How to be successful without being a prolific hubber - Best practices?

1. 70

   Lauragowensposted 11 years ago

   Hello,
   
   I'm new to Hub. 
   
   First a compliment. After coming off another content site, and researching others for a long, long time, it's a Godsend to come to a place that demands lengthy, quality work. I value quality articles over quantity, but here's my kicker.
   
   I want some money. I know it takes a long time. I get that. I'm familiar with the online revenue model, SEO etc. But, I write rather slowly and am working on my blogs, essays etc. so I won't be posting a tremendous number of articles on Hub.
   
   That being said, what's my best "formula" for increasing traffic, gaining some cents?
   
   I signed up for ebay, amazon, adsense and hub earnings. I haven't plugged any products in yet because I was afraid to clutter up my article, but I will.
   
   I'm really look for Best Practices for someone who won't be posting prolifically.
   
   Ebay or amazon?
   
   Tips?
   
   Thank you
   Laura

   replyreport
   1. 91

      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with Millionaire Tips that it is much easier said than done. I haven't made a ton of money on HubPages, but I earn enough to keep me here. I don't think I'll go anywhere else because I have learned that the more time and effort I put into writing and fine-tuning my hubs the more I earn. It is also important to participate in the HubPages community. You don't have to do a lot of participating, but just share and show support. For instance, if someone reads one of my hubs I am grateful and I show my appreciation by reading at least one of their hubs in return. I enjoy reading so it's a pleasure reading other writers here at HubPages.
      
      When I prepare to write a hub, the first thing I do is go to Google and type in a search for the topic I'm thinking of writing about. Oftentimes, I'll type in the exact title I'm thinking of naming my hub. I pay close attention to the first three pages of search returns for that topic. If I see a flood of excellent information already available for a topic, I know that topic is saturated and for me to write yet another hub on the subject will be futile. Unless I can add a different twist on a topic I just don't write about it. On the other hand, if I see that there isn't a lot of information out there on the topic then I go for it. I do the research, write, and publish the hub as quickly as I can. That's my basic strategy and it works for me.
      
      You don't have to write a lot of hubs, but the hubs you write should be informative and interesting enough that people can't help but engage with you about the content.

      replyreport
      1. 95

         PegCole17posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I like this strategy and just tried it myself. I Googled a topic on which I was planning to write a hub and was happy to find my article from a different site had made it to the first page. The topic doesn't look to be too saturated so I guess I'll get busy writing a different version here.

         replyreport
      2. 70

         Lauragowensposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks, good suggestion. I for example, wrote about my shingles experience. Shingles is saturated on the web, as the incidence has risen. I now prefer to bring in my first person point of view on articles along WITH the research. It's clear to the reader that this is not an encyclopedic article, informative but very subjective as well. This is where I want my articles to go today, not strictly research-based as I did in the past. I also want to bring in my creative writing training I had last year (make it a story/narrative). With my shingles article I linked to mayoclinic.com for traditiional shingles information and to Dr. Mercola (who I follow) for his natural health take. Then I tied it together with what I did to treat my shingles (integrative approach, both traditional and alternative medicine) and some theories as to why shingles, some believe is on the rise.  This format has been far more fun to write than simply research-informative articles, but it takes longer.

         replyreport
   2. 76

      Barbara Kayposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      My best advice is to write about what you already know and love. Then it won't take as much research and you can write the articles from experience. Of course it is still important to research your keywords. If the competition is stiff, it still will take a long time to earn some money.
      
      I have earned more money from eBay than Amazon. Other writers earn more from Amazon. You'll have to experiment a little.

      replyreport
      1. 70

         Lauragowensposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks. Absolutely and I do but I do write what I love, and often know. But, I pull in experts and research to lend credibility and substance. I posted on another reply here that my twist is to bring in my first person point of view along with, the 2nd/3rd objective. I noticed that Suite101 who I used to write for changed their model (unpaid now) to ask writers to bring their OWN stories to the table. I think the experience-based content model in addition to experts, research findings, is quite new, relatively speaking. So as an example, someone could get information from Mayoclinic.com about shingles (that I just had and wrote about) but the first person point of view brings in subjective experience and recommendations, which I think is very valuable to readers.   The encyclopedic strictly objective article is everywhere, our story and our view is unique.
         
