I haven’t done a “shout out” of blogs in some time, so let me do that today with a focus on those offered by freelance writers, bloggers, journalists, and others who write for a living. I’m not going to include the usual suspects because everyone knows the A-listers. Oftentimes, the best stuff is found elsewhere; besides if you want interaction from the blogger him/herself, the smaller sites are often the best for that.

My Blog Guest – I wrote about this site’s forum last week, but have since found Ann Smarty’s related and recently launched blog. As you might guess, Ann’s topic is about guest blogging which is something I know can help raise your visibility if you choose to go down that path.

Freelance Folder – I would not have known about this site if my writing friend, Laura Spencer, from Writing Thoughts hadn’t alerted me to it. Well, it turns out that Laura is a regularly and frequent to contributor to this site which has been picking up a ton of traffic in recent months. Laura always shares stuff of interest to writers including “Mastering the Art of Client Relations.”

Carson Brackney – Several years ago I crossed paths with Carson when he ran Content Done Better, enjoying his advice which always seemed to fly in the face of conventional wisdom. Carson sold his blog and disappeared for two years as he took on a regular job, but now he is back and as caustic as ever! Carson is an advocate of content distribution sites (he runs one himself) and a slayer of elitist writers. Nuff said.

A Writer’s Word, An Editor’s Eye – I’ve referenced Lillie’s site before, but her site is worth a visit. Lillie is a writer, but she is also an editor and a darn good one at that. A couple years back I referred a friend to Lillie who needed some advice with a book. Lillie took the time to help my friend out, an invaluable and totally unexpected response from Mrs. Ammann.

4 Walls and a View – Dominique Small launched her newest site in January and has been doing very well. Instead of offering writing tips per se, Dominique uses her blog to advocate on behalf or chronicle illnesses, namely chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. By sharing her personal battle with these diseases Dominique does a wonderful job in educating people on a very personal level. She demonstrates that good writing can come forth despite life’s challenges.

Thanks for stopping by; I’ll be featuring additional favorites in the near future, but covering a different topic.

Because I visit so my blogs during the course of my day, I believe that I have a fairly good handle on what trends bloggers are following and how people perceive their own blogs.

Vastly Overhauled

Several blogs I read have recently been overhauled, some with new templates or names (Political Realities) while others have migrated to a new URL and made other changes (AUP2). Regular housekeeping helps ensure that readers remain interested and engaged, something we need to to undertake from time to time.

We all know what it is like to go through a period of decreased traffic and a drop in the number of comments left. Most bloggers seem to have a fairly good grasp of their site’s analytics and can spot traffic trends quickly. When a dip occurs, responding smartly can bring in a fresh wave of visitors, perhaps new subscribers who will follow your every word.

Reader Reconnection

So, what can you do to help reconnect with your readers? After four years of full time blogging and many more years writing articles across a variety of blogs, web sites, and other new media platforms, I can tell you that all isn’t lost – you can bring back your readers and advance your site if you’re willing to mix ‘n match your reconnection campaign:

Link Bait – I’ve already baited at least two people in this article to stop in and leave a comment: Dominique Small of AUP2 and Larry Jackson of Political Realities. They’re regular readers of this blog anyway, but are certainly worth a timely shout out. Like many savvy bloggers, they know when their site has been pinged and will investigate where that ping comes from. Bait a big time blogger who likes what you wrote and she just may send a boatload of traffic your way.

Steal Content – Ha! I got your attention. This is a sore point for me, because my two automotive blogs are frequently ripped off and by people who live in faraway lands. It goes without saying that stealing is wrong, but borrowing an idea is certainly fine especially if you offer attribution to the source. Freelance writers frequently visit favorite sites for writing ideas including Copyblogger, Freelance Folder, Writing Thoughts, Lillie Ammann’s blog, and elsewhere. You should too.

Advertise Directly – Leaving thoughtful and relevant comments on related blogs, submitting a guest article, exchanging links, and even paying to advertise your blog are ways you can draw in readers. Of course, your site must be professionally designed, well written, and offer a lot of helpful information (please, no drop down ads!) in order to get the attention you want. Never insult your readers, verify facts unless, of course, you are expressing your own opinion about some matter.

Offer Value – By using the word “value” I don’t mean something financial, rather something of importance or worth. Likely, you’re already well entrenched in your niche, but do people recognize you as an authoritative voice on that subject? You can aid your cause by writing for magazines, newspapers and popular online sites, demonstrating your knowledge and skill about a particular area of expertise. Link to those articles on your sidebar to show your readers your “credentials” and to establish value. Alternatively, update your “About” page and offer those links there.

