4 Reasons You Should Click With Your Clients!

The savvy scribe recognizes that the simple laws of supply and demand only scratch the surface when it comes to a successful freelance business.

He knows that the better he is able to connect, collaborate, and carry out the wishes of those whom he serves, the greater the likelihood of future projects, referrals, and continued profits.

But, it‘s not just about doing good work.
(If only it were that simple.)

In fact, many clients and customers can attest that they have severed business relationships with some very competent folks because there was a key ingredient missing in the mix.

In a word…it’s called chemistry. You need to click with your clients.
Whether it’s in the corporate arena, or the world of freelance---people like to work with people they like. Bottom line.

I’m not saying that you have to be passionate about each other.
But there does have to be mutual respect, an atmosphere of trust, a similar “language” being spoken, and a general meeting of the minds.

Though it doesn’t always happen, sometimes a client even becomes a friend. And that’s an added perk that’s more valuable than pay.

With this being said, here are four reasons you need to click with your clients.

1. Chemistry makes whatever the project less stressful. As someone who has passed up paying clients, and also someone whom clients have decided to pass by, nobody wants to operate in a business relationship that is full of tension, turmoil, discomfort, and trifling-ness, (Is that a word?) :-)

2. Good chemistry brings out the good in all parties involved. People who don’t feel as if they are constantly being “tested” typically perform better.

3. Good chemistry increases productivity, because there are fewer issues to resolve, and less time devoted to non-creative “agendas”.

4. Good chemistry makes your work experience more enjoyable and your projects ultimately more successful.


How do you feel about chemistry with clients? Do you think it’s important in the overall scheme of things?

Image Salvatore Vuono

4 Ways Google Plus Has Improved Image Sharing

GUEST POST BY JAMES MARTELL

Good things come to those who wait, right?
Of course, some of us will be waiting longer than others.. More on that later.

Google has been trying very hard to provide a reasonable alternative to Facebook, and it appears that Google Plus might just be the platform.

Charlie Sorrel was writing in the Gadget Lab at Wired.com and offered his opinion on Google’s new adventure in social networking; “It has been said that the biggest feature of Google Plus is that it’s not Facebook. However, there’s another feature that may be of interest to all you Gadget Lab photo nerds out there: the photo integration. It turns out that G+ is a pretty sweet way to manage and view your shared photos.”

It’s obvious why Google is likely to do well with a platform that seems to cater to image sharing. The photo gallery is one of Facebook’s most widely used features, so if Google can create a better photo gallery, they’ll get a better response from the legions of Facebook faithful.

What isn’t obvious, though, is why Google chose such a restrictive method for launching their new platform.

Google Plus is available by invitation only, and while it is very smartphone friendly, the only smartphone with the appropriate app is Google’s Android. Consequently, if you have the right invitation and the right phone, you can see for yourself how incredibly cool the new Google Plus is. If not, you’ll just have to wait for the actual launch like the rest of us. Yes, I said “us”… more on that later.

For now, let’s talk about four ways that Google has improved the art of photo sharing.

Improvement #1: Google Plus Offers More Convenient Image Sharing

There are several ways in which Google has made image sharing more convenient, but perhaps the most obvious one is the way in which you can load your photos. You click the photo, and it loads. Really. No configuring, toggling, cropping or translating.

Depending on your current hardware/software combination, this could only translate into one or two less keystrokes than your current process, but it could make a difference.

Imagine the number of keystrokes you could save the next time you upload someone’s wedding photos!

Improvement #2: Google Plus Offers Better Looking Image Sharing

Facebook never advertised itself as a showcase for photography buffs; Flickr and 500px were designed for that. However, Google Plus can load higher resolution photos, offers larger, more detailed thumbnails and provides a very nice-looking lightbox background.

The result is a professional-looking gallery for snapshots as well as a proper venue for high speed, high resolution or infrared photography.

