Guest post

Lately, the internet marketing world and many marketers have been rocked by changes that Google has made to its algorithm. First, we heard of headline news when JC Penny’s rankings diminished for a plethora of different keywords because of underhanded techniques used by their SEO firm to manipulate their positions in the SERP’s. Then there was the “Panda Update” that saw “content farms” like article directories receive heavy penalties and a considerable deterioration in rankings.

It seems Google are taking an aggressive stance toward certain types of websites and methods used to manipulate the system.

What exactly does Google want and what do these changes mean to you as an internet marketer?

Google’s main goal is to give a search engine user what they want in the quickest time possible. So, if you search for the keyword “SEO tips”, Google wants you to find the information you are seeking as rapidly as possible.

Where precisely do you think you going to find this information in the quickest time possible? Do you think you going to unearth this information on a 5 page website that is exclusively designed to sell a product or do you think you going to uncover the information you are searching for on a website that is dedicated to SEO and has thousands of pages relevant to your search term?

You are obviously going to find your information and much more on the site that is dedicated to SEO. This logical frame of thought lends a clue to what Google wants and which types of sites are going to receive favour in Google’s eyes.

Google despises thin sites that are low on content, and they feel larger sites that syndicate a large portion of their information from other sites are also worthless. What Google is looking for are authority sites that are loaded with unique, value-adding content. This is precisely what Google loves. They feel – and rightly so – that larger sites that specialize in a specific niche and is run by authority figures are more likely to provide the information a user is seeking.

What does this mean for internet marketers?

As an internet marketer you will be well advised to build sites that are focused, sites that deliver value, and provide a substantial amount of unique content. Establishing an authority site that can evolve into a recognized brand is the solution for you to receive the Google love that every internet marketer yearns for.

You need to be long-term focused and you need to align yourself with Google’s goals if you intend receiving the bulk of your traffic from the organic results. But it will also be advisable to diversify your traffic sources. Placing all your eggs in Google’s basket is a risky strategy, because Google’s algorithm will never be perfect. False positives do occur each time Google tweaks its algorithm and sites that offer infinite value can sometimes feel the wrath of Google. But if you invested your time building a brand, even the Google slap can’t affect you because many visitors will not depend on the search engines, but rather, they will visit your site directly.

This post has been provided by Neil, the owner of eMobileScan. A business dedicated to offering their customers the very latest in mobile technology and on demand printing, they are doing this by providing units like the Motorola ES400 and Zebra GK420t which are industry leading solutions that help to cut costs and increase productivity.

More About Google:

• In The Plex: How Google Thinks, Works, and Shapes Our Lives
• I’m Feeling Lucky: The Confessions of Google Employee Number 59
• What Would Google Do?: Reverse-Engineering the Fastest Growing Company in the History of the World

Image: imagerymajestic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Fay Lamb works as an acquisition/copyeditor for Pelican Book Group (White Rose Publishing and Harbourlight Books), offers her services as a freelance editor, and is an author of Christian romance and romantic suspense. Her emotionally charged stories remind the reader that God is always in the details. Because of Me, her debut romantic suspense novel is soon to be released by Treble Heart Books/Mountainview Publishing.

Enjoy this interview.

Do you tend to write nonfiction or fiction?

Most definitely, fiction. The who, what, where, when, and how of non-fiction completely evades me.

How long does it take you to finish a book?

I have been known to finish a first draft in a month. Granted, I’ll have two months worth of edits after that. On the other hand, I have a story I’ve been working on for thirty-five years. It’s a modern retelling of the sword God held over David’s family after David’s sin with Bathsheba. When I started the story, the characters were my same age. Now, they’re still young and beautiful, and I’m . .. older. But the story is being sent through a last round of critique and edits, and I’m about to send it out into the world.

What’s your usual approach? Seat of your pants? Outline?

There’s a wonderful system James Scott Bell teaches called, “The LOCK System.” It’s the most wonderful invention for seat of the pants writers. It allows you to create while you outline by sketching out your scenes on index cards. I start with the LOCK System, and as I get to know my characters, I tend to let them get off the beaten path and surprise me a little bit (seat of the pants writers love that kind of surprise). Then I give a whistle when I think they need to head back down the LOCK-system trail.

How many rough drafts do you usually go through before you’re satisfied with the final version?