Pillar Articles – I don’t see this term used as much as I did a few years back, but pillar articles are those authoritative writings you offer to your readers that are instructive, informative, and leave the reader with good, solid information that they’ll want to bookmark and share with others. In other words, helpful information that can go viral and go far in defining what your blog is all about.

Pillar articles are generally much longer than the typical 400-500 word post, the information presented is unique, well researched, sourced, evergreen, and just plain interesting.

Your Best

Not every article you write has to be your top writing, but then again if you aim for the best, then you’ll build a reputation for always offering meaty stuff that will increase your following and perceived value as a writer. Particularly for your subject matter.

Consider interviewing sources directly for some of your articles, use personal quotes (in-text citations), reference authoritative sites (including USA Today, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal) without lifting excerpts from them. Publish guest articles from well established sources, but give a newbie or unrecognized blogger a chance if you believe that their writings should be discovered.

Lastly, your blog is constantly in motion. New content is written, links exchanged, sidebars changed, and traffic patterns will fluctuate.

Social media engagement can help advance your blog, but only to the point where your readers find something of value to bring them back time and again. So take a fresh, objective look at your blog to see what you can do to make it new and improved.

Photo Credit: Stephanie Hofschlaeger

One commodity we all have and that is quickly disappearing is time. The smart freelancer plans his or her own schedule well in advance, including marketing today for next season's jobs.

Several different blog articles I’ve read recently have proven to be excellent food for thought as I plan my work schedule for the next few months. Although the calendar says July 21st, my mind is already on the fall months as I lay out what I’ll be doing from September through November. As a freelance writer whose income is solely dependent on work that I get from others, I need to plan well in advance to ensure jobs keep flowing. And, in this challenging economy, I can’t afford to lose valuable time!

Reaching Customers Online For Less

Even as companies weigh their options during difficult times I know that many are taking a closer look at their online options in order to keep their businesses competitive and to save money. Since the mid-1990s, the internet has played an increasingly important role to help companies connect with their customers, but these days it could end up being the most cost effective move that they make. This means that for the freelancer who is well versed in blogging, writing web content (copywriting), and/or making good use of social media (such as Twitter), then they have positioned themselves to pick up important new work.

After all, if a company can pay you a thousand dollars or so every month to reach their customers, they’ll save many thousands of dollars over previously used, but costly advertising methods including print ads, radio air time, perhaps even television commercials. Or, the company may still use these options but cut back enough to increase their exposure online, which is where you can step in.

Blogging Evangelist, Lorelle VanFossen

If you are a blogger and aren’t familiar with Lorelle VanFossen, then you’re missing out on one of the most important weblog minds of our day. A self described “blogging evangelist” Lorelle offers tips to help bloggers, particularly WordPress users, get the most out of what they do. Lorelle offers tricks of the trade and often shares information that is critical to the success of professional bloggers. Last week, on The Blog Herald, I came across her article titled – Blogging Jobs How Much Are Bloggers Paid to Blog? – which offers comprehensive guidelines to help bloggers set their prices.

Indeed, Lorelle noted the “sweat shop mentality” of this business which suggests that many bloggers aren’t getting paid what their worth or at least aren’t taking into consideration what it takes to write an article. Though on some subjects I can crank out a compelling and interesting 400-500 word article in as few as 20 minutes, there is a lot of other stuff that goes along with writing including research, editing, obtaining a photo, publishing, responding to comments, and promotion. Personally, Lorelle’s article served as a reminder that I need to make sure that I’m charging what I’m worth otherwise the project just may not be worth it to me.

Catalyst Blogger, Jennifer Williamson

I first came across Jennifer in 2007 when she launched Catalyst Blogger. Jennifer is a copywriter who has been working over the past six or seven years as a freelancer, which is the same length of time for me. I believe that we share a similar outlook on work including methods to bring in new clients.

One marketing method that Jennifer recently used is worth exploring – 10-Minute Marketing Tip. Like so many freelancers, Jennifer is sick of the job boards which often have us compete for jobs at wages that are plain awful. Instead of relying on these sites Jennifer has taken to creating an email campaign where she contacts web designers, offering her skills as a copywriter to them. Jennifer is also looking at developing a post card campaign which she admittedly is pressed to develop from a timing perspective. But, that reason won’t hold her back because Jennifer is also looking ahead and knows that today’s busyness can only be extended if she takes action now.

