Winners - Challenge #201

Wow!! Thanks to everyone for playing along in our Anything Goes Challenge.  We had 191 entries and that is brilliant for a weekly challenge. Thank you for your support!

It also means that we have pretty tough decisions to make choosing our winners from all those fabulous entries.... 

Here we go with our winners!

Our

HONOURABLE ADDICTS

 #22 Larissa 

#31 Danielle Vincent

#97 creating with Olga

Congratulations, ladies! Please take your badge to post on your blog.

Our

TOP ADDICT

and the winner of the prize from

#60 Crafty like a Fox

Congratulations! Please take your Winners Badge to post on your blog. Don't forget to claim your prize you must contact me at kyliepurtell@gmail.com within 5 days.

Our current challenge is

and we hope to see you play along :)

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12 Great Writer Websites That Magnetically Attract Clients

Years back, I did a post about great writer websites. It turned out to be one of my most popular ever.

But over time, websites change. So do best practices in website design (hello, mobile-responsive design!). Writers get staff writing jobs and shut their sites down. Links break.

And writers still need ideas, examples, and inspiration to create their writer website…so I’ve put together a sequel.

This time, I’ve collected a dozen different flavors of successful writer websites to show you. Got notes below for you about what I love about each (and what I’d tweak).

I’ve done a multi-hour training about writer website best practices inside Freelance Writers Den (and many of the sites you’ll see featured below are from current or former Den members who’ve taken advantage of that course). But to give you a super-quick overview, the important elements of a successful writer site include:

• Clean design — No flashing or rotating items, nor too many different colors or boxes.
• Easy to connect — Your email/phone are easily visible and links are clickable.
• Photo of you — This helps reassure people you’re not some Internet scam.
• Portfolio — The #1 thing prospects want to do on your site is read your clips.
• Testimonials — These are a huge factor in convincing prospects to contact you.
• Personality — Your writer website is a writing audition, and a chance to give prospects a sense of what it’d be like to work with you.

With that crash course in writer website design in mind, here are a dozen writer websites (in alphabetical order) that show the variety of approaches you can take to implement these fundamentals. As you’ll see, websites can always be improved, so I’ve got some wish-list tips on how even these could do better:

1. Dale Cudmore — Dale is sending away the wrong sort of clients for his business, with a clear definition of his niche and a strong show of personality right in the introduction. He also puts his portfolio right on the home page. He’s got the contact form I believe no one wants to fill out, but all in all, a strong presentation with a clean look, nice friendly shot of him, and a great, simple blue-and-white color scheme.
2. Cutthroat Copy — Jorden Roper throws a young, sassy blogger vibe in this vibrant, mobile-responsive site. Killer photos (helps if you look like a model)! She also sneaks in some good SEO with “Dallas freelance copywriter / blogger & writer in her home-page meta (the text that shows when you mouse over the tab in your browser). I’d like to know more on her About page about how she got into copywriting.
3. Enlighten Writing — Mahesh Raj Mohan gets visitors oriented with his tagline, “Freelance writer and content marketing strategist in Portland,” and quickly defines his ideal clients as authors, marketing managers, and business owners. He does a nice job of weaving a story out of his resume on the About page, but I’d like to see his contacts less hidden away and the body-copy font on subpages a bit bigger.
4. Jennifer Gregory — Way to state your niche — ‘The content marketing writer” — and wow prospects with a powerful ‘proof’ bar of past client logos. I’d flip her photo over so she’s facing her copy instead of away from it…but it’s a tiny thing. Nice use of mobile layout.
5.  Juliann Schaeffer — Den member Juliann goes for the topic SEO with ‘freelance health writer’ and a URL that’s got ‘health writer’ in it, too. Super-friendly, happy-but-professional photo just makes you want to give her a call. This one doesn’t have super-flashy design, but wins with a cute little logo that makes it feel pro, along with great head shots with the testimonials.
6. Karen Smock — A member of the Den and Den 2X Income Accelerator, Karen’s site wins with great graphics that express the industries she knows, and a nice photo of her, plus basic city-focused SEO keywords in the tagline that’s always worked well for my writer website. Strongly orienting copy quickly lets visitors see if this is the writer for them. Nicely organized portfolio — this could only be better if testimonials had head shots instead of company logos.
7. Lori Murray — I usually hate sites with a left-hand sidebar, which has been proven to not perform as well as a right-hand one (and with the age of mobile, not as well as no sidebar at all). But experienced pro Lori makes it work with a very simple contact sidebar and a home page that’s a visually grabby portfolio. What I’d change: “writing & communications” (her tagline) aren’t terms I believe prospects search on, as much as terms like “freelance writer” or “communications strategist.” A little refining might draw more leads. And how about some logos on that solid-gold client list! (Thanks to Den member Leslie Shortlidge for the referral to this snappy website.)
8. Sarah Asp Olson — A Den and Den 2X grad, Sarah uses a top bar to keep contacts visible, and has a fab headshot and strong keywords prospects can see right off, along with a terrific set of past client logos providing social proof right above the fold. I’d add a little Home page copy to help folks navigate, if it were me, but her two big “Who I am” and “What I do” buttons help direct traffic.
9. Silicon Valley Tech Writer  — This site, from Den 2X member Millie Lapidario, is the first site built on SquareSpace that I’ve featured in these great-website lists (to my knowledge). Love the graphic at the top, sleek mobile layout, and short, punchy headlines. To top it off, she nabbed a highly SEO-friendly URL that’s just gotta bring traffic. I’m not usually a fan of writing your About page in the third person, as first makes more of a direct conversation with prospects, but if it’s working, it’s working.
10. Sonia Quinones — This one gets my award for best copy headline: “Content that puts more money in your pocket.” I usually hate rotating graphics, but this one that serves up an array of portfolio samples is kind of fresh. Nice all-in-one home page with a testimonial at the bottom, too.
11. Sylvie Tremblay — Another Den 2X member, Sylvie’s site grabs attention with a social-proof bar right where the experts say it should be — up at the top. With her tagline, “Freelance science & health journalist and copywriter,” she instantly helps visitors understand if she’s their writer. Great second shot of her on the About page, and nice contact bar on top from ManyContacts, a solution I hadn’t previously seen.
12. That Copywriter Girl — You know I’m a sucker for a writer who’s gotten a cartoon done of themselves, and Den grad Mallory Hall rocks that approach here, along with a snappy branding URL. She even makes pink work, a color that I think usually says “unprofessional.” Her tagline, “freelance writer and blogger,” could probably be niched down a bit more to get her found more frequently on search. Body-copy font could be bigger, especially on subpages, but I’m picking a nit.

