What is Markdown and How Do Writers Use It?

By My Web Writers

HyperText Markup Language (HTML) has long been the official way to write content for the web. The pros use it to format text in ways that the average writer will never understand unless they take the time to learn it.

But there’s a tool some writers use and many more should be using when it comes to writing for the web. It’s called Markdown, and while it’s been around for some time now, many people still don’t understand how useful it can be.

Markdown, according to its creator John Gruber, is a “text-to-HTML conversion tool for web writers. Markdown allows you to write using an easy-to-read, easy-to-write plain text format, then convert it to structurally valid XHTML (or HTML).”

For web writers, XHTML/HTML can look like a complete mess and is difficult to read. Not only that, but it can be confusing with so many codes to remember and sprinkled about your writing. Writers might worry more about the HTML formatting than about the actual content.

Markdown is especially useful for web writers because it’s fast to type. There’s no highlighting, no dragging your mouse here and there, you simply use Markdown as you’re typing. It’s also easy to read. There aren’t tags and code in the way of what you’re writing.

Give it a shot using the online Dingus.  Here is an example of something written in Markdown, using the very helpful “Syntax Cheatsheet” on the right-hand side of the screen on the online Dingus:

Then, click on “Convert” and you are shown the HTML Source, which is covered in code and other sometimes confusing markings:

And the final preview:

Markdown is especially great for web writers who don’t know HTML and even more useful for web writers who have no desire to learn HTML. Writing in HTML can be a huge, intimidating beast for new web writers, while Markdown is a kinder, easier way to write web content.

One of the reasons so many web writers love Markdown is that it uses plain text files. You can write it in any app or program you like and still be sure the formatting will stay the same if you switch to another program. It’s also easily compatible with a range of applications on your desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.  Search Google Play, the iTunes Store and online for a list of apps.

Using Markdown allows web writers to focus more on their content rather than the syntax of HTML. After all, it’s really all about the content, right? Using Markdown gives web writers the opportunity to type quickly while still formatting text.  There’s no more switching from writing-mode to HTML coding-mode.

Besides being easier to write and easier to read, it’s also available free (as shown above), which is difficult to find these days. There are some more extensive versions of Markdown out there, which do cost a minimal amount, but for the average user, you can find it online for free.  ~Natalie

5 Ways to Write Content on a Shoe-String Budget

My Web Writers 

As a business owner you are faced with challenging decisions every day, if not several times throughout the day. Everything from your focus and vision to your marketing plan, each requires significant attention to detail and countless hours of envisioning, business mapping, and collecting data to support the strategic planning that you put into place to live out your company goals and mission.

One of the most challenging decisions that you, as a business owner, might make is how to effectively develop your company’s web site content to increase your business presence, reach your target audience, and boost your business’ performance while maintaining your “shoestring budget.” You know, it comes as no surprise, neither marketing nor advertising come without cost. Lucky for you, however, we’ve come up with five ways to help you write content on a shoe-string budget.

In-house writers: If your company is fortunate to have a marketing department, albeit large or small, using in-house writers can provide you with good, quality content. As a department, your company should identify the goals it would like to accomplish through the use of its content. Will your content be used primarily online, in print, through various direct mail, email or telemarketing campaigns? Once you’ve hit on the logistics, get your team involved. Creating unique and interesting content doesn’t come easier than to involve a lot of different people. Help your team to understand the company’s vision and then let them be the voice of the company. Each person will come with several different and unique approaches to your company’s marketing strategy.  Whichever strategy your team is tackling, monitor and track how successful your company’s outreach is and develop your future plans accordingly. It will help you to respond to the strengths and weaknesses of the department and meet the needs of your company’s target audience.

Contracted writers: In some cases, companies don’t have the staffing to maintain the necessary presence on the web to satisfy their marketing team’s departmental goals or in-house writers don’t quite have a full understanding of SEO.  If that sounds like your company, consider partnering with a content writing agency to supplement or manage your online presence.  Think about your overall space, administrative, and time costs saved when putting together your budget.  You will get what you pay for, so be realistic.  Look for content quotes that are reasonable to the parameters and demands of the project.

For a smaller budget, your in-house writers can begin their script and merely use contracted writers to edit or spruce up content. However, for slightly larger budgets or needs, freelance writers can take the joys of a blank page, use the mastery of their word-smithing capabilities, and turn your would-be dreams into a reality. And all the better, hiring contracted writers frees you and your staff of their highly valued time (especially if you’re likely to struggle at the stroke of the keys).