Improvement #3: Google Plus Offers Immediate Image Sharing (From The Right Phone)

It’s now later, so I get to talk about “us” who will be waiting slightly longer than “they” will. If you happen to have an Android, you will be pleased to know that you can load photos directly from your phone onto the Google Plus website.

My friend Vinny has an Android, and he uploaded some great 4th of July fireworks photos onto his Google Plus gallery before he even got home. He also had the option of loading the pictures into a private album, giving him the option of deciding later on who actually needs to see them. My son Justin also has an Android, and is really having a great time with both the phone and the new website.

I, on the other hand, am an iPhone owner. Like many of you, I can only enjoy the full benefits of Google Plus from an actual computer. Being surrounded by happy Android owners, however, has helped me to make one certain decision; my next phone will be an
Android. I’m tired of being left out.

Improvement #4: Google Plus Offers Better Organized Image Sharing

Once your photos are loaded and properly displayed, it’s time to share them, and this is where Google Plus really shines. Facebook offers you two options; share with your friends, or share with everybody.

Life isn’t like that, though.

Some of your friends really want to see your son’s graduation photos. That same group of friends, however, might not really care what your new rain garden looks like. And,

Naturally, only select friends need to see the “before” and “after” photos from your latest trip to the tattoo parlor.

Rather than offering you the option of showing the world or showing all 172 of your closest friends, Google offers you the option of categorizing your 172 friends into distinct circles. You’ll be able to choose which circles you share images and other information with, which makes a lot more sense.

So, What Does The Future Look Like for Facebook?

That’s up to Facebook.

David Seaman from BusinessInsider.com explains it simply; Google Plus “… will be a huge success, and Facebook is in trouble – although by no means obsolete.”

It’s unlikely that Google Plus will completely replace Facebook, and perhaps Facebook doesn’t need to be replaced.

What is likely, though, is that Google will give people who use phone cameras, movie cameras and digital infrared cameras a viable alternative to their current image sharing options. Ideally, Facebook will respond by improving their own site, and then Google will in turn raise the bar with more upgrades or innovations.

There’s no way to know for sure who will ultimately “win” the social networking wars, but I do feel certain of one thing. It’s going to be quite a show.

About the Author

Internet pioneer James Martell discovered the rewarding world of affiliate marketing in 1999 and has been mentoring other Internet entrepreneurs for the last decade. In 2003, James launched Affiliate Buzz, a highly popular affiliate marketing podcast which is still running today.

Image Maggie Smith

Do You Suffer from the "Super-SIZE " Syndrome?

There's no doubt about it: in these economically challenging times everybody is trying to get more for less. True?

We often opt to super-size our meals and our deals.
Some mistakenly of the mindset that "bigger is always better." Not always.

In fact, it's one of the reasons that far too many potentially promising bloggers lose out on reaching their traffic goals and would-be fans.

Let me explain.

I often read some very engaging, effective bloggers across the Net. But I don't "follow" them, or sign up as a subscriber because they don't update their sites regularly. And frankly, I get tired of playing "hide-n-go seek" trying to figure out when the heck they'll update their blogs.

But, what I'm finding out is that the culprit for many is time and a lack of ideas.
So they don't post anything. Sometimes for days. Sometimes for weeks. Sometimes for months. Then they lose their mojo.

Folks, let me break it down as simple as a fraction reduced to its lowest terms.

A blog post does not have to be lengthy or laborious to be "quality".
Are you with me here?

Trust me. In my frequent travels across the Net and with different niches, I've read posts that were long, and went on and on and bored me to tears. If it were a "live" performance, I'd be searching for the nearest exit. For real.

Conversely, I've read stuff that was short and sweet and fun to read.
It's not the size, but the content and the level of engagement that matters.

To help you to discover ideas for fast and "fulfilling" updates, I offer the following suggestions.

1. Post motivational quotes and a beautiful image to inspire readers. Karen Lange at Write Now often uses this technique successfully.

2. Share vacation photos, or pictures of your family or garden. I love learning about the person behind the blog. Don't you?

