$132,994.97 in Google Earnings!

It's Friday and I'm still in my writing funk. BUT, like a junkie with a drug habit, I felt the need to post today -- something I usually don't do on Friday's.

So, I'm bringing you this little missive.

What about the Google earnings you mention in the title? I'm gettin' there.

Alas, the check didn't belong to me -- it belonged to Jeremy Schoemaker, the brain behind ShoeMoney.com. Of it, he writes, "This was the bigest paper check I have ever recieved. It was way back in August of 2005 and since I have moved to wire transfers so dont look for anything bigger from me."

I ran across Jeremy's site in Paula Mooney's blog -- specifically, her post on blogger salaries, which, if you read yesterday's post, will see that I referenced. Paula -- geniously I think, compiled a list of blogger salaries.

While some moan that it's incomplete, it's a good snapshot on who's making what in the blogosphere.

For grins, giggles and "I want that" envy, click here for more Google checks featured on ShoeMoney.com. Now, does that inspire you to get going on a site!

Enjoy and be inspired.

Until Monday,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
P.S.: Have you checked out Inkwell Editorial's work-from-home ebooks yet? The are some great deals on this first-hand advice on how to succeed as a freelancer, and it makes great weekend reading (hint, hint: buy today).

Monday's Post: Are you making 50K or more? Do you worry about being down-sized? Have you been down-sized? Career advice for mid-level managers.

How to Know When It’s Time to Shut Down Your Blog

I’ve been blogging for a little over two years now. And, to be honest, there were times when I wanted to just shut it down. I’ve even gone as long as a month without updating it. But, alas, like an addict, I started to update it again.

While blogging may be addictive, following are two signs it’s time to shut down your blog. NOTE: I’m referring to professional blogs, not personal ones.

1. Not updating regularly: If its hard for you to find the time to blog, maybe it’s time for you to shut it down.

Blogs that are irregularly updated reeks of unprofessionalism – in my opinion. It’s like an unfinished project you leave out there for the world to see. To gain a base readership, readers have to be able to depend on you to deliver on a regular basis. And, regular could be whatever you set them up to expect, eg, daily, weekly, bi-monthly, etc.

TIP: The less you update, the longer your posts should be. And, twice a month is about the longest you should go without updating. Once a week would be even better, with daily being the optimal.

POST CONTINUED BELOW
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WORK-FROM-HOME E-BOOKS: Freelance from home! Just a reminder, Inkwell Editorial's work-from-home, how-to freelance writing e-books will be back on InkwellEditorial.com this weekend.
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The point is, whatever schedule you set, let your readers know what to expect so your blog doesn’t look like it’s been abandoned.

2. No Marketing “Oomph”: I use my blog as a marketing vehicle. Updating it regularly has built a loyal readership who trust my opinion enough to purchase my e-books, e-classes, etc.

Being a full-time freelance writer leaves you with very little time to “doodle.” I make sure that every project I tackle during working hours has a direct impact on my bottom line. My blog is a big part of this.

So, if your blog is not helping your marketing efforts, it may be time to shut it down, or update it during non-working hours.

To make a living as a freelance writer, you have to become ruthless with your time – almost like an assassin. While this may seem a bit diabolical, it’s the difference between being able to make a full-time living, and complaining about not being able to make a full-time living.

NOTE: Sometimes your posts may have nothing to do with the subject of your blog. Maybe that day, you decide to go off topic. This is fine, it gives readers insight into your personality. But remember, readers flock to a blog, normally, because they want to learn something to help them achieve their goals. So, give them that on a regular basis.

How to Officially Shut Down Your Blog

Like quitting a job, there is a right and wrong way to officially shut down your blog.

Rule #1: Don’t just stop blogging. Give readers a shut-down date, eg, a “resignation post.” This will prime them for what’s to come.

Rule #2: Share your reason for shutting down the blog. You don’t have to go into grave details. Whether it’s because you’re too busy, a personal issue (eg, birth of a child, sick family member, new business venture, etc.).

Rule #3: Give readers some Q&A time before you sign off. Respect them enough to let them chime in. This is good for you as well because you never know how much you’re appreciated until you’re not there any more. Even if all the feedback is not good, it’s something you can take with you into your next venture.

