Once you get a balanced writing, reading, and editing routine down, you may be able to add to that number.
Staff Authors
Lyn Lomasi & Richard Rowell are life & business partners. Owners of Brand Shamans & the Write W.A.V.E. Media network, we are your brand healing, soul healing, & content superheroes to the rescue!
Running our network of websites, tackling deadlines single-handedly, and coaching fellow writers, brands, & entrepreneurs to be thought leaders is our top priority.
While rescuing civilians from boring content and brands, we conquer the world, living the RV life and managing our Intent-sive Nature with our awesomely crazy family while recounting The Nova Skye Story, along with Kymani's Travels.
We also strive to one day cuddle with lions and giraffes. Until then, we'll settle for furry rescue kitties and doggies.
We support many causes via our business ventures, such as homelessness, support for trans youth, equality, helping starving artists, and more! A portion of all proceeds from Intent-sive Nature goes toward helping homeless pets in local shelters.
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Do My Children Need the HPV Vaccine?
This guest post was written by Denise Olson, a mother of four who connected with The Arizona Partnership for Immunization (TAPI) in her efforts to learn more about the HPV vaccination.
Like all good moms, I want my kids to grow up safe and healthy. I want to make decisions that will benefit them right now, but I also need to think about things that could help them in the future. I feel like it's a big job and a lot is depending on me. That is why I wanted to learn more about the HPV vaccine before my children were old enough to get it. I wanted to make an informed choice, and I had all kinds of questions.
What is HPV, anyway? Could a vaccine actually protect my children from cancer? Are there side effects? What about the scary rumors I heard on the internet? Why is the vaccine given at age 11? Are my kids really at risk for HPV, or is this unnecessary medicine?
I wrote this article to share the answers I found to my questions, and to hopefully convince other parents to think about how they can protect their own children, not only now, but in the future.
What is HPV anyway?
HPV stands for human papilloma virus. HPV lives on soft mucous membranes and skin. Usually, it can be found on the genitals of an infected person, but it can also infect the anus, mouth and throat.
Some strains of HPV viruses cause genital warts, while others can cause tumors or cancers to grow. While there are many different types of HPV, there are several different HPV vaccines licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix) prevents the two HPV types, 16 and 18, which cause 70% of cervical cancers. There is also a quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil) which prevents against four HPV types: HPV 16 and 18, as well as HPV 6 and 11, which cause 90% of genital warts. The quadrivalent vaccine has also been shown to protect against cancers of the anus, vagina and vulva and is the only HPV vaccine licensed for use in males. And just last week, the FDA approved a new HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) which will protect against nine different strains has the potential to prevent approximately 90 percent of cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal cancers.
Can the HPV vaccine actually protect my child from cancer?
Yes! The vaccine protects against cancer by training the body to find and destroy viruses before they have a chance to cause the infections that lead to cancer.
The primary cancer the HPV vaccine is designed to protect against is cervical cancer, the same cancer that is checked for when women go in for a pap smear. However, because the vaccine stops dangerous HPV viruses anywhere in the body, it may help protect against some cancers of the penis, throat, mouth, and anus. This is one reason it is recommended for boys as well as for girls. (The other reason is to protect future partners from cervical cancer.) Read more…

