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Why Video Blog Entries Make Great Marketing Tools

Video content engages web surfers. There’s a reason that over 48 hours’ worth of video is uploaded to YouTube every minute.1 That’s right. Two days of video, every minute (that’s 8 years uploaded every day). If you’re not embracing video on your website or blog then you’re losing out on one of the fastest growing media segments.

Online marketing professionals know that video entries and tutorials build a rapport with your target market that can’t be achieved by written material alone. Video-blogging puts a face to the content writer behind the great information appearing on your site. In addition to helping you relate to your readers more personally, you can create a variety of clips that supplement your other content. You can create how-to segments, product demonstrations, or visually explain concepts that are difficult to grasp via a text blog entry.

Because of the interactive nature of video, these types of posts increase the user activity on your website. Visitors tend to linger on pages with video longer than on pages with just text. This increases the odds that they’ll explore the rest of your site, link to your post, and subscribe to your newsletter or feed. People can also share video content easily and quickly with their friends via social media or by embedding a clip into their own blog, resulting in valuable backlinks. Easily reach a wide audience by adding your content to sites like YouTube or eHow. This can be done in a matter of minutes and is a low-cost way to attract large numbers of new users to your blog.

Video gives you an additional method for generating dynamic and original content. By adding this potent format to the mix, you add variety and make it more likely that readers will return. A combination of video and text entries keeps things interesting for your target audience and gives them a reason to return. Use video to express yourself in creative ways or visually connect with users and you will not only gain new traffic, but you’ll discover a great way to reach out to your community.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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Top 5 WordPress Plugins for Maximizing your Blog

WordPress powers millions of websites around the globe. This free content management system is not only easy to learn, but it provides an astounding number of plugins that help blog writers enhance their site. You can download plugins to optimize your site for the search engines, manage your RSS feed, or create a subscriber list. If you’re not taking advantage of these programs, you’re not getting the most out of your site. Whether you’re new to online content writing or have been blogging for years, here are five WordPress plugins that you need to know about:

1) All in One SEO Pack. “All in One SEO Pack” automatically optimizes your blog for the major search engines, ensuring your site gets indexed by the spiders. Not only does “All in One SEO Pack” generate meta tags automatically, this plugin upgrades your article titles. It works out of the box, so even if you’re a WordPress newbie, you can get started optimizing your site right away. No need to worry about configuring options or reviewing tricky settings.

2) WordPress SEO by Yoast. This is another SEO plugin that can’t be missed. This program makes sure your blog is found by Google, Bing, and Yahoo and it offers several ways to improve your offerings. You can preview snippets of your entries before you publish them, allowing you to double-check if your title is the right length or if your meta-tags make sense. “Word Press SEO” also includes a page analysis option that lets you know if your post is too short or if you’ve forgotten an image for your latest article. Keep an eye on the nuts and bolts of good online writing by downloading this plugin.

3) Google XML Sitemaps. Much like the name suggests, this generates XML sitemaps that helps not only Google, but all the major search engines to better index your website. A well-done sitemap lets spiders to find your web page more efficiently, preventing you from getting lost in the shuffle. Good indexing is crucial to appearing at the top of the search results page, so be sure to add this gem to your blog.

4) WordPress to Twitter. These days you can’t avoid social media and Twitter is one of the fastest growing social media sites. Use “WordPress to Twitter” to create a status update for your Twitter account based on your latest piece or blog post. This plugin uses a URL shortening service to provide a link back to your entry from Twitter, allowing you to catch your readers who are on the go.

5) Google Analytics for WordPress. If you crave Meta data, then this is the plugin for you. Simple to install and brimming with useful information. With “Google Analytics for WordPress” you can take advantage Google Analytics API by authenticating and selecting the site you want to track. Once installed, you’re able to access Automatic Google Analytics site speed tracking, view outbound link and downloads tracking, and track a variety of custom variables that range from author to post type.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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Crafting Titles that Get Readers – and Results

If you’ve written a great piece for your website you may think your hard work is done. Wrong. Successful content writers know that without a standout title, you have little chance of hooking readers. If your title is dull, confusing, or vague, it won’t matter how fantastic your content is—readers will simply move on to the next link that catches their attention and you’re blog will languish in obscurity.

