The bikini's packed (ok, I packed a one-piece too in case the "stomach bulges set in), the braids are in and the pedicure's sandal perfect -- I'm headed for the beach folks!
A Freelance Vacation
This my first real vacation in a year and a half. I take little trips three or four times a year -- but this is a bonified, planned, I'm incommunicado trip with my fiance and some friends. I feel like a kid again!
When I get back, registration for the upcoming freelance writer's workshop will begin shortly thereafter.
I know we're all in summer mode now, but when you freelance, you must always be thinking ahead (today's little lesson).
I'll meet you back here on Monday, August 7th. In the meantime, enjoy my ramblings to date.
I hope you're enjoying your summer.
**************************************************
Freelance Writing Seminar: Learn exactly what to do to earn $100, $150, $200/day or more as a freelance writer, editor and/or copy editor in our upcoming seminar. Details. It's a career anyone who can read and write can start -- with the right information.
$10,000 in one year from one "client" alone; From $0 to $600K in profits in two years: Learn how these successful freelancers carved out profitable careers in our highly popular newsletter, How to Start a Successful Freelance Career. Subscribe today. FYI, you get a FREE ebook on article marketing when you subscribe.
Gain clients, web traffic and brand awareness. How? Let us interview you for our popular newsletter? Full details. Read the first issue here.
**************************************************
Upcoming Features in Inkwell Editorial’s Newsletter
August 15: Meryl K. Evans. I tapped Meryl for an interview because she’s found success in the B2B niche. Meryl has written for some pretty notable clients, eg, PC Today, O’Reilly and Pearson to name a few.
This is where the real money in freelance writing is folks (B2B). I’m as anxious to see what she has to say as I hope you are!
September 12: Gordon Graham. We ring in the “editorial season” by interviewing Gordon Graham, aka “that white paper guy.” Gordon writes and edits white papers and case studies. He charges $90/hour just to edit a white paper and a minimum of $4,000 to produce a white paper from scratch.
Now, do you see why I had to interview him?! Most freelancers don’t even dream of making this type of money. I can’t wait for this interview.
Missed the latests issue? The 7/18 issue of Inkwell Editorial’s newsletter featured an interview with “money blogger” Paula Mooney. She helps other bloggers “make money, get readers and increase their blog’s ranking.” Sign up to receive your copy to read what Paula had to say.
NOTE: As editorial is cyclical and slow during the summer, in July and August, the newsletter will be published once. In September, we go back to our twice-monthly publishing schedule. Subscribe today so you don't miss anything!*************************************************
Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.
**************************************************
Like what you read here? Find the content useful and informative? Make us a Technorati Favorite. Simply click the Technorati icon at the top right-hand corner of the page.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Freelance Writer Turned Beach Bum
Monday, July 23, 2007
Don't Market Online Anymore Until You Read This . . .
Following is an article about internet marketing riddled with statistics. I rarely write in such a "business-like manner" for my blog, but it just came together this way.
While most hear "internet marketing" and tune out, I beg you not to. Many freelancers are used to marketing online, but so many fail so miserably because they don't take the time to do it right.
Most of us are bombarded with so much information that we feel like we're on overload sometimes. I wanted to share the following because I do a lot of reading on marketing. Even though I've been a business owner since 1997, marketing is something I've learned that you never master, you just learn to adapt.
So, enjoy the following, and try to see how your marketing efforts stack up, given the following:
According to the article 2006 Search Engine Marketing & Internet Statistics on InteractiveReturn.com, "The internet is the fastest growing advertising medium, set to reach US $51.6 billion in 2010. This is nearly 10% of all global advertising."
Considering this, following are three things every online marketer must know to be successful:
POST CONTINUED BELOW
**************************************************
Freelance Writing Seminar: Learn exactly what to do to earn $100, $150, $200/day or more as a freelance writer, editor and/or copy editor in our upcoming seminar. Details. It's a career anyone who can read and write can start -- with the right information.
$10,000 in one year from one "client" alone; From $0 to $600K in profits in two years: Learn how these successful freelancers carved out profitable careers in our highly popular newsletter, How to Start a Successful Freelance Career. Subscribe today. FYI, you get a FREE ebook on article marketing when you subscribe.
Gain clients, web traffic and brand awareness. How? Let us interview you for our popular newsletter? Full details. Read the first issue here.
**************************************************
3 Things Every Online Marketing Must Know to Be Successful
Speak to the Right Market: The following is from Therese Wielage at SpinIndustry.com, who attended the Email Marketing Summit in San Francisco.