3. Post a music video. Cynthia at Simply Positive Blog often entertains me with her choice in artists.

4. Share some writing related trivia, or trivia as it relates to your particular niche.

5. Pose a problem or thought provoking question and ask readers to weigh in.

6. Sponsor a contest.

7. Share links of other interesting reads across the Web.


Get the picture? Now get it in gear!

Thoughts?

Image George Cochrane

Weekend Announcements...

In the middle of the madness, I wanted to check in with you groovy folks to keep you updated with projects and progress here at Pen and Prosper and items of interest around the Net.

So, let's get started...

I'm pleased as punch to announce that I have a guest post over at Men with Pens! The topic? "6 Reasons Every Serious Blogger Should Blog for the Big Dogs!"
Do you think that strategy is important to blogging success?

If you have an opportunity, stop by and weigh in. I'd love to get your thoughts, and already there has been a pretty interesting exchange under way.

Coffeehouse for Writers will present its new line-up of fun, interactive online classes on August 1st. There are great offerings for writers of all levels and genres. Popular classes include: Blogging for Profit, Grammar Boot Camp, Social Media Savvy, How to Quit Your Day Job, and more. Enroll today for a more profitable and prosperous writing future! See Coffeehouseforwriters.com/ for details. Please note that the site is currently under construction, so if you are not able to register successfully, try back again on Tuesday, (which is the estimated time of completion).

New clients have brought about new projects. Though there is much to be said about the ecstasy of a byline, I'm also digging the dynamics of ghost writing these days. Look forward to a future post to recap my adventures over the last year or so.

Hope Clark is sponsoring her annual contest for writers. The theme is Diligence. Check out her site for more details at Fundsforwriters.com.

Anything interesting happening in your neck of the wood? Good news? Do share.

Image DigitalArt

Get More Eyes on Your Blog by Using YouTube!

I'm pleased to welcome today a guest post from Evelyn Parham of Become a Healthier You.

I started using YouTube in 2008. Back then, I was making videos for fun with no purpose. I had a large following but after a while, my passion and interests shifted. Long story short I closed that account.

I had another YouTube channel where I focused on healthy living topics. I wanted to connect with people who had an interest in what I had to share. At this time, I have around 933 subscribers and 107,612 total upload views. Not bad for someone sharing information about healthy living, vegan recipes, and hair topics.
Last year, I became interested in the YouTube Partner Program and applied for the program. I was rejected, but I have not given up on becoming a YouTube Partner. My total upload views look very good and I have recently reapplied. I’m just waiting on their decision.

I said the above to share with you that YouTube can help your blog in many ways. You are probably saying to yourself, “She has got to be kidding, I’m not interested in showing my face.”

You do not have to show your face to share information on YouTube. However, it is better to show your face a few times, to build that trust and to build your community.
Here is a comment that someone made on my Facebook page about a Raw Cheese Cake recipe that I made and the commenter is a fellow blogging friend.
“Just did a search in Google for raw cheese cake and guess who’s face is all over testing her raw cheese cake. That is so cool and yours looks great.”
I uploaded “How to Make a Raw Vegan Cheese Cake” to YouTube over a year ago and have since received 5,979 views. Not to mention I uploaded photos to my Flickr account.

Let’s not waste any more time. Using YouTube can help you gain more eyes to your blog.

1. Connect with others who really want to learn from you. Sometimes a YouTube subscriber will pop up on my blog and leave a comment showing their support. That is one of the best feelings because I know the subscriber is reading my blog.

2. Gain subscribers to your blog newsletter. One way you can do this is to hold a contest and ask your You Tube subscribers to visit your blog and subscribe to your newsletter. I did this when I first launched my blog and I got very good feed back.

3. Word of mouth about your blog travels fast. Can you imagine shopping in a store and being approached by a stranger who knows your name. The woman told me that she watches my videos on YouTube and that she reads my blog. I gave her a few cards to share with her friends. These are potential clients.

