Chance to succeed as a writer on the Warrior Forum?

[Ben Bergmann]

Hi guys,

I've mostly worked as a freelance designer in the past, but my real passion is writing. I've seen a few posts on here lately asking for recommendations for article writers, and it made me wonder if there is actually a high demand for writers on the Warrior Forum.

I have already thought about transforming my passion into a job; making a full-time income as an article/content writer. Do you think that is actually possible, especially when some writers charge ridiculously low prices? I live in the UK and I can't compete with writers who charge $3 for a 500 word article; especially not with proper research, and that is one of the key elements of a good article in my opinion.

Do you think there is still a market for well-researched and well-written articles?

Thank you
Ben

PS: I've attached two sample articles that I've recently written.

[Harry Behrens]

Originally Posted by Ben Bergmann

I have already thought about transforming my passion into a job; making a full-time income as an article/content writer. Do you think that is actually possible, especially when some writers charge ridiculously low prices? I live in the UK and I can't compete with writers who charge $3 for a 500 word article; especially not with proper research, and that is one of the key elements of a good article in my opinion.

Do you think there is still a market for well-researched and well-written articles?

Hey Ben, I don't know if you already have, but if you haven't then take a look over here: Warrior article writers and service providers READ THIS

That gives a nice overview of the state the article-writing branch of IM is in. Personally, I'd say hell yeah you can do well at it IF you make sure to manage your work load and deliver everything on time and keep your clients happy.

Also, again I don't know if you already know about her or not, but get in touch with Jenn Dize and her coaching, I've taken a look at some of it and from what you mention (about not wanting to charge ridiculous low prices for your work) it's likely just what you need to get you confident and started.

[scattermouse]

There's definitely a market for decent writers.

Most people go with the lowballing for a while, until they realise that they get what they pay for.

Warriors are a pretty savvy bunch, I think most of them understand that a ridiculous price means a ridiculous article.

I read your samples, and they're good. There's no reason you can't charge $10 and up for a 500 word article.

One last thing - I agree wholeheartedly with the advice above. Find someone who's right for you, and get on a mentoring programme. It doesn't have to be Jenn Dize, although from what I understand she's very good.

[Ben Bergmann]

Originally Posted by hmbehrens

Hey Ben, I don't know if you already have, but if you haven't then take a look over here: Warrior article writers and service providers READ THIS

That gives a nice overview of the state the article-writing branch of IM is in. Personally, I'd say hell yeah you can do well at it IF you make sure to manage your work load and deliver everything on time and keep your clients happy.

Also, again I don't know if you already know about her or not, but get in touch with Jenn Dize and her coaching, I've taken a look at some of it and from what you mention (about not wanting to charge ridiculous low prices for your work) it's likely just what you need to get you confident and started.

Hi Harry,

Thank you for your encouraging words

I've been following that thread and couldn't agree more. It's not only about providing top-notch content, but also about excellent customer service and delivering on time.

I've heard of Jenn Dize's coaching and I'll definitely have a look at it. I think the hard part is just finding your first few clients.

Thanks again
Ben

[Ben Bergmann]

Originally Posted by scattermouse

There's definitely a market for decent writers.

Most people go with the lowballing for a while, until they realise that they get what they pay for.

Warriors are a pretty savvy bunch, I think most of them understand that a ridiculous price means a ridiculous article.

I read your samples, and they're good. There's no reason you can't charge $10 and up for a 500 word article.

One last thing - I agree wholeheartedly with the advice above. Find someone who's right for you, and get on a mentoring programme. It doesn't have to be Jenn Dize, although from what I understand she's very good.

Thank you very much

Can you recommend any mentoring programmes? Not that I think Jenn Dize's programme isn't good - I'm sure it is - I'd just like to find out about other ones as well.

Thanks again
Ben

[Karen Newton]

Hi Ben,
I've read your sample articles and really connect with your writing style. I've written and sold PLR on the Warrior forum before and wanted to pass along a few tips to get you started.

