Black Hat versus White Hat Search Engine Optimization July 10, 2009
Posted by annabrillon in Search Engine Optimization (SEO).Tags: Black hat SEO, black hat versus white hat, SEO techniques, white hat SEO
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Across the WWW, practitioners of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can choose to either be conventional or unconventional with their methods. To take the lead in the ever-changing race for page ranks means to play by the rules, or to join the dark side. Such is the dichotomy now known as White Hat SEO and Black Hat SEO. Judging from the colors, it’s fairly easy to determine which side is which.
Why White Hat versus Black Hat?
Besides being two extreme ends of the color spectrum, black and white have been common examples to illustrate the difference between good and evil. The use of the word “hat” was derived from classic western TV shows and movies, where good and bad cowboys were set apart by the color of their headgear. Back then, TV sets didn’t have RGB colors, so viewers were used to identifying the heroes and villains by these attributes.
In the same light, there are search engine optimizers and web experts who differ in the methods they employ. Because winning the top most spot in Google takes a lot of time and effort, there are those who choose to find unethical means of deceiving search engine bots and web users.
Black Hat Search Engine Optimization Techniques
Initially, a good page rank might be achieved when one goes by Black Hat SEO, but chances are it will not be sustained for long. Mentioned here are some common naughty tricks that Black Hat optimizers use on their websites:
Keyword stuffing – Major search engines like Yahoo and Google usually allow a keyword density of less than 5%. Content writers who go Black Hat create text that is chock full of keywords, with little or no relevance to the reader at all. This is only a way of tricking spiders by providing food like keywords so they can immediately index the page or site.
Hidden text – If they don’t want the highly dense keywords to be seen by readers, then they can hide them behind images, or blend the font color with the background. Only spiders or bots can detect these hidden texts.
Link farming – Because bots and spiders use links on pages to go to the next one to be indexed, it is understood that more links means a better chance of getting noticed by search engines. However, the quality of links is also vital. Link farms are sites that contain nothing but links, often with no relation to each other, only as a means of directing spiders to pages where Black Hat tricksters want them to go.
Gateway pages – There are certain sites among the top 10 in Google, but when the link is clicked, the browser points to a different page. Some sites show a “redirecting” message, but the reality is that the traffic is purposely driven to a site that is not of interest or use to the web surfer.
Why You Should Say “No” to Black Hat SEO
Black Hat SEO practitioners often walk on thin ice. It is only a matter of time until Google, Yahoo, and other major search engines discover ways to beat them. At present, there are programs and tools on such sites that can detect Black Hat techniques. As more and more web users are becoming vigilant, even regular surfers can report suspicious SEO activity to Google, and therefore have that site banned and wiped off the listings.
If you want to keep your website productive and in good standing with your search engine, then forget about short cuts and Black Hat tricks. You’ll be glad you stuck with the guidelines.
Having known the basics of White Hat against Black Hat SEO, one can debunk that age-old saying “nice guys finish last.” This simply doesn’t apply to the SEO game. It’s better to play by the rules and stay ahead longer, than to cheat your way to the top only to fall even harder.
Tips for Finding Online Freelance Writing Jobs July 10, 2009
Posted by annabrillon in Freelance Writing Guide.Tags: freelance, freelance writing jobs, freelance writing tips, home based business, online business, online writing, tips online freelance writing
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Need a job? Can you write? These are two of the minimum requirements that can get you started on a productive and rewarding online freelance career. If your brain is all fired up with ideas, and your hands are ready to type away, then check out these excellent places to find online freelance writing jobs.
Freelance Portals. There are hundreds of sites like Odesk, Elance, and GetAFreelancer that serve as a haven for both freelance writers and clients who need their output. What you can do is sign up as a freelancer or provider, build your profile, and start browsing through open jobs. However, getting hired and paid is on a bidding basis, so be sure you can put your best foot forward!
Web forums. Forums, like TalkFreelance, DigitalPoint, and others, are no longer for discussing issues, but they are now classified ads for dozens of online writing opportunities. Most employers and content-seekers post threads in forums, inviting interested and competent freelancers to make their best offers. It can take a lot of browsing and scrolling, but if you lock in a job opening that fits your qualifications and expertise, then you can present yourself as the best one to hire!