4. Good traffic source for your blog. Each time I upload a video, I make sure to hyperlink my website in the description box. I do get some traffic to my blog from You Tube. At this current time, You Tube ranks #14 for traffic referrals, but it use to rank a lot higher. I’ve been a little slack in uploading videos to You Tube.

5. Reply to comments and messages. Treat your YouTube channel like you do your blog. Whenever you receive comments on your videos, take time to reply to the comments. Even if it is a simple “thank you.” You will be amazed how much those two words mean to others.

Conclusion

I realize that You Tube is not for everyone, but it is a great way to get more eyes on your blog, if you are interested. You never know how helpful your videos can be until you try it.

Do you have a You Tube channel? If you do, how has it helped you get more eyes on your blog?

Author Bio:

Evelyn Parham blogs at Become a Healthier You (http://evelynparham.com) and is the Health Editor for Biz Chick Blogs. You can also catch her on YouTube (http://youtube.com/evelynprather). She enjoys writing, reading, singing and cooking.

7 Ways to Make More Time to Make More Money

One of the biggest challenges for today’s successful writer is time management.
Let’s face it: in a tough economy, many of us are expected to do more with fewer resources.

Add to this, the never-ending juggling of family obligations, projects around the house, marketing for new clients, and “socializing” via the ever-present social media scene. Hello!

Still, the savvy scribe recognizes that there is great truth to the adage, “time is money”, and acts accordingly.

So, today, let’s look at some ways to make the most of your time, to make the most profit, and move forward in your freelance career.

1. Learn that there is a difference between being “busy” and being “productive“. Surfing the Net for hours is being busy, researching on the Net to write a feature piece, or to gather statistics for an interview is being productive.

2. Control your daily distractions. What’s your guilty pleasure? Some are FaceBook fanatics. Others let computer games get in the way. I personally dig music videos on You Tube. It’s okay to indulge in moderation; it can break up the monotony. But give it a limit. Time, like money, should be budgeted wisely for the best results.

3. Work smarter, not harder. Instead of spending endless hours drafting and crafting queries, expend that energy into polishing pieces for editors that don’t require queries in order for you to get paid and published. Go even further. Once you’ve sold those pieces, don’t stop there; sell them as reprints (if your retain the rights, of course).

4. Rise early. There’s great truth to the adage, “The early bird gets the worm.” Believe it or not, there is so much more productivity for those that get up and get going early in the a.m. And I should know--I’m one of them! I can tell you that lines at the grocery stores are usually shorter and faster, there are fewer phone calls to answer, traffic is lighter, and
there’s a greater climate of calm, (which facilitates creativity), before the hustle and bustle of the day really sets in.

5. Be wise and prioritize. With only 24 hours afforded each day, it’s virtually impossible to cross everything off those pesky to-do lists. A better game plan is to get the most important stuff out of the way. Why? Missed deadlines for clients, or missed due dates for bills can cause stress and unwanted penalties. Stress can impact creativity. No output means no income. Get my drift?

6. Set Goals. Goals are like a compass that guides direction. This ensures that you spend less time being lost on the road to success. For example, every year I set short and long term goals that govern how I spend my time and where I want to be in my career. Consequently, everything I do either supports my goals, or takes away from them. This mindset keeps me on track. It will for you too.

7. Make multi-tasking a daily practice. Though there are different schools of thought on this one, I can attest that it helps me to get more out of my days. Of course, it should be noted, that not all tasks can successfully be done simultaneously. Like, I wouldn‘t advise texting while driving. Or cooking while shampooing your hair. Use proper discernment.


Follow these seven tips and you’ll have more money and more time to spend it.

IMAGE John Kasawa

They're "JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU"-- Common Barriers to Blog Success...

Most Bloggers come on the scene with the best of intentions. And regardless to our niche or knowledge base, we typically have one thing in common: to connect with our audience and enjoy a degree of popularity. True?
(To be appreciated would also be a plus).