There are some serious marketers in the WF, and you just have to get them to SEE what you can produce. An easy (and common) way to do that is to post a Warrior special offer at a competitive (yes, often low) price for article writing. Sure it likely ends up being way lower than you value your time but don't view it as a money making opportunity. View it as a way to gain REPEAT customers. This is not to say that you have to continue pricing your work at low rates. Establish your clientele, establish your credibility, and you will be well on your way to commanding a dollar figure that is worthy of both your time and skill. One of the things you want to try and accumulate are glowing testimonials.

I've seen different approaches from those who are new to offering their writing skills (but not necessarily new to writing at all). Some will offer unique custom articles at a low price around $4-5 for a 400-500 word article. If your offer is extremely competitive (or even, if not) you may want to limit the number of orders you take. I've also seen some newcomers launch a special where they offer 1 free article to a limited number of people (such as 10, or 20 - whatever your comfortable with).

It's not just your writing style and approach that are important though. Professionalism has a lot to do with it. Timeliness, ability to communicate, and availability are all important.

I know several serious marketers who, once they find a terrific writer (and terrific person in general to work with), go to great lengths to keep them. Many people will tell you once you establish yourself and make a presence, you can (and should) start to raise your prices. Then, depending on what you want to do, you can start to branch out into ebooks, short reports, technical reviews and so forth.

The other thing I suggest is no matter if you enter the market offering low prices - know what YOUR time is worth to you from the beginning. Always have a clear picture in your head of what an hour/day/etc of your time is worth. Figure out how many hours per day you will put towards your business, and have a good understanding of the amount of work you take on. Estimating your time and deadlines is key to not overloading yourself and dissapointing customers.

I look forward to seeing an offer by you and after reading your samples would definitely hire you for my next writing project.

Good luck,
Karen

[Karen Newton]

I really have to disagree here. I definitely do NOT think that a lower priced writing service equates to ridiculous writing. If you model your sales copy properly (for eg., on a WSO) to paint the picture that your competitive (I wouldn't use the word 'low') pricing is being offered for a very limited time in order to build up a customer base and establish credibility, most savvy people will be very familiar with this approach to enter the market. At the same time, providing multiple writing samples will be proof enough of his writing capabilities so that no matter how low initial pricing is, most savvy marketers will be smart enough to pick up on his offer.

With that said, I do agree that based from the two samples provided, Ben could command a price of $10 or more. Will he get enough exposure to those seeking his services if he jumps in at that mid-premium pricing? Perhaps, hard to say.

Ben the point is, starting out with a WSO (special offer) is a common way to gain customers - there is a reason why the WSO forum is so busy. Whether you decide to jump in at competitive initial prices or position yourself at a more worthy level, the only way to find out what kind of response you'll get is to take action. Regardless of which route you take, try to get some honest and meaningful testimonials.

Another method is to offer to write a free article to a limited number of people but post it in the Main Discussion forum (pardon me if that's frowned upon but I've seen it before, I don't think it is). Mention in your post that you are looking for feedback to build up your new business. All that you ask in return for one free article is some feedback on what your customers thought.

Regardless, there are several ways to skin a cat. If you have enough sample writing to provide, and can get in front of some serious marketers, you can certainly enter the market at a higher price range.

Karen

Originally Posted by scattermouse

There's definitely a market for decent writers.

Most people go with the lowballing for a while, until they realise that they get what they pay for.

Warriors are a pretty savvy bunch, I think most of them understand that a ridiculous price means a ridiculous article.

I read your samples, and they're good. There's no reason you can't charge $10 and up for a 500 word article.

One last thing - I agree wholeheartedly with the advice above. Find someone who's right for you, and get on a mentoring programme. It doesn't have to be Jenn Dize, although from what I understand she's very good.

[Alexa Smith]

Originally Posted by Ben Bergmann

Do you think there is still a market for well-researched and well-written articles?

I think there is, and I think a comparatively small number of people do manage to make a decent living this way. But it's not an easy thing to do, and you have to wonder whether the time and effort might more productively be spent in other ways in which you don't continually have to try to "re-educate the clients"! This will depend on the extent to which it's something you want to do, though.

I do very little article-writing and writing online at all, because I'm just not willing to work for less than about $45 per hour, and it's difficult to find people online who are willing to pay that in these days of increased competition and ridiculously low prices. I have a couple of regularly re-ordering clients, and no problem finding writing/editing work offline, though.

Good luck if you try it!