Content Management Software and Systems: Allow your company to tap into the ready-waiting success of content management software and systems just waiting to be utilized. If you’re not familiar with Hootsuite, let me give you the quickest, easiest one-two facts about it: It’s an A-MAZING must have. Hootsuite allows you the ability to manage and measure your social media networks all in one suite location. You can monitor and schedule social media messages, posts, and tweets for multiple accounts, while tracking any of your company mentions, all with the luxury of analyzing social media traffic. Sticking to your online schedule is simple when you schedule posts through Hootsuite. In fact, when the thought strikes you, schedule your post to appear in days, weeks, or months from the date you actually jot down your noteworthy thought. It’s a business-saver. And while you’re at it, sign up for an easy-to-use, online visibility account that keeps you in the news with PRWeb. Yep, it’s simple. Your writers can produce press releases about newsworthy happenings within your company and then share them with the rest of the world. Anything from a new employee, event, or product can now make headlines with the ease of online viewership. If you haven’t tried them, you should. Content management software and systems make distributing content affordable and easy, and they will make you seem like a genius!

High School and College Intern: Networking with local high schools, colleges and universities can be one of the most advantageous methods for developing content on a shoe-string budget. At most schools and colleges, student interns are nearing graduation and are experienced junior or senior level undergraduate students. In addition to having the benefit of hardworking students, desiring a position to give them hands-on, transferrable skills to carry over into the workforce upon graduation, employers can work closely with student interns to mentor them and provide them with the skills they desire in an employee on a trial-run basis, so to speak. It’s a win-win; students earn college credit and employers have good quality content written typically at no – or a low – cost.

Social Media: It should come without saying, plugging into social media is one of the wisest moves a company can make. Millions of individuals, nationally and internationally, visit social media sites daily. By maximizing your presence in various social media platforms, your company will successfully share your message, content, and company mission with the online world. And while you are building your platform, network, network, network. The more contact you make with the online world, the better you will be at getting your brand out to the world.

Marketing can be a tough hill to climb, but it doesn’t have to be. Utilizing the various marketing measures available to your company can help you take your business to the next level. ~Leah

Seven Helpful Apps for Writers

by My Web Writers

Everything it takes to be a writer is literally at your fingertips with mobile apps. Apps can be used to research, brainstorm, write, edit, read, many other things. It doesn’t matter if you’re a blogger, journalist, novelist, content writer, or someone who just likes to write for fun, we’ve found seven helpful apps for writers.

Writer

Quick! You have a great idea and need to jot it down immediately, before you forget. The Writer app is a simple app that allows you to keep track of your thoughts and ideas as you have them. It’s almost like carrying stickie notes on your phone. Writers know how quickly ideas can come, and they can just as quickly escape the mind. Writer is a great app to reach for when a great idea strikes, and even better, it’s free.

WordPress

If you’re not blogging… oh who are we kidding? Of course you’re blogging! Whether you’re using a blog as a journal, to jot down ideas, to share your opinions, or even if you just visit WordPress to read what others are writing, you know how important WordPress is. Use the app to do your own writings, check your blog stats and to read what others are writing.

Dictionary.com

Writers may think they know how to spell every word in the English language, but let’s face it, even the best writers can have trouble remembering how to spell certain words. Having a dictionary handy as an app is a great idea for all writers. Dictionary.com also provides a thesaurus. Imagine tons of synonyms at your fingertips while you write!

Quora

“Know more,” is the saying for this app. Use the powerful tool to do quick research, even with voice-enabled search. Quora is a question-answer app where multiple people can give insights on various topics. Use their insights to find the answers you’re looking for, or consider writing some answers of your own to help out others.

Pocket

Think about it. Who couldn’t use an extra pocket? This pocket, however, is on your phone or tablet. Pocket allows you to store articles, photos and more for later use. Keep all sorts of things you find on the internet for inspiration in one place… your Pocket!

Mindjet Maps

So many ideas, so difficult to organize! Your English teachers were on to something when they had you map out your essays and stories. Mindjet Maps helps you visually organize information. Organize your writing project with topics and subtopics. This is one of our favorite brainstorming apps.

Google Drive

If you’re a writer, it’s likely that you’re working on more than one project at a time. Google Drive, which now includes Google Docs, helps you keep all your files in one place. Access them and share them at any time with ease. You can even work on your projects offline, when an internet connection isn’t available.