Though some won't fess up to this, why else would we go "public" with our "penned" thoughts and actions, and display our creative works before "virtual" strangers.
Pun intended.;-)

Still, some Bloggers experience slow growth, little interaction from readers, and unknowingly sabotage their success. They unfortunately toil in vain by committing the following blogging blunders.

How many are you guilty of?

1. Not maintaining the right Blogging frequency.
For far too many it seems to be feast or famine. Either they post every blue moon, or you hear from them more than your relatives! A good rule of thumb is to post no less than once a week, and no more than 3 times a week. Though it also depends upon the nature and purpose of your Blog. And word to the wise: If you're going to take an extended leave, for whatever reason, post it to your site, so readers won't have to bounce back and forth trying to guess the appointed time that you'll re-enter the Blogging world.

2. Not responding to readers' comments.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't care how big of a "hot-shot" you are, if I post a comment to your site twice with no feedback, I'll be giving you the "silent treatment" in the future. That is, unless you have hundreds of comments that you receive and it becomes impractical and time consuming to address each one. We should all be so lucky. ;-)

3. Failing to study and learn from successful Blogs.
No doubt about it: Blogging is not rocket science. But, it still involves certain tools and techniques to do it well. Think about it. Though there are millions of Blogs in the Blogosphere, routinely you'll see the same dozen or so to receive recognition and top the popular Blogs lists time after time.

4. Not providing enough take-away value for readers to take away.
Whether your Blog is designed to educate or entertain, readers should come away with a lesson, reflection, or a laugh.

5. Going off on the deep edge, or not staying on topic.
Though there are different schools of thought here, I think that most people like to go to a Blog knowing what to expect. How about you?
Of course, this is not to suggest that you can't add different topics now and then; especially if you can tie it into your Blog's theme. But, by and large, you should have an identifiable "topic" and stick to it like Velcro.

6. Not having a unique voice in the Blogoshpere.
I've said this before, but it bears repeating. If you want to be relevant and remembered, your style, voice and approach to blogging must stand out amid the chatter.

7. Poor grammar or inappropriate language.
This can serve as an eye-sore for some.


Agree or disagree? Did I miss anything?


Image Ambro

7 Tips to Sell Yourself as an Expert Writer

Guest post by Sarah Grace V. Villaflor

Working online means financial and creative freedom for people who don’t want to be tied down to a nine-to-five job in some stifling, crappy office. Online jobs offer the greatest flexibility in terms of schedule, earnings, skills requirement and career growth.

The best thing about being an online freelance writer is that you can pick and choose which projects you want to work on. You deal with your clients and customers personally, and you work at your own pace and on your own terms (within designated deadlines, of course). You don’t have to think about having to get along with rude co-workers or trying to please your nasty supervisor.

Where to start?

Despite the obvious benefits of working online, however, not too many people are able to launch their online writing careers. Part of the problem lies in the inability to offer the right set of skills and competencies that online employers are seeking.

The even bigger issue that you have to address is learning how to sell your services as a reliable, ethical and professional expert writer. Since you’re going to work in a virtual office, you have to work hard to convince your potential employer that you can actually do the job. Unlike working in a physical office environment, your client won’t have the chance to personally and periodically check on your progress and the quality of your output.

The genuine article

Almost all online jobs require tons of trust from both you and your client. To build that trust, you need to sell yourself in just the right way—convincing but not too pushy, honest but still modest. There is nothing to be gained by lying about your credentials or passing off certain published articles as your own.

Here are seven tips to increase the odds of closing your first online writing deal:

1. Put up a website to advertise your services. If you’re not content with just creating profiles in different freelance marketplaces like oDesk.com, Guru.com and Elance.com, you can start crafting a simple website to promote your services online. You can use Blogger, LiveJournal or WordPress as your platform.

2. Provide ways for people to contact you across different media. Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter are just a couple of ideas for you to start spreading the word about your writing services. The more people you can reach, the higher your chances of getting hired.