She writes: ". . . [I] wanted to share my TOP TEN highlights including the most useful information from keynote speaker, David Daniels, VP & Research Director of Jupiter Research. . . . Right now it is common for 60% of recipients to ignore you if you send out a non-targeted message. (emphasis added) Relevance is key in converting viewers to buyers.
In short, don't spam. On a more complex level, use your subscriber list wisely. Compartmentalize it so that you send the most relevant information to the right group.
Court me: What do I mean by this? Marketing is still about relationships. As Jonathan Gabay writes in the article, Creativity Works, on WNIM.com (What's New In Marketing):
Think of marketing as "internet dating." No one wants a stranger popping up in their inbox proposing a get together right off the bat."It's all about collaborative consensual relationships promising mutually rewarding benefits for everyone. The consumer gets the kind of junk mail they 'love' [I think there's an oxymoron in there somewhere] we get to target campaigns, and above all, choice, tempered by consumer rights - namely the right to be bombarded at a convenient time and place with marketing messages - is attained. (Hallelujah!)"
Send me a wink and a smile first (eg, an introductory email). Wait to see if I respond. If I do, tell me why you think we'd make a good match (eg, how your product/service will benefit me).
Thus, a relationship is borne.
Use It! As in, use market via the internet. While this may seem obvious, many freelancers and small business owners don't use email marketing as a regular part of their marketing efforts.
Consider this: Internet ad sales reached record levels in the first six months of 2006, hitting $7.9 billion. Sales were up about 37 percent over the same period in 2005, [Source: Internet Advertising Bureau].
Integrate Me: With the growth in internet marketing reaching record levels, many may be tempted to abandon other forms of marketing altogether. Stop, don't!
As journalist Denise Magnell asks in the Boston Business Journal article, 'Integration' is word of the day, "So where does that leave traditional print, TV and radio within the nearly $190 billion spent on advertising nationwide each year?
Jupiter analyst Emily Riley explains in the same article, "Traditional media more and more are trying to draw people to a Web site. An integrated campaign makes the best use of a variety of media. . . "
For example, a freelance writer may use a direct mail campaign (postcards) to drive potential clients to her website.
Conversely, she may use an online opt-in medium like a newsletter to drive off-line sales of her recently publish hardcover book.
The bottom line: If you're not marketing online - you're missing out!
**************************************************
Upcoming Features in Inkwell Editorial’s Newsletter
August 15: Meryl K. Evans. I tapped Meryl for an interview because she’s found success in the B2B niche. Meryl has written for some pretty notable clients, eg, PC Today, O’Reilly and Pearson to name a few.
This is where the real money in freelance writing is folks (B2B). I’m as anxious to see what she has to say as I hope you are!
September 12: Gordon Graham. We ring in the “editorial season” by interviewing Gordon Graham, aka “that white paper guy.” Gordon writes and edits white papers and case studies. He charges $90/hour just to edit a white paper and a minimum of $4,000 to produce a white paper from scratch.
Now, do you see why I had to interview him?! Most freelancers don’t even dream of making this type of money. I can’t wait for this interview.
Missed the latests issue? The 7/18 issue of Inkwell Editorial’s newsletter, How to Start a Successful Freelance Career, featured an interview with “money blogger” Paula Mooney. She helps other bloggers “make money, get readers and increase their blog’s ranking.” Sign up to receive your copy to read what Paula had to say.
NOTE: As editorial is cyclical and slow during the summer, in July and August, the newsletter will be published once. In September, we go back to our twice-monthly publishing schedule. Subscribe today so you don't miss anything!
*************************************************
Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.
**************************************************
Like what you read here? Find the content useful and informative? Make us a Technorati Favorite. Simply click the Technorati icon at the top right-hand corner of the page.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Master Marketing: 3 Techniques Successful Marketers Always Use (Part II of II)
In yesterday’s post, How to Become a Master Marketer (Part I of II), I discussed one thing master marketers do that guarantee them success.Today, we’ll discuss the two other things they do on a consistent basis that you should be doing in your marketing also.
POST CONTINUED BELOW
**************************************************
Freelance Writing Seminar: Learn exactly what to do to earn $100, $150, $200/day or more as a freelance writer, editor and/or copy editor in our upcoming seminar. Details. It's a career anyone who can read and write can start -- with the right information.
$10,000 in one year from one "client" alone; From $0 to $600K in profits in two years: Learn how these successful freelancers carved out profitable careers in our highly popular newsletter, How to Start a Successful Freelance Career. Subscribe today. FYI, you get a FREE ebook on article marketing when you subscribe.
Gain clients, web traffic and brand awareness. How? Let us interview you for our popular newsletter? Full details. Read the first issue here.
