Constant-Content.com Tips: Everything is Fair Game

January 27th, 2010

One way to succeed at Constant-Content.com is to write about everything you do. For example, I just purchased a digital pen. As I become more familiar with the pen’s features, I am inspired to put the pen to good use. Not only am I using the pen to write this blog post by handwriting the post in a paper notebook and then converting my scribbles to text, I am also filled with article ideas such as:

· Handwriting recognition software

· Taking text and audio notes with the Pulse SmartPen

· Top 10 uses for digital pens

· Digital Pens: Not Just for Students

Writing about digital pens is but one example of article ideas inspired by real life. This type of articles doesn’t take long to write because they are based on experience. Take what you are doing today, write about it tomorrow, post the article on Constant-Content.com, and look forward to future sales! The above article ideas may ultimately pay for my digital pen!

Related Posts:

Groovy New Pen

January 26th, 2010
Groovy New Pen
brought to you by Livescribe

I recently purchased a SmartPulse digital pen and am quickly finding it indispensable. Not only can I store my handwritten notes on my computer, I can record audio while I’m taking notes. It’s so easy and way cool. Originally I wanted to use the pen for writing when away from a computer and then using the handwriting recognition software to convert my scribbles to text. While I still plan on using that to some extent, the audio notes are quickly becoming my favorite feature.

Related Posts:

How to Freelance

January 22nd, 2010

The other day I saw a tweet on Twitter asking, “How does one get a job as a freelance writer?” It got me thinking. You don’t really get a job as a freelancer (or do you?). I consider freelancing my job, but I never applied for the position and I am my own boss. So, technically, if you want to become a freelance writer, you’re not necessarily going to “get a job.”

While you may not actually apply for positions, freelancers are always looking for work. We’re self-employed business people working on current projects and looking for the next one. In order to get started as a freelancer, you’ll need to put together a portfolio of samples and start looking for freelance writing projects. You might want to contact local webmasters in your community or try a few of the online writing sites.

A few online writing sites to try include:

  • Constant-Content.com – Name your price, write either public requests or submit your own original articles. I highly recommend this site!
  • DemandStudios.com – You must apply here, but once accepted, I hear that the work is plentiful. I have not tried this site yet.
  • Seed.com – A newcomer to the online freelancing industry, Seed.com is powered by AOL. Decent prices, but Seed.com determines whether to pay you the stated price or revenue share. This site is currently in beta and the licensing issue may change (I hope it does). 
  • AssociatedContent.com – Submit articles for revenue share. Associated Content offers a small upfront fee for exclusive and non-exclusive articles. A good site to practice Web content writing and learn the ropes while earning modest, recurring “performance payments.”

Once you begin freelancing, you’ll need to start running your business. This includes invoicing clients, keeping track of expenses, filing quarterly estimated taxes, paying self-employment taxes, and so on. If you like the idea of running your own business and love writing, freelancing may be the perfect job for you!

Related Posts:

Ordered an Electronic Pen

January 22nd, 2010

I ordered an electronic pen the other day and expect it to arrive today. Looking forward to even more portability than my laptop currently offers. For example, I’d love to be able to sit on the back patio with my laptop and write while the kids play outside but the screen washes out and it’s hard to see. With an electronic pen, all I need is a pad of paper, the pen, and its tiny clip on receiver. Handwriting recognition software will later convert my handwriting to text! It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? I’m hoping that it works as promised.

Related Posts:

Constant-Content Tips: Think Like a Customer

January 18th, 2010

One of the best ways to understand Constant-Content’s writers guidelines is to think like a customer. For example, one of the rules writers must adhere to is “no hyperlinks.” A lot of writers ask why not? After all, sometimes hyperlinks are incredibly useful to readers. However, if you think like a customer, you’ll realize that hyperlinks send viewers away from the customer’s Web site. If a viewer leaves, she may never return. If she never returns, your customer may miss out on a sale, ad revenue, or other potential rewards.

When you think like a customer, you’ll understand why first person point of view is not allowed. You don’t know who will buy your article or how the article will be used. An article written in first person limits how the customer can use it where an article in second or third person is more likely to fit in. For example, if you write an article about pruning roses, a second or third person voice won’t have readers wondering who “I” is.

When you think like a Constant-Content customer, you’ll also understand why bios and self-promotional articles are not allowed. The customer buys your content to promote his Web site and products, not yours.

Related Posts:

Why choose Celeste Stewart?