Category Archives: Writers

It’s not necessary that a native English-speaking person is a better content writer

Can a John Smith write better website content than a Kwasi Nkrumah from Ghana? Do you need to hire the services of Lindsay Cambridge from Virginia to write great contents for your site? Interesting enough, most people think it takes a native English Speaker to write quality web contents that prompts the reader to take an action. A good content can pave the way to success. Putting right words at right places doesn’t just ensure the outcome of quality content but it also guarantees a steady growth in the conversion rate of a website.

A well structured, search-engine friendly, informative content can ensure regular flow of traffic. But does it necessarily have to written by a Native English Speaker, preferably an American or a British?

First thing first, the purpose of this article is not to prove that native English speakers are not good content writers. The purpose of this article is to show that even people from non-English-speaking regions can create professional, good quality and relevant content.

In this article, I intend to convince you why you don’t need to ALWAY hire a native English Speaker to write your content. For those of you who don’t know what content writing is; Content writing is a service offered mainly to website owners and businesses, where the individual (content writer) specializes in providing relevant text content for the website. Content writing itself can come in many forms and companies or individual that offers it can write about one specific category or a broad range, usually the ones that target a certain niche.

Content writing is a skill; and like any other skill the more you practice the better you get. You can be born in London, by parents who are English Teachers and even might have attended the most prestigious Journalism school in London. That would certainly not make you a good content writer. Never ever think because you are surrounded by native English Speakers or you are a native English Speaker; you could one day wake up pick your laptop write some few words, get it published on a website and bam! You are the next Ninja content writer sensation on the Internet.

Content writing is an art, and just like learning how to play a game of Chess; the more you practice the better you become. You can’t learn Martial Art by watching videos from a Martial Art Expert. Likewise you don’t become a better content writer because you are a Native English Speaker. Of course you have the advantage of already knowing the language and not having to spend too much time learning the finer things, the subtle nuances of the language.

Characteristics of a good content writer

The role of a content writer and the process of developing content for a web site is often an unclear task. Generally, when a company decides to redesign their site, they do not take the task of content creation and management fully into the scope of the project, and very rarely understand the nature of the role, the process or the deliverables involved. Finding someone to manage the content process for your website requires the person to have (some of) the following characteristics:

Self-Running: A good content writer needs to be self-running or a self starter and must have the understanding of what is required to develop website content. Each project and situation is different. This person will need to manage a very daunting and deadline driven process. Digging for information, pushing to make deadlines and running solo without much guidance is a prerequisite.
Organized: Every content writer needs to have the organizational and management skills to manage the process of content development. This generally requires the ability to set and make deadlines, manage resources and budgeted time, set expectations and communicate effectively. In addition, good content writers use a writing checklist, a calendar or task organizer. The individual needs to be detail-oriented and able to handle multiple tasks at one time.
Web savvy: Content writers don’t need to know the ins and outs of HTML but should be familiar with enough markup to call out links and bold or italicized text to increase the chances of the content being ranked higher by search engines. A good content writer should also master the art of creating catchy heading and sub headings for any piece of article to grasp the reader’s attention.
Ability to write and Edit: A good content writer should have the flair for writing and submitting nearly flawless (preferably, error-free) work. Despite living in an age where texting and three letter acronyms are common, writing issues like misspellings, typos, improper subject-verb agreement, poor grammar and slang should not be a part of a properly executed Content Writing.

There are some characteristics that make one stand out as a good content writer. So if you are a Kwame from Ghana, a Thiago Brazil, Asmara from Indonesia or an Amrit Hallan from India; if you develop these characteristics your chances of becoming a good content writer would increase exponentially.

You do not need to hire a native English Speaker to write better contents. Content writing is a skill, the more you write the better you get, and the more effective you become in communicating with your target audience.

Managing Your Social Network: Dos and Don’ts

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This is a guest post from Carrie Oakley.

Social profiles are more the norm than the anomaly today; most people have more than one because they don’t want to miss out on anything happening in social media. However, not everyone who’s online knows how to maximize the use of their social profiles and minimize the damage that they can cause; they sign up and start doing what everyone else is doing without realizing that information that goes online stays online for eternity and renders your life an open book and your privacy a thing of the past. There are no written rules or laws to use social networks, except of course that you don’t abuse or spam other people (you risk getting your account blocked). However, in order to protect yourself and prevent strangers from gaining access to your information, here are a few dos and don’ts to manage your personal social networks.

Do’s

Protect your profile adequately; this means you need to separate your friends into groups – family, close friends, and just acquaintances. Allow each group different levels of access; for example, your close friends can see all of your profile; your family is allowed access to your photographs and personal contact information; your acquaintances can see only relevant updates and information; and those not on your list of friends cannot see anything beyond your name and sex. Facebook has many privacy settings that you can use to protect your data from being used against you, so utilize them effectively.
Keep monitoring updates from Facebook – there have been times when your privacy settings have reverted back to the “default” settings that Facebook deemed appropriate enough. Most options were opt-out instead of opt-in; so check your privacy settings every now and then to ensure that people can see only what you want them to see.
Delete friends who are abusive and intrusive – you don’t have to inform them, and they will not know until they explicitly try to write on your wall or see your profile.
Report as spam anyone who harasses you or forces you to friend them.