**************************************************
Get Proactive: Master marketers are proactive – they don’t wait for business to come to them, they go out and get it. How are they proactive?
Instead of waiting for people to sign up to their newsletter or ezine, they may invite them to join by sending them the initial email.Instead of putting on their direct mail piece, “Call me when you have the need for our type of product/service,” they may write, “I will follow up with you in approximately 7-10 days to see how I can be of service to your organization.”
Instead of hoping a prospect will call for them to get their website done, they will re-design one page and send it to the prospect asking for the project.
Most of us are passive marketers. And yes, I fully include myself in this pool. We are so afraid of rejection – for whatever reason – that we don’t go the extra mile to get the business. Sure, we may send out our mailer, newsletter or e-zine, but that’s it.
Do you know how crowded inboxes and mailboxes are these days? According to the book Get Clients Now!: A 28-Day Marketing Program for Professionals and Consultants, the average consumer is barraged with approximately 2,700 marketing messages a day.
Considering this, o get to the forefront, sometimes we have to literally push through the noise.
Case in Point: When I decided to relaunch Inkwell’s newsletter this past June, I decided that I was going to spend some time “actively” marketing it.
That’s when I came up with the idea to send the first issue out, along with the free article marketing e-book, Everything You Wanted to Know about Article Marketing: Results of a 30-day article marketing experiment.
Do you know I’ve only had one person unsubscribe from the newsletter (some will subscribe only for the freebie) out of all of the invites I’ve done so far, which total about 500?
Now, imagine if I invited 1,000, 3,000 or 5,000? How fast would my list grow? I currently have close to 17,000 subscribers on my list – a list I’ve cultivated over the last five years or so.
Getting proactive has grown it faster since June than it grew practically all of last year. To be fair, I wasn’t publishing the newsletter then, so subscribers trickled in for no apparent reason.But, proactivity pays.
Lesson here: Get proactive in your marketing efforts. With every marketing campaign you embark upon, ask yourself how you can be proactive, rather than passive.
Stay in Touch: Master Marketers don’t lose customers. Sure, customers may leave them, but it’s not because they weren’t staying in touch.
Remember, comfortability leads to likeability, which leads to trust and ultimately sales. Clients will rarely purchase from you the first time they encounter your product/service.
But, if you’re “in their face” on a regular basis, they come to rely and depend on your advice, your insight, your suggestions, etc. . . . When the time comes for them to purchase the type of product/service you’re selling, all things like price being equal – you have a good chance of them purchasing from you.
It almost doesn’t matter what you say to your customers (as long as you’re not insulting them, that is). Send a joke of the day, a link to an interesting article you think they’d enjoy, a reference to recent industry news, etc.
The lesson here: It’s simple -- just stay in contact. If you do these three things -- focus on a single message, get proactive in your marketing and stay in touch on a regular basis – no matter what type of marketing method you employ, you exponentially increase your chance for success.
**************************************************
Upcoming Features in Inkwell Editorial’s Newsletter
Get Yesterday’s Newsletter Today! The third issue of Inkwell Editorial’s newsletter, How to Start a Successful Freelance Career, was published yesterday.
It featured an interview with “money blogger” Paula Mooney. She helps other bloggers “make money, get readers and increase their blog’s ranking.” Sign up to receive your copy.
August 15: Meryl K. Evans. I tapped Meryl for an interview because she’s found success in the B2B niche. Meryl has written for some pretty notable clients, eg, PC Today, O’Reilly and Pearson to name a few.
This is where the real money in freelance writing is folks (B2B). I’m as anxious to see what she has to say as I hope you are!
September 12: Gordon Graham. We ring in the “editorial season” by interviewing Gordon Graham, aka “that white paper guy.” Gordon writes and edits white papers and case studies. He charges $90/hour just to edit a white paper and a minimum of $4,000 to produce a white paper from scratch.
Now, do you see why I had to interview him?! Most freelancers don’t even dream of making this type of money. I can’t wait for this interview.
NOTE: As editorial is cyclical and slow during the summer, in July and August, the newsletter will be published once. In September, we go back to our twice-monthly publishing schedule. Subscribe today so you don't miss anything!*************************************************
Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.
**************************************************
Like what you read here? Find the content useful and informative? Make us a Technorati Favorite. Simply click the Technorati icon at the top right-hand corner of the page.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
How to Become a Master Marketer (Part I of II)
None of us start out as master marketers – it’s an ongoing learning process. I’ve been a freelance writer since 1993 and I have to laugh at some of the marketing techniques I’ve tried that didn’t work. BUT, with each failure, I learn something -- I tweak a procedure and give it another go.
