You may have heard that as a freelance writer, you should specialize in a certain niche (or a few niches) to achieve success. Choosing a niche to focus on can be challenging, to be sure. I want to suggest that you consider choosing evergreen topics for your niche.

What are evergreen topics? Like the type of tree they are named after, they don’t change with time. Let me explain. There are some topics that people will always be interested in reading about, and they don’t go out of style from year to year.

If you have experience in writing about one or more evergreen topics, you may find it easier to find work because there will always be a market for them in print or online.

Examples of Evergreen Topics

* Money

* Relationships

* Parenting

* Employment

* Diet and Fitness

* Weddings

* Hobbies

* Decorating

There are other evergreen topics you can choose to focus on. Just think about things that many people think about/deal with/participate in at different stages of their lives. There are many different angles you can use to approach any of these topics, which should give you ideas to use when getting ready to query print magazines or showcase your work on a blog.

If you need help finding an angle, take an evergreen topic and use an online tool like Wordtracker to find popular keywords related to the topic. This will give you some ideas about how to approach it, based on the kind of search terms Internet users are using most often.

Do you write about any evergreen topics? Which ones?

Voting will be open until Sunday at midnight and we’ll announce the numbers of the candidates who will be advancing to the next round on Monday morning. At that point, we’ll also give the candidates who are still in the running their next assignment.

Kathryne Kuhl, CAE
Senior Vice President - Business Services
Wisconsin REALTORS® Association
4801 Forest Run Road
Madison, WI 53704

web: www.wra.org
email: kitty@wra.org

When it comes to freelance writing and blogging, there are many ways to skin a cat. It’s been questioned time and time again whether a writer should have a blog, and like many, I believe that having a blog as a writer can be useful. For some, it’s a less formal type of writing, and a more personal exercise. For others, blogging is another component of a blogger’s professional role as a writer or editor—showcasing work, offering tips or discussing issues that pertain to writing and so forth. Both types of blogs can lead to paying gigs, as editors and others who may stumble upon and read your blog can get an idea of how you write, your voice and style. And there are also professional bloggers—those who get paid to blog by a media group or other business. Here are some tips for good blogging practices for each.

Personal Blogging

While your personal blog might be more fun and extemporaneous than the way you write for paying gigs, keep in mind that people who might hire you may be reading your blog. In other words, don’t get too personal. Sure, you can share stories about your family, kids and spouse, but consider the ramifications if they (or others who know them) read your posts as well as what it might tell potential employers about you, your character and your personal life. There are probably some things that an employer just doesn’t need to know.

Semi-Professional Blog

Having a blog that’s linked to your career as a freelance writer can be an apt marketing tool. Again, shy away from deeply personal topics (unless they directly relate to your profession) and make the posts relevant to your profession. You can use the posts to create a conversation with your readers, share useful tips and information (like at FWJ) or comment on media issues and current events (for example the AP’s new guidelines or their recent “attacks” on bloggers).

Professional Blogging

Getting paid to blog can be quite lucrative, but it also takes a lot more work than the personal or unpaid-professional blogs. It requires fresh and interesting content, and should (in my opinion) still conform to proper writing conventions and style for the company you work for. The quality of professional blogging gigs varies widely … for some it’s more about SEO and keyword content rather than about presenting well-written and informative posts. Ideally, it should be about both.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether your blog is personal, semi-professional or professional it’s important to remember that as a freelance writer, you’re always “on” when it comes to the written word. Ask yourself: what is the point of my blog(s) overall? What is the point of my post(s)? Am I creating a conversation? And finally, Am I presenting myself in the best light possible as a writer?

Thanks for your patience,

Deb

If you’re not reading this through an RSS feed, this content is stolen.

Freelance writers always hear about the importance of having a blog. In the beginning it seems pretty simple. Freelance Writer + Ideas = Successful Blog. However, things are never as simple as they appear. Synchronized swimming – incredibly difficult. A decent backstroke won’t get you on the team. Lion taming – again, something that should only be attempted by a trained professional, not every Bob, Dan and Emily with a chair. The formula varies from blog to blog, but there are five key ingredients most successful blogs share.

1. Defined Focus.

What is your blog about? Is it slice of life – giving readers an inside look into your life and observances as a mom, dad, single girl, married woman, married man, GLBT? Is it subject defined – cats, dogs, children’s books, freelance writing, celebrity life, going green, activism, etc? Not having a focus will affect your audience loyalty and oddly enough, being able to write about anything may leave you unable to write with purpose. It’s sort of like a buffet – so many choices you’re initially paralyzed and dabble around, meanwhile an audience may not wait for you to find your favorites.

2.  Research, Research, Research.

Bloggers don’t get a free pass in the research department. If you’re writing about celebrity news, you’d better know the difference between Angelina Jolie and Megan Fox. Even slice of life bloggers need research. Sure you’re just writing about your life, but you still need to keep notes on where you were when a funny event happened and other details that will bring the blog entry to life. If you’re using a blog to establish yourself as an expert, solid research is imperative. Reading other people’s blogs counts as important research. Following popular blogs will not only show you what works; it can give you ideas on how to set yourself a part. By the way, real research goes beyond Google and Wikipedia.

