How to Use SEO and Keywording in AC Articles
by Lyn Lomasi

When you write for Associated Content and other writing sites, the majority of your traffic is going to come from search engines. You need to not only target your audience, but also speak in a way that gets the most results from searches. That will gain you more views, thus earning money. But, how do you do that? The compilation below of articles from expert AC and web writers should help.

Easy SEO Techniques for Online Article Writers by Lyn Lomasi
Yes, here I go mentioning SEO again -- that magic three-letter abbreviation we hear often. Easy SEO techniques can help online article writers significantly. If you haven't heard of SEO or if you haven't heeded the advice, as an online article writer, you likely are losing out big time. A large portion of Internet traffic comes via search engines, namely Google. If you expect search engines to find your content and deliver it in search results, you need to talk their language -- SEO...Here are some easy SEO techniques you can incorporate right away to help increase traffic....Read More>>

Avoid Keyword Problems and Awkward  Writing in News Stories by AC Tim
Finding your Associated Content news story at the top of search rankings is always exciting. It's good for you -- and for Associated Content -- because it provides visibility and recognition on a newsworthy topic. Because your story has a high placement, it's likely to be seen by thousands of readers. That's why it's important we publish quality content...Read More>>

Accidental Keyword Optimization and Latent Semantic Indexing by Michelle Devon
Several weeks ago, I took a class on the internet about Latent Semantic Indexing, and since then, I've been discussing this with many web content writers and web developers, of which I am both a writer and web developer. There are so many people who don't understand how Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) works, and how that can affect people who write web copy or build websites for search engine optimization....Read More>>

SEO Toolbox by AC Insights
On November 5, 2009 we held our first ever AC Insights community event in Denver, Colorado. The following is Miguel's presentation on SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and how it can help your content become searchable online...Read More>>

Using TagCrowd as an SEO Tool by Marie Anne St. Jean
SEO (search engine optimization) and keyword density are terms that scare many a writer who want to write for the internet. TagCrowd.com makes the basics of SEO very easy to visualize without having to crunch numbers in hopes of attaining proper keyword density....Read More>>

More Writing Tips:

When you're new to writing, it can be difficult to figure out what to charge. Should you charge a flat rate fee, an hourly rate, or per word? Depending on who you ask, you'll likely get answers that are quite varied. But the answer that should be common among good writers is "don't undersell yourself."

Recently, a fellow writer and friend of mine, Lisa Mason shared her perspective on that topic. Click Here to read what she said and share your comments here and/or at Lisa's article.

~Lyn Lomasi~

Recently, Associated Content Contributor Maxine Nelson allowed to me to do an interview with her. She writes on a wide variety of topics, such as music, eco-friendly beauty, holidays, travel, and more. You'll see that Maxine is very passionate about writing, AC, and music. My favorite article of Maxine's is entitled Is Auto-Tune Ruining Music? Read on to learn more about Ms Nelson and be sure to stop by her AC page afterward.

How Did You First Find Out About Associated Content?
It was through Craigslist under Writers actually. I was looking at some major cities for writing positions, since writers can work from anywhere in the world. When I looked in the Miami Craigslist that is how I found out about Associated Content back in March 2009. The rest is history...

Click Here to read more.

If you're an AC Contributor who is either new, up and coming, or could use more attention click here to find out how to get interviewed. You must have less than 1 million page views total on AC.

by Lyn Lomasi

Do you find yourself asking the question "Why am I working so hard with little to no results?" You aren't alone. Many people ask this question. Whether you relate this to a low-paying dead-end job or to some other situation in life, there still is hope. In fact, each time you work hard, you are getting results. You just may not see them. What do I mean? Read on to find out.

This message came to me in an odd way, which is often true for many things in life. This morning I was playing a game on the Facebook website called Farm Town, a game which several AC favorites of mine are addicted to. Part of the game requires plowing fields to ready them for the crops. Probably due to a temporary glitch, when I placed one field, my character paid the money due and did the hard work, but the field did not plow. She did however still earn the experience points due.

