Content Writing

(Content writing is one skill I want to learn. I chanced upon this article while I was researching the topic. I want to share this to everyone who are aspiring to be an excellent content writer)

What is Content writing?

Author: Deskelly

This is the first question people ask when they hear the word content writing. Simply put, content writing is writing for websites. The content on websites is as important as its design. It is the content which holds the attention of users on the website. If the content is dull, boring or not up to expectations, then it would adversely affect the business of that website.

Website content writing is in a booming phase these days and offers very lucrative opportunities for growth worldwide. There are a lot of companies offering content writing services. But it is not as easy as it sounds. Writing for websites involves a lot of time and is a brain consuming activity. Although the name suggests only writing, yet content writing consists of research as well. It is said that it is 10% writing and 90% research.

While writing, it is necessary to keep in mind for whom is the content written and what is its motive. This would make it easier to comprehend the style for website content writing and the topics which should be included or excluded. The following three question need to be answered before starting to write:

• Who is the target reader of the website?

• Why would they read it?

• What can the content generate?

If these three questions are clearly answered by the content writer, then half the battle is won. He can then mold his content in such a way that the requirements of the website are completely fulfilled.

A content writer should always remember that this style of writing is very different that journalism writing or blog writing. It has its own set of guidelines, which need to be followed every time.

A website content writer should write precisely and direct to the point. The language used should be simple yet effective so that everyone visiting the website understands the message.

Everything on the website should reflect the basic message that needs to be conveyed. If the website is travel related, everything on that website should compel its readers to purchase the offered travel packages. Not just travel writing, this should be followed for every website.

The style of writing on a website should be conversant in nature. This would hold the interest of readers and contribute towards the success of that website.

These were some of the basics from the world of content writing. But apart from these basics, the most important characteristic which a content writer should posses is passion for writing. If a writer is passionate about what he is writing, then he would be able to convey his feelings easily to the readers.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/seo-articles/what-is-content-writing-974222.html

About the Author

The author is a business writer .Visit at www.dimensionicws.com to know more about Content Writing in India , Website Content Writing and Travel Writing

Learning from Others (Virtual Assistant)

It’s been more than a month since I attended the How To Work at Home as Virtual Assistant. Hello June 28 VA’s! What’s up?

I’m done with my homework but posting one at a time. Slow internet connection is the culprit. I got one left to post. I get so upset every time I upload and I see this thing keeps on turning….and says waiting for Scribd.com, it seems forever this way. Do you know what I do? I pray. Ridiculous, but true! When it is uploaded I thanked Him a lot. But if not, I would tell myself, maybe it’s not yet time.

What’s up about me now? I thought I can’t survive this thing (homework). But as I go through these tools and websites I get more interested to learn. I get more thirst for learning. If at first I was so overwhelmed now I am in control. Whenever I open the group’s page, I can read the enthusiasm radiating from everyone and it inspires me a lot. This keeps me going on with the work. I really need to equip myself more with computer applications. Aside from what I had in the seminar there are new things coming up from other VA’s and I learn a lot from them. Mr. Jomar Hilario is continuously sharing his knowledge through email and webinar that seems to poke me all the time. You are an inspiration to everyone.

I gain a lot of insights from others who are proficient with the computer lingo and those who are now successful VA’s . Thank you so much for sharing.

Surely, you are helping a lot here especially newbies like me.

Work at Home as a Virtual Assistant

PAGASA: Rains to last until Wednesday 08/02/2011 | 01:50 PM The rain that caused flooding in parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces may last until Wednesday, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

This headline news is courtesy of GMA News on line. What comes in your mind when you read news like this? Consequences of heavy rainfall are traffic jam, long queue at MRT/Bus stations, office uniform ruined by heavy rainshowers and the worst your branded expensive shoes are all wet. You'd wished you never left home!

Would you rather work at home than go through situations like this?

What is a Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant (typically abbreviated to VA, also called a virtual office assistant)is an entrepreneur who provides professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance to clients from a home office(Wikipedia). Yes, a home office. A Virtual Assistant practically builds an office in the comfort of his/her home and works in a flexible schedule. No more lazy mornings. You can work with your pajamas on! Rain or shine, no problem...

For more info on how to work at home as virtual assistant, check at Filipinova.com

Helpful Tips: How to win your first oDesk project/oDesk.com

(Hello VA's!I was browsing the net and I chanced upon this article. I would like to share this to everyone who are newbie in the VA world, and that includes me. This article is written by Stephanie Gonzaga, freelancer at oDesk.)

You just finished signing up on oDesk, added your chosen payment withdrawal methods, and are now applying for jobs. You’re ready to start earning income and building your freelance business! Unfortunately, most employers prefer those with more experience, with feedback scores, and with at least 100 oDesk hours. So what does a newbie have to do to win his first oDesk project?

1. Complete and enhance your oDesk profile.
It could be that your profile isn’t really standing out among the twenty other applicants bidding for the same project. With so many contractor profiles to sift through, you can’t afford to be like everyone else.

Your first step therefore is to complete all of the necessary details of your oDesk profile. Enhance it right after with an appealing overview, a clean and detailed resume, and your best portfolio samples.