Don’ts

Accept friend requests from people you don’t know – even if they’re friends of your friends, it’s not wise to put them on your list unless you know them personally.
Do not Put up photos that are not appropriate for public viewing; they could come back to bite your butt if potential employers use them to discriminate against you in a job interview.
Don’t say anything you don’t want the world to know – status updates and comments on your friends’ updates are public and could come back to haunt you if you’re not careful.
Send out friend requests to all and sundry; ask politely, and if people ignore your request, don’t keep asking again and again.
Intrude into the lives of people you hardly know; they may have accepted your friend request just to be polite, but if you see that they’ve blocked you from seeing their wall and photos, leave quietly instead of calling them out on it.
Waste time playing games and checking out new applications all day – social networks could get addictive, so restrict the time you spend on them to an hour or less every day.
Use social networks to spy on your spouse or significant other; in fact, it’s not wise to friend them in the first place – you may be married, but they deserve their space just as you do. If you get too snoopy and start questioning their every post or comment, your relationship could be in danger.

Social networks are supposed to make our relationships stronger and easier, not destroy them through nosiness and jealousy; bear this in mind when you sign on to use one.

Will RSS undermine the search engines?

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Google is God, Google is … Well, We have been kind of worshiping the search engines. We always wondered how we ever managed without them. But the way web world is constantly evolving, there is a feeling that a day is not far off when the search engines and portals will be less used and social media and blogs are getting more center and up front! Yes, things are changing and in style.

The question is – Will a day come when people will use more and more RSS (really simple syndication) feeds and depend less and less on search engines?

What are RSS Feeds?

RSS is a process used by websites to present updated and newer contents to subscribers directly through its readers. This is like speed-post delivered at home – fresh and updated contents delivered directly to the readers. Actually a synopsis called RSS feed is displayed and this small capsule of information can be used for selecting the full content/article. An RSS reader or editor sorts out the feeds and also generates the RSS feeds. Today RSS is fast-forwarding the web search for optimal content.

Benefits of RSS Feeds

RSS feeds have revolutionized the concept of web search today. We can pick and select the content we need and what suits us. No need to plow through the vast ocean of information available over the net. No spam or no bulk mail; everything you need is at just a click. Especially, when readers want timely and useful updates from their various favorite websites, and need the updates collected in a single place (done with a feed reader interface).

Marketing via RSS

Marketing strategy using RSS feeds is more effective because you send the latest and applicable information and it is sent directly to the target audience. Site optimization is easier with RSS feeds. Since more and more people are trusting social media opinions and recommendations about any new purchases they are contemplating, the RSS feeds from the social media are gaining more power.

Why not Search Engines?

Most likely the vast amount of information available on the Internet kind of frightens people. They feel so overwhelmed by the surfeit of contents, they start feeling confused and uncertain. When they ask for product information, there may be two diametrically opposite recommendations which confound the common man. This could be the major reason for shunning the search engines.

Scoring over by RSS

Why some people think that RSS feeds give them an easier way out – more so than the search engines? The single most use of Internet is for searching. Search is what makes people seek the net – to know, to learn and to know the pros and cons and perhaps to buy. If RSS feeds, due to timely and useful content, convince the visitor to buy a product, that is optimal conversion and that counts greatly in favor of RSS feeds. If RSS feeds satisfy the customer that they have achieved what they wanted, and visitors feel that they can come back for more and keep coming back – why, it is a greatest victory for RSS feeds.

The Question – Will RSS feeds undermine Search Engines?

Will the gateways change? Will Google, Bing and such lose their edge? Will Wikipedia not get as many clicks? Otherwise why Google started its own RSS feeder – Google reader – To play safe? (www.reader.google.com). So many questions!

All really boils down to individual choices. Much as fast-food is favorite with some people, RSS feeds will no doubt gather more fan following. Yes, many will be there – who will not have the time or inclination for a thorough research and may settle down to go by the recommendation or contents of RSS feeds.

But RSS feeds replacing Search Engines does not seem possible in the near future.

Certainly all that is good and great are not only on RSS feeds. A connoisseur will still not settle down with only fast-food; he would find time to learn and know; he would rather pick and choose what he wants, what he thinks as most relevant and not let others choose for him. He will still Google.

How to Make Your Content Irresistible

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Are you spending a good amount of time writing articles, blog posts, press releases, sales copies but not getting sufficient clicks? If you answered yes you must take time to give a second thought to the strategy you need to adopt while crafting your write ups! Get these prompt makeover strategies to design your articles irresistible yielding desired results.

Check Out For Current Buzz

Keeping yourself abreast with latest information in your genre will always give you an upper hand in your niche. It will make your articles coherent which the readers can relate to their lives and situations. Your articles will gain popularity, and of course more traffic, as more people will start reading it being the latest buzz in your market.

