Andrew asks: " Is the reason you have been able to receive so many views because of the amount of articles you have published?"
Pam Gaulin responds:
My PV total can be attributed to a number of factors:
1) I have been publishing content at AC for three years. My AC-iversary is on Friday! Longevity matters. Other CPs who have been with AC since 2005 (one year before me) also have had great success. See R. S. Sipper, Kassidy Emmerson and Crystal Ray)
2) Topic selection. Writing about popular topics which people want to read also increases PVs.
3) Quantity or Frequency: There are a couple of writers here who have published the same number of articles as me as me but without as many pageviews. It's not just about quantity.
While having a lot of solid articles does help, publishing frequently will also improve upon how many times your articles are read. When you publish new ones, your old ones get read more often.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
AC ON ZDNet, and Evergreen Content
ZDNet posted an article with Patrick Keane, the CEO of Associated Content. While there are some factual errors regarding payment in the article, web writers and contributors to AC can learn an essential passive income lesson from this one paragraph about evergreen content:
"How-to stories. Advice. Narrow, unique articles based on accomplishing tasks. Like making clothes you might wear once a year. But every year you do it." - Tom Steinert-Threlkeld, AP, Meet AC. And, BTW, News is Not Really 'Monetizable,' on the Web, June 17th, 2009.
Breaking it down, this is a concise explanation of how to monetize evergreen content and grow your passive income.
How-tos
We all know How-to stories work. Demand Studios has an entire domain dedicated to the topic for a reason. As a Home Improvement Category Editor for AC I can explain to you the difference between a good How-to and a bad How-to.
A bad How-to does not deliver the goods. There are too many headlines promising an explanation of How-to do something that only go on to explain how important it is do the task at hand, and how to prepare for it. Too many of these articles never get to the point.
A good How-to is actionable. A reader should be able to print out the article and follow it in the order presented and at the end, the task should be completed.
Advice
Evergreen articles focusing on advice need to be written from either
1) personal experience
2) in-depth research
3) both
Advice articles which cover narrow topics fill more needs than more broad-based topics. For example, How to Pick a Wedding Dress is too general. White Wedding Dress Shopping for Your Skin Tone is more specific, and still universal.
Seasonal Content
Over the years I have tried to explain the importance of seasonal content. Take a walk through the magazine aisle at any local store and you will see the same topics as last year, but written for this year. As a web writer, you can earn passive income writing on these seasonal topics because every year people need the same information: pumpkin carvings, gardening tips, winterizing tips, storm clean-up, financial advice, back to school articles, summer recipes, craft articles, DIY home improvement articles, birthday party ideas......
The writer nailed it on the head when he wrote, "Like making clothes you might wear once a year. But every year you do it."
These annual topics, that I like to call seasonal, are the topics that will keep your passive income flowing and give you the freedom to pursue other activities and create new content for different venues.
Factual Errors
Disclaimer: As for the factual errors in the article. These are unofficial numbers based on my three years of experience at AC, not the official and outdated payment numbers AC uses.
1. Upfront payment is realistically between 50 cents and $13. Most contributors will earn an average of $4-6 and seasoned contributors will earn an average of $7-$8. A select few earn an average of $9-$10 per article.
2. The $50 have not existed for at least a year, if not more.
3. The only articles which pay $15-$25 are partner articles. In 2006, $10-$25 upfront payments were more common when AC was trying to build its library.
4. "Each thousand page views only generates $1.50 additional." That is only at the first level of Clout. Some contributors earn $2.00 per thousand.
In the article the author wrote, "So, if you got $25 upfront for that Halloween piece and you got 50,000 views, you’ll get $75 on top of that. Or, $100, all told. Maybe enough to buy one costume, instead of make it from scratch."
First, a Halloween article at AC is more likely to earn $4-$8 upfront, with the average being $6. While it may earn 20,000 views one year, it could earn 20,000 pageviews every year for five years or more. The final payment could add up to hundreds of dollars or more over time. That's for one article.
I have five Halloween articles which earned 25,000 pageviews each. That means I've been paid $50 for each one so far, plus $7 upfront. That's in three years. For me, this type of article is quick, easy and enjoyable. After six years I could potentially have earned $107 for each article, which took me less than half an hour to complete. That rivals any magazine print publication payment, as long as you are willing to earn your money over time. This is why evergreen content is a good investment of your time.