3. Put together samples of your work, especially those that have been previously published online. The best way to impress your future clients is to gather all your sharpest written works into a great portfolio. Include the links to the places where your work was published so that potential clients can see your articles for themselves. You can also include referral letters and testimonials from previous clients to bolster your chances of getting more work in the future.

4. Be open to trial tasks and pre-employment interviews. Some clients will ask you to do a 500-word trial article to determine if your tone and style is what they are looking for. Don’t be stingy with your effort just because you won’t get paid—work with the same fervor and intensity as if the article will add money to your bank account. Talk to your clients before you accept a project so that you can find out if you can handle the work.

5. Write guest posts for other websites and blogs if you have time. Doing guest posts is a great way to build your reputation and gather contacts in different niches and markets. By writing for other bloggers, you get to showcase your talent as well as increase your exposure to your target audience. It will also help your portfolio if you are able to point potential clients to some guest posts you’ve already established.

6. Always be honest about what you can and cannot do. Don’t pretend to be good in both writing and graphic design unless you can truly deliver on your word. At the end of the day, it’s your reputation that will suffer if you don’t produce a good product for your client.

7. Work at competitive prices. Proper pricing is an important factor when it comes to deciding which online writer will get the job. Your clients want value for their money, but they also want good quality work that is submitted on time.

Sarah Grace V. Villaflor is part of the team that manages ACC, a blog based in Sydney, Australia that wrote about personal finance and small business credit card tips. Before she joined ACC, she was an assistant editor-in-chief of Sandigan.

Image Pixomar

Premature Emancipation: Should You Quit Your Job to Freelance Full-time?

There’s no doubt about it. Freedom is a seductive mistress. So much so, that her allure causes many to fantasize, and make impulsive and uninformed decisions to court her and experience her sweet embrace.

Especially when it comes to the life of a freelancer.
Folks idolize it. They envision countless hours of leisure, Margaritas in the mid-afternoon, and liberation from oppressive bosses.
Perhaps you’re one of them.

Well, I’ve got some good news and some bad, before you abandon your job or your senses.

But, first let’s rewind to how this blog post became a topic of conversation…

It was a sunny summer Sunday.
In my weekly blog hop and general site surfing, I was reading a post “penned” by a fellow writer who had decided to forego “job security” and benefits to go full-time as a freelancer. From what I had read, they’ve been writing for a few years, with a few bylines to boast.

Now, I don’t know this person personally. In fact, I’ve never even posted a comment to their site. But, I’m rooting that they’ll be able to make a go of things. Really.
After all, everybody loves a winner. Right?

Anyhow, I don’t think it was a smart move. Courageous maybe, but not very business savvy.
And since I don’t know this person well enough for them to give a crap about my two cents, I figured I’d share it with you, my “blog family.”
So, read and heed. ;-)

Okay, as I was saying here… Contrary to popular opinion, freelance writing is hard, folks.
It’s even harder when it’s your bread and butter occupation, and moreso in today’s age of the Internet, when everybody and their momma wants a piece of the action.

It’s even harder if you’re unmarried and have only one source of income.
It’s even harder in an economy with a high unemployment rate and high uncertainty in terms of economic direction. It’s even harder amid a climate with a myriad of changes in the publishing industry.

It’s even harder if you have no business management background from which to draw.
Are you with me here?

So, what’s the moral of the story?

Proceed with caution.
In the words of court T.V. Judge, Mablean, “Look deep before you leap!”

Despite stories of people who have landed lucrative contracts, had “overnight success”, and hit it big, the reality is, very few of us will reach the heights and widths of Elizabeth Barrett-Browning, J.K. Rowling, Nicholas Sparks, and other famous authors and poets.
Is it possible? You betcha.
But not likely.
The odds are as much against it as Keanu Reeves proposing marriage to me.

(Side bar---for new readers to my blog, my celebrity crushes are bad-boy rapper 50 Cent and Keanu Reeves).


So, with this being said, here as I promised at the beginning of this journey, are the good and bad things about freelancing full time, and what you can hope to expect. Word up!