Freelance Folder, Laura Spencer

Soon after I launched The Article Writer Blog (the forerunner to this blog) in December 2005, Laura Spencer began to show up, contributing comments and exchanging links with me. Though she still manages her “WritingThoughts” blog, she is more active as a contributor to Freelance Folder, one of the hottest sites for freelance writers.

Not directly related to the train of thought I’m on with this article, but important nonetheless, is Laura’s article titled – Working For Friend And Family: Can It Ever Work? – which is a must read for self employed people. Though I haven’t had much of a problem in this area, on occasion a request from a friend or family member does come up.

Now don’t get me wrong – I love to help people out. I just don’t have time to take on many projects from people I’m close to as these requests invariably come with a lot of other stuff too including emotional baggage, a desire on their part to get something for free or at a ridiculously low rate, or needing some other hand holding too.

FYI, I also am considering what Laura and some of her commentators shared to consider how I manage social media – if someone constantly comes to me for a stumble, wanting to write a blog comment or to take up my time in other ways that detracts from my work, I draw the line there as well.

Enriching The Experience Of Bloggers

I’m often the richer for it when I peruse other people’s writings, something that these three bloggers offer on a regular basis. I can’t depend on the economy improving to ease my work, but I can plan with care now in order to ensure that my position is strong in the months ahead. How far in advance do you plan your work? Do you have other tips you would like to share?

I mentioned recently that I have been “under the gun” of late as tax season, magazine article deadlines, and my usual stack of stuff have conspired to put a lot of pressure on me timewise. Still, even though I haven’t been blogging here as much as I usually do, I make the rounds to read what others have to say. I need these breaks otherwise insanity will set in!

Among my many recent reads I would like to share with you the following:

Laura Spencer talked about handling the spring crunch, and asked her readers how they handled this situation themselves. See, I’m not the only one struggling with battling work issues right now!

Asia’h Epperson (not the same Asia’h on American Idol Season 7) shared her remarks about a blogging course available from a problogger for the princely sum of $325. This course is aimed at bloggers who want to make $100K annually…hmmmm.

Lee Doyle, like so many other Entrecard users, has opined about the new pricing structure for one-day advertising. I’m new to Entrecard, but I agree: that the new set up prices a lot of advertisers out of the equation. What was Graham Langdon thinking?!

Speaking about Entrecard, the anonymous blogger over at Humane Blogging Tips wrote about one beef of mine: fake Entrecards displayed on blogs which are actually other forms of advertising. Obviously I am not against ads, but as far as fooling visitors that is one practice that angers me. These ads look exactly like Entrecards all the way down to the “Drop” tag, but you won’t get a credit for clicking. Instead, you’ll be whisked away to the offending site.

Marcus Hochstadt wrote an intriguing piece titled, Success Circles and the Law of Influence, a compelling read for people who are looking to succeed by connecting with others (which should be all of us). He cites the work of social psychologist Dr. Robert Cialdini, who outlines six principles of influence to persuade customers to buy from you. I believe I’m doing fairly well in the outlined areas, but I also see where I can make some improvements.

The guys over at the Men With Pens blog offer a good read, with so many different articles worth your perusing. Today, I found an article titled: Keeping Up When Your Blog Takes Off. I skimmed it and plan on revisiting it soon, as there is good advice for people who yearn to become a professional blogger. Can you handle the fame?

That’s it for today — I didn’t start off the day intending to write a round-up article, but that is how things have unfolded. Happy blogging!

Over on Writing Thoughts, the freelance writing blog owned and operated by Laura Spencer, I read her article titled, Does Blogging Stress You Out? where she shares information gleaned from a New York Times (NYT) story about the hazards of blogging. In the NYT story, Some Brand-Name Bloggers Say Stress of Posting Is a Hazard to Their Health I learned that a brand-name blogger, Om Malik, suffered a heart attack late last month which he attributed to stress over blogging. Thankfully, Malik is recovering from his health crisis and has returned to work.

Of course, when I read Laura’s article and saw the supplied link, I immediately went to the NYT article for more information. I occasionally read the tech blogs — TechCrunch, for one — but I am not familiar with Om Malik or his blog. As I scanned through the article and then read an update by Malik I learned just how stressful blogging is for him. In addition, he shared how some bad habits have contributed to his health problems including eating fatty foods, smoking, and a lack of exercise. To have a heart attack at such a young age, 41, is not a good sign and I hope that Malik can change his lifestyle to embrace healthy living practices.

