Freelance writers need to deal with web content all the time, as more and more of publishing goes online.

Although the basic principles of good writing don’t change in the online realm, there are certain differences that writers should be aware of. One of the most important aspects of online content is that it should be easily searchable by search engines, especially Google.

This is what ultimately gives power to online content, because people are able to search and get to the content they are looking for.

Irrespective of what kind of online content you write, it always helps to know about search engine optimization, or SEO. If you are new to SEO, you should look at our SEO guide for deeper information on the subject.

It helps to know that SEO is not about keyword spamming or including some peculiar grammatically incorrect keyword into your writing as many times as possible. This is, in fact, the worst thing you can do from an SEO point of view.

SEO trends change all the time as search engines evolve. It should be noted that the ultimate goal of search engines is to deliver the best quality information on top. The means to this end differ all the time and thus the changing SEO trends. Here are some of the things you need to be aware of in 2012 with respect to what is good SEO and what is not. Continue Reading

Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, chances are you’ve heard of it. You keep seeing articles about SEO, have probably even read a few of those articles, and it sure looks like everyone else is doing it.

But why should you care about SEO? Easy: SEO can bring you business.

Better yet, SEO actually makes new clients come to you, instead of you having to do a bunch of sales and marketing. And although we all have to do sales from time to time, chances are that cold-calling, follow-up, and sales calls are your least favorite things to do.

But wait, there’s more. Since SEO can bring you business, it essentially brings you money. That’s right, cash. And everyone cares about cash. I know I do. In fact, some simple SEO helped me gain $80k in sales, and it can for you too.

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To describe SEO as a simple process would be a lie, but it’s not magic. There are quite a few simple things you can do for yourself that will improve SEO on your website.

Bear in mind that search traffic generally has a higher conversion rate compared with other online sources, so if you are going to invest time and resources in online marketing, SEO is definitely worth considering.

Search engine optimization in its most basic format can be separated into four areas; keyword research, on-page optimization, content development, and link building.

Follow this DIY guide to increase your search engine visibility, get more visitors, and grab more clients.

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Throughout my career, I’ve had three freelancing phases interspersed between staff positions. The first time, I edited with a red pencil on hard copy, jotted queries on sticky (Post-it) notes attached to the margins, typed out my style sheets and invoices on a typewriter, and mailed them along with the manuscript via the U.S. Postal Service or delivery truck.

Fifteen years later, I finally bought a computer (after using computers at on-site jobs through most of the intervening period), edited in Microsoft Word using tracked changes and commenting functions, compiled style sheets and created invoices in Word, and returned assignments along with them via email.

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10 Productivity-Enhancing Apps from the Chrome Web Store

Google launched their Chrome Web Store last year to some well-received notice. But in reality, it serves only as a glorified directory for web apps accessible on any standards-compliant browser. And that isn’t necessarily a downer. In fact, with little intervention needed to work on Chrome, many web apps were immediately available via this store — including a bunch of awesome apps that can enhance anyone’s productivity.

Prove It: Handling Tests and Spec Requests from Clients

I was called recently about a freelance job for a local corporate entity and met to speak with the marketing director. After a few days, I received an e-mail informing me I was one of six “finalists” for the assignment. The message contained a list of several advertising campaigns, a rebranding of the logo, signage and billboards. It said all finalists were to do these for a presentation in two weeks. My first thought was…not fit to be printed here.

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The search engine ranking game is full of pirates and marauders; sort of like the high seas of the 18th century. In order to navigate through these treacherous waters (and protect the good name of links to and from your clients’ and your websites), it pays to understand your enemy.

This article provides a short overview of the downside of search engine optimization as well as offers tricks and tips of how to ensure that your websites legally reach the page rank they deserve so you can attract clients.

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