"How-to stories. Advice. Narrow, unique articles based on accomplishing tasks. Like making clothes you might wear once a year. But every year you do it." - Tom Steinert-Threlkeld, AP, Meet AC. And, BTW, News is Not Really 'Monetizable,' on the Web, June 17th, 2009.
Breaking it down, this is a concise explanation of how to monetize evergreen content and grow your passive income.
How-tos
We all know How-to stories work. Demand Studios has an entire domain dedicated to the topic for a reason. As a Home Improvement Category Editor for AC I can explain to you the difference between a good How-to and a bad How-to.
A bad How-to does not deliver the goods. There are too many headlines promising an explanation of How-to do something that only go on to explain how important it is do the task at hand, and how to prepare for it. Too many of these articles never get to the point.
A good How-to is actionable. A reader should be able to print out the article and follow it in the order presented and at the end, the task should be completed.
Advice
Evergreen articles focusing on advice need to be written from either
1) personal experience
2) in-depth research
3) both
Advice articles which cover narrow topics fill more needs than more broad-based topics. For example, How to Pick a Wedding Dress is too general. White Wedding Dress Shopping for Your Skin Tone is more specific, and still universal.
Seasonal Content
Over the years I have tried to explain the importance of seasonal content. Take a walk through the magazine aisle at any local store and you will see the same topics as last year, but written for this year. As a web writer, you can earn passive income writing on these seasonal topics because every year people need the same information: pumpkin carvings, gardening tips, winterizing tips, storm clean-up, financial advice, back to school articles, summer recipes, craft articles, DIY home improvement articles, birthday party ideas......
The writer nailed it on the head when he wrote, "Like making clothes you might wear once a year. But every year you do it."
These annual topics, that I like to call seasonal, are the topics that will keep your passive income flowing and give you the freedom to pursue other activities and create new content for different venues.
Factual Errors
Disclaimer: As for the factual errors in the article. These are unofficial numbers based on my three years of experience at AC, not the official and outdated payment numbers AC uses.
1. Upfront payment is realistically between 50 cents and $13. Most contributors will earn an average of $4-6 and seasoned contributors will earn an average of $7-$8. A select few earn an average of $9-$10 per article.
2. The $50 have not existed for at least a year, if not more.
3. The only articles which pay $15-$25 are partner articles. In 2006, $10-$25 upfront payments were more common when AC was trying to build its library.
4. "Each thousand page views only generates $1.50 additional." That is only at the first level of Clout. Some contributors earn $2.00 per thousand.
In the article the author wrote, "So, if you got $25 upfront for that Halloween piece and you got 50,000 views, you’ll get $75 on top of that. Or, $100, all told. Maybe enough to buy one costume, instead of make it from scratch."
First, a Halloween article at AC is more likely to earn $4-$8 upfront, with the average being $6. While it may earn 20,000 views one year, it could earn 20,000 pageviews every year for five years or more. The final payment could add up to hundreds of dollars or more over time. That's for one article.
I have five Halloween articles which earned 25,000 pageviews each. That means I've been paid $50 for each one so far, plus $7 upfront. That's in three years. For me, this type of article is quick, easy and enjoyable. After six years I could potentially have earned $107 for each article, which took me less than half an hour to complete. That rivals any magazine print publication payment, as long as you are willing to earn your money over time. This is why evergreen content is a good investment of your time.
Monday, June 15, 2009
June 2009 Writing Contest Topics
AC announced the June 2009 Writing contest topics. They are:
Automotive
Summer Travel Guides
Web Technology
For contest rules and details, read this.
Automotive
Summer Travel Guides
Web Technology
For contest rules and details, read this.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Google Trends and Upfront Payments
Dan asks: "Do you ever rely on tools like Google Hot Topics to find articles which will result in higher upfront payments?"
Pam Gaulin answers: "If you're referring to Google Trends, no, I do not rely on it to help generate higher upfront payments. When writing from Google Trends, you must either write in news format and submit through news (for standard news pay), or submit Display Only. Either way, the article must be submitted within hours of the keyword phrase appearing on the list.