In the upcoming freelance writing seminar in October, a great deal of it will focus on marketing – because this is the number one ingredient to achieving success as a freelancer.
The great thing about marketing is that there is never one right way to do anything. But, there are some consistent techniques that “Master Marketers” employ, which is why they’re so effective.
Here, we’ll examine three.
POST CONTINUED BELOW
**************************************************
Freelance Writing Seminar: Learn exactly what to do to earn $100, $150, $200/day or more as a freelance writer, editor and/or copy editor in our upcoming seminar. Details. It's a career anyone who can read and write can start -- with the right information.
$10,000 in one year from one "client" alone; From $0 to $600K in profits in two years: Learn how these successful freelancers carved out profitable careers in our highly popular newsletter, How to Start a Successful Freelance Career. Subscribe today. FYI, you get a FREE ebook on article marketing when you subscribe.
Gain clients, web traffic and brand awareness. How? Let us interview you for our popular newsletter? Full details. Read the first issue here.
**************************************************
3 Techniques Master Marketers Use to Become Successful
Single Message: Master marketers focus on a single message when they contact you.
I’m sure you’ve been to those one-page websites promoting a product. They are usually extremely long pages and give you reason after reason after reason why you should purchase their product.
To view some of these websites, go to Clickbank.com and read browse through some of the products there. I did a quick search and clicked on a site for the Forum Equalizer.*
*I have no affiliation with this product whatsoever. I don’t even know what it does. I’m just using it as an example here.
Promoters on these sites don’t confuse you by trying to sell you two or three different things at one time. Their entire message is focused on getting you to purchase that one product.
While many offer add-ons (free software, a special report, free e-books, etc.), these are ancillary products that are usually offered FREE.
The lesson here: When marketing, don’t confuse the potential buyer by bombarding them with too many messages. Marketing experts agree that too many messages confuse potential buyer.
Confused buyers don’t purchase, the “wait until later,” or “try another source.” So, while you may be a great photographer in addition to being a heck of a writer, sell your prospect on your primary skill first – offer them your secondary skill as an “add on.”
Eg, I can write the piece on snowbound animals –and am also able to supply photographs along with it at your request.But, you may be thinking, “I can’t afford to marketing one thing at a time. My budget is limited.”
My response to that is – you can’t afford NOT to market one thing at a time. If you take a long-term view to your career, it is much cheaper – not to mention more effective – to market this way.
If you’re thinking that you’ll never survive long enough to make a real go of freelancing if you market this way, then perhaps freelancing full-time is not for you – right now. You can always start part-time. Once clients get to know you, you can sell them on your other skills.
Marketing Exercise: With the above in mind, go to a site like VistaPrint.com and design postcard to sell your freelance services. They have many templates you can use and it’s free. You only pay when you place an order and/or upload your own art.
Tomorrow’s Post: The other 2 things master marketers do that guarantee them success.
**************************************************
Upcoming Features in Inkwell Editorial’s Newsletter
Later Today! Paula Mooney. Blogger who helps other bloggers “make money, get readers and increase their blog’s ranking.” Paula will reveal how she makes money online, and how she’s built a very popular blog in only a few month’s time.If you currently have a blog, or are thinking about starting one, you won’t want to miss this interview!
August 15: Meryl K. Evans. I tapped Meryl for an interview because she’s found success in the B2B niche. Meryl has written for some pretty notable clients, eg, PC Today, O’Reilly and Pearson to name a few.
This is where the real money in freelance writing is folks (B2B). I’m as anxious to see what she has to say as I hope you are!
September 12: Gordon Graham. We ring in the “editorial season” by interviewing Gordon Graham, aka “that white paper guy.” Gordon writes and edits white papers and case studies. He charges $90/hour just to edit a white paper and a minimum of $4,000 to produce a white paper from scratch.
Now, do you see why I had to interview him?! Most freelancers don’t even dream of making this type of money. I can’t wait for this interview.
NOTE: As editorial is cyclical and slow during the summer, in July and August, the newsletter will be published once. In September, we go back to our twice-monthly publishing schedule. Subscribe today so you don't miss anything!
*************************************************
Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.
**************************************************
Like what you read here? Find the content useful and informative? Make us a Technorati Favorite. Simply click the Technorati icon at the top right-hand corner of the page.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Turn Your Blog into an Effective Marketing Machine in 2 Easy Steps
In yesterday’s post, I discussed why I thought blogging for money is a waste of time for most freelance writers. Instead of worrying about making money from ads like Google’s Adsense program, focus your efforts on the following:
POST CONTINUED BELOW
**************************************************
Freelance Writing Seminar: Learn exactly what to do to earn $100, $150, $200/day or more as a freelance writer, editor and/or copy editor in our upcoming seminar. Details. It's a career anyone who can read and write can start -- with the right information.
