Writer Memo: May 8, 2006

Writer Memo: May 8, 2006

Top 10 Ways To Get Top Dollar
Here is a list of things to consider when writing your tips to ensure top dollar payments in your next check:

• 1. SPELL CHECK. Every misspelled word is $1 off the tip.


• 2. Avoid Run-on Sentences. Tips are short bursts of information that contain a powerful message. Make sure your message is clear.


• 3. Consistency Counts. Keep your writing consistent throughout your tips. LifeTips follows AP style guidelines for grammar and abbreviations. LifeTips style is to capitalize the first letter of each word of the tip title.


• 4. Fact Check and Source. Make sure to include the source of your information if you're citing specifics/statistics in your tip.


• 5. Use "Final" Keywords. The "keywords and phrases" must be used in at least one tip per keyword/phrase. For more information on how to properly use keywords, view the memo dated April 17.


• 6. Research Other Keywords. LifeTips has provided you with the keywords designated by the sponsor of the tip site, but does that mean those are the best keywords for your tip? We've included a few different tools on the job board to help you research keywords for your tips.


• 7. Go The Distance. Supply useful information that goes beyond the obvious in your tips.


• 8. Watch Your Tone. Know your audience, and write appropriately with the right tone and language for your target audience.


• 9. Don't Duplicate. Don't reuse tips in order to fill all 100 tips, and don't duplicate content from another source or tip site. Instead, brainstorm with your editor about ideas for more tips.


• 10. Stay On Target. The tips you write should relate to the specific category. Be careful about adding off-the-wall tips that don't make sense. It's not relevant to the consumer, the reader, the client, or LifeTips.

  Tip of the Week:
  From the Child Protection Tip Site, Authored by Susie McGee
  Tip: Red Alert Notification
  Because the risk of new sexual predators moving into an area continues to be a very real issue, the National Alert Registry eliminates the need to continuously check the Website or contact a local law enforcement agency. They have created a Red Alert notification.
  As the national sex offender registry is continually updated, the Red Alert is an e-mail that is sent to individuals alerting them to a new sexual offender in the area. You no longer have to search through sex offender registries to see if a new sex offender has moved to your neighborhood! A notification that includes the date the sex offender has moved to your area, along with information about that predator will be included.
  Editor's Note: The tip is newsworthy, value-driven and to the point. It makes use of the keyword "sex offender" on multiple occasions.

  Previous Memos To Writers:
  April 17, 2006: The Importance of Keywords.
  April 24, 2006: Sell Yourself
  May 1, 2006: Sourcing Your Facts