[Ben Bergmann]

Originally Posted by Karen Newton

I really have to disagree here. I definitely do NOT think that a lower priced writing service equates to ridiculous writing. If you model your sales copy properly (for eg., on a WSO) to paint the picture that your competitive (I wouldn't use the word 'low') pricing is being offered for a very limited time in order to build up a customer base and establish credibility, most savvy people will be very familiar with this approach to enter the market. At the same time, providing multiple writing samples will be proof enough of his writing capabilities so that no matter how low initial pricing is, most savvy marketers will be smart enough to pick up on his offer.

With that said, I do agree that based from the two samples provided, Ben could command a price of $10 or more. Will he get enough exposure to those seeking his services if he jumps in at that mid-premium pricing? Perhaps, hard to say.

Ben the point is, starting out with a WSO (special offer) is a common way to gain customers - there is a reason why the WSO forum is so busy. Whether you decide to jump in at competitive initial prices or position yourself at a more worthy level, the only way to find out what kind of response you'll get is to take action. Regardless of which route you take, try to get some honest and meaningful testimonials.

Another method is to offer to write a free article to a limited number of people but post it in the Main Discussion forum (pardon me if that's frowned upon but I've seen it before, I don't think it is). Mention in your post that you are looking for feedback to build up your new business. All that you ask in return for one free article is some feedback on what your customers thought.

Regardless, there are several ways to skin a cat. If you have enough sample writing to provide, and can get in front of some serious marketers, you can certainly enter the market at a higher price range.

Karen

Wow is all I can say. Thank you so much for these two posts Karen. They are truly fantastic and filled with exactly the information I was looking for

Thanks again
Ben

[Ben Bergmann]

Originally Posted by alexa_s

I think there is, and I think a comparatively small number of people do manage to make a decent living this way. But it's not an easy thing to do, and you have to wonder whether the time and effort might more productively be spent in other ways in which you don't continually have to try to "re-educate the clients"! This will depend on the extent to which it's something you want to do, though.

I do very little article-writing and writing online at all, because I'm just not willing to work for less than about $45 per hour, and it's difficult to find people online who are willing to pay that in these days of increased competition and ridiculously low prices. I have a couple of regularly re-ordering clients, and no problem finding writing/editing work offline, though.

Good luck if you try it!

Thank you very much Alexa I definitely see where you are coming from, and I admire that you don't undersell yourself, but I think not many people are confident enough to charge what their time is really worth.

Thanks
Ben

[AndyBlackSEO]

I thyink it's just a case of getting your foot in the door with a few good, loyal customers who would be willing to pay the price that you ask for. Once you have a decent customer base who pass you work regularly, you'll be well on your way.

[JAIDEEP2959]

Have you written articles for submission to Ezinearticles.com.

If your articles are acceptable to Ezinearticles.com, there is lot of demand here.

[Ben Bergmann]

Originally Posted by AndyBlackSEO

I thyink it's just a case of getting your foot in the door with a few good, loyal customers who would be willing to pay the price that you ask for. Once you have a decent customer base who pass you work regularly, you'll be well on your way.

Hi Andy,

That is exactly what I am planning to do now, thanks to all the great advice in this thread.

Thanks
Ben

[Ben Bergmann]

Originally Posted by JAIDEEP2959

Have you written articles for submission to Ezinearticles.com.

If your articles are acceptable to Ezinearticles.com, there is lot of demand here.

Yes, I have.

Thanks
Ben

[scattermouse]

I think you misunderstood me here. My points about low prices were in direct response to the OP's concerns about competing with people who charge $3 per 500 word article.

There is definitely a good reason to drop prices initially when coming into a new area, to get some good feedback and generally build your reputation. Then you are able to charge what you are worth.

Originally Posted by Karen Newton

I really have to disagree here. I definitely do NOT think that a lower priced writing service equates to ridiculous writing. If you model your sales copy properly (for eg., on a WSO) to paint the picture that your competitive (I wouldn't use the word 'low') pricing is being offered for a very limited time in order to build up a customer base and establish credibility, most savvy people will be very familiar with this approach to enter the market. At the same time, providing multiple writing samples will be proof enough of his writing capabilities so that no matter how low initial pricing is, most savvy marketers will be smart enough to pick up on his offer.