This incident made me think about real life. Sometimes people work so hard, yet do not see the results expected. Does that mean the hard work was for nothing? Some may say yes here. I disagree. With hard work comes experience. Therefore, even though expected results are not always gained, that does not mean the hard work was for nothing. In fact, there are times where experience can be more valuable than any money or monetary award.

If you are relating your hard work with no results to a job, think about that for a moment. It's true that it's no fun to work hard day in and day out for minimum wage or less money than you believe you deserve for that work. However, at the present, many are taking whatever job they can get. If that's you and there is not another income opportunity, make the most of it. How?

Reap the benefits of experience, just like the farmer who plows many fields will learn to do it better over time. Keep working hard and learn as you do. That experience could help later down the road when there is better opportunity. That better opportunity may even exist within the very company you are putting all that time and effort into.

When it comes time to choose someone for a better position within the company, who do you think they'll look at first - the slacker on the phone all day or the hard worker? Even if it is not within that company that you advance, the experience you gained could come in handy for a future position and also looks good on a resume.

Hard work is not for nothing. It does eventually pay off, just not always in the way people expect.

*This author welcomes feedback and discussion in the comments section below.

-- This was originally published on AssociatedContent. --

I recently was able to interview AC Contributor Lisa Kay. She's been with AC since February of 2009 and writes informative articles on parenting, health, gardening, pets, homeschooling, and more. My favorite article by Lisa Kay is The Blue Zones: Where People Live to Be 100. I found this to be particularly interesting, informative, and thought-provoking. Read on to find out more about Lisa Kay and don't forget to go read some of her articles afterward.

How Did You First Find Out About Associated Content?
Earlier this year, I read a health related article that happened to be on Helium. When I took a closer look at Helium, I discovered a whole new world. I was fascinated with the idea that I could seriously and immediately pursue a life long interest in writing, while at the same time generating a little extra income. While I was learning about Helium and how to write articles, I stumbled across Associated Content. I've never looked back.

Click Here to read more.

If you're an AC Contributor who is either new, up and coming, or could use more attention click here to find out how to get interviewed. You must also have less than 500,000 page views total on AC.

Meet AC Contributor Michael Thompson

I've recently been interviewing fellow AC Contributors who are either new, up-and-coming, or not as noticed as they could be. Associated Content Contributor Michael Thompson recently granted me an interview. He's been with AC since August of 2007 and has contributed quite a collection of articles. He may be one of the lesser-known clout 10 AC writers. His main topics are politics and social justice, but he also writes about education, health, holidays, parenting, and more. My favorite recent pieces of content by Michael are "Travel Close to Home and Still Travel a Great Distance" and "Memories of Sept. 11, 2002." I recommend, in addition to the above pieces anything he's written on politics or social justice. Read on to learn more about Michael Thompson and don't forget to check out his AC library afterward.

How Did You First Find Out About Associated Content?
Twas Google-researching during August 2007 and found an article by Shamontiel. The topic was the Jena Six, the story of discrimination directed toward African-American teenagers in Jena, Louisiana. Then started writing my own stuff, slowly but surely. I was (am) so stupid about computers, Shamontiel had to explain to me how to leave comments on other articles. However, I am not as stupid as I look.

Do You Freelance For a Living or Do Something Else As Well?
Am retired from The Saginaw (Michigan) News, after 32 years in local news reporting. Mainly covered local government and schools, nonprofit and neighborhood groups, the social services system, local politics, and racial relations. Thankfully, I didn't have to do the crime-and-violence stories very often. Won a few awards...

Click Here to read more.

If you're an AC Contributor who is either new, up and coming, or could use more attention click here to find out how to get interviewed. You must also have less than 1 million page views total on AC.