$10,000 in one year from one "client" alone; From $0 to $600K in profits in two years: Learn how these successful freelancers carved out profitable careers in our highly popular newsletter, How to Start a Successful Freelance Career. Subscribe today. FYI, you get a FREE ebook on article marketing when you subscribe.
Gain clients, web traffic and brand awareness. How? Let us interview you for our popular newsletter? Full details. Read the first issue here.
**************************************************
A) Dispense Information: Use your blog to inform your readers about your niche. For example, most of my posts are about the business of freelance writing. I updated it almost daily – giving readers a chance to come back again and again.
i) It builds up a body of work: I can refer potential clients to my blog so they can get an idea of my writing style before hiring me. As my blog is over two years old, it showcases a significant amount of my work – more than enough for potential clients to judge my capabilities.
Start with the same techniques you use to promote yourself as a freelance writer, designer, graphic artists, photographer, etc.
**************************************************
Upcoming Features in Inkwell Editorial’s Newsletter
July 18: Paula Mooney. Blogger who helps other bloggers “make money, get readers and increase their blog’s ranking.” Paula will reveal how she makes money online, and how she’s built a very popular blog in only a few month’s time.
If you currently have a blog, or are thinking about starting one, you won’t want to miss this interview!
August 15: Meryl K. Evans. I tapped Meryl for an interview because she’s found success in the B2B niche. Meryl has written for some pretty notable clients, eg, PC Today, O’Reilly and Pearson to name a few.
This is where the real money in freelance writing is folks (B2B). I’m as anxious to see what she has to say as I hope you are!
September 12: Gordon Graham. We ring in the “editorial season” by interviewing Gordon Graham, aka “that white paper guy.” Gordon writes and edits white papers and case studies. He charges $90/hour just to edit a white paper and a minimum of $4,000 to produce a white paper from scratch.
Now, do you see why I had to interview him?! Most freelancers don’t even dream of making this type of money. I can’t wait for this interview.
NOTE: As editorial is cyclical and slow during the summer, in July and August, the newsletter will be published once. In September, we go back to our twice-monthly publishing schedule. Subscribe today so you don't miss anything!
*************************************************
Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.
**************************************************
Monday, July 16, 2007
Why Freelance Writers Shouldn't Blog for Money
I ran across a post on Problogger.net the other day entitled, How to Make Money Blogging - What We Wish We Knew. The post basically was about things bloggers wish they knew when they first started out.
As Darren Rowse, the webmaster at Problogger put it: “In this post I’ll share readers comments on the topic of making money from blogs as well as some of my own experiences and advice.”
**************************************************
Freelance Writing Seminar: Learn exactly what to do to earn $100, $150, $200/day or more as a freelance writer, editor and/or copy editor in our upcoming seminar. Details. It's a career anyone who can read and write can start -- with the right information.
**************************************************
Blogger Chris @ Martial Development commented: “I wish I had known that your choice of niche will affect your contextual ad revenue by a factor of 100! And that certain niches can therefore never, ever be profitable with Adsense!”
**************************************************
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Subscriber Lists: The REAL reason website visitors won’t give you their email address
So, I’ve been pondering the question, “What are some of the things that make people not subscribe, even when they, ostensibly, like and continually visit your site?”
I majored in Sociology, so am curious about this from a “how and why human beings do what they do” point of view, as well as from a business/marketing viewpoint.
Following is one major stumbling block I came up with – from personal experience. Please feel free to chime in with your thoughts.
POST CONTINUED BELOW
**************************************************
Freelance Writing Seminar: Learn exactly what to do to earn $100, $150, $200/day or more as a freelance writer, editor and/or copy editor in our upcoming seminar. Details. It's a career anyone who can read and write can start -- with the right information.
$10,000 in one year from one "client" alone; From $0 to $600K in profits in two years: Learn how these successful freelancers carved out profitable careers in our highly popular newsletter, How to Start a Successful Freelance Career. Subscribe today. FYI, you get a FREE ebook on article marketing when you subscribe.
Gain clients, web traffic and brand awareness. How? Let us interview you for our popular newsletter? Full details. Read the first issue here.
**************************************************
One Very REAL Reason Web Surfers Won’t Subscribe to Your Newsletter/Ezine
Most automatically think of the privacy issue when it comes to whether or not to subscribe, eg, they will sell my email address. I never think about this anymore, because any marketer worth their salt knows that they have to guarantee that as a matter of course.
The following is what keeps me from subscribing to a lot:
Don’t Sell Me! I subscribe to a very popular tech-oriented newsletter. It’s one of the few things that I do subscribe to.
