I hear many writers refute the idea of writing free content. While I agree,
in the simplest terms, it is "something for nothing", the benefits of free
content actually outweigh the down-side of writing for free. Is it really
for nothing?
--- The Battle for Content ---
The competition for content is fierce. Every Web site owner wants content
and hundreds of writers want their content visible on the Web. There are so
many free Web sites that you can literally advertise your goods, services,
and knowledge globally for years without spending a penny.
Of course, there is a cost involved in writing free content---time.
However, the cost in time units is only a fraction of the money that would
otherwise be spent in getting the kind of coverage available by supporting
content sites with free articles.
--- What about my income producing articles? ---
The idea is not to spend all day writing free content. Generally, once
you've completed your articles for paying markets, take an idea and generate
one free content article. I usually select a topic about which I can
generate an article in a few hours. Don't spend more than two hours on the
article over an entire day---use it as a gap-filler.
The point is to be able to generate a short article that provides a general
overview of your knowledge or work---don't dive too deep. If someone likes
your work or idea, let them come to you and pay you for a more, in-depth
version. Call it "testing the waters."
--- Exercise Your Brain ---
One of the benefits I've found to writing free content is in exercising my
brain. I get a chance to generate a short article about something I know
without the added pressure of acceptance and deadlines. This is where you
get to write for the fun of it and be able to produce industry contacts and
resume fodder.
--- Resume Fodder ---
Yes, resume fodder. If some popular site picks up your article, you can use
it on your resume. Make sure that you write something that pertains to your
areas of expertise. If you post something like "101 Fun Things You Can Do
With Toilet Paper" and it's picked up by an unknown MLM site, I'd think
twice about adding it to your resume.
Many major sites are monitored and rated by some of the larger corporations
and industry experts. If you article catches their eye, you could end up
with a client that you would have otherwise never had the chance to work
for. The wider the audience, the more additional work you can acquire!
--- Writing a Free Content Article ---
Writing a free content article is simple and follows a similar professional
approach as an article for a standard, paying market. A few pointers are:
* Be Concise
Keep it under 1,500 words. Some professional organizations might pickup
your article for a paying market and they usually only accept between 500
and 2,000 words. Also, if you can write an in-depth topic in fewer than
1,500 words, that usually demonstrates that you have a handle on the topic.
* Be Real
Take free content articles seriously. Be professional and write about
something you know professionally. Stay away from the MLM articles and
avoid meaningless writing.
* Be Honest
I've seen some authors use the same free content from other writers and just
modify it a little to suit their needs. Do you own work!
* Your Byline
Make sure that you byline provides enough information to identify yourself
and provide contact information. This byline is your business card!
--- Here, steal my work! ---
As I've said, I sometimes see that same article used by numerous writers.
Sometimes, unethical people steal other's work so that they can look good in
the public eye. Take it as a compliment, but protect yourself.
Protecting free content is no different than protecting paying market
content. One place to go is MediaRegister (http://www.mediaregister.com).
They will register your work online for a minimal fee. This way you can
distribute your work and protected it from the little thieves of the
Internet.
--- What next? ---
Free content articles can provide you with enormous amount of exposure on
the Web. In some cases, you can obtain exposure that you would have
otherwise missed!
Edward B. Toupin is a freelance consultant, writer, and published author
living in Las Vegas with his singer/actress wife. He currently handles
technical writing tasks for various companies in New York, Chicago, and
Denver as well as imagineers and markets feature-length screenplays.