Well-written titles force casual web surfers to notice your site. Think of it as your shot at a stellar first impression. It takes only seconds for a potential visitor to decide if they’re going to click on your link or if they’re going to continue scrolling through the search results. A strong title not only gets visitors to check out your blog entry, but encourages them to take a look at past entries and explore your web site.

Writing a captivating title involves more than just summarizing what your post is about. When you create a title you must consider both the reader and the search engines. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to hit right balance with copy that appeals to both.

Never forget that your blog is meant to be read and understood by actual human beings. First and foremost you must make sure that you cover topics that are interesting and relevant to your audience’s needs. Put yourself in your readers’ place when you develop your next title. If your headline wouldn’t encourage you to read the rest of the piece, then it’s time to start over. You must do more than convince people to read your article—it’s important that the finished product delivers on the expectations created by your title.

Make sure your title lets the reader know what the article is about, but also convinces him that the information that follows is something that can’t be missed. Titles that appeal to the reader work well in conjunction with social media like Facebook and Twitter, where people share striking items with their friends. To grab the attention of today’s savvy internet user, be sure that you’re to-the-point, witty, and succinct.

To ensure you please the Search engines, you’ll want to integrate your target keywords. Keyword-rich headings are great for site indexing, but may turn off potential readers if you overdo it. The trick is to use one or two terms that fit naturally with the topic you are covering and save your other selected phrases for a different piece. By highlighting a keyword at the top of your piece, you increase the likelihood of your site being indexed for that term by the search engine’s indexing spiders.

If you need help developing great titles for your blog, never fear. Our team of skilled online content professionals at Content and Article Writing can help. We have over five years of experience writing for the web and can make sure that your web site not only attracts traffic, but is SEO friendly.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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The Truth about Keywords – Automation versus Research

You’ve created a great product and now you’re ready to promote it with an amazing website. You know that building a strong online presence is a must in order to succeed in today’s competitive market and you know that choosing the right keywords is a must if you hope to establish your business’s online presence. Pay per click (PPC) is a fantastic way to drive traffic to your site, but only if you’ve selected the right search terms.

Online business owners unfamiliar with SEO best practices may be tempted by automated tools. These simple programs are easy, quick, and often free. But you get what you pay for. The “suggested keywords” list generated by Google Adwords seems helpful, but in truth many of the suggestions are too general or too popular to serve any useful purpose for your site. The best way to find effective keywords is to perform research on traffic and competition numbers yourself.

Begin by thinking about your target customers and the product you are offering. Brainstorm a variety of words and phrases that describe both. What is the problem your potential clients need to solve? What would you type into a search engine if you were searching for your product? If you’re trying to connect with local patrons, be sure that your town, city, or regional area features in some of the suggestions you generate.

Think about what phrases your ideal customer may use to encounter a site offering your product or service. Don’t worry about judging which idea is the best, for now, just jot down what comes to mind. Remember that the more specific a term, the more likely it is to appeal to your desired consumer.

Now that you have a list, it’s time to evaluate which offer you the greatest chance of success. Keep in mind your daily keyword budget and determine how much you’re willing to pay per each successful ad click, known as your cost-per-click (CPC). This is where Google Adwords can be of use. Type in each keyword and you’ll discover how many people have searched for that specific term in a given time period. Highly competitive terms will be more expensive and less likely to reach your target audience. Check out your top competitors to discover which expressions bring them high-ranking results to discover additional suggestions.

On the Google Adwords site you’ll be able to obtain a maximum CPC that would lead to your ads appearing in top positions on a results page. Once you’ve tested you’re top candidates Reduce your list down to a few combinations that fit your budget and ideal customer. possibilities by writing a couple of different ads with different keyword combinations. Run them these ads on Google and track the traffic results generated by each ad. The success of each ad will give you an idea of which keywords work best for your website.

Once you’re figured out the right search terms for your business, it’s time to work with an experienced content writer to integrate them into you web page. Well-researched keywords bring in more traffic and lead to more sales. Don’t get caught using the one-size-fits all SEO. Here at ContentandArticleWriting.com we have a pool of online writers familiar with the process of researching keywords and creating articles that result in SEO success.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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Marketing and Outsourcing Advice for Internet Writers

Like many content writers, you probably landed your first few gigs by responding to opportunities posted on sites like Craigslist. Word of mouth, volunteer experience, friends and family all help a writer build a clip portfolio, but to earn a living you need to establish a steady paying clientele. If you’ve acquired some experience, you’re probably started advertising your services on Craigslist or other freelance web sites. You may have created your own personal writing web page so potential clients can view your clips online or check out your blog.

