[tweetherder]LinkedIn has 200 million members and 1 million groups, and is an ideal B2B networking tool.[/tweetherder] This means that, as a professional network, it is invaluable for any freelance writer. In this episode of the podcast, Lorrie and I discuss the crucial dos and don'ts for winning at LinkedIn social networking, including looking at: how much self-promotion is appropriate how to take advantage of LinkedIn groups, and which subjects, job descriptions and profile photos should never, ever see the light of day on the site. [tweetherder]LinkedIn generates more leads for B2B companies than Facebook, Twitter or blogs, so ignore it at your peril![/tweetherder] Listen to this episode, and do be sure to let us know what you think! Show Notes The overpayment scam that targets proofreaders 5 Common Synopsis Mistakes…
I don't know about you, but I find myself doing more and more work on my mobile phone when I'm out and about. Thankfully, there are plenty of apps designed to improve productivity, aid organisation and help you to take notes and produce work on the go. In this solo episode, I discuss the top apps for Android-using freelance writers, and most of them are available on iOS too! Show Notes CamScanner Google Drive Mobile Apps Google Calendar for Mobile eduPort Voice Recorder by Mamoru Tokashiki Mindjet Maps Feedly Mobile Apps Mobile Dropbox Worldometers There are several ways to make sure that you don't miss out on A Little Bird Told Me. Subscribe via RSS Subscribe via iTunes Find us on Stitcher Smart Radio And finally, please 'like' us on Facebook to be…
In episode 48 a couple of weeks ago, Lorrie and I began a two-part episode all about how freelancers can save money within their business, and hunt out and eliminate expensive, wasteful habits and patterns. In episode 50 (woohoo!) we carry on on that theme, with plenty more tips and tricks up our sleeves to share. Show Notes Philippa's work bookshelf The Handbook of Non-sexist Writing for Writers, Editors and Speakers by Casey Miller and Kate Swift Directgov business information Citizens' Advice Bureau Skype Episode 23: How to Decide What to Charge for your Freelance Writing Services 7 Online Filters And Site Blockers For Fighting Distractions Online Don't sweat the small stuff Episode 46: How to deal with criticism and negative feedback Worktimer Desktop There are several ways to make sure that…
Many new freelance writers are surprised by the amount of marketing that they need to do. Because these activities need to be pursued relentlessly it is easy to run out of ideas and feel uninspired. In this solo episode, Lorrie looks at some [tweetherder]creative and unusual marketing approaches that freelance writers can adopt[/tweetherder]. Show Notes Roses are red pub sign Amnesty hanging people flyers ESPN Brasil interactive advert Rock FM air guitars Accountancy terms glossary There are several ways to make sure that you don't miss out on A Little Bird Told Me. Subscribe via RSS Subscribe via iTunes Find us on Stitcher Smart Radio And finally, please 'like' us on Facebook to be the first to hear our news and to talk with us about what you hear on the podcast! Transcript…
It's not unusual for a freelance writing business to go through a dry patch. Finding work is difficult, regular clients go quiet, and you are left short of cash. In this podcast episode, we talk about [tweetherder]how to avoid wasting money when you are a self-employed writer[/tweetherder], and look at ways to save some cash. Show Notes Google Drive Open Office Open University OpenLearn Alison.com YouTube Suite101 WikiHow Quora Credit Unions MoneySavingExpert TopCashback Google Calendar Checker Plus for Google Calendar (Chrome Extension) Facebook Events on Google Calendar (Chrome Extension) Send to Calendar (Chrome Extension) Save your local library The Handbook of Non-Sexist Writing by Casey Miller and Kate Swift (UK) / (USA) Philippa's work bookshelf There are several ways to make sure that you don't miss out on A Little…
There is a lot of conflicting advice around about whether or not freelance writers should have their own blog. If they do, what should they blog about? Is it simply a way to show off your writing skills or can it have any further benefits? And should you write every day, every week, or just whenever you feel like it? In this podcast episode I look at these issues, and more, along with some practical advice on how to go about blogging in order to have the most success. Show Notes 10 reasons every freelance writer should have a blog - Michelle Rafter Episode 7: Freelance writing - to specialise or not to specialise? Do freelancers have to blog to get clients? - Carol Tice 5 ways writers kill their credibility online There…
It happens to the best of us at some stage: a piece of work we send to a client is met with criticism. Whether it is your fault or the result of a misunderstanding, or whether we strongly believe the editor or client is wrong, this is a tricky situation to negotiate. In this podcast episode, Lorrie and I go through different scenarios that can arise, with tips and advice on how to deal with them to maintain your good reputation while not alienating your clients or editors. We also look at clients who are bullies, admitting your mistakes, whether the job title "freelance writer" has a limited shelf life and languages made up of whistles. Show Notes Episode 19: How to proofread your own work Episode 41: The importance of professional…
Many freelancers use Gmail, whether using a custom email addressed based on their URL through forwarding or Google Apps, or directly with a @gmail.com or @googlemail.com email address. One of the reasons for its popularity is how many tools and hacks there are available to streamline your workflow, increase your productivity and manage the ever-increasing numbers of incoming messages. In this episode, Lorrie has found some great Gmail hacks and goes through her favourite examples. I can personally account for most of them, as I would be far less efficient without them! Show Notes Text Fixer: http://www.textfixer.com/ Rapportive: http://www.rapportive.com Boomerang: http://www.boomeranggmail.com/ Gmelius: http://gmelius.com/ Boomerang for Android: http://androidcommunity.com/boomerang-for-gmail-launches-for-android-20130626/ There are several ways to make sure that you don't miss out on A Little Bird Told Me. …
Writers must always keep the reader in mind when they are composing a piece of work, and one factor that should always inform how and what you write is the level of expertise that your audience will have. In this podcast episode, Lorrie and I talk about different issues to factor in when writing for beginners, lay people, novices or experts, including a detailed look at the language, structure and formatting to use. Show Notes Mayfield Handbook of Technical and Scientific Writing Creative people say NO! 30 easy ways to organize your work space IKEA Hackers Lonely Goatherd lyrics 12 Old Words that Survived by Getting Fossilized in Idioms There are several ways to make sure that you don't miss out on A Little Bird Told Me. Subscribe via RSS…
It will often be expected of you, as a freelance copywriter, to be able to not only carry out keyword research but also to know how to use it in SEO copywriting. In this episode I talk about the basics of undergoing keyword research, and also provides information about writing for SEO in a way that does not alienate site visitors. This episode also contains a first - a custom-made video especially for A Little Bird Told Me listeners. Find out how to carry out keyword research using the free Google AdWords Keyword Tool at http://www.socialmediawriter.co.uk/keywordvideo [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2kul0SntJc[/youtube] Show Notes Urban Muse Writer: Listen up! 5 podcasts for freelance writers Catherine Deveney: Equal. Not. Episode 4: Hot Topic: Writing and Editing for free - is it ever OK? There…