The only reason I subscribe to it is I tend to have very little interest in technology, but realize that I need to keep abreast – even if only peripherally – of what’s going on in this genre.
I receive between 1-3 emails a day from this publisher. One of their daily contacts is their newsletter, which I find very informative. BUT, they also pitch a lot of products from their advertisers.
While I expect a sales pitch from time to time when I sign up to a publication – even if they say they won’t do this – it’s annoying to get 2, 3 and 4 sales messages a day.
If I’d known this when I signed up, I never would have – even though their newsletter is great.
So, you may be thinking, “Why don’t you just unsubscribe?” Well, I did. BUT, I still receiver their emails.
How to Get Unsatisfied Subscribers to Stay on Your List
When I unsubscribed, their little pop-up screen gave a message that read somewhat like, “It will take between 5-7 days before your email is removed from our system. Please forgive any correspondence during this time.”
I’d venture to say that 60% of their topics interest me and even though it frustrates me that that are such slaves to their advertisers, obviously their content makes me want to click. So, it’s a love-hate relationship I have with them.
In the end, who wins? They do because I continually open their emails and have even considered purchasing some of the products/services their advertisers push.
So, how do they get me, an unsatisfied subscriber toa large degree, to stay on their list
Well, one, they make it hard to unsubscribe. I don’t know if it really takes them 5-7 days to remove me from their list or not. But, obviously, this “delay” tactic is working. EVEN THOUGH, I do not recommend this. When subscribers ask to be removed, it should be done immediately.
The most effective thing they have going from them though is their useful, timely, relevant content. They serve a purpose for me -- keeping me “in the know about technology.”
The overall point I’d like to make here: From a human perspective, most of us don’t like to be sold to. BUT, if you give us a good reason to hear you (eg, read your newsletter, subscribe to your ezine), we will leave the door open to be sold to over and over again.
So, considering this, what can you do to turn visitors into subscribers? In this case, let potential subscribers know how often you will – or perhaps more importantly – will NOT, contact them.
Many newsletter publishers tell us up front how often we will receive their newsletter, but they don’t tell us how often they will contact us overall.
I know I’d feel a lot better about subscribing to a website if I had an idea of how often they’d be popping up in my inbox.
Moving forward, this is a policy I’m going to implement (look for it in the next newsletter).
How Often Should You Contact Your Subscribers?
This depends on your publication, your niche, your audience’s expectations, etc. I think though that a good rule of thumb is at least monthly – at a bare minimum. Otherwise, you run the risk of your subscribers forgetting who you are.
The whole point of a newsletter, ezine, etc. is to remain top of mind with your database so that when they are ready to purchase the type of product/service you offer you will be the first one they think of. Minimally, monthly contact establishes this.
The more often you can “comfortably and unobtrusively” contact your database, the better. The reason comfortably and unobtrusively is in quotation marks is that if contact is too often, you run the risk of having subscribers unsubscribe, which is in essence chasing off business.
But, you may be lamenting, “I want/need to contact my subscribers more often. How can I do that without running them off?”
When Should Contact Be Daily?
There are some instances where you can, in my opinion, contact your database daily – and have them look forward to the contact. Eg:
“Joke of the Day” emails, “Find the ___ and Win a Prize Contest,” “Daily Update on ___”.
You must prime your audience for this type of contact though. Let them know up front that in addition to your regular newsletter, for example, that you also send a “Joke of the Day,” to “lighten their load.”
I don’t think most visitors subscribe the first time they visit your site. There is a wooing period – kinda like dating. Sure, you get me intrigued on the first date – enough so that I want a second one. I’m even more impressed on the second date, enough to look forward to a third date.
I may even “investigate” you before our third date (eg, read through a few months of your blog posts and or tool around your website for awhile).
Loving what I see, I look forward to our third date (eg, the next newsletter). So, I take action (eg, subscribe) – instead of waiting for you to do so.
The Bottom Line: Remember, people subscribe to things that will help them solve some type of problem they have. Whether it’s making money, saving time, cutting down on their commute, marketing more effectively, etc. Most are after a benefit.
Keep this in mind every time you communicate with your audience – and they will think of you as a go-to, informative source – and subscribe.
<>Your Thoughts: I’d love to know what you think about this. What is the thinking process that makes you go: “Yeah, this is worthy of me typing in my email address? What makes you be a regular reader, yet not a subscriber?”**************************************************
Upcoming Features in Inkwell Editorial’s Newsletter
July 18: Paula Mooney. Blogger who helps other bloggers “make money, get readers and increase their blog’s ranking.” Paula will reveal how she makes money online, and how she’s built a very popular blog in only a few month’s time.