Make a Captivating and Sizzling Headline

Howsoever well researched and aptly tailored your article is if your headline is not catchy it will not catch eyeballs. Start reading more and more to gain a thorough insight into the type of headlines one can coin. Get inspired by the headlines of magazines, newspapers and other journals that really stand out. Try writing 3-4 headlines for an article and seek suggestion of others which ones stand out the most.

Induce a Reason for Readers to Read

Give your reader a genuine reason to click your articles or your website! It has to be something unique that is rarely available, excluding free reports as it us quite common now. Make your readers know how the site is going to benefit them in the long run and what instant remedies is your article going to offer! This will definitely compel them to stay glued to your site.

Do Thorough Research on the Topic

Research your topic after selecting the angle for your article. Facts and content must be virtually accurate. It is only possible if you have conducted a sincere research and spent sufficient time to its conventional edification.

Generate a Readable and Simple Content

Albeit, it is the type of readers your site and article is going to receive should be the deciding factor in terms of the standard and quality of your content, it is advisable to use simple language and short sentences to express yourself. People enjoy those write ups which did not take much of their time to understand the stuff. They avoid visiting those sites that compel them to consult other resources to understand the chunk.

Make it Hilarious and Emotional

Being a social animal, people are inclined to love humor and a tincture of emotion. It enables them to feel relaxed and spirited and in turn your stuff will become a cornerstone of your website.

Stick to Your Original Writing Style

Develop a writing style to follow when you write. Don’t try to fake your abilities by trying different writing styles. It may land you in trouble as you may not be comfortable with other writing styles hence may not be able to do justice with them.

It will also influence your rapport and readers adversely. Hence it is advisable to be in your original shell. I am not going to demoralize you by advising you not to try other patterns but not without being confident that you can do justice to that style of writing.

Proofread as Many Times as You Can

This is the biggest blunder we all do by not spending enough time to read our stuff sufficiently. Your written article may contain spelling and grammatical errors. Just don’t allow it to frustrate the very purpose of your reader visiting your site. You may lose a considerable number of readers for good. You can take the help of another person to proofread your feature as well to detect your mistakes that you might have walk passed. As it is human nature we often overlook our mistakes.

Following these simple thumb rules you can make your content irresistible for the visitors to stay tuned.

Moving away from SEO

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How important is SEO to SEM today? Is SEO losing the edge? Are small businesses finally breaking free from the power of SEO and getting recognition still? Are we moving away from the obsession with SEO? Some intriguingly different questions indeed!

SEM rules still

The number of online customers making their purchases is continually on the rise. One click opens the virtual store and shows a range of products and services and all the information needed and another click clinches the deal most satisfying mutually. Today internet marketing is very much in; SEM rules the roost.

Importance of SEO

Until now, SEM blended the free SEO and the PPC to increase the exposure of any website. Search engine marketing campaigns all focussed on search engine optimization with keywords or increasing the pay per click – again on a key-word related ad. And SEO was the favourite all round. SERPs, Meta tags, keywords, keyword-rich contents, SEO keywords and keyword research – these words seem to be resonating in the web writing world. The first advice to any freelance writer is still ‘learn all about SEO.’

A Change is on the way?

Maybe it looks like things are changing, albeit slowly, but steadily. No, no, the SEM is here to stay and keywords and keyword-rich contents are all still the way to go. But maybe a day will come when search engine ranking or search engine optimization will not be the ruling factors to define the success of a website. Google has developed systems which are not SERP controlled and which are giving more attention to small businesses with far better analytics. Now the trend is moving beyond just the search engines and the search is on to find and nurture customers on social media – on networks like Facebook and Twitter.

Importance of Social Networks

Today, social media is gaining more importance and relevance in the search world. Search engines are incorporating media status updates into their search results – kind of a mixture of search and social media! So Digg, Delicious, Facebook and Twitter – where people like to belong to, are gaining importance and status updates on these sites influence the ratings. Already Google and Bing ratings are linked with social media site postings.

How to attract Social Users?

Quality content! Quality content is the only way to go. Make the content attractive enough and there will be enough flies to flock to the honey! Content that gives answers to their search, content that provides solutions, content that pen-pictures the product and content that will stir the consumer’s interest will make the visitor come away satisfied and eager to go back to and recommend to friends. Original and quality content will increase conversion.

Google’s definition of need for quality content is illuminating – “Delivering high quality, informative and well constructed content is what differentiates you from your competition and defines your web presence.”

Adding fresh content will keep the visitors come a visiting to the site. RSS feeds and even videos can be used to keep the content up-to-date. But unique and web-product relevant content should dominate the site. Quality and high-value content will be the major force to sell the products.

Will SEO be one day really obsolete?

Definitely not! Already the algorithms are changing. Blog-driven links and social-media tagging are taken due notice by the search engines. Google is also implementing personalization. Actually a highly efficient SEO never just is counting keywords or their placement. It recognizes the value of good and quality content. Compelling to read and easy-to-find content will truly be the king and SEO will revel in it.