Online Freelance Writing Terms for Beginners

When I first started out as an online freelance writer, it took me a while to understand all of the lingo and slang used in this profession. So, to help some of the newbies out, I decided to write an article on online writing terms. I've posted a portion of this article below. The entire article can be seen here.

Google Adwords - Google Adwords is an advertising program run by Google. Online writers use Google Adwords to research keywords. When those keywords are used in an article, they help to generate ads on writing websites and article pages. The ads, when clicked, generate income for the writer and the writing site. This is how most online writing sites make money.

SEO - SEO refers to search engine optimization. An online freelance writer uses SEO keywords and phrases to make an article easier to find by search engines. These keywords are commonly typed into search engines to find articles and web sites. A writer can find keywords using the Google Adwords Keyword Tool. By typing a few keywords or phrases into the keyword tool, a list of related keywords will be generated. For example, a writer who types "cocktails" into the keyword tool might generate related keywords like "fruity cocktails" or "cosmopolitan cocktails". By using a variety of these keywords, a writer can make it easier for search engines to find an article. When articles are easily found by search engines, more people read the article and the writer makes more money.

PV's - PV's is an abbreviation of page views. It refers to the number of views that an article, or a collection of articles, receives in a given time. Writers strive for high PV's but it is only one piece of the puzzle when writing to make money online. Writers must also pay attention to CPC.

CPC - CPC refers to cost per click. When looking up keywords on the Google Keyword Tool, writers can choose to view the average estimated CPC for each keyword. The CPC is the estimated amount of money that an ad will generate when someone clicks  . . . read more

The Perks of Associated Content

Associated Content was one of those residual writing sites where I signed up, wrote a couple of articles and then forgot about it. I had been focusing so much of my time on eHow and Suite101, that I neglected Associated Content for a good four months. Recently though, I had some time to explore the site and learn about the perks of writing for AC.

One of the first things I noticed when I started with AC, was the fact that the PPM was relatively low, starting at only $1.50 with a possible maximum of $2.00 over time. This fact initially put me off of AC, but then I started to think about it as a plus and this is why: As opposed to many sites that focus on page views and cost per click, AC writers need only to worry about page views. This means that writers can make more money writing about high page view but low CPC topics than they could on other sites. This allows more freedom of writing topics.

The other great thing about the static PPM amount is that it won't go down. It is a clear and predictable number that writers can count on. This allows writers to have a good idea of how much money they will make each month and it is a transparent payment system that helps prevent fraud.

Another perk offered by Associated Content is the fact that they offer a number of ways to present information. People can submit content in written form or as an audio or video clip. Even though I'm not too interested in making videos, others may find videos more appealing.

Associated Content also offers assignments that provide upfront pay as well as residuals. Though these assignments seem to be few and far between, they do exist. This allows writers to make even more money from the site.

Finally, I also enjoy the fact that Associated Content does not require members to publish a quota of articles per month. This provides me with the flexibility to leave the site for a while and come back to write when I have more time. I will still be earning residuals on my writing during that entire time.

Overall, I'm convinced that AC is a great writing site and will be a great asset in my attempt to pay my mortgage via residual income. Though their initial pay is lower than most, I think their perks make them well worth the writing effort.

What are your feelings about AC? I'd love to hear about others' experiences.