Saturday....
#Freelance Daily Post:
#Daily Writing Tip :
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by Yuwanda Black
Most online professionals know that article marketing is one of the most effective ways to promote a product/service. However, when marketing with articles, which is better, long or short articles?
Most experts say that articles should be between 400-600 words, give or take 50 on either side. However, in general, I disagree. Why? For the following three reasons:
NOTE: There are times when shorter pieces -- eg, Tip of the Day, Just an FYI, an editorial/opinion piece -- are justified.
1. Not Enough Detail: Many articles are written to sell something. So, a business owner may pay someone to write a general article on their topic to drive traffic to their site. This is fine, but as a reader, when I'm searching for information, I usually want details that go beyond what a general article will dispense.
It's frustrating to just get the tip of the iceberg - ie, information I may already know - and not get the meat of a subject.
This is a big turn-off for me. And when I visit a site, if it's filled with a lot of these what I've deemed "common sense pieces," with no "meat" information, I conclude that the site owner is more interested in selling me a product/service than educating me on a particular subject.
Education leads to knowledge which leads to trust, which THEN leads to SALES. If more online sellers would realize this, they'd do better.
2. No Expertise: Many articles are obviously written (or commissioned) by those with little or no experience on/in/with the subject written about. Most of the information found in the majority of articles can be Googled and found via official sources.
I don't know about most surfers, but when I look for information, I want the personal experience - how you did it, what worked for you, what didn't work - and why? This is the real benefit of the Internet. It allows a true exchange of first-hand information.
When you've used a product, built a business, found an effective technique - and can back it up with a personal story (eg, this is what happened when I did "x"), it gives sooooo much more validity than just spouting off what can easily be found via official sources.
And again, this leads to knowledge, which leads to trust, which THEN leads to SALES. Why? Because people get the feeling that you know what the heck you're talking about.
INSIGHT: I particularly like personal stories that detail what didn't work so well? Why? Two reasons: a) It saves me from making the same mistake; and 2) allows me to brainstorm about how to do it better. It also lends an air of truth (hence, validity) to whatever sales pitch you're making.
This leads to my final point - failure.
3. Don't Tell Me What To Do, Tell Me What NOT to Do: Many articles begin with "How To." And, this is fine most of the time. But, also take the time (eg, expand the word count) to tell me what NOT to do.
To digress a minute, I don't know how/when we became a nation of people afraid to admit failure, but that's almost the first lesson of success. It takes failure to get to success.
I've failed at so many things (especially businesses) that I just have to laugh as I look over the list (yes, I keep one). But you know what, I wouldn't know half of what I know now if I hadn't failed so often.
When you gain knowledge via failure - you've earned it - that's like money in the bank. You can move forward confidently because you know what, for sure, DOESN'T work.
Why "Failure" Increases Sales
When a writer drones on and on about this, that and the other, I'm searching for the grain of truth, for the human element of failure. Admitting to failure does three things:
a) It tells me that you're passionate about your product/service: When you're persistent enough to keep trying something after failing at it - you're either just plain crazy, or passionate about it. This passion will always be translated to your end user -- you just have to trust me on that.
b) It tells me that you're human: Part of connecting with a customer is making them feel like you understand their situation.
If you excel at everything you try - well, I just can't relate to a person like that. If I can't relate to you, you're going to have a harder time selling to me. It doesn't mean it's impossible, it just means you'll have to work that much harder.
c) It tells me that you care: When you fail - and put it out there for the world to dissect - it tells me you care enough about me, the consumer, to want me to avoid the same mistakes. And you know what, I'll like you for that, trust you for that and BUY FROM YOU because of that.
Sincerity can be sensed and if you have page after page of obviously canned material on your site, re-evaluate why you are really in business.
Remember, article marketing is not about dispensing information - it's about dispensing helpful information -- and that usually calls for more than 500 or 600 words.
About the Author
Yuwanda Black is the publisher of www.InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about freelancing in the editorial and creative industries. Coming Jan 2007: E-Course - Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less--Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com for full details.
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#Freelance Writing jobs :
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*Medical Writer (Robert Half - Chicago, IL)
Hourly rate: $50.00
Northwest suburban medical education company is looking for medical writers for on-going freelance assignments. Must have experience with cardiology, neurology and/or mental illness practice areas. Projects include developing newsletters, slide decks and outlines. A master's degree is preferred for this level of writing. Please send inquiries to ********
To apply view the job in Monster
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*FREELANCE Copywriter needed for Luxury Real (Herald-Tribune Classified Ads-Sarasota, FL )
FREELANCE Copywriter needed for Luxury Real Estate Firm. Experience required. Please email resume to Shannon.Reed@skysothebys.com
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*Fresno freelance writing ( The Collegiate magazine - Fresno, CA )
Wisconsin-based magazine seeks freelance writers and marketers from all over the country to contribute to its '06--'07 issues. Professional writing experience preferred but not required. This is a PAID freelance position. To apply, please send resume and 3 writing samples to email address.
Internship is also being offered with gocollegiate.com. We're looking for creative individuals to help us generate fun content for the website and get the word out there; we have a great site! College freshmen are encouraged to apply!!!
To apply view the job in Job Vetise.
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*Blog writer/editor ( Salon.com - US )
Salon.com is hiring an editor/writer for its Video Dog subsite. Applicants must have excellent news judgment, a smart and concise writing style, a great sense of humor, and a strong desire to consume lots of television. (The job is a freelance position, and the editor is expected to do it from home.) The editor will be responsible for posting, commenting on and, in some cases, reporting on viral videos. The editor will also be scanning a lot of key television shows, looking for news-making moments to upload and post onto Video Dog, as well as viewing and choosing from reader video submissions. Technical proficiency with video editing a plus, but not a requirement. Interested applicants should email videodog@salon.com.
To apply view the job in JobThread
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* Seeking Freelance Writers - US
Web magazine seeks experienced writers for general assignment positions. Must be professional and possess excellent written/oral communication skills. Some travel may be required. Knowledge of Minnesota lakes and real estate industry is a plus. Compensation commensurate with experience plus standard mileage compensation.
We are giving current Minnesota and Wisconsin residents first consideration at this time.
If you are interested please send a resume and at least 3 writing clips to: Al Josef, Editor,LakeshoreDreams.Com,12903 Main Street Suite 203,Rodgers, MN 55374,E-mail : *****
To apply view the job In Journalism Jobs
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* REPORTERS As we continue ... US
REPORTERS As we continue our expansion, we are looking for reporters in the communities we serve from North Palm Beach through Ormond Beach. Journalism degree is required with at least 1 year of newspaper experience preferred. Freelance opportunities also available. The Hometown News was voted the #1 community newspaper in the United States in 2005. This is a good opportunity to join a team with good people who care. Benefits include health, dental, life insurance & 401K. If you have a passion for reporting, we would like to speak to you. Please fax resume & clips to: 772-467-4384 or email: raits@HometownNewsOL.com eoe ,we drug test
To apply view the job in Hometown News
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For more leads please go to The Jobrolls
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