Written by Chrislyn Pepper
My head is filled with dreams of the kind of SEO writing business I want to have. The problem is I don’t have it yet. I’m beginning to feel like Atlas the way life’s circumstances are bearing down on me.
“How do you cope when bills are due and neither payments nor work for your SEO writing business are coming in?”
I’ve been trying to do quite a few things to get my SEO blogging business’ still waters moving again. I’m gathering from Yuwanda’s posts, summer comments and the other Inkwell editorial contributors that this is a busy time for them. I didn’t get any SEO orders for September and had to spend a lot of time writing for content mills, which is discouraging.
Even though my business hasn’t really picked up anymore, I’m still marketing. I keep telling myself, “Keep doing something every day for your SEO business, and eventually, you’ll hit pay dirt.”
Go Back to the Beginning
One of the things I always do when something isn’t working right is to re-read the instructions. I like to make sure I’m not doing something wrong. For my SEO business, this is Yuwanda’s Master SEO Writing Package, prior posts on SEOwritingjobs.com and a few (very few) hardback books I purchased early in my non-fiction writing career.
While re-reading posts, I came back across Yuwanda’s answer to another writer going through this exact same experience. It made me want to share this with you now in case you’re like me and aren’t so busy right now.
We can be a support to each other. 
Although I could go into detail about what I think I’m doing right or wrong, I just don’t believe that’ll help you. However, challenging you can benefit both of us.
So, here’s the gist of it . . .
Let’s Learn to Follow Directions EXACTLY as They’re Written
(Until We Profit)
I read Robert Bly’s The Copywriter’s Handbook, 3rd edition, again (One of those few hard books I have). One thing struck me this time that really didn’t hit home before starting my SEO copywriting business:
Originality gets conversation – not sales.
That’s not an exact quote. Plus, he was referring to advertising when he explains this concept. But . . . I’ve had a lot of conversations about engaging my writing services and only a few sales. I can’t help but think it’s because of changes I made to the original instructions:
I chose higher rates
I added more pages and features to my website
I didn’t send out the same number of marketing emails
I have too many writing samples on too many subjects within the medical niche.
So, if I want to make this business work, I need to try to do exactly what Yuwanda’s testimonials show works. I can worry about making changes when the bills are paid, and I’m overwhelmed with work.
I’m betting the same goes for you.
THE SEO Writing Business Challenge Details
If you don’t have the SEO Writing Package, you’re going to find it hard to keep up. It’s doable by subscribing and going through a ton of old posts. At the very least you should get Yuwanda’s “How-to Make $250 or More Per Day Writing Simple 500-Word Articles.” This is the manual we’re going to follow to a “T”, and it’ll save you a ton of time as it has all you need.
Week One Directions:
Day 1: You need to choose one niche audience to target. Note the word AUDIENCE. My articles on choosing a niche should have left you with at least 3 niches to use.
Choose the one that has a clearly defined market. Post your name, your audience in the comments below. You can also send me a tweet to @chrislynpepper with these details and “#SEOWritingJobs.com”. I’ll send you tweets with challenge reminders this month.
Days 2 – 4: Write 3 – 6 SEO articles that suit your chosen target audience. Be sure to follow the directions in formatting your SEO articles. Include all of the new tips Yuwanda gave to Penguin-proof your writing.
Day 5 – 6: Create your one-page website as described in the e-book.
If you already have a website, great! Double-check that your website follows tips given in this freelance writer website review. Make sure you have a web design and blog posts relevant to your audience. Make a note of what you think you need to change, and set it aside.
Then, create one page on your website that follows the directions and style of the linked sample in the e-book. This is the page we’re going to market. Please, send me a tweet with your page link and #SEOWritingjobs.com, and then post it in the comments below.
For Struggling SEO Writers Only
If you’re already running a successful SEO writing business, this challenge isn’t for you, sorry. 
We aren’t thinking about rates or services, because the original business only offers $25 per 500 word articles and $15 per 300 word blog posts. (At the time, blog posts were called 300-word SEO articles). If you make more than this, don’t go backward for this challenge.
Another reason this is for struggling SEO writers is that I’m mimicking Yuwanda’s directions. You’re already past this point, and I can’t help the people I’m following. I’m praying for the results others have written about and wanting to take several other struggling writers along for the ride.
That said, I’m doing the same things you are throughout this challenge. Plus, I’ll be commenting on the post pages and tweeting my results. Remember, this challenge is about following directions and getting sales, not being original.
We can be original later.
COMING UP IN PART II NEXT WEEK: AN EXCERPT
Creating a Marketing Foundation for Your SEO Business
Yuwanda has frequently written about the importance of consistent marketing. This is the part that’s going to make or break our SEO writing business. Sometime today, read (or re-read) her advice on “How to Find the Right Clients for Your Freelance Writing Business”. These are the things to keep in mind during this part of the challenge.
So, let’s get right to it.
Week Two SEO Business Challenge Directions:
Day 8:
Create an email address for your marketing efforts.
This can be on your site if you have a domain or Gmail if you are using free options. The point is that you want a clean email address that you know is only for your SEO business. Set it up to notify you of emails by phone if you have a smartphone.
Share Your Thoughts
Are you up for this challenge? If so, please don’t forget to send me a tweet with your page link and #SEOWritingjobs.com, and then post it in the comments below.
About the Author: Chrislyn Pepper is a freelance, SEO blog writer. Her niche is SEO content writing for medical professionals, but she writes on a variety of subjects. Visit http://www.chrislynpepper.com to get blog content or SEO blog writing tips. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter. Chrislyn Pepper turns blogs into building blocks for businesses.
P.S.: The SEO Class in Jamaica Will be Here Before You Know It. Sign Up Today!
P.P.S.: Earn Extra $$ Every Month by Offering Social Media Consulting Along with Your SEO Writing Services.
FYI, did you know that the average salary of search engine optimization writers is $66,000 as of this writing. That’s $15,000 above the median household income in the U.S. right now.
Remember, when you learn how to write SEO content, you learn so much more than this one skill because it gives you the knowledge you need to take control of your financial future.