Blogging (or any writing for that matter) can be stressful especially if time constraints are involved. Yet, I know I blog/write better when I take the time to eat right, exercise and get a good night’s sleep. The more visible your blog, the more likely you’ll feel the pressure to peform as your readership is dependent on what you have to say about a particular subject. With updates occuring in rapidfire succession daily in the tech world, staying on top of the game is a must.

How about you? Do you stress out over blogging or do you maintain a good balance throughout the day? Like Laura, I can sometimes feel pressured to blog, but I have to push away from my laptop and do something else when the stress builds. I can’t imagine brand-blogging — there seems to be too much pressure to meet rolling deadlines!

Photo Credit: Walter Groesel

I had the idea of developing a brilliant post for today but a couple of deadlines and an uncooperative internet connection scotched those plans rather quickly. Instead, as I plan on making myself scarce over the next ten days or so, I thought I’d share with my brilliant and faithful readers some link love, the final dispensation from me for 2007:

Brian Clark of Copyblogger fame shared information about a free ebook he read for us creative types. Time Management for Creative People was written by Mark McGuinness a writer and creativity coach who shares with his readers tips on how to manage your time and increase your productivity. I’ll be downloading my copy and reading it first thing in 2008.

Speaking of writers, Laura Spencer recently shared her frustrations when visiting a slow-loading website (I hope that it wasn’t this one); Georganna Hancock discussed the differences between published and unpublished work (with a surprise for me that blogging isn’t considered as published by some); Lillie Ammann posted some of her blogging goals for 2008; and Chris Bibey shared the struggles every freelance writer has this time of the year — trying to get it all done to allow for some much needed time off.

I’m a frequent visitor over at SEOmoz (gotta keep tabs on page strength, right?) and routinely read what Randfish and others have to say. No surprise there, but SEOmoz reports that technology sites receive the lion’s share of Google search traffic. If only I could convert this blog into a full blown, techno site. Nah, I think I’ll stay the course for 2008!

Seeing that I’m having some difficulty getting this blog article done, I’ll reserve my next batch of helpful links for early 2008. In the meantime, I want to thank each of my readers for stopping by and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Pass the Link Love, Please

It is time for me to overtly share some linky love with you. The following articles have caught my attention and are posted here in no particular order:

• I stole some headline creating ideas from Laura Spencer when I read her 25 Best Selling Words post. Dependable & energizing words guaranteed to grab the attention of quality readers! I used a total of seven of them thus far in this post.

• Jennifer, at Catalyst Blogger wrote, “When Charging Rush Rates Backfires,” a piece which covers her personal experience of overcharging a client in hopes that they will go away. Guess what? They accepted her bid! It looks like Jennifer will be very tired over the next several weeks.

• Copywriter Bob Bly asks, “Do You Write the Way People Talk?” which I found to be a good reminder for me not to use stilted language in my writings. I prefer conversational writing, words that engage readers as if you were talking to them face to face.

• I nearly forgot about the pending screenwriters strike until I read Maria Schneider’s The Writer’s Perspective blog today. On the Screenwriters Strike discusses the issues behind the strike, particularly the impact new media (internet) is having on the writing industry. Even if you don’t write for Hollywood, you can certainly understand how important this issue is for writers of all stripes.

• Kathy Kehrli, the Irreverent Freelancer, writes things on her blogs the rest of us only dream about posting. Okay, she tells it like it is — from bad jobs to clients who stiff writers — if you tick Kathy off there is an excellent chance that you will be featured on her blog and gain her Middle Finger Award. Kathy may not name names, but she gives enough hints to her freelance writing colleague readers to help us avoid falling prey to their dastardly schemes.

• Brian Clark, of Copyblogger fame, received a nasty surprise when he realized that Google dropped the PageRank of his blog down. No, he doesn’t sell links and there doesn’t appear to be anything else he is doing wrong until you read his Thanks Google! post and you begin to wonder if the Big G has it out for him. Note: Google still hasn’t done an official export to the Google Toolbar of updated PageRank for all sites since April 2007. Instead, Google is penalizing certain sites now for various transgressions, real or imagined.

That’s all the link loving I have to share for my readers today. Don’t forget to snag a feed if you haven’t done so yet.