subset: commoncrawl


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About Us
Leading Women: Patty Kelley
Looking back, Patty Kelley, CRS, PMN, remembers how male dominated the world of real estate seemed back when she was first licensed in 1975. She remembers how her first job included a phone, a desk and co-workers telling her she wouldn't last in the real estate business.
Today 38 years later, the Las Vegas area REALTOR® has proven them wrong. She has demonstrated that, with hard work and dedication, one can achieve success and even love in the field of real estate.
An Industry Leader
Kelley was recently installed as president of the Nevada Association of REALTORS®, and she's been a member of the Women's Council for more than 20 years. As she takes on her role as president of the NVAR, she recognizes that it was the training and skills she honed through Women's Council that helped her become the leader she is today.
"I think Women's Council was a big part of being in this position," Kelley said. "There is extensive training, and I got to work on a lot of events and projects. Women's Council is so important to your business."
What started with an invitation to attend a local chapter Women's Council meeting became her launching point for more than two decades of industry service. Not long after becoming a member she joined a committee and her involvement grew with each passing year.
In 1997, she became the local chapter president. In 2000, she became the state president, and she joined the national governing board in 2001. She said Women's Council was an outlet for her to hone her leadership skills, as well as learn the basics of parliamentary procedure and organizing events.
Women's Council: A Career Partner
"I don't think I'd be the person I am today if I had not been given the leadership opportunities in Women's Council," she said.
Through the years, her involvement provided an opportunity to gain new skills and work with amazing women. Kelley said she's also found invaluable friendships along the way. "The number one thing Women's Council has given me is the friendships I was able to make through the years," she said.
Among these friends was Min Keenan, Kelley's president-elect during her terms as local chapter and state president. Though Keenan died in 2010, Kelley said she thinks of her daily and misses their friendship.
Finding Love in the Business
Through the years, Kelley has learned time and again how invaluable service and networking can be for one's professional and personal life. At a local REALTOR® association meeting she met her husband Keith. They have been married more than 20 years, forming a life and business partnership, Kelley & Associates Real Estate.
"It's a great partnership," she said. "We've been together 24 hours a day for over 20 years. It's very conducive to our relationship. He is a great person to bounce ideas off of and to get a second opinion because he's been through it."
She and her husband have been very active in local, state and national REALTOR® associations through the years. He too was president of the Greater Las Vegas Association of REALTORS® in 1997, president of NVAR in 2004 and was NAR regional vice president for Region 11 in 2009. Kelley jokes that she has followed in his footsteps, to an extent, but she isn't aiming for an RVP role just yet.
Kelley said she sees her son, Christopher Bishop as a future leader. He too is a successful REALTOR® and lives in the Las Vegas area. And it's her son Christopher who has provided Kelley with what she calls her second most important title, grandma. Kelley said she loves being able to spoil her 4-year-old-granddaughter.
As a mother of three and today, a grandmother, Kelley said she appreciates the flexible schedule one can have in the real estate field, but she's quick to point out flexibility doesn't translate to less work. She often works seven days a week, starting her day around 5. When she's not working on her business, she turns her attention to her service commitments.
An Evolving Business
As a young woman Kelley set her sights on a career in real estate. She became licensed in 1975 in California. In the 1980s she decided to join her dad who had relocated to Las Vegas in the 1970s.
Through the years, Kelley has seen the ups and downs of the Nevada real estate market. She said the challenges of the last few years have taught her perseverance. "You have to change with your market. You constantly have to grow yourself," she said.
One of those major changes has been developing her social media skills and using it to improve her business. "I'm amazed at what you can do today," she said. "I'm always willing to try something new to improve."
From learning the latest tools of the trade to networking, a career in real estate requires devotion of time and energy. "The more you put in, the more you receive," Kelley said.
Today's real estate market is a global market, and Kelley has clients from around the world. From using social media to increase your business presence to working with foreign clients via Skype®, Kelley has learned how to adapt to the ever-changing needs and wants of her clients. She cites her ability to adapt for helping her business growth, even in the face of the mortgage crisis and the high foreclosure rates in Nevada.
"I think people here who have weathered the storm of the last five, six years are survivors who have found new ways to get through this market," Kelley said. "Those who have come through it are now stronger."
Kelley said her own business has changed by taking on property management, something she wouldn't have foreseen years ago.
At 61, Kelley has no plans to slow down. She said she is ready for her role as president of the NVAR and the work ahead in the coming year.
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How often do you let kids explore a topic before you explain or teach about it?
As educators, we can spend a lot of time talking and not a lot of time allowing kids to explore a topic. This is part 2 of a 5 part series on Science Planning.
This is another one of my big mistakes.
When you let kids get interested (engage them) and explore (let them see what they can find out on their own) the explaining part is easier and way more meaningful to them.
These kids are digital natives and expect more from lessons than a text can offer. The textbook has become a resource rather than a teaching device (which is where it probably always should have been).
Digital natives have developed differently. According to learning solutions magazine, "They shine in an interactive environment where talking, touching things, and processing information from every angle is encouraged. Gone are the days of rote memorization" (1).
The question is are you setting your kids up to shine?
What do YOU do?
In many homeschooling circles, science is limited to an occasional experiment, a lot of notebooking, and nature studies. While notebooking, interactive notebooks, foldables or lapbooks (whatever you call it) is more hands on that traditional note taking, it isn't a substitution for exploring.
Science can be a backbone of your curriculum where you are using those new skills the kids have acquired in math and language arts instruction. Creating rich science experiences is even more important for kids that have language or other issues. Other typical language arts centered programs are frustrating, but these kids may soar in a program that they feel is designed for them.
Hands On Science is Always Better
Exploring the topic comes after that initial engagement where you peeked the kids' interest. This phase of planning should focus on activities that have common and concrete experiences. The goal is to establish an experience that you and the kids can use later to explain the concepts, processes, or skills of science and technology (2).
Examples of strong exploration activities might include:
- Demonstrations
- Group and Partner Activities
- Scavenger Hunts
- Task Cards
- Experience Stations
- Observation Stations
- Videos
The idea is that you capture their attention and get them to explore the topic in a hands on science approach. You are continuing to deepen the buy-in before you ever explain a thing.
What does this look like?
Grab the bridge building STEM challenge (if you haven't already). In the bridge building STEM challenge, I use the simulation to allow kids to explore and gain knowledge about bridges before I give any explanation.
Looking for ideas to take action on your kids' science passion?
Grab the FREE Science Celebration Yearbook 2017
Enter your name and email below and I'll send your copy to your inbox!
(1) Rudi, Alan. "Hybrid Learning: How to Reach Digital Natives." Learning Solutions Magazine. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Aug. 2017.
(2)Montgomery County Public Schools Science Office . 5 E's Lesson Planning Packet Elementary Science. N.p.: Montgomery County Public Schools Science Office , 2001. Print.