These steps are a good way to begin growing your client base, but to succeed in the long term you need to do more. You’ll want to attract a steady flow of assignments and establish a pool of high-quality clients that will hire you again and again. To ensure you have a regular supply of income, you need a website that will convert potential customers into paying customers. Today’s market is competitive and it’s important to develop a strategy for search engine optimization that will work over time.

Researching your target market and selecting the right keywords enables you to drive traffic to your web page and guarantees you connect with the best patrons for your business. Update your blog frequently to ensure your site is indexed by the search engines on a regular basis and retains a top-ranking in the search results. Treat your site as an chance to market yourself as a professional. Your blog, writer bio, and satisfied customer reference page will provide opportunities to showcase your skill as a writer and convince prospects to choose you for their next project.

Once your business begins to grow, it’s time to consider outsourcing projects. Collaborating with a team of freelance content specialists allows you to expand your business and earn more. There are myriad tasks that you can delegate: updating your blog, writing simple articles, or completing short assignments. When you spend less time on low-level jobs you have the time to focus on more profitable work. You’ll also be able to venture into new niches and ensure a constant supply of fresh material for your clients. Because the freelancers you select reflect on you as a professional, it’s important to hire article writers with a history of providing dynamic, unique content.

Finding individuals that can deliver outstanding copy is a challenge when you don’t have a dependable source. Here at ContentandArticleWriters.com we have a pool of over 100 talented writers with experience in covering a wide range of topics. All submitted pieces are vetted by our editing service to guarantee that you receive high-quality writing that is error-free and completely original. Don’t worry about tackling your increasing workload all by yourself. Let us help you take your writing business to the next level with our proven team of reliable outsource writers.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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A Writer’s Blog is a Platform for Free Expression

As writers, we all know that delivering great content for paying clients is what puts food on the table and keeps us in the style to which we’ve become accustomed to (ie. the happy beneficiary of a basic cable subscription). This restricts you to satisfying your clients’ demands and covering topics and angles that serve your customers, rather than your creative spirit. By maintaining a personal writing blog, content writers and article writers can give inspiration free rein and offer prospects the chance to discover the “real” writer behind the professional content.

Your personal writing blog is just that, personal. A successful blog writer uses his or her blog as a platform to showcase what sets his or her writing apart and so should you. Your blog should have “you” stamped all over it. Cover topics that interest you and take the opportunity to tap into communities of like-minded individuals. If you love skiing, stamp collecting, or sky-diving then share your passion with your readers. Just because you specialize in generating content for the healthcare industry doesn’t mean you can write about your interest in running marathons.

In addition to blogging about what moves you, design your blog to reflect your personality. If you love color, then your blog should be bold and bright. Are you more refined? Reflect that by choosing an elegant layout with a classic color scheme. Easily recognized websites convey personal choice and choice. Just because a three-column layout is standard doesn’t mean you have to use it if you’re a minimalist. Your site should be instantly identifiable as 100 percent authentic you, from the masthead down to the fonts.

The key advantage of a blog is that it gives you the chance to do what you love: write. The more you update your site, the more clearly your voice and style as a writer will emerge. Every entry will be a chance to challenge you as an artist. You can try new techniques, explore different media, and learn what works for you and what doesn’t. The more you contribute to your blog, the more you’ll want to contribute and soon you’ll have a dedicated following eagerly awaiting your next anecdote.

Your blog may be about you but remember to plan and edit your posts with care. You want to highlight your best self as a writer. By putting thought into what you publish, you speak volumes about the quality of writing you can provide to future customers. Readers appreciate thoughtful writing and will be more likely to return to check out your latest update on your attempt at mastering the ancient art of floral arrangement if you consistently offer entertaining new personal experiences and insights.

