Isn't it hard finding jobs that allow you to write on your favorite subjects?

You didn't get my point. You are mixing writing/SEO tasks and they are not one and the same. If your client expects certain results above and beyond a well written article, then you are performing a SEO task and expect to be paid more for the job. At least you should be!

 

I think you need to talk to the average content buyer and ask what they expect from it.

You will see my point after that.

99% expect SEO to be included in the writing.

 

When I write I incorporate what I know about SEO into each article. This is because the client wants results and they paid you for that. You just cant go out and put words on paper and expect the client to be satisfied. If they get results that is what satisfies them.

 

Amen to that. If you work does not meet the clients expectations, in terms of results, it does not matter how well it is written, the client still walks

In other words a freelance writer, has to know SEO(At least the basics) in order to gain, but more important to keep his or her clients.

 

Sorry dcristo, you are either misleading your customers or yourself, if you consider yourself more than a beer writer.

To say SEO does not belong, is worse than all the SEO false prophet writers.
In reality there are very few real SEO profit writers.

Like the two above they have learned that SEO writing to benefit the person that pays you, is far beyond being able to throw in overused keywords.

Mediocre is one step above lousy. Only those that are able to face reality and move step by step can help their client properly. I teach them how SEO used properly gives you the power to attract traffic. Sitting with thousands of others in the same stack, just means, you are relying on other articles. The client wants you to prove your worth.

If you wish to remain stagnant, that is your choice, but until you know what real SEO writing is, you are far out of place.

 

Next you will tell me you need a specific keyword density to satisfy the clients, lol.

I will say it again, writing and SEO are not one and the same. SEO is much more then just targeting a good keyword and including it a few times in the article.

For the most part, the results are influenced by marketing efforts, so if the results are not what are expected, why should it fall back on the writer?

 

I thin kwhat they are saying, cristo, is that the parts of SEO you can incorporate into an article (eg the keyword / LSI usage) you *should*, because *there's no reason not to*.

 

Sure, it's good to have a basic understanding of SEO as a writer, but where did the OP mention SEO copywriting? This thread got way off topic.

 

dcristo I doubt if I am wrong but. you mention using a keyword, that has nothing to do with the science of a certain formula of interchangeable PowerWords, Keywords, Synonyms and about 45 minutes of logic formulation before a word is ever written.

Your lack of understanding is only wrong when you impose it as being totally right. A professional specialist article writer, constantly adjusts to many factors to reach near perfection. A perfectly scientifically researched outline combined with the art of writing with induction of excitement in the reader to act now is the goal.

That is not child's play. It is maximizing the power of the article to guide readers to the website.

Then getting paid $250.00 an article can only be accomplished

It is you that has taken this thread off track. Time spent posting could be better spent learning new proven techniques.

 

Wow! folks cool down! at this point you are all derailing the thread, me included.

Let me try to get this beast back in the proper direction:

What I was trying to say is that in current market conditions, writers are expected to write SEO friendly pieces. Unless you write for a traditional magazine, newspaper, etc... You are writing content to be used online. If you write online SEO is a must, plain and simple.

I am a writer who made SEO my speciality. First because I learned the basics of SEO way before I was "officially" a writer, second because it is an invaluable asset when writing.

Dcristo, I hope you did not take me the wrong way, I wasn't attacking you, in fact it is writers like you, that make writers like me stand out and look good

But all of that is not what this thread is about, it is about writing on your favourite subjects. My first reply in this thread, I used a keywords example, because that is what I deal with most in my line of writing. But that still makes me a writer and therefore my example was a valid one. The same could be said if I used an example of a client wanting a piece for his blog, I know the readers would hate. I would act the same way, and you would basically have the same example as I have made with keywords instead of a bad subject.

In any event I believe since the writer is supposed to be the expert, he or she should educate the client, because that writer will get judged on the results, regardless.

Hope I made things a bit clearer.

I shall shut up now

 

I think Kraven makes a great point. It's important for writers to explore their options when it comes to selling their work. Content/SEO isn't the only way to go. You can post the articles on Constant Content and sell them. You can post them on your own domains and monetize them with Adsense, Amazon associates, eBay, Kontera, etc. You can package them as PLR articles and sell them on DP or Warrior Forum. Knowing all of your options helps you to make the most money possible from your work.

 

what has any of this got to do with Eric Clapton????

 

Nothing he just came up LOL!

 

Yes, it can be hard, but don't give up.

Honestly, "I can write about anything" writers aren't worth much. Yes, we've all been one at some time (raises hand). Don't be one of them.

Pick an area (or two) you are passionate about and there's potential profit in and start looking for work in that area. If you aren't an expert in the field, become one. Spend your time learning your chosen field inside and out. Get to know the players in it too.

Might be rough, but every project you get is building the "perfect" business for you.

Think about it, if a potential client wants to hire you for work about work at home moms, they want to see lots of content and experience in that field. If all you are showing work about weight loss, iPhone reviews, coffee makers and other stuff, you're instantly priced down in their mind (and perhaps tossed out). And if a writer who has less ability than you can show lots of WAHM content to this potential client, guess who's getting the biz? Not you.

 

Hi Kari,

Am interested in finding someone to write some articles about weight loss and dating & relationships.

Article length i'm looking at are short between 350 and 500 words.

How much are your rates?

Looking forward to hearing from you!

 

Hi,

I just sent you off a pm! Thanks!

Kari

 

This post went from not being able to find a job in the niche that your passionate with. It went all the way to the OP getting a writing job. I sure hope that you are happy with it.

Now, if you are a content writer then you are paid to write content. As a freelancer you are being your own boss you have the right to accept or refuse any job out there. Simple, if you do not want to write about a certain topic, then dont. I refuse to write about anything adult or forex. Mainly because adult topics are well we know and Forex is just way too technical.

 

I love this thread, really sticks to the topic.

 

And it isn't even a sticky thread!

Seriously though I will not turn down a topic just because I don't know it. I see that as a challenge(especially technical stuff, which is a challenge to a guy like me with two left hands )

Haven't done a Forex piece before, but now I am going to write one, just to see how it works

 

For the most part, I won't turn down topics either