3. Committed to Consistency.

Some writers blog everyday, others blog three times a week. It doesn’t matter the frequency. Well, it does if you’re trying to rack up hits, but daily blogging is a commitment many writers find difficult in the beginning. Three times a week is plenty when you produce quality, well-put-together posts. It is easier to increase the number of posts as you see fit, but audiences may wonder if you’re here to stay if your posts are inconsistent. When people chose to follow a blog, they are investing time into you and your ideas. Honor their commitment by keeping the number of blogs and days of posting consistent.

4. Pick and Learn Your Blog Software.

WordPress, Blogger and TypePad are just a few of the seemingly endless choices in blogging software. It doesn’t matter the software, it matters how it’s used. Bloggers at least need to know basic functions: inserting a picture or link, how to adjust fonts, etc. Bloggers who want to branch out and blog for others need to know more about several types of software to be competitive. A blogger’s knowledge should also extend to their offline blogger and ad software.

5. An Editorial Calendar/Blogging Ahead.

No matter the subject – except breaking news, every blogger can and should set an editorial calendar. Some writers decry the lack of spontaneity; others herald the calendar as a savior on those cold, writer’s block nights. Know what you’re writing and when you can, blog ahead. A simple scheduling option in most blog software allows you set a blog weeks in advance. That’s a good thing. Probloggers will tell you Murphy and his law often comes to visit. Storms knock out electricity, writers get sick, emergencies happen. Shoot, vacations happen! (I know several writers just stopped and asked, “What is this thing called “vacation?” Get thee to a beach w/in the next month). Scheduling ahead gives a writer breathing room, back-up protection and provides an outlet for those “Oh I have to blog this!” ideas that may otherwise lose their fire as they languish on an idea card somewhere.

Blogs come and go, but the successful ones, the ones with staying power and loyal readers like FWJ all share these five ingredients. Your blog says a lot about you as a freelance writer so start your blog off on the right key.

I only listed five successful blog ingredients; do you have one you’d like to share? What other traits have you witnessed in successful blogs?

Have a great weekend and please let us know if you land any of these jobs. We love to read about your success!

Leads…

• Lead Blogger for the Internet Innovation Alliance
• Outdoor Sports/Beer Blogger - Must Live in California, Nevada, or Hawaii
• Experienced Technology Bloggers/Writers @ Blorge
• Writers Needed @ The Progress and Index - Aransas Pass, TX
• Freelance Writers @ Hometown News Indian River Edition
• Web Content Coordinating Editor - 3-6 Month Contract to Perm ($50,000-$70,000) - On Site - Atlanta
• Copy Writer - 1 Month - On Site - Solon, OH ($24 per hour)
• Lead Blogger to Join the Broadband Hub @ Internet Innovation Alliance
• Magazine Freelancers Needed @ SRQ Media Group - Southwest Florida Residents Preferred/all US Writers Considered
• Freelance Science/Tech/General News Reporters @ Agence France Presse
• Freelance Proofreaders Needed @ APC - US Residents Only - Must Have a Mac
• Researcher/Writer @ OTR Global - Telecommute
• Web Editorial Intern @ Yoga Journal - Stipend + Yoga Classes
• mediabistro.com Seeks Los Angeles Instructors for One-Night Seminars
• Freelance Writers @ The Journal News & LoHud.com - West Harrison, NY
• Short Story Submissions @ Joined Up Quarterly (AU$30-50 per story plus royalties)
• Freelance Writer @ CalgaryPlus.ca ($25 for 250-word assignment)
• Freelance Writer @ EdmontonPlus.ca ($25 for 250-word assignment)
• Looking for Grammar/APA Style Editor - Contract - Ottawa ($500)
• Travel and/or Marketing Writer on Topic of Wasaga Beach ($200)
• Freelance Golf Writer - Telecommute
• Experienced Grant Writer Wanted - Vancouver, B.C.
• Writer for a Yoga Web Site - Telecommute
• Quality Control Specialist - Cape Town
• Mountain Bike Riders Needed
• Media Company Seeks Diligent Researcher for Celebrity Gossip Blog
• Experienced Writer/Editor for One-Time Project - Georgia
• English Language Consultant - Part Time - Telecommute
• Pet Columnist - Austin, TX Area Applicants ($100 per month)
• Web Content Editing - Contract - Telecommute ($25 per hour; 25 hours per week)
• Production Manager/Proofreader - Washington, D.C./Baltimore/Northeastern New England Area Applicants - 20-30 hours per week
• Online Company Needs Strong Copywriter - Telecommute
• Attorney Profile Writer Needed - Dallas
• Technical Writers Wanted - Telecommute
• Career and Job Bloggers
• Part-Time iPhone Blogger Wanted ($10-$15 per hour)
• Freelancers for Online Women’s Travel Magazine
• Copywriter for Residential Real Estate Catalog and Web Site - Williamsburg/New York
• Editorial Intern, Beijing Olympics @ About.com - New York
• Technical Writer - Contract - Chandler/Phoenix ($28-$32 per hour)
• Editor Needed for Training Manuals - Contract - Telecommute
• Part-Time Technical Writer - 3 Month Contract - Gig Harbor/Seattle ($25-$30 per hour)
• Paid Internship @ TheSword.com - San Francisco
• Online Media Internship - On Site or Telecommute - Unpaid
• Content Writer

Good Luck!