Article directories. Like Helium, there are also numerous venues on the web where writers of all kinds can showcase their skills and readability. Because freedom of speech is really free, online writers can submit as much content as they want; and therefore contributing massively to the knowledge pool we call the Web. You can check out Ezinearticles, Associated Content, Constant-Content, and others for job requests that you can fill in.
Online magazines. Gone were the days where writers need to be on paper to get noticed. With hundreds to thousands of online magazines (like the Examiner and Suite101), the possibilities of getting hired and getting digitally published are now endless! Though the job criteria for online publications are rather stricter and more specific, the pay is generally good. So send in your resume and give them a shot.
So you searched through freelance openings, placed your bids, sent your samples, and filed your job application — What to do next?
If you want to create a more effective internet presence, then don’t just stop at searching for freelance writing jobs. Why not make the jobs find you? Here are some ways of building client rapport and getting your skills noticed:
- Start a blog. Think of it as a portfolio of your best work, which you can update and improve as often as you wish. At times, it’s better to present possible clients with your URL, so they can have a better view of what you’ve got to offer as a freelance writer.
- Do some social networking. Having a MySpace or Facebook account can help you join freelance writing groups where you can share experiences and even seek advice for job openings. If you also regularly provide relevant comments on fellow freelancers, chances are you can get noticed, too.
- Keep writing articles. As said before, Helium and similar sites are excellent ways to get exposed. The more you research and write, then the more positive your presence as a freelance writer becomes, because more people will come back to check out your freshest and most interesting content. Keep in mind that quality of work, and not quantity, is the foremost attribute that sets apart the best freelance writers from the rest.
Hopping on the Freelance Writing Bandwagon July 10, 2009
Posted by annabrillon in Freelance Writing Guide.Tags: freelance, freelance writing, freelance writing jobs, home based business, online business, online writing
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There is always that attractive come-on that accompanies the term “freelance.” Who wants to work with fixed schedule constraints? Who wouldn’t enjoy the idea of being his or her own boss? With the increasing productivity that the internet delivers, it isn’t a wonder why so many people are pursuing working online.
The United States Census Bureau reported that there are about six to seven million Americans working from home. In addition to that, there are various professions that are thriving on the internet, may it be in the communication industry, computer programming, web design, e-commerce, and more. And perhaps one of the most popular online jobs across the World Wide Web today is freelance writing.
In 2009, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that within a decade, the number of workers in the writing profession, both hired and freelance, will significantly increase. This is because along with the advancements in information technology comes the growing need for valuable and relevant content.
Since electronic media and data exchange becomes more sophisticated by the minute, there will be more websites, blogs, online newspapers, e-magazines, and other digital publications. How else will the demands be filled but by through the services provided by online freelance writers.
One of the most positive aspects of online writing is that you don’t require a degree in journalism or communication. As a matter of fact, even adept persons can benefit from this freelance profession, regardless of their educational attainment. By adept, it is meant that he or she possesses adequate language skills, can research and organize ideas coherently, and can competently keep up with the changing trends in the online business industry. And of course, among the basics you will need are a computer and an internet connection.
Freelance writing for home-based workers provides other benefits as well. Since you won’t have to commute to an office, travel expenses are eliminated. There is no limitation as to the range of topics that can be written about, and there will be a constant need for content that is fresh, well-composed, and highly informative.
In this regard, if an online freelance writer knows where to look, his list of available jobs will never run dry. And of course, one cannot forget the financial rewards reaped from a home-based online business.
Depending on a freelance writer’s productivity, he or she can expect to earn hundreds to thousands of dollars per week. Another perk is that writers can be paid electronically, through channels such as PayPal, Moneybookers, e-gold, and more. Thanks to these modern conveniences, payments are instant and secure.
The plus factors of writing online are not reserved for the freelancers only. Even entrepreneurs and owners of larger companies understand how invaluable freelance writing services can be. Many online businessmen seek the aid of online writers to provide info for their site visitors to view.
They even require huge bulks or articles, emails, sales letters, advertisements, e-books, and more. In doing so, these firms are able to allot their time and efforts to other aspects of their business, while their paid freelance writers help them get the job done.
Working from home as a writer can be quite a rewarding career, whether it is for stay-at-home moms, retired persons, part-time employees, students, and even people who just want to earn a little extra. If this is something you think you can handle, then you should get started on preparing yourself by being well-informed about the opportunities in freelance writing.
Your infinite resources for working and learning are already there on the web. All you have to do is jump in.