By keeping a thriving personal blog, you’ll satisfy your personal desire for self-expression. You’ll also give clients a glimpse of the person behind the words and display your range and capabilities as a writer. Your blog is an invaluable marketing tool and can be one of your greatest pleasures. Join the ranks of blog post writers around the world and let your true self shine.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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Your Blog is the Key to More Traffic

Want to know the best way to capture a high search engine ranking and keep new visitors coming back for more? You don’t need the slickest-looking website or have to be a programming ace. The key to keeping your website at the top of search results is simple: a blog that is regularly updated with original copy. Great blog post writing will not only bring search engine spiders back for frequent indexing, but it will bring back human visitors as well.

Many companies with an online presence treat their blog as a necessary evil and only update it as an afterthought. Blogging is actually a powerful tool that helps organizations of all sizes develop loyal and lively communities centered on their brand, product, or service. By maintaining a steady flow, you start a conversation with your target audience. Provide information that is interesting and high-quality and readers will reward you with return trips to discover what your next insight will be. Ignore your blog and not only will customers return the favor, but they’ll turn to a competitor dedicated to keeping them engaged.

Every blog article creates a unique web page and another opportunity for your site to be indexed by search engines. New web pages get picked up by search engine spiders and will boost your ranking. Consistent new content on your site keeps your ranking high. Optimize your chances to entice new visitors by securing as high a standing as possible. Many people searching the web for a specific product, service, or industry rarely check out sites that fail to appear on the first page or two of results.

A blog entry is a wonderful way to showcase your business’s expertise and relevance. Use your posts to highlight success stories, discuss key industry trends, and educate your readers. Each new post is a reminder that you care about your clients and the issues that matter to them. Convince your audience to choose your business by repeatedly displaying your proficiency and passion for your service or product on your blog.

Avoid falling victim to low search rankings by using a professional experienced in custom blog creation. A dedicated blogger can update your page with fresh articles that enhance your customer relations and promote your company. Use an experienced online writer to effectively communicate your organization’s voice, values, and mission. Propel your site to the SEO success by offering dynamic content that encourages readers to return often.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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Every Writer Needs an Editor

Are you a professional content writer or interested in writing articles for websites? If you answered “yes,” then you need an editor. You may be an ace author—you know your grammar, love conjuring creative sentences, and can rattle off a dozen synonyms for even the trickiest words. Your prose still needs polishing after you’ve completed your final draft. Even experienced writers benefit from a having their writing reviewed by a second set of eyes. If you hope to write for a living, an editor can be one of your greatest resources:

  • Two Pairs of Eyes are better than one. You may have reread your finished piece several times, but it’s possible that you missed a typo or grammatical error. An editor will spot any mistakes you may have overlooked when proofing your own work. Article writers can submit with confidence, knowing that they have a back-up to self-proofing.
  • Feedback leads to a stronger finished product. Talented editors don’t just check for misspellings or rogue punctuation marks. Your editor can provide valuable suggestions for overall organization or an effective way to reword an awkward sentence. If your article needs focus or may benefit from exploring a different direction, an editor will bring these issues to your attention.  Content creators from all backgrounds –from press release writers to blog post writers—profit from a fresh take on their writing. Pay close attention and you’ll learn how to circumvent your common bad habits. You’ll also pick up new techniques and strategies to enliven your style.
  • Editors have a wealth of information. Editors have their fingers on the pulse of their industry. They can provide you with topic ideas, leads, and discourage you from pursuing a lost cause. These professional readers can let writers know what subjects need more coverage and which ideas have been overexposed. They have a feel for which building trends can serve as inspiration for your next online editorial or blog series. By asking questions and listening to what your editor has to say, you will have a great sounding board to guide you towards exciting new areas of interest.

Behind every skilled article writer is an equally adept editor. Take full advantage of the many ways an editor refines your copy. Every revision provides an opportunity to hone your skills as a communicator. The thorough review an editor performs will clean up your work and teach you new ways to bring your craft to the next level.

Hiring an Editor to Work for You

The average article writer or content writer can’t afford to hire an editor. Quality editors charge at least $25 per hour, more than what an internet writer gets paid for a basic 500 word SEO article and almost as much as what we can get for a content page. It’s a shame, because the writers working in these markets are probably the ones who could most benefit from the services of a good editor. How else can they expect to move on to better paying work? Here at Content and Article Writers, we have come up with a solution. By subsidizing a small group of editors and providing them with steady work, we’re able to lower the price charged to the writer to just $95 per month. For that, you receive editing for up to 10,000 words (a $500 value). Contact us at contentandarticlewriters@gmail.com to learn more.