1. Freelancing gives a whole new meaning to the famous line of Charles Dickens: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. “ Some weeks you’ll dine to steak and lobster, other weeks you’ll be praying that the expiration date on your few refrigerated items is just a “guideline” and not gospel. In lean times, the cupboard may be as bare as a baby’s bottom. Don’t say I didn’t warn
you.:-)

2. Along with more freedom is less medical coverage. Are you prepared? Do you have a back-up plan in the event of illness, accidents, or an unexpected surgery? (Look into your homeowner’s plan as a viable option).

3. Expect to have more discipline than an athlete in training. Why? Unlike some are afforded on a regular gig, you can’t “fake” productivity by looking busy. And you can’t take “mental health days” without detriment. Typically you’re a one person show. No work means no pay. You’ll have to resist the urge to play computer games, or spend hours watching the “soaps”, or talking to your mom on the phone about family issues with Aunt Gertrude. You have to buckle down to move up!

4. Know that “love is not enough”. No matter how much you “love” writing, (and trust me, I really, really do), tough decisions have to be made, and a reality check is needed. Think about it. How many times have you been in love but the relationship didn’t go the distance due to incompatibility, or timing, or other stuff? True?

5. Know that there is a right way to jump ship. For example, author and Funds For Writers creator, Hope Clark, shares that before she took the plunge, she had been offered an early retirement and had some financial security in which to fall back on. Not to mention a detective hubby.

Do you need the same? Nope. But in the infamous words of Mr. "T",
"I pity the fool." :-)

Thoughts? Anybody here take the plunge successfully? Do tell.

Image worradmu

5 Ways to Get More Bang For Your Blog!

Whether you're blogging to make money or "make friends and influence people", the right approach can mean all the difference.
Without a doubt, certain tools and techniques will help to elevate your status in the Blogosphere, separate you from the pack, and take you from zero to hero!

In today's blogging environment, it's important to remember that we are competing for the attention of today's busy reader, with an array of choices and limited time.

To increase your blog following and decrease your bounce rate, here are a few tried and true methods to try your hand at.

5 Strategies to get more buzz (and bang) for your Blog:

1. Consider having a cute tagline or slogan for your blog and what it represents. It helps to become more memorable and furthers your branding. For example: Pen and Prosper is promoted as "Required reading for today's smart writer."
My blogging buddy Sibyl uses, "Live today better than yesterday."
You might use something like "the small blog with a big heart!" Get the idea?
People should know what your blog is about without having to spend 10 minutes navigating different sections of your site.

2. Provide variety. It is indeed the spice of life.
How? Have guest bloggers present different voices and viewpoints. Tackle controversial topics from time to time. Do interviews with other artists.

3. Post pictures that show other aspects of your life, or share a hobby that adds dimension to your online personality. Some time ago, I did a post about "Craft Therapy", where I shared and discussed how writers have other areas of creativity that allow them to unwind and express themselves through other gifts.
Like how many times singers might paint, or authors also sing. While I dig creating gift baskets. Anyhow, I ran that post on the weekend, and it was very popular!

4. Post on weekends. Although some see it as a kiss of death, in terms of traffic, it sometimes is a way of attracting new followers who are looking for fresh content at the end of a grueling work week.

5. Make it a point to share positive readers' comments and testimonials. Let's face it---we all think that our Blogs are hot spots, true? But it takes on a whole new meaning and new levels of awesomeness when others echo it.

Well folks, that's my story and I'm sticking with it...
What's yours? Agree or disagree?

Image Contributor Photostock

My Fave Five ...Bodacious Blogs!

Get your mouses ready. (Or mice).
You're gonna' love the line-up today of my favorite Blog/Web picks!

It's a nice mix of men and women, and spans multiple niches.
So grab your brew of choice and let's get rolling and reading...

