Efficiency Tip: Templates

I have found that many of the project types I work on follow a similar structure. A "How-To" article follows a certain pattern and even a Press Release  is written in a specific way with common elements. Even though the content is different in each project, the structure is constant. Look for these constants and set up a template in your word processor for each type of project you write to streamline your efforts.

Label each section of the template and leave yourself a note about the specific information required for that section. Don't forget a section for links to supporting information, and even affiliate links that are appropriate for the project. Organizing your work in this way allows you to concentrate on the content and still have good structure. Remember, the less you have to think about, the faster you will become.

Another thing benefit to this occurs when you are interviewing a client for their project. You will have a handy reminder of what specific information you need to have to complete the project with minimum edits. When you consistently complete projects accurately and on time your customer base will grow and you will always have plenty of work.

The Writer's Blog

One of the first things I was told when I started writing professionally was that if I didn't have a writers Website I would get nowhere fast. There has to be some way for your potential customers to find you and contact you. While planning this project I gave considerable thought to the marketing aspect of doing business on the internet. As a writer one of the most important things to remember is that you are constantly "Building Your Brand" and learning to market yourself effectively is critical.

In my opinion a writer's Blog accomplishes a couple of the goals related to marketing yourself. It gives your potential client an opportunity to "Get To Know You" and see live examples of your skill. Any good business person will agree that the most important thing in business is building trust and a relationship with a customer. Without trust between you and your client you will have a hard time making a sale no matter what you have to offer. On the Internet that aspect of business can be difficult to accomplish. Since a blog is a more relaxed and interactive format building a personal relationship between you and your clients gets a little easier.

The other critical goal a blog helps you with is traffic. Of the three basic parts of website business traffic to your site may be the hardest to develop. Think of The Writer's Blog as the front door to building your brand and your business.

Welcome

Hi, and welcome to my blog.  I've been writing professionally now for a little over a year and I'm starting to understand the business a little bit more. In this blog I will try to pass on a few tips and pieces of information as I get them to try and help others do what I am trying to do.

If you are in need of a writer, I specialize in Automotive related web and print content and copy and would be glad to try and help. I am also available to write Custom Automotive Repair Courses in several different formats. I promise to provide quality work at a reasonable price. I can't promise my work is the cheapest but I am confident you will be surprised at the quality I can deliver for the price I charge.

This is a new blog so it will take a little bit to get some pages up and some posts written...check back often and I hope you enjoy the Blog.