There are hundreds of apps available that can make life easier if you’re a writer.  Do your research and see which apps work best for you. They can certainly make your life easier!  ~Natalie

Top Ten Leadership Blogs to Read in 2013

By My Web Writers

There is no way to overstate that the world of blogging is booming. Now more than ever, people from all over the world are connecting over topics of similar interest. Though the sheer volume of active blogs is staggering, there are still several blogs that have risen to the top of the stack. These blogs share insightful information that aim to help readers become strong leaders, expert marketers and successful business owners. Among these blogs are the Top Ten Leadership Blogs to Read in 2013. Whether you’re already an avid follower or are just hearing these names for the first time, the following blogs are worth adding to your news feed right now!

1. Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt’s blog “Intentional Leadership” features topics that focus on just that – becoming a leader with intent and purpose. This blog covers a variety of categories including personal development, leadership and productivity and has been touted as “The blog to read” by many renowned sites.

2. The Happiness Project

Author, Gretchen Rubin has worked to build an extremely thought-provoking blog that encourages leaders of all types to think beyond the stagnant definition of success and to incorporate happiness into their life and their reasons for leading. This blog is an intimate look into Gretchen’s own experience of trying to create a happier life. This blog has a “feel good” element while still remaining useful.

3. Duct Tape Marketing

Duct Tape Marketing’s blog is fun, relatable and highly useful. The article topics you’ll find here focus on the core marketing techniques such as increasing engagement on your web site, key trends that will shape businesses in 2013 and even alternatives to power point presentations. For any small business owner or fellow blogger, this is a must-read.

4. Grow

Mark Schaefer is among the most acclaimed and accomplished marketing professionals in America. His blog “Grow” takes a fresh and smart look at technology-based marketing and cuts through all of noise to offer some clear cut advice. If you’re a writer or a blogger – or want to become one – this is a great resource to keep at your fingertips.

5. Serving Strong

Scott Couchenour is a life coach, ministry leader and author of an inspiring and uplifting leadership blog. The articles you’ll read here go beyond the peripheral topics about how to become a leader. They dig deeper into how leadership also provides an opportunity to serve others and find a greater calling for your work.

6. Sparksheet

The Sparksheet blog tags itself as “Good ideas about content, media and marketing” and that is a very direct and accurate representation of the valuable information each of its articles offer. Originally an award-winning multiplatform magazine, Sparksheet boils down its content into easily digestible tidbits of marketing information for its blog. Become a subscriber and you’ll stay on pulse of the different platforms brands use to get their content to the right people.

7. George Ambler

George Ambler has created a blog that is as versatile and ever-changing as the world we live in. The purpose of this blog is to prepare people to continue to lead even in times of rapid change. With technological advancements moving at the speed of light, this blog is a key resource to help you navigate the new landscape.

8. Management Craft

The Management Craft blog offers a wide variety of topics but with the same theme of better business management and leadership. The blog’s author, Lisa Haneberg finds everyday inspiration in the world around us and applies it toward a lesson to be learned or wisdom to be gained for the greater good.

9. Jon Acuff

Jon Acuff is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author of two books based upon spirituality and leadership. Specifically, Jon blogs about the next generation of leadership and how their views and values differ from older generations’.  It’s a truly remarkable concept that’s worth understanding whether you consider yourself a leader of the future or a leader of the past. Learning how to communicate with leaders like yourself and those who are drastically different can be a huge benefit for every career and industry.

10. Modern Servant Leader

This blog makes the list of the Top Ten Leadership Blogs of 2013 because of its focus on the hot topic of servant leadership. Much like the title implies, this blog takes a modern look at what exactly servant leadership is today and how we all has leaders can incorporate purpose and meaning into our journey.

Take the time this week or this month to check out these Top Ten Leadership Blogs. While broadly they cover similar topics, they are each unique in their expertise. Together they form a strong foundation of leadership, marketing and entrepreneurial knowledge that will help you make 2013 the best year yet!

~Stephanie

How Do You Find Good Content Writers and How Much Do These Writers Cost?

by My Web Writers

Finding knowledgeable writers who are versed in your subject matter, the craft of writing, and search engine optimization is not as simple as it would seem.  Schools produce excellent writers, but many lack foundations in marketing or search engine optimization.  Copy can completely miss the mark when there’s a lack of marketing finesse.  Conversely, salesmen rarely have time to write and might lack spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills. Many writers burn out writing about the same topic over and over again.  So where do you find great writers and how much should you pay them?