 

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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Great Press Releases Generate Website Traffic and Improve SEO Performance

A press release is a great resource for companies looking to gain exposure. A well-written press release increases brand awareness and captures media attention for far less than the cost of traditional advertising. Whether you’re announcing a new product, celebrating a major milestone, or generating publicity for an event, an interesting press release is needed to secure media coverage. A professional familiar with press release writing can craft powerful and attention-grabbing press releases for companies striving to increase website traffic and garner media exposure.

The main goal of press release writing is to get publicity for your online business or website. Submitting your release to well-known press release websites such as PRWeb.com or PRNnewswire.com will get your release in front of hundreds of reporters and increase the odds of your release getting picked up by news outlets and respected industry websites. Readers trust credible sources such as reporters and editors and when your press release appears on a respected media website, your business or website appears more credible as well. This makes it more likely that other websites will republish your press release. When other websites republish your press release it will create more opportunities for your website to appear in search results related to your product or service.

It’s not enough to know where to send your release—it must get read by a writer or editor at your target website. In order for your release to be published by a credible media outlet, it must be newsworthy. Experienced content-writing professionals put themselves in their readers’ place and ask themselves, “Why is this newsworthy? Why do I care?” Knowledgeable press release writers will hone in on what is important to the reporter’s readers. Make it easy for journalists to see how your news is important to their audience and you make it easy for them to write about your company.

Even a newsworthy release can be discarded if it fails to follow the standard press release format. The headline and first paragraph are the most important parts of any press release. Busy reporters rarely read past the first paragraph. This is why a press release writer will highlight the newsworthy information at the beginning of your release. In addition to a strong first paragraph, an effective press release will include quotes from key spokespeople or experts. Good quotes help your release to stand out from the many others vying for media attention. At the bottom of release provide your standard company background information and your contact information. The final touch to correctly formatting your release is to make sure it is well written and grammatically correct.

A well-written press release is an easy and powerful way to improve SEO performance and drive web traffic. In addition to boosting your website’s publicity, a press release picked up by reputable media outlets adds to your website’s credibility. By using an experienced content writer, your company will reap the many benefits a good press release produces.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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SEO Works if it’s Content Driven

Many blog post writers think the key to mastering SEO rests solely in selecting the right keywords. They couldn’t be more wrong. Using the right keywords is important, but the real path to SEO success relies on creating good content that provides value for your readers. Search engines have become better at separating junk content from actual content, so providing quality content is a must for your article to get ranked highly by search engines. Even more importantly, good content encourages readers to return to your website.

The first tip content writers should keep in mind is to write what you know. If you’re covering a subject you know little about it will show. Research your topic and write articles that feature topics you have a strong interest in. When you cover areas that interest you, your energy and passion will come through in your writing. In addition to writing about what you know, providing accurate information is essential to creating value for your readers. Visitors to your website will return often if you offer them quality information. Readers that find your content useful often will link back to your post resulting not only in more visitors, but better search result rankings.

When your goal is to write good content, it becomes easier to weave your keywords in naturally. In order to maintain the integrity on your content, avoid keyword stuffing. The best way to avoid this pitfall is to select 2-3 keywords and use each keyword once in your piece, one keyword per paragraph in the top portion of your piece. Focus on writing great articles and integrating keywords that fit the topic you’re writing about. Keep in mind that blog post tags and categories are a great opportunity to use important keywords without seeming awkward. By choosing keywords with care, internet article writers will be able to attract search engines and readers alike.

The last part of writing thoughtful, well-researched content is to publish frequently and to maintain a high standard of professionalism. Successful writers strive to bring exciting new insights to their readers regularly. The more pages of content your website has, the more likely it is that your site will show up in search results. By publishing new content on a consistent schedule, you give readers a reason to come back to your website and develop trust for your expertise. Updating regularly establishes that you take your writing seriously and encourages the reader to do the same. All your wonderful content can be undone by poor grammar and proofreading skills. Take the time to double-check your work or risk losing your readers’ respect with a careless typo that could have been avoided.

High-quality content is the best weapon you have in conducting a successful SEO campaign. Readers and search engines are savvy enough to separate spam from useful content and will avoid sites that don’t provide the latter. Good content attracts readers, builds a relationship with your target audience, and earns higher rankings in web searches.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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