Meet AC Contributor Loraine Alkire

Associated Content Contributor Loraine Alkire recently allowed me to interview her. She joined AC in November of 2008 and has been consistently publishing since that December. Loraine writes poetry and articles about health, spiritual reflections, nature, beauty, travel, and more. Her topical experience is very diverse. My favorite two pieces by Loraine are Spring Cleaning Your Spirit and Eyes to See Through the Haze . Both of these speak to me about the strong and beautiful person that she is. Read on to find out more about Loraine Alkire.

How Did You First Find Out About Associated Content?
I found out about Associated Content through Freelancewritinggigs.com. I decided it would make a good portal for existing clientele and at the same time, (in time), allow me to earn some decent passive income. This overall has worked out well. I'm happy to say that I've met some wonderful people here right from the start, including Amy Brantley. As busy as she was she took the time to tell me about AC and its advantages.

Do You Freelance For a Living or Do Something Else As Well?
I freelance part-time at the moment. I'm hoping this will work into a career that will allow me to continue to increase revenues as I age.

I have Psoriatic Arthritis and some other problems related to the disease...

Click Here to read more.

If you're an AC Contributor who is either new, up and coming, or could use more attention click here to find out how to get interviewed. You must also have less than 1 million page views total on AC.

Meet AC Contributor Brandon Miller

Associated Content Contributor Brandon Miller recently agreed to an interview with me. He joined AC in August of 2009 and is rapidly excelling on the site. In his AC content library, you'll find topics such as online gaming, travel, parenting, education, business, and more. My personal favorite piece by Brandon is "How to Understand and Satisfy Your Customers on Restaurant City for Facebook." I chose this piece because because it touches both on his business side and gaming side and some of the tips could help an actual restaurant worker or owner, not just virtual ones. Read on to find out more about Brandon Miller and don't forget to check out his work after the interview.

How Did You First Find Out About Associated Content?
I just finished college and was looking for some place to do some freelance writing to earn some extra money. While searching online one day, I stumbled across an AC article. The rest is history.

Do You Freelance For a Living or Do Something Else As Well?
I currently work in sales for a print-on-demand marketing company. Freelance writing is just something I do on the side. It is something that I really enjoy so it doesn't seem like a second job.....

Click Here to read more.

If you're an AC Contributor who is either new, up and coming, or could use more attention click here to find out how to get interviewed. You must also have less than 500,000 page views total on AC.

 

Meet AC Contributor Vincent Summers

In a recent interview I did with Associated Content Contributor Vincent Summers, he tells us more about himself and the benefits of AC. Vincent writes on religion, health, food, nature, and more. He's been with AC since October of 2008. My favorite AC article of his is Danger! Major Surgery - No CPAP Allowed , which blends personal experience with research. It's very informative and interesting. Read on to find out more about Vincent Summers.

How Did You Come Across Associated Content?
It was actually accidental. I had lost my employment operating a sewer plant, and needed to earn some money. There was a bit on national news about eLance that my wife spotted. The idea of writing for an online organization appealed to me, however eLance did not. I did some web-searching and came up with a comment condemning Associated Content. Considering the complaint, it did not sound reasonable. I decided to take a chance with the concept of AC and am glad I did.

Is Freelancing Your Career or is There Another?
Though I have a strong working knowledge of the entire Bible and am not afraid to speak up concerning it, in many other aspects of life I feel less than capable. Freelancing requires persons with strong organizational and social skills. A freelance artist must be able to sell himself.

Without the support of some organization, or individual, I would not likely survive in the world of the freelance artist, no matter what writing abilities I may have. So this new online arrangement is perfect for me.

What Would You Like Readers to Know About You?
I just want you to know that, if nothing else, I am sincere, and wish each of you success in whatever good things you do. I will try to treat everyone with respect and when I disagree, I hope I will not prove disagreeable. I hope you will be sharing your expertise with me, and if I can help...

Click Here to read more of this interview.

If you're an AC Contributor who is either new, up and coming, or could use more attention click here to find out how to get interviewed. You must also have less than 500,000 page views total on AC.