by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Do you know what it takes to get noticed? Unsure how to get more attention? It's as simple as being unique and innovative. People with fresh, new ideas get more readers, more clients, and more opportunities. Their quality is often impeccable all-around. Why? Because they keep learning and growing all the time. This is one of the very first lessons I learned as an experienced web writer.

Readers want something different. Think about it. When you look up information, do you want to hear what you have already heard a thousand times over? No, of course not. You want information that you can apply to your existing knowledge about the topic. That's how your readers think as well. Give them something they can actually think about and apply soon after reading your work. Sure, the basics may pay for a while. But if you want to stay successful and keep people interested, you need to give them what they want and that involves being different from the crowd.

Just because Jane did it doesn't mean you should. This is one point I constantly try to make with my writing peers. People will ask me for my exact formula. The problem with that is there is no formula. My way of doing things works for me. Jane's way of doing things works for her. Jack's way of doing things works for him. Learn from others, but don't try to duplicate their success because each person operates differently and writes to different audiences. Make your own success by discovering what works for you and being innovative.

Potential clients notice innovative people. Readers look for innovation. It's also one of the key components many clients look for when seeking out new writers for gigs. Who wants to hire someone who will give their target audience common information they likely already know? Not me. In addition to my steady writing career, I also own a network of niche websites. Do you think I publish every submission I receive? Of course not. I pick the ones readers will enjoy, largely based on their unique qualities. Writers who think outside the box will have the most luck in any venue that cares about their audience.

Those with newer ideas may get better pay and opportunities. Some sites base pay on a variety of factors, such as quality. In that type of model, unique content is more likely to receive a higher than payment than information that is more common. The same goes true with flat rates. Clients are more likely to choose submissions that offer their readers something new and innovative. Overdone ideas will quickly get tossed to the side. Looking to move up in a client's company? That's not going to happen unless you set yourself apart from the rest.

Thinking outside the box improves your writing overall. Besides increasing opportunities and readership, being innovative helps you improve as a writer. The more you learn and apply, the better your writing will get in time. There is always something new to learn in the world of web writing. On person cannot possibly know all there is to know. Things also change and grow. Be the person with the new ideas if you want to stay ahead of the game instead of falling off the cart while the horse leaves you in the dust.

*This content was originally published at Yahoo! Contributor Network by Lyn Lomasi

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Authenticity is the key to returning readers. Being the true you creates trust.

You may not win over everyone by being you. But your goal is not to please everyone. If you think it is, you may need some serious rethinking time.

No matter how much it may seem that you have different thoughts than others, there will always be someone else who can relate. I am finding this out lately as I open up more on a personal level with certain friends.

Even if no one agrees with you, it is better to be authentic than to fake it just to save face. Readers like honesty and although they may not always agree with you, they'll respect you much more for being real than they will for being fake.

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Are you targeting the right people with your writing? Who are you focusing on either intentionally or unintentionally? How do you know? As I am constantly telling my writing peers, knowing your audience is vital. During my career as a web writer, I've learned several ways to figure out what my potential audience wants and needs.

Consider the topic. What are people looking up your topic interested in? If you want to write parenting tips, think about common issues parents face and what you've done to solve those issues. If you want to write about writing, think about all the things you once looked up. Know what people into that topic are going to be interested in. Be very specific and gear your writing toward people who would be interested in that topic. For instance, if you are writing about dogs, don't veer off into talking about cats or mice. If someone clicks onto your dog article, they want to read about dogs.

Pay attention to reader comments in your niche areas. This will help you determine what people want to read. Readers may ask questions, express their disinterest in another topic, thank the writer for the info, and more. There is often much to learn just by reading the comments on your own articles, as well as others. What better way to learn what readers like than by looking straight to them for their thoughts? Another benefit to this gaining loyalty from regular readers. If they know that you actually care and pay attention to what they want, they'll interact more often.

Keep up with news and information changes regarding your topic. Staying on top of things helps readers trust what you say. It's also part of knowing who you're speaking to in your content. Don't write about a topic, unless you know what you are talking about because readers will call you out on it. On the other hand, if you do keep up with the latest in your niche area, readers notice that as well and will thank you instead. Periodically, I check my tutorial and how-to articles to make sure that the information is still accurate. If not, I will make edits where the venue permits it to reflect newer information. This helps give my audience what they want whether they access my article the day it publishes or months from then.

Study websites and blogs related to your topic. While it's beneficial to also study the venue where you are publishing, don't be afraid to also look outside that source. Take a look at how readers are responding to your niche topic elsewhere. Also, look at the methods each writer uses to interest the audience. See what you can learn from what other writers are doing. While you don't want to copy someone else, you can always learn from others and implement the lessons into your own style.

Pay attention to how your readers respond to what you write. Are readers responding negatively or positively to your work? How is it affecting the frequency of traffic on your articles? Do they blog about your work elsewhere? Are they asking you questions or sharing your work on social networks? If they're sharing, is it in a positive or negative light? These are all things you want to look at to see what your audience wants. When you can figure out what they respond to, you will have a better chance at reaching your intended audience.

***Note: I originally published this on Yahoo! Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Family, friends, and complete strangers telling you it isn't possible to make it in web writing? Is your faith in yourself beginning to fade away? Are you working too hard with what seems like no results? I've been there. I truly believe in the saying "Anything in life worth having is worth working for" (Andrew Carnegie). Even at your darkest hours, never give up on your dream. You may have to do other things while working toward your dream. But don't ever give up on it. I'm living proof that it's possible to make things happen if you have the drive and determination.