The only way you can use GT to help with higher upfront payments is to check last year's GT for seasonal trends and search terms. Some keyword phrases will reappear each year, while others are one-timers."
Local Content and Upfront Payments
Zach asks: "Lately I've been trying to figure out how to increase my upfront payments and I read your article about writing local content. In your experience do you find the AC pays for those upfront a lot?"
Pam Gaulin responds: "Local content can garner you decent upfront payments, if it is evergreen. Local content about events (ex. holiday parades) should be submitted six to eight weeks in advance to receive any upfront payment. This can be tricky because some of these events are not finalized that early.
For some local events, it's better to publish Display Only, and forgo the upfront payment for the ability to edit and update the content as information becomes available. You can earn $50-$75 in a matter of days if you pick the right holiday events that are popular in your area.
Local content which covers three to five local businesses, places to go, restaurants will receive decent upfront payment. Follow seasonal trends: ex. Top 3 Places in Denver to Purchase Discount Patio Furniture, Top 5 Places for a Toddler's Birthday Party in Seattle, Top 10 Places to Visit for Free in Springfield.
Image by Lusi/Sxc.hu
Friday, May 8, 2009
Seasonal Relevancy and Getting Featured
My article about Summer Birthday Party Safety for Kids has been featured on the front page of AssociatedContent.com.
While working on the birthday party themes article, my mind went towards safety, as it often does. The result was this article.
The topic is relevant, seasonal and universal (save for those people who do not celebrate birthdays for religious reasons).
Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
May Writing Contest
Submit articles in these categories, for a chance to win $100. Winners are determined by nomination, and AC ultimately picks the winners based on quality.
There is nothing special you need to do to enter, beyond submitting and publishing.
May 2009 Best of AC Award Topics:
Computer & Video Games
Local Coverage*
Wedding Guides
*Local Coverage pertains to content about news, events, businesses, etc. in the areas you live and know well.
Good luck to everyone!
Not a member of AC? Sign up.
There is nothing special you need to do to enter, beyond submitting and publishing.
May 2009 Best of AC Award Topics:
Computer & Video Games
Local Coverage*
Wedding Guides
*Local Coverage pertains to content about news, events, businesses, etc. in the areas you live and know well.
Good luck to everyone!
Not a member of AC? Sign up.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Free March Writing Contest: $100 Prize, No Entry Fee
Submit and publish articles in these categories, for a chance to win $100. Winners are determined by nomination, and AC ultimately picks the winners based on quality.
February Winners have been announced! They each $100 for articles they already earn money on, through performance payments. How cool is that?
March 2009 Best of AC Award Topics:
Business & Finance
Gardening
Parenting
Good luck!
Not a member of AC? Sign up.
February Winners have been announced! They each $100 for articles they already earn money on, through performance payments. How cool is that?
March 2009 Best of AC Award Topics:
Business & Finance
Gardening
Parenting
Good luck!
Not a member of AC? Sign up.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Free February Writing Contest: Three $100 Prizes
Submit and publish articles in these categories, for a chance to win $100. Winners are determined by nomination, and AC ultimately picks the winners based on quality.
February 2009 Best of AC Award Topics:
Beauty
Black History
Romance & Relationships
Good luck!
Not a member of AC? Sign up.
February 2009 Best of AC Award Topics:
Beauty
Black History
Romance & Relationships
Good luck!
Not a member of AC? Sign up.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Congratulations! 2008 PMAs
Associated Content has announced the 2008 PMA winners. You can read the entire article here:
2008 PMA Winners Announced
Congratulations to CP of the Year 2008, Sabah Karimi. I am happy to turn over the title of CP of the Year to a talented and passionate writer who takes the time to help other writers.
Congratulations also to one of the most intriguing and often political writers at AC
Carol Bengle Gilbert, who won a PMA for her article, Obama Advocates Change at Leesburg, Virginia Rally.
Angie Mohr proved that good writing takes courage. Readers respond to courage and to pieces of writing that are often the most painful for a a writer to create.
She won a PMA for Ending an Abusive Marriage: Important Financial and Emotional Advice.
Oh, I won one, too for best performing content.
For the entire list of winners, read the announcement: 2008 PMA Winners Announced.