If you currently have a blog, or are thinking about starting one, you won’t want to miss this interview!
August 15: Meryl K. Evans. I tapped Meryl for an interview because she’s found success in the B2B niche. Meryl has written for some pretty notable clients, eg, PC Today, O’Reilly and Pearson to name a few.
This is where the real money in freelance writing is folks (B2B). I’m as anxious to see what she has to say as I hope you are!
September 12: Gordon Graham. We ring in the “editorial season” by interviewing Gordon Graham, aka “that white paper guy.” Gordon writes and edits white papers and case studies. He charges $90/hour just to edit a white paper and a minimum of $4,000 to produce a white paper from scratch.
Now, do you see why I had to interview him?! Most freelancers don’t even dream of making this type of money. I can’t wait for this interview.
NOTE: As editorial is cyclical and slow during the summer, in July and August, the newsletter will be published once. In September, we go back to our twice-monthly publishing schedule. Subscribe today so you don't miss anything!
**************************************************
Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.
**************************************************
Like what you read here? Find the content useful and informative? Make us a Technorati Favorite. Simply click the Technorati icon at the top right-hand corner of the page.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Freelance Employers Speak!
Face-to-face time with employers who hire freelancers -- that’s what you’re going to get in Inkwell Editorial’s upcoming freelance writing seminar in October.
First, I apologize for not posting this yesterday. I was at an all-day seminar (there's always something to learn) and when I got home and logged on, I discovered a spyware bug in my system that literally hijacked my pages. It was a nightmare to fix. I was too tired to deal with it last night and spent most of the day today fixing it.
Meryl Evans, a techie who also happens to be Inkwell Editorial’s August newsletter interviewee, gave me this piece of advice, which I’m passing along to you, “Remember to have an anti-monsterware app always running. Your geeky tip for the day. :)”
So, back to the freelance writing seminar: Who’s going to be there and what are they going to be able to tell you about freelancing? Read on.
POST CONTINUED BELOW
**************************************************
Freelance Writing Seminar: Learn exactly what to do to earn $100, $150, $200/day or more as a freelance writer, editor and/or copy editor in our upcoming seminar. Details. It's a career anyone who can read and write can start -- with the right information.
$10,000 in one year from one "client" alone; From $0 to $600K in profits in two years: Learn how these successful freelancers carved out profitable careers in our highly popular newsletter, How to Start a Successful Freelance Career. Subscribe today. FYI, you get a FREE ebook on article marketing when you subscribe.
Gain clients, web traffic and brand awareness. How? Let us interview you for our popular newsletter? Full details. Read the first issue here.
**************************************************
Lisa Calhoun: Lisa is the founder of Write 2 Market, the largest business writing agency in the Southeast. Write 2 Market’s client list includes UPS, ADP, NAPA and Aquent, to name a few.
Write 2 Market provides value to their clients by creating marketing campaigns, public relations initiatives, training, technical documentation and so much more. Learn more about Write 2 Market (W2M) here.
I love the opportunity to address pools of freelance writers—as the largest writing agency in the Southeast, we have continual needs for talented business writers and it’s a great way for us to get in front of them and potentially recruit. . . . we like to work with new writers because we can train them in our own styles and procedures.
Keith has been in business for himself since graduating from college. A product design and development specialist, he’s been in the advertising industry for almost 25 years.
Keith’s real value for seminar attendees will be in relaying how start, run and grow a successful freelance business, be it writing, graphics or photography.
As he works in tandem with freelance writers supplied by clients, Keith will also tell you know how to effectively work with a “team” that you may not see every day, and how to parlay that into more work from clients.
Keith was really forthcoming about what he could bring to this seminar. He, in essence told me that what he felt most strongly talking about was how to grow a creative business. As many freelancers don’t start out with this mindset, hearing it from someone who’s been at it for almost 25 years will be invaluable.
I’m honored that he’s taking time from his business to spend the day giving others insight on what it really takes. This is the type of first-hand advice that can really make or break your freelance career.
FYI, freelancers can exponentially increase their income by teaming up with those outside their expertise, eg, a graphic designer. As Pitch Graphics proves, “Simplifying the work flow for the client by combining a variety of creative services under one roof” can be a highly effective way of garnering repeat clients.
Think it’ll be worth your while to come out and meet Ms. Calhoun and Mr. Bishop?
So, what do you need to do to sign up? Right now, Send us your email address and we will reserve your spot and contact you when registration begins in late August. No payment is due now. If email link is not clickable, send an email to info [at] InkwellEditorial [dot] com. Put "Seminar Attendee" in the subject line.
