How to Write Your First Hub?

Okay. Now you have signed up with hubpages and become a member of this wonderful community. You're wondering now - "How do I write hubs like the other hubbers? I'm not a writer who writes for magazines and newspapers, and I don't have any previous knowledge of writing. Since my friends told me to join I just joined, but I am unable to write any articles."

Don't worry. You're not alone. You're just like many others who had come here without any previous experience of writing. But, that should not worry you. Even if you don't have previous experience all that you need to write successful hubs and earn a regular income are - determination to learn, ready to learn, ready to work hard and spend some hours at your convenience. If you have these qualities you can also become a successful hubber, like many in this community.

I have also added two videos about writing your hub. These are made by others, and not by me.

Once you're a member here your duty is just go around and read few hubs on the topics that are of interest to you. For example, if you have small kids you know how to handle them and what all their requirements etc. Then choose a topic about kids. Start searching hubs on this topic (on top of this page marked search) by entering a search term such as - books for kids, gifts for kids, dresses for kids, kids parties etc. For each term many hubs will come up and start reading some of them. Try to read at least 5 to 10 of them, to get a good idea. Note how they have given the title and subtitles inside the hub, how each para has started, and what all information it contains. If necessary, keep a note book next to you and make note of the points. Finally, check how they have ended the article/hub.

Now on the right side you will find tags, take a note of them. Tags are the keywords people search on google or yahoo to find the information the need and your hub with that tag may come up.

The next day you are ready to write something about what you know on such topics. Write your first hub on a word document. First start with an outline of your article -

The main title of the hub. (While choosing the URL you must remember one thing - you cannot change the URL later. All other things in the body including the title can be changed after publishing. To edit a title after publishing, simply click on it and you can change it. But the URL (the part in the address bar of your browser) cannot be changed after publishing.

The first subtitle about what you are going to write in the first opening paragraph.

Give more details about the topic in the paragraph.This can be written within 50 to 100 words, and save it.

Then click on another text module. Bring it in the appropriate place by using the arrow key on the module.

In the second paragraph write more about the details of your hub, and then save it.

If possible try to use one more text module and write the conclusion of your hub, and then save it.

Then add relevant photos to your hub. If you have your own it will be excellent. Otherwise check the net and find the sites where creative common licence is added. You can copy from there and credit them in the source appropriately while adding them to your hub.

If you have a google account then add your id in the "affiliate setting" in your "My account" area and add it. Similarly if you have amazon affiliate ID and/or ebay ID, you can add them also in the appropriate places.

While adding amazon module, choose the right keyword to find the proper products to display on your hub. Once added click save.

Please note:  If you do not have the above IDs don't worry. After writing about good 10 hubs apply for Google adsense account. You are most likely to be accepted by Google. Likewise, apply for amazon.com or amazon.co.uk (preferably amazon.com) for affiliate membership. Usually Amazon will approve in a day or two. Once you get your membership log in to your hub page and add your affiliate ID on the respective place, and then look for the relevant . products to promote on your hub. If some one is pleased to buy a product from your hub where your affiliate ID is added, you will get a commission.  However, your first concentration should be writing good and informative hubs with appropriate keywords.

To make your hub more authentic, add the links on the topic.  Here, you can add similar topics such as kids toys, kids books, dress for kids etc, written by others. Your visitors will be happy to read those hubs too, if they need.  If you are not sure about these don't bother this to add in your first hub. Even without these links also your first hub is alright. Later you will gradually learn.

Now your hub is ready. Just have a final look on the hub through the preview mode.  Check for the spelling, grammar, layout etc. If you feel satisfied just click the top button "Publish".  Now your hub is ready for others to see, and it will be seen on your profile page. Send the URL of your hub to your friends to get their feed back.  If you feel comfortable go to the hub forum and ask for a review of your first hub. Other experienced hubbers will offer you their comment and advice.