Karen

[scattermouse]

Originally Posted by Ben Bergmann

Thank you very much

Can you recommend any mentoring programmes? Not that I think Jenn Dize's programme isn't good - I'm sure it is - I'd just like to find out about other ones as well.

Thanks again
Ben

Bev Clement is currently offering writing coach services, I think. Might be wrong about that one, though.

Barry Walls definitely is, and I think he's very good.

At the end of the day, it's about finding who's best for you. I'd advise looking these people's posts here on the forum, and finding someone who would suit you.

[Bev Clement]

Ben, there are a lot of opportunities for writers and not just writing for peanuts. In the last 6 months, our rates have doubled, and we get paid from $0.16 per word, many times up to $0.30 per word.

There is far more involved in running a successful online writing business thank writing articles.

I have helped many people to get started online with their writing business, feel free to ask any specific questions you might have.

[Karen Newton]

Originally Posted by scattermouse

I think you misunderstood me here. My points about low prices were in direct response to the OP's concerns about competing with people who charge $3 per 500 word article.

There is definitely a good reason to drop prices initially when coming into a new area, to get some good feedback and generally build your reputation. Then you are able to charge what you are worth.

No problem, I can agree with that

Originally Posted by Bev Clement

Ben, there are a lot of opportunities for writers and not just writing for peanuts. In the last 6 months, our rates have doubled, and we get paid from $0.16 per word, many times up to $0.30 per word.

There is far more involved in running a successful online writing business thank writing articles.

I have many people to get started online with their writing business, feel free to ask any specific questions you might have.

If you are able to get coaching with Bev I highly recommend her, she has been a long time Warrior and definitely knows her stuff!

Karen

[Bev Clement]

Thanks Karen, I have been considering opening up my coaching program again, maybe this was the kick in the butt to get me to do it.

[Ben Bergmann]

Originally Posted by scattermouse

Bev Clement is currently offering writing coach services, I think. Might be wrong about that one, though.

Barry Walls definitely is, and I think he's very good.

At the end of the day, it's about finding who's best for you. I'd advise looking these people's posts here on the forum, and finding someone who would suit you.

Thank you very much. I will have a look

Ben

[Ben Bergmann]

Originally Posted by Bev Clement

Ben, there are a lot of opportunities for writers and not just writing for peanuts. In the last 6 months, our rates have doubled, and we get paid from $0.16 per word, many times up to $0.30 per word.

There is far more involved in running a successful online writing business thank writing articles.

I have many people to get started online with their writing business, feel free to ask any specific questions you might have.

Thank you very much Bev It is good to know that there are still lots of opportunities for new writers that are willing to put in the quality and work that is needed.

Thanks again
Ben

[Ben Bergmann]

Originally Posted by Karen Newton

No problem, I can agree with that



If you are able to get coaching with Bev I highly recommend her, she has been a long time Warrior and definitely knows her stuff!

Karen

I'd love to get coaching with Bev. I've followed her posts on the forum for a long time, but I don't think I could afford her

Thanks
Ben

[Karen Newton]

Ben don't assume you can't afford her, wait and find out what her offer (if she does re-offer) will be!

Bev - if I weren't involved in a bazillion things I think I would definitely jump on your coaching offer. Problem is, I'm a wanderer and I have way too much on my plate as it is, with a full time job and almost 3 year old toddler. The thing is, I love to write and have made some money from it in the past (ghostwriting and PLR), but I never stuck to it. Temptations of a more passive income (ie, niche marketing etc) have pulled me away over time, and my love for coding. Which isn't a bad thing though! Sorry for the rambling

Karen

[cypherslock]

Another Warrior who has a great coaching program (which I'm currently in) is Jenn Dize. I can tell you just going for it works. I realized that I was getting repeat orders and so, found Jenn on here and looked at her site. Set mine up similar to hers. The next day I had my first client (Angela Edward) for a multiple order. I figured if I could do that, imagine what could happen after the course. And she has a free ebook you can download to get $10 off the price. Even without that it is affordable at $47 ONCE. It has tutorial movies, examples, checklists, mind maps and its all downloadable. And she is fast at responding to questions. If you do a search for threads started by her you will come across a WSO where you can get the free book. The site for the course is http://powerghostwriting.com.