If you’re considering freelance writing as a career, or are already freelancing but just don’t seem to be able to make an effective go of it – this seminar is a must!
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
http://inkwelleditorial.com/
http://inkwelleditorial.blogspot.com/
P.S.: I have to say, I was pretty nervous contacting these professionals because I know how valuable their time is. I was surprised at how eager they were for a chance to share their insight – and recruit as well.
As I’ve said before, freelance writing is a career with a relatively low entry barrier where you can make a really good living – for years to come from the comfort of your home.
P.P.S.: There are no barriers to becoming a freelance writer! Age is not a barrier, income is not a barrier, education is not a barrier. Almost anyone --with the right tools -- can start a successful career as a freelance writer. This seminar will show you how -- from A to Z.
P.P.P.S.: Remember, there will also be a web designer at the seminar who’ll talk about possibly the number one marketing tool every freelance writer must have – a website! And, of course I’ll be there to answer questions on everything – from business to marketing to failures (and how to learn from them).
I can’t wait to see you there -- what a day we're going to have!
Upcoming Features in Inkwell Editorial’s Newsletter
July 18: Paula Mooney. Blogger who helps other bloggers “make money, get readers and increase their blog’s ranking.” Paula will reveal how she makes money online, and how she’s built a very popular blog in only a few month’s time.
If you currently have a blog, or are thinking about starting one, you won’t want to miss this interview!
August 15: Meryl K. Evans. I tapped Meryl for an interview because she’s found success in the B2B niche. Meryl has written for some pretty notable clients, eg, PC Today, O’Reilly and Pearson to name a few.
This is where the real money in freelance writing is folks (B2B). I’m as anxious to see what she has to say as I hope you are!
September 12: Gordon Graham. We ring in the “editorial season” by interviewing Gordon Graham, aka “that white paper guy.” Gordon writes and edits white papers and case studies. He charges $90/hour just to edit a white paper and a minimum of $4,000 to produce a white paper from scratch.
NOTE: As editorial is cyclical and slow during the summer, in July and August, the newsletter will be published once. In September, we go back to our twice-monthly publishing schedule. Subscribe today so you don't miss anything!
**************************************************
Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.
**************************************************
Like what you read here? Find the content useful and informative? Make us a Technorati Favorite. Simply click the Technorati icon at the top right-hand corner of the page.
Monday, July 09, 2007
4 Things to Be Aware of When Building an Online Niche Business
From 2002 through 2005, I ran an online ethnic decor business, Ethnic Home Décor. The site featured ethnic décor accents for the home, eg, mudcloth pillows, ethnic candles, wall art, etc.
Even though I shut it down due to lackluster sales, it was fun and I learned a lot.
Freelance Writing Seminar: Learn exactly what to do to earn $100, $150, $200/day or more as a freelance writer, editor and/or copy editor in our upcoming seminar. Details. It's a career anyone who can read and write can start -- with the right information.
$10,000 in one year from one "client" alone; From $0 to $600K in profits in two years: Learn how these successful freelancers carved out profitable careers in our highly popular newsletter, How to Start a Successful Freelance Career. Subscribe today. FYI, you get a FREE ebook on article marketing when you subscribe.
Gain clients, web traffic and brand awareness. How? Let us interview you for our popular newsletter? Full details. Read the first issue here.
"Niche startups are good in that they offer you a chance to focus all your branding and marketing in one area and expand on those core customers as you grow your company [emphasis added]," according to Ira Davidson, director of the Small Business Development Center at Pace University in New York City. [Source: Entrepreneur.com, "Scratch a Niche," August 2005]
Get with a host provider though who is reliable and offers expanded services because you don't want to have to migrate your whole store to a different host provider if you do grow exponentially.
Online niche businesses are fun and you can avoid a lot of headache in the beginning if you keep the above in mind as you start.
Tomorrow's Post: I've secured our two employer panelists for the upcoming freelance writer's seminar in October. Tomorrow, I'll tell you who they are. This seminar is shaping up to be so much more than I ever dreamed possible. I'm so excited -- and lucky! -- to have nabbed these two panelists. I'll tell you EXACTLY why if you're currently a freelancer, or thinking about becoming one, you'll want to be hear what these employers -- who hire and deal with freelancers on a regular basis -- have to say.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Win "My" Blog Profits for One Month!
Courtney Tuttle created a contest whereby readers could win his blog's profits for an entire month. He did it for two months. Read about it here. Talk about putting your marketing on steroids.
**************************************************
**************************************************
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
http://inkwelleditorial.com/
http://inkwelleditorial.blogspot.com/
**************************************************
*************************************************