Three seems to be the number for me. The first draft sketches out the story, gives me the conflict, introduces me to the characters. The second draft adds the emotion, fills in the plot holes, and gives me an idea if the story needs another layer. Then the third draft is for review, to go over the final details: punctuation, grammar, do the sentences flow well, all those little things that are important to a successful novel.

Do you have someone you give your manuscript to for feedback before you give it to an editor or agent?

I believe in the power of critique. If you utilize the critique process to its greatest extent, you can come away with a very polished manuscript. Currently, I work with 275 of the sweetest, hardest working critique partners you’ll find in (American Christian Fiction Writers) ACFW’s large critique group, and if that isn’t enough, I have three small groups that might take a whack at telling me what will help my story. The suggestions range from everything to comma placement to plot holes, and I’m truly appreciative of each and every critique I receive.

Sometimes writers get so close to a piece that they aren’t good at judging what needs to stay and what should be edited out. How do you get perspective when this happens?

That recently happened to me. I had a story that I just knew the editor was going to love. There were certain aspects I think she liked, but she came back with plenty of advice and a rejection of the project.

When this happens, I work hard at a gracious thank you. It isn’t always easy when your emotions come into play, but then I’ll sit on the project for however long it takes me to look at it without emotion. Nine times out of ten, I end up agreeing with the person who offered the advice.

Truthfully, I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone give me advice that wasn’t meant to further my career. If I keep that in mind, I can always take a closer look at it and make a valid decision based upon their suggestions and what I know of the story.

What’s your latest project?

Well, I’m editing the story I mentioned above so that I can resubmit it to the editor.  I have completed a second romantic suspense, Willow’s Path, and two contemporary romances. Currently, I’m working on two other romantic suspense novels and the last story in the contemporary romance series while editing a contemporary fiction entitled, Storms in Serenity. Beyond that I am excitedly looking forward to delving into a novel that includes the intriguing world of professional surfing.

Where can we catch up with you online?

If you really want to catch up with me, I love to make friends on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fay.lamb. I’m on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@faylamb, and my website is www.faylamb.com.

Artsy Blogging Links for this week.

Beading Arts
Cyndi works through the first steps in turning an antique key into a lampworked pendant.

Eileen – The Artful Crafter
Make custom envelopes the quick and easy way with the Crafter’s Companion Ultimate crafting tool.

Laura Thykeson – Taz’s Corner
Random Altered Book Pages

Mixed Media: I’m Not That Girl
Cherie takes lines from her poetry to paint a mixed media picture.

Happy Saturday to you, writers! Once again I’m working this weekend. It’s been a busy couples months to start the new year, which I think is good. Sounds like many of you are busy as well. What are you working on? Let us know in the comments.

Did you get a chance to read the interview where Julie Jarnagin talked about her writing process? If you’d like to share your own process, here’s how to do it. I think it’s helpful to us to share what works so we can all work more efficiently and creatively.

Here are some of the articles I’ve written this week:

• How to Be More Likeable at Work
• How to Be Nicer
• Who Pays on a Date?

Also, the About.com Friendship Readers’ Choice Awards have narrowed down the candidates to five finalists. We got a lot of nominations for books and blogs especially, which was nice to see. See who is in the running for the favorite fiction book about friendship, favorite nonfiction book, favorite blog, best website for meeting new friends, and more.

This week I share with you another photo of my dog, who gives me the guilt look whenever I’m working, making dinner, or otherwise not paying attention to her. Who could resist this face?

Here are some links and news items I’ve found of interest this week:

Search Engine Journal has an article near and dear to any of the online writers out there: “How to Become a Panda’s Best Friend.”

Social Media Today lists “Five Types of Social Media Influencers.” Which type are you?

Daily Writing Tips has “30 Archaic Adjectives and Adverbs.” I actually like this list, probably because I read a lot of historical fiction. So if you write historical fiction, this list might be able to help you. If not, these are probably some adjectives you should avoid.

Rachelle Gardner offers some encouragement at her blog with “You Can Do This.”

Over at Mashable, there are “10 Social Media Tips for Bloggers” that I found very helpful. How many of these are you doing?

Social Media Today has “15 Ways To Use Facebook Pages for Business.”

At BookBzzr, I found this post very interesting: “My KDP Select Free Experiment: 3 days free, & the aftermath.”

