Five basics of freelance Web writing

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Saturday, June 23rd, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

If you want to write for the Web, here are five basic strategies. Thanks to “5 Basics of Writing “5 Basics” Articles for SEO” for providing the inspiration.

1. “If I write for free, it’s for me”

As a Web writer, you get paid for writing. The only free writing you do is for yourself: on your own Web site(s), and for self-promotion.

Regarding Web sites - you need at least one site, so create it.

Regarding self-promotion, there are many ways to promote your Web writing services. One of the cheapest and bests is writing articles and posting them to article directories for Web site owners to use, with your resources box (a little ad) included. The resource box contains a link to your Web site.

2. Every Web site needs content; commercial sites pay for content

Although all sites need content, only commercial sites will pay for it. The more prosperous the business, the more familiar they are with writers, and paying for content and copywriting.

Target large commercial sites with proposals.

3. The fees you charge for Web writing are your decision

There is no set fee for Web writing. It’s up to you. Work out how much money you need to make to stay in business (your Web writing is a business) and charge appropriately. I’ve written about “$2 articles etc” elsewhere. Don’t become a ghetto Web writer.

4. Get a retainer up-front

As a business person, you ask for a retainer. When the retainer is paid (at least one third, one half for smaller projects) you begin writing. Make sure that you have an agreement with the client.

5. The Web’s a small world: ethics are essential

Your name is your most prized possession online. Keep your reputation spotless.

[tags]Web writing, write for the Web, freelance writing, copywriting[/tags]