2008 PMA Winners Announced
Congratulations to CP of the Year 2008, Sabah Karimi. I am happy to turn over the title of CP of the Year to a talented and passionate writer who takes the time to help other writers.
Congratulations also to one of the most intriguing and often political writers at AC
Carol Bengle Gilbert, who won a PMA for her article, Obama Advocates Change at Leesburg, Virginia Rally.
Angie Mohr proved that good writing takes courage. Readers respond to courage and to pieces of writing that are often the most painful for a a writer to create.
She won a PMA for Ending an Abusive Marriage: Important Financial and Emotional Advice.
Oh, I won one, too for best performing content.
For the entire list of winners, read the announcement: 2008 PMA Winners Announced.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Firefox, Right Click and Spellcheck
I received a question this morning from a CP. I think the answer can benefit others.
Q: How do I "right click" on a Mac to activate spellcheck in Firefox?
A: One of the two Windows features I miss is the right click. The other is minimize all. Beyond that, I couldn't be happier with my Mac.
To access any menu you normally get when you right click in Windows, do this on a Mac:
Control (keyboard) + click (mouse)
When you are in an editable document and using Firefox, using Control + click, you can turn on the Check Spelling feature.
Personally, I prefer Camino Browser over any version of Firefox and Safari. Camino is clean, fast and looks so pretty without ads.
Q: How do I "right click" on a Mac to activate spellcheck in Firefox?
A: One of the two Windows features I miss is the right click. The other is minimize all. Beyond that, I couldn't be happier with my Mac.
To access any menu you normally get when you right click in Windows, do this on a Mac:
Control (keyboard) + click (mouse)
When you are in an editable document and using Firefox, using Control + click, you can turn on the Check Spelling feature.
Personally, I prefer Camino Browser over any version of Firefox and Safari. Camino is clean, fast and looks so pretty without ads.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Amy Brantley Blogs
Amy Brantley, a prolific writer from is now writing a blog. Amy Brantley is the woman you turn to when your bread won't rise, or you want to know how to make your favorite meal healthier. Visit Amy's blog here: Content for Foodies.
Her blog is also an example of how writers can promote their own content with a blog while earning ad revenue and growing an audience.
Try it.
Her blog is also an example of how writers can promote their own content with a blog while earning ad revenue and growing an audience.
Try it.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Fireworks! For My Neighbors
Since this was so popular last year, I made sure to compile a guide to New Year's Eve fireworks shows in New England for 2008-2009.
Don't miss out!
Where to See 2008-2009 New Year's Fireworks in New England
Don't miss out!
Where to See 2008-2009 New Year's Fireworks in New England
Monday, December 1, 2008
Best of December: New Contest Topics
One article, $100. It's that simple.
There are no entry fees, just sign up at AC and publish.
The December Contest topics are:
Technology Reviews
Winter Travel Guides
Religion & Spirituality
For rules and specifics, read this.
There are no entry fees, just sign up at AC and publish.
The December Contest topics are:
Technology Reviews
Winter Travel Guides
Religion & Spirituality
For rules and specifics, read this.
AC PMA's: Your Nominations, Please
It's that time of year again. It's time to reward the top writers and content at Associated Content. For more information about the awards, read the official article here:
Announcement: The 2008 People's Media Awards
This year's awards are as follows:
Content Producer of the Year, 1 prize of $2000
Articles of the Year: 3 prizes of $500
News CP of the Year; 1 prize of $500
This is the biggest addition to the PMAs. This will also be a tough category since there are many talented news writers at AC.
Videographer of the Year: 1 prize of $500
Audicaster of the Year, 1 prize of $500
Top Performing Content: 3 prizes of $100 each
Good luck!
Make your nominations here.
Not a member of AC? Sign up.
Announcement: The 2008 People's Media Awards
This year's awards are as follows:
Content Producer of the Year, 1 prize of $2000
Articles of the Year: 3 prizes of $500
News CP of the Year; 1 prize of $500
This is the biggest addition to the PMAs. This will also be a tough category since there are many talented news writers at AC.
Videographer of the Year: 1 prize of $500
Audicaster of the Year, 1 prize of $500
Top Performing Content: 3 prizes of $100 each
Good luck!
Make your nominations here.
Not a member of AC? Sign up.
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