Last month’s Enlighten Writing blog post discussed why I don’t think writer/editors should work for free. I discussed the importance of a market rate. But what is a market rate? And how does a writer or editor determine her or his market rate? The Business Dictionary defines a market rate as, “the usual price in
I’m an experienced freelance writer, so I’m acquainted with the ups and downs of this vocation. One of the more challenging aspects of being a professional writer – especially in the aftermath of a terrible economic recession – is that some people expect writers to work for free, or below their market rate. For example, some
Content strategy is a broad concept, by design. The content strategy for a small business in Portland or Hillsboro, Oregon, will differ from Whirlpool‘s content strategy, for example. Of course, both content strategies may share similar elements, like social media outreach and special promotions. Research and A/B testing would likely play a role for each
My freelance writing and editing business has a global focus, as well as a local one (Portland, Oregon), and I tune my marketing accordingly. I advertise locally, and I write this blog to reach potential clients all over the world. I added e-mail marketing this week. I kept my first e-mail newsletter (e-newsletter) short, included
Last year, I wrote about the pros and cons of working from my home (based near Portland, Oregon). I discussed benefits, such as taking a break from being a writer and editor by lying on my bed, and making my own hours. It’s a timely discussion now, considering Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer’s decision to end
As a professional writer and editor, I’m always interested in other professionals’ views on writing. I recently read an excellent article by Dave Kerpen entitled, “Want To Be Taken Seriously? Become a Better Writer.” The article is written as a guide for both writers and professionals, and Mr. Kerpen gives several practical tips. Mr.
I went in for a haircut a couple of weeks ago, and while chatting with the barber, I mentioned how I worked on the same desktop for six years, and used a BlackBerry as my mobile workstation for three years. As you can tell, I like stability. Around this time, my desktop started flashing Blue
I’ve been blogging about copywriting and editing for the past few years, but I decided to create a new name for my business this fall. I’ve always enjoyed the word, “enlighten.” It’s a word woven into the fabric of my entire life. It’s part of my spiritual background (I’m not a proselytizer, don’t worry!), and
Website content is probably the most viewed content today. And yet, I think it’s often written as an afterthought. Sometimes website content focuses on over-selling a business, or it doesn’t include enough information about a product. For example, a client of mine (a Portland-area dentist) told me that my home page didn’t sell my services well enough. Talk about throwing the gauntlet down!
I based my former site design and color scheme on my business cards. My client gave me points for branding myself, but he pointed out that with the emergence of tablets like the iPad, site designs should focus on simpler graphics with more information about services. The verdict is still out on that, I think, but I definitely agreed that my site needed an upgrade.
I included more information about my services, and I included a testimonial. Check out the results, and let me know what you think!
If you, or someone you know, needs website content, my initial consultation is always free. I love learning about different businesses and organizations, so let’s talk!
If you’re a small business owner, reaching your audience can be a challenge. As a freelance writer, I’ve certainly encountered that dilemma. I re-started my freelance writing career just over two years ago, in an economic environment that can be challenging. I think many small business owners can relate. The economy is improving (my business
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