posted by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer


What does it take to make money in web writing? What's the formula to success? Throughout my career as a web writer and peer mentor, this is one of the most common questions people ask. One key component that I see in every web writer who stands the test of time is leadership. If you want to make yourself well known in the world of web writing, be a leader, not a follower.

But Mr. So-and-so does it this way. It's perfectly fine (and recommended) to learn from your peers. But never try to replicate exactly what they do. But why not, if it works? It's simple. Each writer has their own unique style, voice, and topical expertise. What works for one person may not work for another because there are too many variables.

Readers trust authenticity. If you want to be a true voice in the world of web writing, you need to actually keep that voice true. Leaders use their own style and voice in their work, not someone else's. When you see a fellow writer who seems to be miles ahead of you, it's natural to want that for yourself. But if you want to succeed, you need to stand out and that means you should figure out what works for you. Be yourself and people will notice that more than if you follow after everyone else.

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by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

You're making the usual facebook rounds and noticed you've been tagged in several posts. Excitedly, you click on each notification one by one only to find out that none of the posts have anything to do with you and a few are what you'd consider spam. This is a common problem as more people are using facebook. It doesn't mean your friends are out to get you. Most likely, they are just having fun and may not realize they could be annoying you with their posts. Maybe you're the one annoying people and you don't even realize it.

Don't tag people every time you write an article. Yes, your friends may enjoy your work. If so, they are probably subscribed to you. If they haven't read it (or have but are not subscribed), it's not good form to tag them in your article posts, unless they ask you to. Asking is not the same thing as not getting a negative response when you tag them. They may simply be attempting politeness by not asking you to stop. Tolerating something is not the same thing as being in agreement with it.

Don't tag people in all your status updates. Yes, I know there are people you want to inform about your breakfast and plans for the day. However, doing this every day can become repetitive and annoying to some people. Status tagging should only be done when your update is actually relevant to the person you are tagging. For instance, if I tag Jane every time I update my status, Jane might be upset with me and will maybe remove me as a friend. But if I tag Jane to let her know I'm on my way to the restaurant we are meeting at for lunch, she'll be thrilled to hear that.

Don't tag people in pictures they are not involved in. This is one of my biggest peeves on facebook. If someone is not in a photo or otherwise involved with it, why would they want to be tagged? Friends can see what's posted in your news feed and on your wall (unless you have blocked access). So there really is no need to tag everyone on your list each time you upload a picture. Even if you're gorgeous, this is still bad form. Tagging someone in a photo they are in or photographed is fine, as is tagging a company and/or its employees in a photo that involves that company. However, tagging all of those people in a photo of you with your latest outfit is not.

Don't tag people who remove your tags. If someone is removing tags every time you post them, there's a good chance they don't want to be tagged. Sometimes people remove them to keep certain pictures or posts out of their feed or photo features and may not actually be offended by the tag. But in most instances, if you keep seeing tags for a certain person disappear, don't tag that person again unless you have permission and something is directly related to them.

It takes time to see what posts you've been tagged in. It also takes time to remove unwanted tags. Be courteous of your friends and keep the tagging relevant.

Are you struggling as an online article writer? Your content shouldn't be forced. You might consider analyzing your content. First, concentrate on the articles you are struggling with. Are they within your area of   expertise? Are you interested in the subject matter? Does the article fit your writing genre? Do you feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment for having written it? No? Maybe you need to analyze your favorite writing content. What is it about these other articles that suits you so well?

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When getting started in writing, it can be very useful to consult the pros. But perhaps you haven't met any yet and are just looking for some quick hints before networking with other writers. Maybe you just want some extra hints or a reminders to keep you going. I recently asked a group of my writing peers to share the best writing advice or tips they ever received. What are some of the best tips you've heard?

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