Deborah Ng

I wasn’t going to write about this, but everyone else is and it has my mind going. I think it’s a great discussion and I’d like for us to be a part of it. I refer to Do Blogs Work at A Few Strong Words, Do Blogs Really Earn You Business? at Men with Pens, When Blogging Isn’t Enough at Business and Blogging and How Do You Feel About Marketing Your Business at Grow Your Writing Business.

Three years ago, the same day I wrote my first post for my now defunct writing blog “Finding the Right Words” I landed a client. Someone else in the blogosphere referred him to my blog and he hired me to write copy for a charity event. I didn’t start FTRW to bring in business though - I started it to keep my writing fresh between gigs. I started FWJ at the same time for a different reason - because I was frustrated with the different job boards and wanted to help moms find work. As my blogs grew so did my business. In fact, my business became blogging.

Now Everyone Has a Writing Blog

Every day another writer starts a writing blog. Some list the same jobs I have here, some talk about the same topics other writing bloggers talk about - some even rehash the same tips and advice. There are also plenty of good, no great, writing blogs. I wish I could read them all. I wonder though, are these blogs really bringing in business?

When I began writing for the web I was told you have to have a website or online portfolio to show your clients. So I created one. I linked to all my different online jobs and even had an “About Me” page complete with bio and requisite photo. No one came. No one searched for me, no one who was looking for writers landed on my pages. I used it now and then as a resume but most employers didn’t want to read my whole website. They wanted me to send them two or three links to my writing or a few attached clips. My website did nothing for me and was a complete waste of time.

My Writing Blogs Made Me What I Am Today

Here’s the thing…

People didn’t really seek out my blogs or me to look for a writer. I used my blogs to get work. When FWJ started achieving popularity and people starting calling Deborah Ng a “problogger” I thought I had something here. I took the skills I learned to build my blogs and used them to find work. I landed a job as About.com’s Guide to Weblogs which landed me a job as a blogger for Oxygen Media. Those high profile jobs landed me gigs with other great companies and that is why I am where I am today. I didn’t wait for the work to come to me. I took my blogs on the road and used them as tools for landing work.

What do your writing blogs do for you?

If they’re supposed be promoting your writing how are they doing that? Are you only updating your blog every day or are you using it as a marketing tool? Has, as Tom Chandler mentioned in a comment, the blog become a lazy sort of marketing tool? Do writers even bother with cold calling and querying or are those days over?

I’m curious…what is your writing blog doing for you? Is it bringing you business? Are you using it to keep the words flowing during your downtime? Are you teaching?

Here’s something else to consider

When you blog about writing, are you preaching to the choir? Are we all telling the same people the same things without bringing anything new to the table? What is your blogs purpose and how is it different from the other writing blogs?

Discuss…

thepokerprof(at)gmail.com

The debate rages – is a blogger a writer? Is a writer a blogger? Well, let me tell you that I think there’s a distinct line between the two.

I’ve worked on a team. I’ve worked alone. I’ve worked on writing articles, website copy,  books for print and ebooks. I’ve written sales copy and fliers, and I’ve written copy for brochures.

I’ve also blogged.

Blogging is a whole different world of its own. The tone isn’t the same as anything else. Neither is the style. Rules of writing are broken with each and every post. It’s all about easier reading, faster absorption, telling a story and getting people engaged.

The question really isn’t whether a blogger is a writer. Of course the person is a writer – words are the medium and the message is clear.

But blogging is a job, with specific requirements, skills and tasks that make it one of those areas where any writer can’t just step in and take over.

Think about that for a minute. Let’s say you drive a car, and that a car is the only vehicle you’ve ever driven. You know automatic transmission and cruise the highways. You might even be one of those nifty stick-shift drivers who can handle a standard transmission like a racecar on a track.

Can you drive a truck? What about a tractor? A motorcycle? A scooter?

Just because you have the driving skills doesn’t mean you can hop into or onto any vehicle and take off like a pro. Nope. Sorry. It won’t happen. Sure, you might be able to jerk your way ahead ten feet or so, but you need to learn more to safely navigate the roads.

Likewise, a writer can’t just step into blogging without learning the job. There’s more to blogging than just writing.

It doesn’t matter how good a writer you are. If you’ve never learned the skills of blogging, then your attempts will always be like that jerky tractor driver trying to make a John Deere into a Corvette. It ain’t gonna happen, as they say.

That doesn’t mean writing isn’t special. Of course it is. Bloggers can’t start writing white papers or website copy or literature without learning the skills.

The point is that it’s time to recognize that blogging and writing are two unique jobs with particular skill sets. Learn to respect and appreciate what each job involves – and learn to respect each other.