All Freelance Writing has some advice on “What to Take to a Face-to-Face Meeting.”

Galley Cat has an interesting post about “Author Publishes Book as Facebook Photo Album.” I wonder if this is something writers will continue to do and if it will help with sales?

Daily Writing Tips has “The Story Behind Words for Hair Color.”

Really great tips from M.J. Rose on Writer Unboxed about “Making and Learning From My Mistakes with PR.”

Alan Rinzler has “Why writers need agents: 4 pros weigh in.”

ProBlogger has a good one you should read: “Blog Smarter: 5 WordPress Plugins to Help You Make Money From Your Blog.”

These are basic tips that we can’t hear enough: At Writer UnBoxed they have “5 Keys to Writing for an Online Audience.”

Author Media has a wonderful post about “Nothing Says Amateur Like An Ugly Author Picture.” Haven’t I always said this? Haven’t I!?!

Promote Your Book:

• 21 Ways to Promote Your Book on Twitter
• Virtual Book Tours

Ever had to drop a client? It stinks. I don’t know of a single writer that likes to do it. First of all, writers are usually very paranoid about dropping clients because they’re always afraid they won’t find another one. (Or maybe that’s just me.) Second of all, ending a client relationship is a form of conflict and who likes that? Nobody.

In the past I’ve had to drop clients for a lot of different reasons. Sometimes my schedule was just too full and since I had too many projects, I couldn’t give the proper attention to certain clients. Other times, the client didn’t pay on time (which as a business person I can’t deal with), and other times a client may be have been just too difficult to continue working with.

Regardless of the reason, ending a client relationship is never easy. Freelancers need to be especially mindful of how they say goodbye to a customer.

Resignation Letter

Freelancers should treat their client relationships the same as if they were an employee of an organization. Proper notice of at least two weeks is customary, but may be much longer depending on certain project work.

A letter of resignation can be just as important as the initial contract. Writers should state when they are leaving, which projects have been completed, and any other pertinent information that may help a client move on from the situation. Writers should make sure the resignation is respectful and positive, as it will likely be one of the last pieces of communication the client keeps.

Reasons for Ending the Partnership

As with romantic breakups, ending a client relationship is all about form. Never use it as an opportunity to trash the client. Word-of-mouth can always help a freelance writer get new jobs, so they should prevent burning a bridge even when ending a relationship. Freelancers can be honest with a client, but must do it in a professional and respective way.

For example, it’s perfectly acceptable for a writer to tell a client that he or she is moving on from the relationship due to financial circumstances. Clients that consistently ask for more work with less pay need to understand that writers have to make a living. If the client cannot pay the writer, the writer must get clients that can. This is a lesson for both the client and the writer.

In the case of a problem client, the writer should merely say that he or she is moving on to focus on a select number of clients for the time being. Never complain about a client’s behavior unless it is completely unprofessional, such as: excessive calls during off-hours, sexual harassment, inappropriate comments, or refusal to pay for work. Even then, writers should handle the situation with grace and resist the urge to angrily tell someone off.

Get a Referral Letter

If the client relationship has been a positive one, freelance writers should ask for a referral. I’ll admit, I never think to do this myself. It isn’t until I’m applying for something else that it comes to mind. So if you can get one before you walk away from the client, that’s probably better than after.

A good way to do this is to draft a sample letter of reference that a client can copy and add his or her personal remarks to. This can also speed up the process of gaining a reference since the client does not have to write it from scratch. Drafting up a sample is also an easy way to show exactly what the writer is looking for in terms of a reference, and it helps reinforce the ending of the relationship.

Have you had to dump a client? What lessons did you learn from it?

Promote Your Book!

• 21 Ways to Promote Your Book on Twitter
• Virtual Book Tours

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Yesterday on our Facebook page we asked about the Facebook pages from you guys: the writers of the world! Several of you shared your pages.

If you didn’t get a chance to do it, head on over to our page and list your site. Be sure to “like” these pages from your fellow writers as well:

• Jim H. Moreno
• K’Lee Banks, Freelance Consultant Services
• The Night Train
• Freak Bacon
• 100 Pink Pens
• Marlena Frank – Author
• Trials: Thanks a Lot (book)
• A Moment With God: A Teen Devotional
• Tracee Sioux (AUTHOR)
• The Girl Revolution
• Sins of Love – Barun Bajracharya
• Dreams Aloud Animal Book Buzz

Support each other and you can each grow your writing business.