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Sending your blog posts updates to subscribers who subscribed through Feedburner is no longer new and this service is powered by Feedburner. But if you are finding it difficult to add the "Subscribe by Feedburner" gadget to your blog just like me when I was designing my blog, then there is another easy and simple method by Google although this method is new and you have to do the following –
Visit your Blogger Dashboard > then click on Design > Page Layout > Add Gadget on the sidebar.
After clicking on Add Gadget, a new page will open in a new window listed on this page are various gadgets including those you have already added and those you have not added to your blog. Look for the one labeled "follow by email" and click on the blue "+" icon in front of it.
After clicking on it, another page where you will be asked to rename, cancel and save will appear, when you are through with the changes you will like to make just save it by clicking on the "Save" Orange tab. Visit your blog URL and you will see the fresh & newly added "follow by email" gadget on your blog.


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We currently ship within the United States and Canada, excluding P.O boxes, DPO boxes, and APO/FPO addresses.
We provide free shipping with all orders in the United States. All orders that ship to Canada will incur a $65 shipping charge.
All orders will be processed and shipped within 2 business days via ups ground. To view your order history click here. To track your ups order click here
Orders may be cancelled within 24 hours of placing an order without any fee if the order has not shipped yet. Orders cancelled after 24 hours of placing an order are subject to an additional 15% restocking fee, and any actual incurred shipping costs. To cancel an order, email us at email@example.com
Although we try our best to inform you before your order is placed, an item may be on backorder due to the high popularity of our products. In the event your order is backordered, we could cancel it for you at no charge. However, if the item has already shipped within the indicated delivery timeframe, it would be subject our Return Policy.
Because our products are personal and intimate in nature once they are opened they cannot be returned. Our products can be exchanged for a different fit product within 100 days of receipt.
To exchange a product within this 100 day window or return an unopened product please email us at firstname.lastname@example.com
If you purchased your product from a retail store please contact the store if you'd like to return the product. We cannot accept returns of products purchased at retail stores.
The warranty information provided with the purchase of your BEDGEAR product provides all the details related to the warranty
While you don't need to register your product to enforce your warranty, registration will help you stay updated on any important information related to your purchase.
To register your product you can click here to register
If you are looking for warranty claims you can click here to visit our warranty partner


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London Southend Airport has once again been named the 'Best Airport in the UK' at the Airport Operators Association (AOA) Annual Awards. This is the second year running London's newest airport has won the award and follows the airport being named 'Best Airport in Britain' by Which? magazine for the third year in a row.
"To win 'Best Airport in the UK' for the second year running is wonderful news and is once again down to all the hard work that the team at London Southend has put in. Our unique 'Simply Easier' promise to passengers that include short walking distances, outstanding customer service, a lack of queues compared to other London Airports, our own station with fast and frequent train services to the heart of London every 20-minutes, and car parks right next to the terminal, are all key factors in our success."
Glyn Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Stobart Aviation (owners of London Southend Airport)
"The AOA Awards showcase the best in the aviation and airport sectors. The 2016 winners demonstrate the vibrant and innovative work going on across the UK and Ireland, improving efficiency, reducing the impact of aviation on the environment and delivering an ever-improving passenger experience."
Darren Caplan, Chief Executive, AOA
Convenient accessible location
London Southend Airport is a long-established regional airport and the eastern gateway to London, providing excellent access to Europe for business travellers and urgent freight. London Southend Airport offers important European connections without the congestion and inconvenience of a London location.
Fast road and rail links make it easy for business travellers and freight operators to reach the airport or save time on their onward journeys to London or regional destinations. Location advantages include:
- 40 miles by road from central London
- 5 miles from A127 trunk road to London and national motorway network
- 20 miles by road from major new London Gateway Port
- 30 miles by road from Port of Tilbury
- 35 miles from the major business centre of Canary Wharf, London
- New rail station on site just 50 minutes from London Liverpool Street
- Frequent fast train services to Stratford International Station, adjacent to the London 2012 Olympic Village
Investment opportunities at brand new airport business park
Since it was acquired by the Stobart Group in 2008 more than £140 million has been invested in London Southend Airport on a new passenger terminal, control tower, hotel and train station.
A new £150 million business park situated next to London Southend Airport is now in progress. The 1million sq ft development is expected to attract occupiers from the medical, aviation, advanced engineering and manufacturing sectors.
The site of the business park is located to the north-west corner of London Southend Airport and comprises of circa 52 acres of developable land. This will be split between office, manufacturing use and retail/hospitality…
- 28.6 acres office use (B1)
- 18.2 acres manufacturing use (B2)
- 2.6 acres ancillary uses including retail and a hotel
Businesses interested in finding out more about the opportunities which may be available are encouraged to contact Kemsley LLP.
See here for more information on London Southend Airport.
Source [Brera]