         I'm having a hard time with the revamped Google Keywords. Do you know of a good free keyword tool? (to gauge traffic, competition), thanks.

         replyreport
         1. 61

            freefoggingposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I have been doing the same thing you have...and find more people are viewing, shaing and commenting, so it is working, so far.

            replyreport
   3. 90

      Cardisaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      In addition to all the wonderful advice: you must publish more than what you have been doing. The busier your account is the more traffic Google will send you. When a website takes a while to send out new content especially when it is new Google isn't quite sure if you are serious about building your site. What the big boss likes is to see new websites gradually build and send out fresh content.
      
      In four months you have only two articles. In order for you to earn you would need to publish at least two articles per week.

      replyreport
      1. 70

         Lauragowensposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Yes I kind of figured but to be honest with how long each article takes me and other writing  I do, not sure I can manage 2 a week, so I'll have to take the hit with Google Oz He-She likes to see quality content I hope, over quantity. When I was with Suite101 and they were deranked after Panda, I read a fair amount about Google's criteria. Hoping that quantity isn't one of them, but it sounds like it is.  What I hope I can do is take some old online content and refurbish it with new content, that I could do on a fairly regular basis.

         replyreport
         1. 90

            Cardisaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            It goes without saying that to make a good impression online and build your presence, quality must go hand in hand with quantity. While seeking to put out as many articles as possible without overdoing it you must pay attention to the quality of your work.
            
            Quality does not necessarily mean lengthy. My 500 word article may have better quality than your 2000 word article.

            replyreport
            1. 70

               Lauragowensposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks! True, short quality articles can do the trick but doesn't Hub have a 1000+ word minimum? I'm pretty sure I won't get the volume I need to make the big bucks, but I'll build slowly.

               replyreport
               1. 90

                  Cardisaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  HP has a 500 word minimum but they suggest at least 1250 for stellar hubs because they figure that longer articles do better. I have quite a number of successful hubs under 1000 words.
                  
                  My most successful hub (daily traffic) is only 862 words. Most successful (most views) is only 713 words.
                  
                  If I should increase the word count on these hubs it would be only fluff and that would take away from the quality. I would rather a short article with specific information rather than long fluffy hard to sift through articles.

                  replyreport
                  1. 70

                     Lauragowensposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                     Thanks Cardisa. My most successful article when I was with Suite101 was in the 600-800 range. The topic and novelty of the article ultimately pulls in. I tend to write longer because it's in my nature but I could increase volume with shorter. It's my research, takes me a while.

                     replyreport
   4. 77

      Hunbbel Meerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      If you aren't going to write much here, then write intelligently. Pick the niches that you can be successful in (high search volume, lower competition and better knowledge/authority).
      
      Use interactive capsules to create interesting and engaging hubs.
      
      eBay or Amazon? No definite answer there. I think Amazon is a great association to be with. Mainly, because almost everyone trusts them, but their commission rate sucks.
      
      Anyway, do your research and make the hub that is less likely to go down in the dumps (since you won't be writing many articles here, make sure to make everyone count). Most importantly, be consistent! Best of luck

      replyreport
      1. 70

         Lauragowensposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Excellent advice. Thanks so much. I'm hesitant to put much advertising in minus the generated adsense that is pulling in some cents.
         