Hire Content Production Companies

There are several benefits of working with content production companies.  You’ll often receive quotes in advance for your projects.  You don’t have to waste hours and dollars finding and screening writers.  Content creation companies choose skilled writers and edit their work before sending it to you.  You don’t have to juggle and manage a variety of writers and their idiosyncrasies.  The company makes sure that your project is received on time and without hassles.  Content production companies often cost more, but then the savings in your management time and editing can be well worth what seems like a greater expense.  Content companies usually charge between $50 – $150 per 500-word article (or an average of 25 cents per word).   You’ll find companies that charge as low as 5 cents per word, but often their writers don’t have college educations, content writing experience, or native, English skills.

Find Writers on Social Media

Turn to social media to find excellent writers.  You can perform a Twitter search to find writers in your topic area.  Type in the hash tag #engineering and you’ll eventually find an engineer who might know a colleague who can write.  Place a Facebook ad for writers with an interest in your industry and you’ll soon receive resumes that specifically fit your needs.   There are several hash tags that writers use including #writers. You might find decent writers for $15 – $30 per 500-word article this way, but plan to offer several projects before you understand each writer’s intellectual capacity, writing depth, work ethic, need for editing, and pay requirements.  You’ll also want to make sure that you secure rights to the work each writer produces for you.  Also, use a service like Copyscape, after you receive content, to double-check that it’s all original.

Find Writers at Universities and Community Colleges

Partner with a college internship coordinator to discover budding talent.  You’ll find a variety of writers at universities for the price of your time to train them.  You’ll need to fill out paperwork and meet with the interns to orient them and to provide feedback.  This assumes, of course, that you know something about writing.  If you don’t, you might want to hire an editor to review each intern’s articles.  Working with college students could eventually lead to a well-trained staff of homegrown writers at each semester’s end.

Introduce Yourself to Writer Groups

You can find writers in your community through your local library, church, or even PTA.  Plug in to find the writer who is at home with children, but would like to work part-time.  You’ll find many professionals in these places who appreciate stimulating challenges, but need flexibility.  Writer groups often meet in libraries to discuss the books and articles they are writing.  Some may be willing to take on side projects, too.  Plan to pay wages ranging from $10 – $50 per hour, depending on the complexity of your topic and the writer’s ability.  You’ll also want to clarify in your contract if revisions are included and the maximum amount of hours you’re willing to pay for each project.

Some companies develop lists of part-time writers and ask them to pitch topics or to write their articles in advance for consideration of purchase.  Your top talent won’t have time to waste on these types of activities, so pay fair wages if you need a job done yesterday.

Inquire with SEO Companies about their Content Services

Most SEO companies offer content creation in addition to SEO software, design, or consulting services.  If you need an entire website package in a one-stop shop, working with an SEO company is the way to go.  They’ll manage the writers and the site navigation for you, as well as link-building, and other needs.  Expect to pay $100 – $300 per hour for services with the average 500-word web page billed at 3 hours to write.  SEO companies may seem expensive, but then you’re paying for the search engine optimization expertise that reputable, SEO companies offer.  We recently profiled some of the best SEO companies in the Midwest.

Place an Ad for Writers

You can always place an ad, looking for writers, in your local paper.  There are many online, job sites for copywriters that will bring resumes your way, as well.

Writer Salaries

Since content was declared “king” by Google via the first Panda update February 23, 2011, the need for web writers has dramatically increased.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2010, the median pay for writers was $55,420 per year or $26.64 per hour.

In 2012, Writers USA 2012 published the results of 371 respondents to a global survey. These readers range from staff writers to documentation specialists to technical writing managers and branch heads.  The results indicate significant jumps in pay.  The median content-oriented salary in 2012 is $78,614 with salaries ranging from $15,000 to $170,000.  These ranges do not include benefits. The overall average hourly wage is $41.

Choose Your Writer

Don’t overlook writing the content yourself.  If you can present a solid draft, an editor should be able to groom the typical 500-word blog post in an hour or less and that could save money.  Then, again, how much is your time worth?  If you have too many plates spinning that only you can spin, then outsource.

If you find skilled writers that you enjoy working with, then keep them and pay them well.  If you don’t want to manage the variance of personalities and skills, hire content companies, advertising firms, or SEO firms to complete your projects.  A good content writer or company can be your best asset.

~Jean