I hope these websites help you launch or improve your own site! If you’re looking for support getting up a quick website, you can check out my recommendations for that on the ‘Products I Love’ tab at the top of this blog, or join the Den and take the bootcamp Build a Writer Website That Works.

 

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How To Use Other People’s Money To Buy Real Estate

 

 

 

You’ve Heard Of The Zero Money Down Real Estate Investing?

Does The Word JV or Joint Venture Comes To Mind?

How Does It Work?

How Do I Find The Investors To Partner Up?

 

There’s a great book out there, “Money, People, Deal” by Stefan Aarnio.  Basically it says that if you have 2 of the 3 (Money, People, Deal), the 3rd one will come.  So if you have the deal and the people, the money will come OR if you have the money and the people, the deal will come.

Sometimes, you ONLY just need to find the DEAL and the other 2 will show up.  “If you build it, they will come” from The Field of Dreams.  In real estate investing, if you find the deal, often times, the people and money will come to you.  

So, how does it work?  

Many people ask me, 

 

But I Don’t Have The Money

 

It can still work if you don’t have the money.  The investors will put up the money and you will then do ALL THE WORK and you’d take a cut of the profits.  That can be negotiated depending on a variety of factors, how lucrative the deal is, your track record, etc…

 

What If I Don’t Have A Track Record?

The post How To Use Other People’s Money To Buy Real Estate appeared first on Gary Wong Realty Vancouver, BC.

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3 Tips for Replacing a Bathtub

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Replacing your bathtub is a simple, inexpensive project. In this article, we’ll show you some tips for replacing your bathtub, including: planning, measuring and positioning, and installing the new bathtub.

Below are 3 tips for replacing bathtub:

Planning
Some inspectors don’t require an inspection for fixture replacements. As long as no new drain or supply pipes are to be installed, no permit will be required. But check with your building department; this is a major job. It’s to your benefit to have an inspector sign off on it. If you are running new lines for a shower, be sure to schedule inspections.
Replacing a tub or installing a shower is a remodeling project, involving not only plumbing but also carpentry, wall repair, and perhaps tiling. Count the cost and prepare for all aspects of the job. Allow yourself plenty of time. Just patching and painting a wall can take several days. Source:  DIYAdvice

Measuring and Positioning
Before installing a new bathtub, make sure that your selection is an exact fit into the old bathtub space. Make sure it is apron-styled or drop-in, and that the drain is on the same side, because bathtubs can have right-hand or left-hand drains. If the bathtub is not an exact fit, the piping will have to be modified for the new bathtub. If it is an exact fit, you’ll follow the same steps for removing the old bathtub, just in reverse. You may need to repair the wall surface so it rests on the flange of the new tub. Always use cement backerboard under tiles in the bathtub or shower areas for moisture protection and to prevent a possible mold problem. Regular drywall is not rated to handle extreme moisture. To begin, measure and mark the location of the bathtub’s ledger. Source:  DIYNetwork