2. Take and pass skills tests with flying colors.
One of the best ways to prove yourself on oDesk is to pass two types of tests:

The oDesk Readiness test, and
Free skills tests that match your specializations

It’s not enough that you take and pass these skills tests though. There are employers who are more attracted to shiny 10% and 20% badges, so do your best and aim for higher percentile rankings. (Psst: Hide test scores that aren’t that great. You aren’t required to display them.

3. Learn how oDesk really works.
The Help Center is the best place to go to for information on how oDesk really works. Knowing how to log time, use the Work Diary, send messages, apply for jobs, and price yourself properly will help boost your chances of winning your first project.

How? For the simple reason that you’re a self-starter who knows what you are doing. Employers will see just how efficient and quick you are to learn, and that you won’t be a problem to work with. There won’t be any need to file disputes for incorrect logged hours, misuse of the Work Diary, and the like.

4. Personalize and proofread every cover letter you send.
What could be more irritating and embarrassing than reading a generic cover letter full of spelling and grammar mistakes? If your cover letters are simply generic templates with blanks to fill in, the employer will simply discard your application and move on to others who can communicate his goals and requirements better.

With that said, spend about 15-25 minutes reading the employer’s job post and noting down important details (answers to the employer’s questions, for instance) that you should address in your cover letter. While writing, make sure that you either use your word processor’s spell and grammar checker to proofread your cover letter, or re-read and revise it yourself. If English isn’t your first language, ask a friend or family member who’s more proficient to help you.

5. Apply for jobs that you are confident, knowledgeable, and interested in.
One of the most effective ways to win your first oDesk project is to go for those that fit your skills set, your expertise, and your interests. Imagine yourself applying for a job you had absolutely no experience for. How would you answer your employer’s questions? How will you understand the terminology being used? Do you have the technology (e.g., software) needed to create the project?

Go for projects that make your eyes sparkle and your adrenalin pump. If you feel your hands itching to apply to a job post and your brain churning ideas for how to create this employer’s project, don’t ever stop yourself from trying.

6. Accept rejection and keep applying.
They say that a new oDesk contractor has to go through 60 rejected applications before winning his first project. I’m not saying you have to count to 60 before you can earn your first job, but you should be ready to accept rejections of all kinds and to never give up. Keep applying to jobs that interest you and that you’re knowledgeable about. Who knows, your next application may turn out to be your first big break after all.

Bonus: One of my favorite tactics is to keep an eye out for newly posted job posts. Being one of the first 5-10 candidates to apply can increase your chances of winning the project, since the employer/hiring manager is pretty much awake and attentive when browsing through the first few applications. Just make sure to follow points 1-6 first before sending off an application.

Halftime break (My VA work)

I’m done with 5 of the 10 prescribed homework… I’m getting a half time break. 

Today, when I woke up in the morning, I looked into the mirror and said, “Hey  you’re doing great. You are not giving up. You’ve done that much!” As I go through the homework, the more I get so indulged in the work. The new things that I found to be a hindrance to me at first are now getting easy for me.  Now I’m spending a lot of time in the computer with a purpose and not just for social networks, games and chatting.

It’s halftime break so pause for now. I played with my two little angels, I fixed my stuff,  cleaned up and did a little make over for myself.

I was at Jomar Hilario’s workshopwebinar  tonight and he mentioned about “overwhelmed” reactions. Mr. Jomar, I’ve overcome that feeling. 

I’m halfway on my 6^th!

Melanie

Change of Direction-VA Seminar

"Overwhelming!"

This was all I can say when I attended the How to Become a VA Seminar on June 28, 2011 under Mr. Jomar Hilario. It was all fun because of Jomar's friendly delivery of the talk. The first part of the seminar was just light - they were all backgrounder of being a VA. I was blown away when he discussed about the tools and websites we need to study. They all came new to me. I never heard of such tools and websites as I am only well versed in social networks, emails and games. Things became too heavy for me.

I was completely satisfied though - realizing that I really want to pursue being a VA, so I should be patient to study those things. Right now, I am doing my homework. I am going slow because I need to explore the apps before I can make "how-to's" for each. However, I don't have regrets attending the seminar. I love to learn new things. I learned how to use the computer (a hand-me down from my brother) by myself years ago, there's no way I can't learn these web applications now.

I was hesitant to attend the seminar at first. Reasons?  Firstly, I am not familiar with the venue -Rosewood Pointe. I had the map and instructions printed and brought it along with me. I followed the instruction to the letter looking down at it moment by moment. When I reached C5, I looked around and searched for the beautiful houses behind the concrete walls as described in the instructions. You're funny Mr. Hilario.This experience is an achievement though, because I reached Rosewood Pointe successfully and on time.  The place was so impressive. Secondly, the fee. I thought it was too expensive for a 1-day seminar, but after the day I said it's worth it. I learned a lot of things that will help me live a marvelous life, I gained new friends, I met Mr. Jomar and the food served was great. Thanks Mr. Jomar and his staff.

I had this message from Facebook one day - On this day, God wants you to know

... that there are times when a change of direction is for your highest good. It takes courage to change direction. Choose the path your heart agrees with and walk with your head high and your eyes open. Don't be afraid.

I am a teacher, now taking a change of direction with head high and eyes open.

Melanie V. Cruz