         Do you have a free keyword tool you like? I've had a tough time with the new Google Keyword tool. I used to love it.

         replyreport
         1. 77

            Hunbbel Meerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Online writing is almost always about monetization, so don't be hesitant. Just make your hub clean enough with different formatting options and this won't be a problem at all
            
            Unfortunately, no. I, too, used to be in love with the Google Keyword tool and I think it's all messed up now. But I guess it's the only reliable free tool we have. I'll have to research a bit about it; will let you know if I find something useful enough

            replyreport
            1. 70

               Lauragowensposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks so much

               replyreport
   5. 57

      andromidaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      My advice will be to start your own blog in a niche site, with high-quality posts. And don't forget to publish regularly, and focus on only a few social media to share your hubs.I've only focused on twitter to share my hubs and now I've over 14,000 twitter followers and nearly 1.8 millions pageviews.Don't think about money, instead pay attention to growing your traffic from the search engines.

      replyreport
      1. 70

         Lauragowensposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         That's a phenomenal accomplishment!
         
         Thanks I actually do have blog and a website. The thing is I just have too many irons in the fire, trying out all sorts of things for several years which has been fun, but not lucrative. The reality is I have a multitude of interests under the big umbrella of "wellness, personal empowerment, psychology"  but ultimately my work boils down that I'm a writer first, and want to write great "stuff" in an informed, engaging way and then gain readers, money.

         replyreport
2. 73

   Jatinder Joshiposted 11 years ago

   Like you, I too am looking for replies to this question.

   replyreport
3. 87

   Millionaire Tipsposted 11 years ago

   The key is to write a high quality article about something everyone wants to read, but the information is not available on the web.  Finding the right topic and making sure to use proper keywords so that the search engines know that this is the article everyone wants to read is the key to making lots of money with just one (or a few) articles.  Much easier said than done however.

   replyreport
   1. 70

      Lauragowensposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks. Yes. I"ve been working with SEO for quite a while now, since my Suite101 days and when I developed a website and blog in personal empowerment, mind-body, natural health, psychology.  My focus is absolutely above all, quality and novel information. My "twist' I hope to bring sometimes is second/third person with my first person view as well. I'd like to write highly researched articles and add my "experience inspired" (that's my tagline in my profile) information. This isn't the traditional article I used to write (third person only, objective, citing only research) because I feel strongly that in addition to the research findings and expert citations, my subjective and experience (sometimes) can add depth to the article and take away, I hope.

      replyreport
      1. 61

         freefoggingposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I totally agree with you...I write on what I have had since 2007...fibromyalgia, fatigue, sciatica, chronic pain, bipolar disease etc...I add my personal experiences and people seem to like that...I do this on my fibro blog..the problem is, with all these diseases, I can't write fast, so quality is definitly my goal, when I am feeling good at least!

         replyreport
         1. 70

            Lauragowensposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I think it's wonderful that you share your journey, no matter how long it takes. The testimony and support from another who has suffered and is now healing, goes yards farther than the finest gold standard Mayo et al can offer for healing.  I've since cured or undiasnosed my fibro (I think it wasn't that).... and am working on adrenal fatigue-insomnia....both tied into what I recently learned is likely a histamine intolerance (which will cause all SORTS of ick).... check out lowhistaminechef..... her journey. You might see some sneaky culprits for fibro symptoms et al.

            replyreport
   2. 77

      weavesandbraidsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      This covers it all.
      Find that magical topic everyone is searching for and no one has written on.
      Write a stellar hub and you are done.
      Good luck with that though

      replyreport
4. 36

   ChristinSposted 11 years ago

   You have to work for it. I get most of my traffic by participating actively in social media for example. Most of my readers come from there over Google.  The honest truth is the most prolific writers have the best shot at getting the best earnings. If you can't or don't want to develop a lot of content, then do a lot of research in advance and write in niches that are popular, but not overdone (a tall order at times).

   replyreport
   1. 70

      Lauragowensposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks. I''m very active on social media, at least in terms of posting articles, not necessarily participating, except over at CafeMom.  Popular but not overdone. I'm wondering which fit that bill. Mine are likely popular AND overdone. My topics span natural health, psychology, social trends, personal development.