Installing the New Bathtub
Replace any damaged plywood or floor covering. Follow the tub manufacturer’s instructions for securing ledger boards to the existing wall studs at the appropriate height. Confirm that the new drain and waste-and-overflow unit will fit properly.
Dry fit the overflow tube and shoe while the tub is resting on its side. Confirm proper placement and then permanently attach the unit per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Assemble the drain unit and permanently attach it to the new tub per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Move the tub into proper position and, with the assistance of a helper, tilt, lift, slide and lower the tub into place. Take care not to damage the protruding WO unit, or the interior surface of the bathtub.
Level and attach the tub to the existing wall studs per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Connect the drain line and confirm that there aren’t any leaks by running water into the tub, removing the stopper and checking the drain line for wetness. Close the plumbing access panel.
Seal the floor-meets-tub seam with a heavy bead of silicone or tile caulk. Any existing gap between the two surfaces will allow puddle water to seep underneath the tub and cause damage to the subfloor. Install new faucet handles, if necessary. Replace the missing wall surface by installing a new tub surround or tile. Seal the wall-meets-tub seam with a heavy bead of silicone or tile caulk. Source:  wikiHow

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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3 Tips for Installing Wood Blinds

This article will cover step-by-step installation instructions to walk you through the entire process of installing wood blinds, including: preparation, installation and care.

Image Source: Flickr

Below are 3 tips for installing wood blinds:

Prepare
Read all installation instructions!
– Make sure that you have all tools and hardware needed for installation.
– Check the installation surface (wall, ceiling, or window frame) to ensure that you have suitable fasteners and tools for the material.
– Double check the headrail and blind for proper width and length. If you are installing several sets of blind, be sure to match them with the appropriate window.
– Check the parts list shipped with the product to confirm that you have the correct number of brackets. Source: Kirsch.BedBathAndBeyond

Install
– Mounting brackets: The brackets should be positioned approximately 9″ in from each end of the headrail. If necessary, adjust the position of the brackets to avoid interfering with the operating components inside the headrail
– Mounting center support brackets (only for blinds over 44″ wide) When only one center support bracket is provided, position the center bracket in the center of the two mounting brackets.
– Installing the wand (only if you have ordered a wand tilter) Lift the clear plastic cover (2) up from the tip of the wand tilter and remove the hook (3). see fig. A Clip the plastic cover over the metal wand tilter stem and place the hook through the eyelet of the metal tilter stem. see fig. B. Fit the hook into the holes at the top of the wand (4) and slide the clear plastic cover down the stem to secure hook into the eyelet. see fig. C. Using the cord tassels to let the blind down and turn the wand to test if the wand is installed properly.
– Installing the blind into the brackets Your blinds come with protective wrap on the headrail. It is at your discretion to keep it or remove it. It will not affect the look after the installation is completed.
– Attaching the valance Hold the valance up to the headrail and clip the valance to the valance clips
– Installing the valance side returns (if not pre-glued) (if you ordered for outside mount installation) Locate the channel on the back of the valance and one side return, inserting the plastic ‘L’ clip in each mitered edge. Repeat with other side return, making sure they fit snugly together. Install assembled valance as illustrated in Step 5 on page 5.
– Installing hold down brackets (only if you have ordered hold down brackets) Source:  BlindsToGo

Care
Carefully open and close the blinds. Do not yank on the cord to pull the blinds up or down. Make sure children do not pull on the cords or twist the slats. Careful use will ensure that the blinds will work properly and last a long time. Dust with a microfiber cloth or feather duster. The slats on the blinds will gather dust over time. Every couple of weeks, wipe each slat carefully with a downward motion. You can also use a soft vacuum upholstery attachment, running it over each slat to remove dust. Alternately, wear a pair of soft gloves or old socks on your hands and rub your hands along each slat. Twist the slats to clean the other side.
Replace broken slats. If a slat gets broken or cracked, you do not need to replace the entire blind. Remove the plugs on the bottom slat to reveal the lift cord knot. Undo the knot and pull the lift cord out of the slat. Source:  wikiHow

Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988

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Challenge #202 - Make your Mark

Welcome to Wednesday! Time for a brand new challenge here at ATSM. 

This week we want you to -

Get our your pencils, markers, chalks, paints.... anything that will make a mark.

We also have new designers that we need to welcome to the team :)

| Martina | Amy | Helen | Rema | Marie |

Our wonderful sponsor for this challenge is

Hello! I’m so happy to be here as a Sponsor for Craft Your Passion Challenges! Sami Stamps provides a variety of high quality Digital Stamps in both JPEG and PNG formats. I hope you enjoy crafting with Sami Stamps images as much as I enjoy illustrating them! 

