If you work from home, you know your home office space is like a sanctuary.
Not only does it need to be comfortable and work-conducive, but it also needs to include some tools that keep you efficient and healthy. After all, you spend a lot of time in there.
Writing Email Subject Lines That Stand Out From the Holiday Deluge
Right now, I’m getting about 50% more emails than I usually do.
Holiday promo after holiday promo is rolling into my inbox.
And honestly, I’ve only actually clicked on 2-3 of these emails to see what’s inside.
Know why?
How Freelance Writers Stack Up: New Research
You know what?
Perspective is a good thing.
Sometimes it’s interesting/important to know how the work you’re doing compares with your fellow writers.
So I wanted to share some new and new-ish data that sheds some light on the freelance writing world.
Writing Formulas That Drive Conversions & Sales
Guess what?
Writing to drive conversions and sales is super simple.
And you don’t have to be Don Draper to nail it.
All you have to do is follow some tried and tested formulas that advertisers and copywriters have been using successfully for years. They work!
Let’s look at some of my favorite formulas, shall we?
Should Freelance Writers Market With A Name or A Brand Name?
Here's a question I hear a lot from freelance writers:
Should I market myself as a person with just my name, or should I try to build a brand for my business?
The answer, in my experience, is a clear one.
Making the Case for an Offbeat Copywriting Voice
There’s a lot of sterile copy out there.
And guess what?
It doesn’t sell. It doesn’t inspire. It doesn’t even tease out a little smirk.
Because it’s BORING.
Should Freelancers Go to Conferences?
In September, I tried something new.
I attended my first business-related conference (SumoCon, hosted by AppSumo.)
The thing was: I wasn’t really sure if conferences were for me.
I’d been to my fair share of work-related conferences in the past (and at this point in my freelancing career) I went in knowing that it very likely might not become a habit.
Read moreBeing a Better Businessperson for Your Freelance Writing Clients
You know what I hate?
I hate waiting.
Life involves a lot of waiting. Waiting in lines, waiting at stoplights, waiting for a package to arrive...It's just part of the process. We have to deal with it.
How to Stop Taking Edits Personally
Stop Taking Edits So Personally
Writing is the first hurdle.
Getting your edits done is the second.
You think you’re all done with a project and then…Ha! Nope. You’ve got some re-writing to do.
Read moreMistakes I Made Early in My Freelance Writing Career
This is kind of embarrassing.
When I started freelancing, I did some things that, looking back, I wish I wouldn’t have.
But…you live and you learn. So, I’m gunna share this with you today so you can have some lols and hopefully learn from me too. Don’t lol too much, please.
The Starter Kit for Freelance Writers
Today, I’m sharing all of my favorite things that make life as a freelance writer easier. Think of it as a freelance writer starter kit that I’ve put together just for you.
It took me about three years to discover and realize the importance of these different things, so I’m hoping this will save you some time. Let’s dive in.
The Trouble with Self-Competition (And Doting on Monthly Income)
Remember a couple of weeks ago when I talked about freelancing and loneliness?
Well, there’s something else I’ve been wrestling with, too.
It’s competition.
Not competition with my peers—competition with myself.
How to Write Compelling Intros
I’ve noticed something.
Short, compelling sentences work as an intro.
They work well.
Why is that?
How to Write More Efficiently (And Earn More $$ as a Freelance Writer)
Most weeks, I write anywhere from 8,000-10,000 words for various projects. That’s some pretty serious writing, I think.
Remember in school when a 500-word paper seemed daunting? Yeah. Welcome to my life. I do that 20x a week sometimes.
Read moreThe Best Tip I Ever Got from a Content Manager
Have you ever tried writing about something you really don’t know much about?
It’s ridiculously hard.
Even the best writer will spend 3-4x longer putting together a piece about a subject they’re unfamiliar with because, well, they have to learn about it first. Duh.
A Freelance Writing Reality: Loneliness
For the most part, I love the fact that I get to work from home.
I get to walk my dog, wear sweatpants, and don’t have the office interruptions that are productivity’s worst nightmare. I can really knock out some writing assignments with long, uninterrupted stretches of silence.
Things I Wish I’d Known When I Started Freelance Writing
I started freelance writing about two and a half years ago. I was doing it on the side, and eventually, I realized that with the referrals I was getting, it was feasible to make it my full-time gig.
Read moreJuicy, In-Depth Lessons on Creating Effective Copy
Do you see that title? It’s wordy.
Just like the posts I want to share with you today.
Part of my daily work as a freelance writer is putting together long, in-depth pieces on…you guessed it…writing.
Where to Find Freelance Writing Gigs
OMG, I need more freelance writing work.
Whether you’re just starting your freelance writing career, or if business is a little slow, you might feel the above sentiment.
Read moreThe Ultimate Cure for Writer's Block: A Love Story
Every now and then, I get stuck. I have days where my brain goes into full-on meltdown mode, and throws a tantrum like a tiny child in the toy store—flailing and crying and completely refusing to do anything but what it’s supposed to.
I guess you could call it writer’s block, but I just call it an off day.