Recently I got some really good news about an article I did, and I wanted to share it with someone. But then, I’m working at home. Sometimes I go to a coffee shop, but even then I wouldn’t have just waltzed up to a stranger and said “Hey, guess what just happened to me!”

But lucky for me, I have a few people I can call when I need a human (a real human, not just a Twitter or Facebook human) connection, and I called up another writer friend who lives across the country, but who I’ve chatted with numerous times. We like to encourage each other. I shared my news with her, and she said, “Wow, so I’m your virtual cube mate?”  What a cute way to look at it.

Importance of Virtual Cube Mates

I think it’s extremely important to have people you can call up and also see face-to-face when you’re a writer. Never underestimate how important a human connection is as a writer. A lot of writers, especially when you’re working full-time, are very isolated. We’re also people who enjoy spending time to ourselves, but we need to break that up with real people now and then. It’s one thing to post something on Facebook and get a “great job” or “like” but another entirely to hear the voice of a friend tell us they are happy for us.

Finding Virtual Cube Mates

In the case of my virtual cube mate above, we met through a mutual client. The thing is, we live across the country. Even with that, we’ve talked many times. In fact, both of us prefer to chat via the phone instead of email. It’s just different when you can hear someone’s voice.

Mutual clients or writing sites are a great way to find virtual cube mates. Here are some others:

• Writers groups
• Meetup groups (your cube mate doesn’t have to be another writer)
• Friends from old jobs (from before you were a writer)
• Others who are at home during the day (shift workers or stay at home parents)
• Church

Making the Most of Your Virtual Cube Mate

Of course, being a virtual cube mate means you have to be a friend, too. So make the most of your relationship by reciprocating the goodwill. So be available for your virtual cube mate, offer cheer, and most importantly, listen. See how this type of relationship can make you a more complete person and better writer.

More on Working Remotely:

• The Virtual Office Survival Handbook: What Telecommuters and Entrepreneurs Need to Succeed in Today’s Nontraditional Workplace
• Flex: The Virtual Office Advantage
• So You Want to Work from Home without Leaving Your Current Job: Business Essentials for Working Remotely

Julie Jarnagin writes inspirational romance and is a self-proclaimed plotting addict. (I love that, don’t you? LOL) She earned a B.A. in Journalism/Professional Writing from the University of Oklahoma and is a member of America Christian Fiction Writers. Enjoy learning more about her writing process:

Do you tend to write nonfiction or fiction?

When I was younger, I always thought I would write nonfiction, but I finally found my home writing inspirational romance.

How long does it take you to finish a book?

It takes me between a month and a month and a half to write a first draft, but it usually takes me anywhere from three to nine months to edit it, depending on the length of the book and whether or not I’m on a deadline.

What’s your usual approach? Seat of your pants? Outline?

I’m a very detailed outliner. I have a spreadsheet where I list every scene with its POV character, setting, goal, conflict, and disaster (or the reaction, dilemma, and decision if it’s a sequel). I spend about a month brainstorming and plotting before I ever begin writing.

How many rough drafts do you usually go through before you’re satisfied with the final version?

I write a rough first draft. Then I go through an intensive round of rewrites. My final stage is reading through the manuscript several times to polish the writing.

Do you have someone you give your manuscript to for feedback before you give it to an editor or agent?

I have critique partners who read one or two chapters at a time. They’re amazing, and I don’t know what I would do without them.

Sometimes writers get so close to a piece that they aren’t good at judging what needs to stay and what should be edited out. How do you get perspective when this happens?

My critique partners help a lot with this. They are honest when telling me something isn’t working. It also helps for me to step away from a chapter for awhile. When I look at it with a fresh eye, I can see it more clearly. Because of my detailed plotting process, I have less to delete than I think I would if I were a seat of the pants writer. I have my story structure pretty pinned down before I begin writing.

What’s your latest project?

I just finished a series of contemporary romances with Heartsong Presents, Canyon Walls, Canyon Crossing and Canyon Café. Now I’m working on a full-length contemporary romance titled The Wedding Chapel.

Where can we catch up with you online?