I remember when I first shut down my site, InkwellEditorial.com, in December 2004 to revamp it. I received close to 100 emails within 30 minutes of sending out the “shut down” memo.

I saved the feedback because it was overwhelmingly positive and let me know how much users had appreciated me and my company over the years. When I’m feeling blue about business, sometimes I read through these emails. They are a real spirit booster.

Rule #4: Say “Thank You” to Your Readers. After you’ve answered all the feedback you can – and to make a concerted effort to respond to everyone – even if it’s just to acknowledge receipt of the email – send a final thank you and wish your readers well in their endeavors.

Now, that’s a classy way to end any relationship – even if it was only a virtual one.
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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.
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Lessons Learned from Two Years of Blogging (Part I of III)

Happy Birthday InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com! Today this blog is two years old. I never knew that it would add so much to my career, but oh boy, has it.

Following are some lessons I’ve learned from the past two years of blogging.

1. Determine Why You Blog: I liken this to driving without directions. How do you know where you want to go unless you have a destination in mind? Having a purpose in mind will also focus you more.

If you decide to monetize your blog, you will have a concentrated body of work right at your fingertips. This makes for a tighter, more concise and interesting blog.

POST CONTINUED BELOW

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2. Appreciate Your Style: My writing style on this blog is what I term “conversational business-like.” I throw in a bit of self-deprecating humor to illuminate points, and voila, I have a writing style.

As a blogger, especially in the beginning, you may get intimidated by other bloggers. You may wonder, “Am I too personal, too business-like, not funny enough, too sarcastic, etc.”

My advice is, whatever your writing style, embrace it. Don’t try to be like anyone else. You will never please everyone and you’ll spend too much time trying to “sound” a certain way. This, IMHO, defeats the purpose of blogging, which is to convey information.

The best – not to mention easiest and quickest – way to do that is to be true to you. Not only will you write better, you’ll enjoy the process more.

3. More is Better: As in, more posts. Update your blog regularly for maximum effect. Search engines are driven by content. The more you feed the hungry search engine monster, the more popular your blog becomes, the more links you get and the higher your PR rankings.

4. Blog Fearlessly! As in, don’t be afraid to tackle controversial topics, angles, etc. As we all know, controversy sells. Don’t gratuitously cover controversial topics, but don’t back down if the occasion presents itself.

For example, my 11/706 post was entitled, Should Freelance Writers Have a Minimum Wage? In this article, I proposed a minimum pay scale. I got some flack from that. BUT, at least it started a debate (or rather, continued one that’s been raging fiercely since content writing became the rage).

5. Blog Topically: As in, tie in what’s going on in the news to what you blog about. The article mentioned above is a good example of this. I got this idea for an article while watching CNN one morning as they were discussing the new minimum wage that went into effect in 7 states this year. I need to do more of this myself.

Many times, there won't be an obvious connection from topic to topic, but if you think for a few minutes, you can usually come up with a relevant spin on an issue you've heard/read about that’s currently in the news.

6. Stay Away from the Obvious: Many times I will click on an article on the web with an interesting title, only to be bored to tears with obvious information that can be found on the web in a two-second search.

The post, 34 Reasons Why Readers Unsubscribe from Your Blog on problogger.net bears this out. “Redundant, repeated or recycled news is one of the top five reasons why people unsubscribe to RSS Feeds,” according to feedback sent in from readers.Surfers are looking for information.

Respect your readers enough to give them useful information not easily found everywhere else. This where I think blogging about what you know/do comes in handy. I pepper my posts with personal experiences because this is inside information that only someone who does what I do for a living (freelance writing) knows.

Over time, this will build you a loyal readership – which pays dividends in numerous ways (product sales, interview requests, ad revenues, etc.).

7. Don’t Overpromote: As in, your products, services, etc. Remember, readers want useful information. While using your blog to promote your products/services is fine, too many ads or too much self-promotion is a big turn-off.

I mean, think about it. Who wants to interact with someone who is always trying to sell them something? By all means, use your blog as a selling too, but unobtrusively so.

Tomorrow: Part II of this post.
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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 to learn how.

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