1. AFTER TROY (HEKTOR KARL)

...Where do I begin? His was an unexpected pleasure. Like a fine wine savored for the first time. Intoxicating.
He did me first. The result of a referral link. So, after crossing my path, I clicked on his image for an obligatory visit.
And I stayed. Long.
I found Hektor's writing to be sexy. Cerebral. Sensitive. Silly. Soulful.
And you will too.
If you stop by, make sure to read, "Do Real Men Cry?" It's among my favorites.
In fact, if I must admit, (and I shall), even his "about me" section is creative and intriguing. When it comes to writing, Hektor is Herculean. And you can quote me :-)
Let me know what you think, readers.

2. ESCAPE NORMAL (JACQUELINE BOSS)

Tired of the rat race? Then this is the spot for resources and recreational reading to cope with corporate ties. At least until you're "liberated." I dig the design, the topics are diverse, and it's easy to navigate. Definitely the destination spot for dreamers.

3. MARC & ANGEL HACKLIFE

Tips on productivity and enlightened living, provided by a couple devoted to helping others to live better. The site and its creators were also listed among the "60 Best Minds in the Blogosphere" over at Possibility of Today.com.

4. PURPLE SONG PROJECT (VANESSA)

Using her artistry to bring awareness to the devastation brought about by Domestic Violence, Vanessa writes songs and provides music therapy for healing and helping.


5. BROKE PROFESSIONALS

Interesting approach to personal finance and frugal living for "the overeducated and underpaid," created and maintained by a husband and wife team. Topics are timely with good take-away value.


Check these sites out and then check back in with me to let me know your thoughts. Are these types of posts useful to you? Is there a blog you've discovered that I should know about? Do tell.

Image Dan

Do, Re, Mi...Tips to Cultivate Your Writer's Voice!

Have you ever noticed that when you tune into your radio, certain artists have singing voices that are immediately identifiable?

No doubt, before the D.J. even announces the singer and the title of the cut, you can figure it out. Right?
Consider folks like Michael Bolton, Beyonce, Celine Dion, Jose Feliciano, Josh Groban, and Michael Jackson, (who are also among my favorites).
Are you with me here?

Well as a writer and blogger, the same principle should apply.
Your words and style of expression should be heard (and ring unique) amid the chatter of “online voices” and “performers,” particularly in this very saturated medium. Hello!


So, let’s start from the top.

La, la, la, la…What exactly is voice?

Voice is referred to as how your words “sound” on the page. It is the reflection of your tone, your style of expression, your choice of words, your personality.
And the more authentic it is, the more it will resonate with your readers.


Now that you know the “what,” here are some “hows” to help develop your “chops”!

1. Read.
Yep, reading helps to develop your voice by hearing the repeated use of language, rhythm, and other important dynamics.

2. Be true to who you are.
“Sing” a little off key if it sounds good to your heart’s ear. I must admit, I don’t always write according to the rules. If the mood hits me, I use fragments, Ebonics, Pig Latin, and any other device that keeps me in the moment and makes sense for my particular audience and how I’m vibin’ at the time. Of course this doesn’t mean I’m advocating improper grammar, poor spelling, or inappropriate language. Or that your writing should lack clarity or consistency. That’s a whole ‘nother thing and a whole ‘nother post topic. Stay tuned.

3. Broaden your horizons.
This goes back to point number one. I bet you’ve heard most popular singers say that they were “influenced” by the styles of other great singers. Even those from former decades. Follow suit. Study and assess the best. If you’re a fiction writer, check out the writings of non fiction writers. Check out the authors that top the NY Times’ Best list. Get lost in a Harlequin Romance. Read outside your niche from time to time. Add some poetry to the mix, even.

4. Have fun with your audience, when the situation dictates.
Humor, when used appropriately, often makes your voice more likable. Use colorful anecdotes, ah-ha moments, and universal experiences to connect and show your versatility.

5. Go Acapella.
This is the equivalent of having the courage to “sing” without accompaniment, or in other words, having the chutzpah to speak out on issues where you may not be in the majority.

Follow these five tips and you'll successfully "speak" to the masses and be an engaging performer.

Thoughts?

Image:

Contributor digitalart