Take insults as inspiration to keep going. People you know may not support you. Complete strangers may insult you. Instead of letting what they say get to you, use it to boost yourself to the next level. You know what you can do. You know what your goals and dreams are. Make it happen and don't let anyone discourage you. When I first decided to make web writing my career, people thought I was crazy. "You can't make money doing that." "You're not good enough." Those people can keep laughing if they want to. I'll probably pass them by on my way to the bank.

Hold on to your inner reasons for writing. Remember the feeling you had when you first got into writing? Hold on to that passion and excitement and remember why you got started in the first place. Writing has always been a part of me. Deep inside, I always knew I'd do something with it. Although, I never actively pursued it until trying other things that just didn't work for me. For me, I write for many reasons. Some of the most prevalent include the fact that writing is a part of me, as well as the fact that it's a great way to support my family. It allows me to stay at home with my kids. But even if one day, the writing becomes more involved and I cannot stay at home anymore, it still enriches our lives daily. Writing helps people grow, both through hearing their own thoughts, as well as what they learn in the process.

Know and believe what you can do. "Don't you want to write books? Books make more money." Writing books is great (I've done that too and will likely do so in the future). But it's not the only way to make money and books are not necessarily where all the money is anymore. For me, the passion lies in providing content that can be enjoyed by a global audience. I want people to b able to access my content anytime, day or night. Knowing that someone may get their questions answered or an issue resolved because of something I wrote is an awesome feeling. Know and believe in your specific area of expertise..

Don't let hard work scare you away. Never give up on your dream, no matter how challenging things may seem. It's a scary world out there. But facing those challenges can take you to a place you've never even dreamed of before. When I first started writing for the web, I had no clue what I was doing or where it would take me. I have done so many things I never even thought of before. Was it easy? Not always. In fact, there have been times where it's been downright difficult and trying. But I didn't give up. Now I am going places and doing things I never knew or thought were possible. I now have my own network of sites, I provide content to the largest name in content, and have some other amazing things in the works. If I had given up back when the naysayers were hounding me and my faith was faltering, I'd never be where I am today.

Keep a mental image of why you work for yourself. Hate that past job? Love the freedom of being at home with your kids? Whatever your main reasons for becoming a web writer for in the beginning can be your inspiration to never give up on that dream. Do you really want to go back to having cranky bosses or kids who miss their mommy or daddy? Always picture what it was like before to keep you in check and keep yourself moving forward in your dream. Never, ever give up on your writing dreams. Anything is possible, regardless of whether someone else has done it before or not.

This article was originally published on Yahoo! Contributor Network.

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

The quality of your work can make or break a second order. Don't expect a new client (or even an existing one) to continue ordering from you if your content doesn't make the grade. Over the years, I have learned that doing certain things at the last minute before I send in the work can be very helpful.

Proofread one last time. Always, always proofread again right before you turn in your writing project. Even if you have proofread several times, one more time before submitting is essential. Sometimes that one last time at the very last minute can catch those minor issues you missed before, like spelling "too" as "to" or misspelling someone's name.

Is your content web-friendly? Print writing and web writing are very different. Hopefully, if you are writing for the web, you are aware of this. Beware of run-on sentences, unnecessary modifiers, and other things that can clutter web content. Web writing should be clear and concise. It should also be optimized for search, as well as eye-tracking.

Numbers count. On the web, there is a such thing as too lengthy. How many words did your client request? Did you stick to that plan? If you went over, you need to shorten it up. Don't forget to proofread and count your words again if you revise. In fact, you should still do another word count even if you didn't revise. Did your client recommend a length that you feel is not appropriate for the intended purpose? If it's at the last minute that you made this revelation, submit the content as requested. Include a note with a promise to revise if they wish.

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Doubt. All freelancers have it from time to time. The freelance writing business is a tough one. It has many great rewards. But because of the nature of this business, sometimes writers can doubt themselves.

For the most part, freelance writers do not have a set amount they can rely on. We may have steady gigs with certain clients. But we never truly know for sure how much money we will make in any given month. For some, this can lead to doubt.

But don't let that doubt take over your life. Believe in yourself and the clients will believe in you too. Know that you can accomplish your writing and income goals. Doubt can only stand in the way f we let it. We need to be careful not to because that doubt can show in our writing and in the way we relate to potential clients.

Freelance writers need to sell their service. But if even you doubt your service, why would a client want to hire you?

Don't let doubt take over.

Overcome it today and forever. Believe in your writing. Be what you dream to be. If you dream it, it's already there just waiting for you to let it come out.

As I always say:

"Don't just dream and hope it. Make it happen and make it awesome!" ~Lyn Lomasi

You can quote (and test) me on that. I live what I say.

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Are you authentic in your writing? I'm not talking about facts here. Hopefully, you can answer yes to that. But are you true to yourself in your writing?

Do you write with passion or do you just write anything?

Own each piece of work you write by making it authentic. For instance, don't claim to be an expert on a topic you know nothing about just to get paid. It's one thing to write a well-researched piece or a piece with personal experience. But it's a whole other ball game to wrote something you have absolutely zero knowledge or experience in.

You may be able to slide past the radar with that at times. But it will eventually catch up to you and ruin your entire writing career. Instead, write what you know through studies or experience. Your clients will appreciate your authenticity. Readers can see right through writing that lacks connection from the writer. On the other side of the coin, they also value and feel content that contains the writer's authentic knowledge and experiences.

Be authentic. Be you. Be hired. Be read.