[Ben Bergmann]

Thanks Karen, I will

Originally Posted by Karen Newton

Ben don't assume you can't afford her, wait and find out what her offer (if she does re-offer) will be!

Bev - if I weren't involved in a bazillion things I think I would definitely jump on your coaching offer. Problem is, I'm a wanderer and I have way too much on my plate as it is, with a full time job and almost 3 year old toddler. The thing is, I love to write and have made some money from it in the past (ghostwriting and PLR), but I never stuck to it. Temptations of a more passive income (ie, niche marketing etc) have pulled me away over time, and my love for coding. Which isn't a bad thing though! Sorry for the rambling

Karen

Originally Posted by cypherslock

Another Warrior who has a great coaching program (which I'm currently in) is Jenn Dize. I can tell you just going for it works. I realized that I was getting repeat orders and so, found Jenn on here and looked at her site. Set mine up similar to hers. The next day I had my first client (Angela Edward) for a multiple order. I figured if I could do that, imagine what could happen after the course. And she has a free ebook you can download to get $10 off the price. Even without that it is affordable at $47 ONCE. It has tutorial movies, examples, checklists, mind maps and its all downloadable. And she is fast at responding to questions. If you do a search for threads started by her you will come across a WSO where you can get the free book. The site for the course is http://powerghostwriting.com.

Thank you, I will look into that

Ben

[tranquility]

Oh, I love it when these types of threads appear - Ben, you and I have the exact same idea! I just finished school for the summer and I'm getting ready to put my offer out there.

I do think there's enough demand for good writers to make a decent living ... in fact I'm banking on it.

I'm involved with Jenn Dize's coaching program and would love to join one of Bev's too (hint, hint!).

Best of luck to you, Ben ... I'll probably be seeing you around.

Debbie

[Ben Bergmann]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Oh, I love it when these types of threads appear - Ben, you and I have the exact same idea! I just finished school for the summer and I'm getting ready to put my offer out there.

I do think there's enough demand for good writers to make a decent living ... in fact I'm banking on it.

I'm involved with Jenn Dize's coaching program and would love to join one of Bev's too (hint, hint!).

Best of luck to you, Ben ... I'll probably be seeing you around.

Debbie

Thank you Debbie That sounds very good.

Ben

[Lindsay Brynn]

Good luck with launching your business. I agree that it is definitely possible. I decided to start up with writing a couple months ago, not so much for the huge profits but because I love writing. It is tough in the beginning, I did have many people tell me my prices were too high. You just have to keep trying because there are people out there that are willing to pay a good writer. I also recommend Jenn Dize's program. I thought I already knew a lot going into it but Jenn's program turned out to be more than worth it. I learned a great deal.

[Loren Woirhaye]

You need to work on your writing. That shouldn't stop you from
selling work, though.

Get Stephen King's book "On Writing".

[Ben Bergmann]

Thank you very much Lin

Originally Posted by linm

Good luck with launching your business. I agree that it is definitely possible. I decided to start up with writing a couple months ago, not so much for the huge profits but because I love writing. It is tough in the beginning, I did have many people tell me my prices were too high. You just have to keep trying because there are people out there that are willing to pay a good writer. I also recommend Jenn Dize's program. I thought I already knew a lot going into it but Jenn's program turned out to be more than worth it. I learned a great deal.

Thanks Loren, I will get that book

Originally Posted by Loren Woirhaye

You need to work on your writing. That shouldn't stop you from
selling work, though.

Get Stephen King's book "On Writing".

Ben

[Tyrus Antas]

Why write for others when you can write for yourself? Create your own products. It's easier that way.

Tyrus

[Lindsay Brynn]

Originally Posted by Tyrus Antas

Why write for others when you can write for yourself? Create your own products. It's easier that way.

Tyrus

Tyrus is right. Writing for yourself will prove to be more profitable in the long run because you could continue to make money off of the same piece of writing. However writing for others does have its benefits too! I prefer doing a combination of the two.

[Ben Bergmann]

Thank you everyone

I've just followed Karen's advice and offered free articles for some warriors.

Free Custom Articles For The First TEN Warriors

Thanks again,
Ben