Google notified me repeatedly that my self-hosted WordPress websites weren’t secure, that they didn’t have the coveted “https:,” and that I should take care of it pronto. I’m no WordPress expert, just a freelance writer and product creator who runs blogs. So I dread these sorts of things and put them off as long as […]
Should a Freelance Writer Have a Blog?
Is it a good idea for a freelance writer to go to all the trouble to blog regularly, even if hardly anyone reads the posts? This is actually a complex question and the answer is different for everyone. I’ve said many times in the Freelance Writers Den and elsewhere that too many freelance writers spend too […]
How to Take a Blogging Break and Keep Your Readers Happy
I recently took a six-week blogging break while I was on vacation in Costa Rica. Since many of you reading this are bloggers, you know there’s a general consensus that you should should post consistently. However, you also need to carefully examine your priorities for your life and your business. To that end, here are the… Three Main Areas […]
The Power of a Small Website for House-Sitting Writers
Freelance writing lets me travel and gives me the option of a location-independent lifestyle, which I take advantage of in winter months by house-sitting in the San Francisco Bay Area and elsewhere with my partner Stephanie. Why House-Sitting? Simple — we get to stay in beautiful homes and explore beautiful parts of the western United […]
5 Things About WordPress That Really Bug Me
I love WordPress. It allows me and millions of others to create beautiful websites that are easy to update. WordPress sites can be simple or complex, and they can do most anything that you want. That said, there is always room for improvement. Now mind you, I’m not a tech person at all, and I’m […]
How Content Shock Hurts Freelance Writers
On January 6 Mark Schaefer published a provocative post about the declining utility of content marketing, a phenomenon he dubs “content shock.” The piece has garnered a great deal of scrutiny and attention both from those who agree with Schaefer’s thesis (including me) and from those who disagree or downplay the impact. I’m not here […]
On Freelance Writers Who Write For Free or Low Fees
Many freelance writers write paid blog posts in order to pay the bills and further their writing careers. One freelance writer who has had success at it is Carol Tice, but she recently wrote an insightful and important post called “Will Huffington Post Syndrome Kill Paid Blogging?” in which she discusses how two of her […]
My Guest Post and Live Call on Carol Tice’s Make A Living Writing Blog
Update… I had a fantastic response to my guest post on Carol’s blog (see details below). As of now the comment count stands at 37. And the call with Carol had some great questioners from listeners. Carol and I discussed my freelance writing niche (writing college textbook supplements), and then we had some fun and […]
Edit Old Blog Posts to Boost Search Engine Optimization and Traffic
In addition to ProductiveWriters.com, I also write the Writing College Textbook Supplements blog, which is devoted to my specific freelance writing specialty. I started the blog back in April of 2009, right after I released the first edition my e-book Writing College Textbook Supplements: The Definitive Guide to Winning High-Paying Assignments in the College Textbook […]
My History of Social Networking
Most freelancers are quite active with social media/social networking, me included. My Social Networking/Blogging Story I got online in 1994 with an AOL account and started using e-mail to connect with editors at my book publisher, at the magazines and newspapers who hired me for freelance writing projects, and at various college textbook publishing companies. […]
Get Permission to Use Copyrighted Photos
Get permission first if you want to use a copyrighted photo in a blog post or any other online or print publication — or at least be sure you can publish it under “fair use” doctrine. How I Got Permission to Use a Copyrighted Photo I’m up before dawn most winter mornings (usually about 5 […]
What Benefits Do You Get From Blogging Networks?
Smart bloggers look for good ways to get traffic and backlinks. I’m fairly smart, and I’m a blogger, but I’m still improving on the smart blogger part. That’s why I’m asking for your help today. Many of the bloggers I’ve connected with are active in blogging networks. I’ve joined a few of these, including BlogEngage […]
Donate-Tip Buttons on Your Site — Do They Work?
You provide good information on your blog, right? Can you get paid for that? Perhaps. I’ve seen a few blogs with a donate button, also called “tip jar” or “buy me a cup of coffee.” Copywriter Michel Fortin is one example. Paypal Donate Button for a Nonprofit: Example I’m a hiking guide writer and avid […]
