How to Transition to Online Writing from Print

Online writing is a whole different beast than the print world. Some find it rewarding, while others find it lackluster and boring. You can make a great income as a web content writer, you just need to know the ins and outs of the business. This article is designed to help the traditional print writer make the transition into the world of online writing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Word processing application

1. Add your resume to a computer word processing document. If you have only a hard copy of your resume, online writing jobs require email and website submissions. Virtual documents are the only way to go. Some of the best programs are AbiWord, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Works.

2. Pick a keyword, any keyword. This is your practice article, so profitability doesn't really matter. This word or phrase will appear in your article several times. Once in each paragraph, the first sentence, and title. Online writing centers around keyword usage. You must master this skill.

3. Create a no frills, right to the point title for your article. In online writing, it is more about getting to the point than creativity. Your keyword or phrase must appear to make your online writing search engine optimized.

4. Write an intro paragraph, about 4 body paragraphs, and a closing paragraph for your online writing practice article. The paragraphs should be brief, about 5-7 sentences. Web readers have no patience or attention span.

5. Get used to the idea of making substantially less money using online writing as your income source instead of print. The benefit, however, is that you get paid much quicker, sometimes within days. Web writing does pay well, don't get me wrong, you'd just make more money doing print work.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find it troublesome repeating keywords, look through your article and replace pronouns with the keyword phrase.

[writermommy6]

on 11/12/2008 Very useful. I found it rather difficult transitioning from print to online. I'm still getting the hang of it.

[jdarling86]

on 11/6/2008 Very useful. Nice article.