I love to connect with writers and readers online:

www.JulieJarnagin.com

www.JulieJWrites.blogspot.com

www.twitter.com/JulieJarnagin

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julie-Jarnagin-Books/118825474838968

When I first started out in freelancing, I did a variety of work both online and in print. Now, I write primarily online, and I love it. Here’s why.

Not as Much Pitching

I enjoy pitching when it comes to books, but for some reason not for articles. I used to waste a lot of time pitching ideas, waiting, and then when I finally got the go-ahead it seemed like I’d have to rush and get it done (because we’d spent so much time talking about it.) It wasn’t my thing.

Freedom to Choose Article Choices

For some of my online clients I’m able to (for the most part) choose my own articles. I might have guidelines and topics, but the article choices are usually mine. I like that.

Getting Paid

If it’s one thing that I find a total drag about running a business, it’s chasing down clients for money. I have had far less problems (really, almost none) with my online clients. My real-life clients require more work for billing even when they are on time with payments. In addition, you can usually count on a certain amount at a certain point in the month, which makes bill paying so many easier.

Full or Part Time Income

I write full-time now, but started out part time. Others make a steady part-time income from one site, and therefore sign up for several others. It is possible to make a living from online writing online. Or, if a writer has other income (from ebooks, classes, speaking engagements, or even a part-time job), writing online can provide an excellent way to make money part-time.

Flexible, Work-From-Home Schedule

When I say “I work full time” what I mean is that I have work that equates to a full time schedule. However, even with that I still have flexibility. I can write at night or on weekends if I want to. I can post ahead and then use the rest of the time in the month to work on my novels, attend a lunch, or run errands. I like being able to schedule my own time this way.

I also know a lot of writers who have health issues, and writing at home allows them to work when they feel good and then ease up a bit when they begin to feel lousy. You don’t get that kind of flexibility when you work in an office.

Where are most of your clients? Do you work more in the off-line world or online?

More About Freelancing Online:

• Writing Online
• The Moonlighter’s Guide To Online Writing For Immediate Income
• How To Make Money Writing: Your Guide on How To Get Paid To Write Including How To Score Creative Writing Jobs, Article Writing Jobs, Content Writing Jobs, Technical Writing Jobs

Image: winnond / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Zeke Lam is the founder of Submission Ministries—a ministry devoted to seeing lost souls encounter God and live lives fully surrendered to the risen Christ. A graduate of Liberty University, Zeke’s deep passion for following Christ’s will has led him through many years of youth ministry and itinerant evangelism. Both of these experiences have enriched and fueled his desire to hand others the keys to a Christ-centered life.

Zeke talks about his writing process below. Enjoy.

Do you tend to write nonfiction or fiction?

Currently I write nonfiction works, but I hope to work on a fiction book in the future.

How long does it take you to finish a book?

subMISSION: heeding only His voicematerialized over the course of about 6 months. This includes the writing, editing, and publishing of not only my first book but the publishing house’s first book as well. The actual writing however I completed in less than one month.

What’s your usual approach? Seat of your pants? Outline?

I usually write from a general outline or theme that I have seriously pondered and prayed over. Although I enjoy plotting out in advance where my writing is heading, there are many occasions where I fly by the seat of my pants and see what happens. That can actually be quite fun.

How many rough drafts do you usually go through before you’re satisfied with the final version?

By the end of the editing process, I usually have about three or four drafts including the final.

Do you have someone you give your manuscript to for feedback before you give it to an editor or agent?

With SUBMISSION I did not get prior feedback, but I will certainly seek to do this as work ensues on additional books. I think it is a profitable tool to get un-bias feedback before submitting your work to a professional.

Sometimes writers get so close to a piece that they aren’t good at judging what needs to stay and what should be edited out. How do you get perspective when this happens?

This can certainly happen more than I realized prior to writing. I try to approach situations like this from a humble perspective with prayer. If I feel the Lord wants it in the writing, I will petition to keep it. However, I am always open to making adjustments that enhance the work and the flow of thought.

What’s your latest project?

I am beginning work on the second book in the SUBMISSION series which plans to focus on addressing the dangers of idolatry.

Where can we catch up with you online?

We are online at www.submissionministries.org. You can also find out more about us our Facebook page and our publisher’s website at www.burninglampmap.com