For a freelance writer attempting to break into Internet writing, there is no more important step than to learn SEO (short for search engine optimization.) This short search engine optimization "how to" guide shows freelance writers how to make the leap from print publications to web writing.
What is Search Engine Optimatization (SEO)?
Internet writing revolves around the principle of search engine optimization. SEO writing is creating content based on keywords or keyphrases that will help the search engines (and thus, readers) to find a specific article. Successful online writers have an excellent command of how SEO works.
Print Writing vs. Internet Writing
Even for very good writers, mastering search engine optimization is hard work. It's almost like learning how to write all over again, because it involves a completely different set of skills than freelancing for print.
In print, a writer's work is included in a bound publication that already has a captive audience; in online work, each article stands alone and must be optimized for search engines in order to get any readers at all.
Each article has to give specific cues about its purpose, which means stitching together keywords in a way that appears effortless and natural.
Pay Scale of Online Writing
Beginning Internet writers will quickly see that finding good online writing jobs is difficult, maybe even more difficult than finding print work. A base pay of $1 per word is average for reputable print publications, but Internet writers often have to spend time sifting through ridiculously cheap offers to find decent paying work.
However, good online writing jobs can be found. A lot of Internet writing is based on residual earnings rather than a per-word or per-hour fee. Earning residuals is a long-term game: think of it sort of like earning royalties on a book.
Search Engine Optimization Basics – SEO Tips
Besides including the right keywords, writers need to know that SEO content must be highly scanable. Web readers expect to find the information they need and find it quickly, often without reading an entire article. For easiest scanning, SEO articles should:
- Read in "chunks" with well-worded subheadings for easy scanning
- Have short paragraphs, no more than 50-75 words
- Give information in bulleted or numbered lists
While they may appear similar on the surface, Internet writing is dramatically different from print writing in almost every way. The explosion the Internet means that knowing how to SEO is a necessity for today's freelance writer.
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