      replyreport
5. 69

   brakel2posted 11 years ago

   Marlene. Do you use Google Keyword Planner?  Any other tools?  I know you are good.

   replyreport
   1. 70

      Lauragowensposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Marlene. I did. I'm having issue with GKP now and need a new one, ideas? Free.

      replyreport
6. 84

   WryLiltposted 11 years ago

   Quality not quantity. You can make $100 off a great hub but 20c off 100 terrible ones.

   replyreport
   1. 70

      Lauragowensposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks. That's my hope

      replyreport
      1. 84

         WryLiltposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         By quality I don't mean just content, either. If you write a 2,000 word hub on how to lose weight or "My Pretty Garden", no one will see them. The first is too saturated, the second no one Googles.

         replyreport
7. 77

   psycheskinnerposted 11 years ago

   Content is almost always a volume business.  Quality is great.  But if you only every write a handful of hubs it is unlikely that they will make a lot of money.  If you know how to write low volume extremely high income webpages, self-hosting is generally a better strategy.

   replyreport
   1. 84

      WryLiltposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I find one page Blogger blogs do very well

      replyreport
      1. 60

         paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         All of my attempts at that have been abysmal failures.
         
         Should I try again? Maybe the problem is my poor choice of topics?

         replyreport
         1. 84

            WryLiltposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I go for topics I think people will be Googling. Lists. Questions. Reviews. Etc

            replyreport
            1. 60

               paradigmsearchposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks.
               
               My throwaway hubs certainly didn't work.
               
               Next worthy list, review, or question (with my own brilliant, extensive answer) that I think of, I'll give it another shot.

               replyreport
8. 70

   EGamboaposted 11 years ago

   I'm just starting out here…Hub gave my first article a score of 84, I published it about 24 hours ago, and have about 100 views. Can anyone that's got to the receiving revenue point, throw out some guestimation numbers. I realize I have to keep publishing, my first goal is to hit 15 articles. what should my views-goal be on an articles…how many (months?) before a high-scoring (score?), high-trafficked (views?) hub gets serious, money making attention?

   replyreport
9. 76

   FatFreddysCatposted 11 years ago

   Spam-a-dee-spam, marvelous spam, wonderful spaaaaaam!

   replyreport
10. 79

    misslong123posted 11 years ago

    Learning by studying expert hubbers is a great way to be successful. Studying the learning center and finding out how others are successful will certainly give you great advice. It is important to make sure you get advice from actual successful hubbers though. I typically observe how many followers they have, how many hubs they have written, and what kind of advice they give in hubpages. I have found that taking the time to really study key words I don't know but should and filling a notebook full of checklists, suggestions, advice, and ways to be a successful has greatly increased my knowledge of this website and of how to make money.
    
    Some keywords you may want to research would be: make money, success on hub pages, keyword research, SEO, content development, hub topic choices, checklists, Google, adwords, trends, search engines, experts, backlinks, promotional blurbs, marketing, grouping hubs, linking hubs, and title tuner. Keep on hubbing! ~Michele

    replyreport
    1. 70

       Lauragowensposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks Michele, all good tips. Yes, I always believe in finding mentors in any field and learning from their successes (and mistakes, equally as important!).  I like your idea of starting a notebook. I have files of articles, tips, but to have ONE place, nearby, good idea.

       replyreport
11. 0

    loseraspieposted 11 years ago

    Welcome to HubPages Lauragowens. I recommend Amazon AdSense. It's OK that you write slow. You should take your time when you want to write a hub.

    replyreport
    1. 70

       Lauragowensposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you I didn't become a writer to make money (although...I DO want to make money) the moolah is merely a wonderful side effect to my forever passion).   I figure since I'm among seasoned hubbers I should get all the good advice I can get.

       replyreport
12. 66

    my-zoneposted 11 years ago

    Keep writing engaging content and post regularly to increase traffic & earnings

    replyreport