After more than six months writing for Associated Content.com I think I finally understand how to write for AC. Normally I am a fast learner, but even I get in my own way sometimes.
Read what I have learned about the AC Learning Curve, and how you can use it to your advantage.
Do not Expect High Offers for Every Article
The trend I have noticed in my own offers, and from anecdotal information of other CPs is that the first couple of offers are high. Then there is a period of low to medium offers. Once you truly understand the basics of AC basics of AC and web writing, your offers will be consistently higher.
Don’t Second Guess Your Topic Choices
Write about whatever interests you. If there is already a glut of information on the topic, find a new angle. Approach the information in a way that nobody else has. Writing about what interests you will make your writing easier and go faster.
Get Specific
One of the most disappointing thing for readers is find an article with a great headline and an article with no substance. Give readers specifics, not generalizations. Let the readers of your articles click away with at least one piece of useful or interesting information that they will use or tell someone else.
Stop Overthinking Your Writing
As long as you implement solid grammar, spelling and writing skills, do not overthink each and every word and sentence. Let the words flow out on the page as you type. Review, revise and edit after, not during the writing process.
Write What You Know
I resisted this one at first, and wanted to use all of my “superior” research skills to put together information-dense articles. Guess what? The article I spent the most time researching made me $4.
Now I know to just sit down and write. If I weren’t using Google Docs, I would actually try to do my writing with my browser closed. The article that got me the most money was something I just sat down and wrote. In about 15 minutes. $15. On stretches to do at your desk. These are things I used to do, and still do. I used my exercise and yoga knowledge.
Re-vamp your Approach
Every few weeks, look back at your article queue and check which articles got you the most money. Examine why. Was it because the topic is rare? Did you use a lot of personal knowledge? Are there any offers thatsurprised you? Re-read the article and write more articles like it.
Use the Tools Available Online
If you are coasting through your articles and doing everything you should and still receiving low offers, you need to use textalyser to the point that you don’t need it anymore. Spend some time running articles through textalyser & revising articles to a 3-4 percent keyword density. Eventually, you won’t need textalyser anymore because you will have a sense of the right keyword density simply through experience.
Go With Your Gut
If there is something in your life or in the news that is on your mind, write an article about it.
These are just some of the things I have learned while writing for AC in the last six months. Hopefully they will help others.