Blog: http://ift.tt/1rkoKEW

Prize: $12.00 gift certificate

Here is our inspiration for you -

Martina

(using Sponsor image - Two Birds)

Amy

(using sponsor image "A Friend from the Sea")

Željka

(using sponsors image Rose Bride)

Marie

(Using Sponsor's images Frog Birthday and Bird on a Branch)

Tanja

Asha

Rema

Helen

Shona

Wow, aren't these examples just perfection!! Please stop by the designer's blogs to see how they came up with their ideas :)

Time to join our challenge and link up your creations!

An InLinkz Link-up

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Explode Your Freelance Writing Income: An Essay Contest and Celebration

Five years ago, I took a crazy risk and opened a community for freelance writers, hoping I could get 100 people to sign up.

What happened? It turned out people were starved for freelance writing help.

Today, the Den turns 5 years old — and it has over 1,200 members. When I say I couldn’t have done it without you, my great readers, I’m really not kidding.

Great community can’t be created by my answering every forum question. It’s created by everyone in the community coming together to pool their knowledge and share best practices. The Denizens are what make the Den the truly awesome resource it has become today.

I’m grateful for everyone who’s come together to make Freelance Writers Den great — so grateful that I’ve got five different goodies for you as part of our Den 5th anniversary celebration:

1. Essay contest with prizes

Want a month free in the Den and a bunch of other goodies? I’m going to name FIVE winners and give out five different prize packages.

Here’s the essay question:

“What would your life look like, if you had all the resources you needed to grow your freelance writing business right now?”

Answer in the comments to be considered! One entry per customer, please.

What can you win in this contest? Here are the prize packages:

Grand prize winner:

• 1 half-hour mini-mentor coaching session with me
• 1 year in the Den
• All 8 of my e-books shown here

Deluxe winner:

• 1 half hour mini-mentor coaching session with me
• 1 month in the Den
• All 8 of my ebooks

1st Place winner:

• 1 month in the Den
• All 8 of my ebooks

Runner-up:

• 1 month in the Den free
• All 4 Freelance Writers Den ebooks (That’s Freelance Business Bootcamp, The Step by Step Guide to Freelance Writing Success, How to Get Great Freelance Clients, and How to Be a Well-Paid Freelance Blogger)

Special mention:

• All 4 Den ebooks

I’ll announce the essay contest winner early Friday morning in an email…subscribe to make sure you’re in the loop of that and all the other goodies listed below. (If you’re a current Den member, you can’t win Den passes, but can participate and win the other goodies listed above.)

2. The Den is open

Possibly the best thing about this week — Freelance Writers Den is open for new members, now through Friday. It’s one of our longest open periods in many years, so if you need a couple days to get the cash together to join, this is your chance.

If you don’t know, the Den is like the Lynda.com of freelance writing. For just $25 a month (no obligation, leave anytime, 7-day trial/refund guarantee), you can access everything we’ve got. And what we’ve got is:

• 300+ hours of trainings, including 16 multi-hour bootcamps
• Templates, samples & examples of contracts, pitches that sold, etc.
• Nearly 75,000 forum comments
• An exclusive Junk-Free Job Board where we cull better gigs and I send my referrals
• 3 live events a month
• Writer accountability buddies
• Complimentary writer website and query reviews

We’re only open a few times each year, and often, I only tell the waiting list (because crazily, there are over 6,000 people on it). We usually also limit the number of writers who can sign up in any given open.

But not this time! We’re wide open for 5 whole days, so if you need this resource, you can join all week.

3. Free podcast

If you visit the home page of Freelance Writers Den over the next few days, you’ll find a series of free goodies, starting with a Den “Success Stories” podcast. Give that a listen and you’ll learn how writers are moving up and earning more from their work — and how the Den helps them do it.

4. Free handout

On Wednesday, stop by that Den home page for one of our most popular handouts ever — grab yourself a free copy of ‘7 Ways To Get Editor’s Emails.’

5. Free live Q&A on freelance writing + replay

Have you got questions about whether freelance writing is for you, or how to earn more from your writing? Got questions about how the Den helps you grow your income?

Well, come get a taste of the Den at a 1-hour live Q&A and I’ll answer them, with my trusty wing woman Angie Mansfield, our Den moderator-in-chief.

We’re going to give a secret tour behind the scenes of the Den (which I have NEVER done before!) on Thursday at 10 Pacific — you can register here.

And yes, there will be a replay for you, viewable on Friday only, so sign up even if you can’t make it at the appointed hour. (Watch your confirm email for a link to a survey where you can leave your top question.)

I’m hoping this 5th anniversary celebration will help a lot more writers find the resources they need to build their writing income. Look forward to seeing your essay entries in the comments below!

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