Vicki Said:

W/ adult ADD how can I work for myself using my experience as a technical writer and urban/mitigation planner?

We Answered:

Having done freelance writing myself, I don't think it's a good road to go down. I had a very hard time staying focused on tasks and beating deadlines and I don't have ADD. To freelance, you need to be super-organized; keep books in order, report income to the IRS, keep logs of time spent on the computer, pursue jobs... the list goes on.

A thought-- why not get a job on your feet and freelance on the side? ADD isn't really an issue if you're working in a fast paced job. You could get a job at Starbucks, for instance, work enough hours to get health benefits, and freelance in your time off. Or hire someone to handle the business aspect while you handle the writing.

If you have your heart set on freelancing, start with elance.com, creativemoonlighter.com, and sologig.com.

Marian Said:

I have a day job but am trying to get more into freelance writing. I've been out of the loop, any suggestions

We Answered:

U can do home based job thru internet as is being done by me. It is data conversion job of converting pdf file into ms word doc. To get this job, one should be resident of India and proficient in ms word.

Neil Said:

What is the most effective way to make your website noticed?

We Answered:

TIPS ON BIDDING ON A JOB

1. Research the client and see the types of jobs they posted previously. Are they the type to choose those who price their services too low? If so, you may consider whether you really want this gig and price yourself lower than you normally do before bidding.

2. If you're on elance.com for example, feedbacks are given to provide guidance on the quality of the work done. Verify how the customer provides feedback by checking on their previous contractors. If the client is someone who typically gives poor feedback (yet the contractor generally has great feedback), you may want to consider the impact on your future gigs if you work with this client and they also give you poor feedback.

3. Read, read and read the project description. Your proposal should cover all the points that the client want. Learn more about the client. If they have a website, check it out so you can submit a more informed proposal

4. Remember that this is only a job - sound sharp, professional and confident and never act as if your life depends on this job (even if it does!)

GETTING VISITORS TO YOUR SITE

Here are some shoestring marketing ideas that can help you get the visitors you need at the least cost possible:

1. Create the best content you can with the best products you can possibly offer. Your content is your best advertisement - if visitors love your content, then they will go back and spread the word to others.

2. Make it easy for users to recommend your site. Viral marketing is very important -- and easy to tap on the Web. But give your users the tools. Get a Recommend this Site script from websites such as cgiscripts.com and similar directories of scripts. Some even go as far as giving incentives to those who recommend the site to their friends. If only 10 people go to your site, but these 10 people invite 10 more - that's additional traffic that you get for FREE!

Recommend Site Scripts (various) http://php.resourceindex.com/Complete_Sc…
Big Nose Bird Recommend this Site http://bignosebird.com/carchive/birdcast…
CGI Resource Index http://cgi.resourceindex.com/Programs_an…
Hostscripts http://www.hotscripts.com/PHP/Scripts_an…

3. Rank well in the search engines (organic search results, not the pay per click). SEs can be a big source of traffic. The key is to create the best content in your niche. If you have good content, other websites will gladly link to you and offer your site as a resource to their audience. Check the on-page factors and be sure to get linked from authority sites in your topic area.

If you are going to read only one piece on search engine optimization, I suggest you read Brett Tabke of WebmasterWorld.com's "Successful Site in 12 Months with Google Alone: 26 steps to 15k a day." http://www.webmasterworld.com/forum3/201…

SEO for Google http://www.powerhomebiz.com/052006/googl…
SEO for Yahoo! http://www.powerhomebiz.com/052006/yahoo…
SEO for MSN http://www.powerhomebiz.com/052006/msn.h…
Tying It Together: SEO For The Big Three http://www.powerhomebiz.com/052006/seo.h…

4. Send out press releases. While outfits charge as much as $650 per release, there are free press release submission places on the Web. Press releases allow you to (a) attract media attention; (b) get more back links to your website without sending each website an email request; and (c) get more visibility especially if your press release gets in Google News or Yahoo News.

http://www.prleap.com/sign_up.html
http://i-newswire.com/
http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/
http://www.pressbox.co.uk/cgi-bin/links/…
http://www.pr.com/press-releases
http://www.prfree.com/
http://www.clickpress.com/releases/index…
http://www.theopenpress.com/
http://www.przoom.com/
http://www.prweb.com
http://www.newswiretoday.com/
http://www.free-press-release.com/

5. Submit articles. Write articles and submit them to websites accepting author submissions. You get exposure for your business; establishes you as an authority in your field, and allows you to get backlinks for your website. If 50 websites publish your article and it contains a link back to your website, then you easily get 50 links from a single article. The more links you have, the greater your chances for increasing your search engine rankings.

Here is a comprehensive list of where to submit your articles http://answers.yahoo.com/question/;_ylt=…

6. Improve your conversion. Getting visitors is one thing; getting them to buy your products is a whole different story. Read the article "10 Ways to Convert Visitors to Buyers" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/072005/conve… for tips on how to improve your conversion rates.

7. Post a link to your site for free where it is allowed (always read the Terms of Use). Examples are:

Craigslist http://www.craigslist.com
Google Base http://base.google.com
Classifieds for Free http://www.classifiedsforfree.com/...
Text Link Exchange http://www.txtswap.com/
Recycler.com http://www.recycler.com/
Yahoo Classifieds http://classifieds.yahoo.com/
US Free Ads http://www.usfreeads.com/

Karl Said:

I am a Schoolteacher wanting to transition to Technical Writer. How do I do this without going back to school?

We Answered:

I am the husband, son, son-in-law, and nephew of teachers, all of whom spent all or part of their careers in the inner city. So I know where you're coming from, and I respect it.

About your question: yes, you can get into writing. I understand you don't want to do long-term freelance, but it's good to get started there because it gives you clips and connections. Work from what you've done and your education. Try teacher-related publications or those related to your college education. If you go to a bookstore, you will find many books on markets for writers.

There is also a need for writings in marketing--often with a technical bent. Drug companies employ many writers and editors who are comfortable with technical material. So do technology companies. The best site is MediaBistro--the job board is free and all kinds of writing and editing jobs are posted.

Remember, the more you write, the more you will get noticed, the more experience you'll get. It's a connection business. If you start reaching out, I have no doubt you'll find something.

Marvin Said:

Shoudl I give up this writing job?

We Answered:

If you really can't stand him, I suggest you work there long enough to gain valuable experience and also because it would look good on your portfolio. Then quit and work somewhere else.