If you are a web content writer like me, you have learned the hard way what it is like to support a Website for pennies. Of all the writers, it seems this title merits you the least amount of pay. Yet, I don’t blame ‘the man’ or anyone else who signs my pay check. People in my position are often their own worst enemies.
Five dumb ways web content writers sabotage themselves:
Believing the hype.
Some web content writers believe the fantasy spun on made for TV dramas about writers. ‘Writers are naturally gifted individuals who don’t need to brush up on their skills or work hard at being successful.’ As a result, they don’t put the effort into honing their craft like they would any other job.
Writing on a whim.
This point ties in with the first one. Successful writers write on a regular basis. They don’t wait for their emotions to catch up with them. You can tell which web content writers fall into this trap. They are the newbies who start off strong – submitting to several Internet sites – and suddenly disappear after six months.
Not taking care of business.
Failing to read the fine print of their contract with an employer is the downfall of many web content writers. Unfortunately, these contracts usually have a lot of details as to what can or cannot be submitted for publication along with pay policies. Misunderstanding either can frustrate a writer. And then of course, there’s the filing of taxes – properly.
Acting as if money doesn’t matter.
This point drives me the most crazy. When other content writers treat their peers as if money for their work shouldn’t matter to them. Usually, these folks are the ones who write merely as a hobby or conversation starter. They don’t get that some content writers really do write for a living and low or random pay means they can’t eat.
Failing to keep up with technology.
If you want to fill up Internet sites with your pieces, you better keep up with the latest technology. A dinosaur for a computer means you will struggle to work from some employers. Your ability to complete assignments will be hampered because of incompatible programs. It is important to stay up to date with technology in order to remain efficient and work ready.
I speak passionately about all of the above because at one time or another, I fell into one of these traps. Time and experience helped me improve my self-destructive ways.
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Also see: Three Main Causes of Writer’s Block