So You're New to AC

When I first started writing on Associated Content, I have to admit: I was a bit overwhelmed. There were forums, Calls for Content, town hall meetings, performance page views, etc. I didn't know where to start, and as such, I believe I could have had a much better start on Associated Content.

The best place to start is to get three articles published as soon as possible. Write articles that you will really enjoy writing, perhaps and opinion-editorial (OpEd) or local news. While you are at this, familiarize yourself with the entire publishing process. This will save a lot of time for you later. Once you have published three articles here, you can typically post any articles instantly if you are not submitting them for pay.

Especially if you have any questions, don't hesitate to search for them in the forums, and if you don't find an answer, ask it in the forums. This will not only get you the answers that you need, but it is also a great way to start networking on Associated Content. You should actually make an effort to visit the forums every day, at least for a few minutes, during your first month here.

After you have visited the forums and submitted your first three articles, look around the site. Check out what other people are writing about, and be sure to post on the articles you read. Once again, this is a great way to network on Associated Content with other Content Producers (CPs). You may even find authors that you like, and would like to follow. In this case, you can subscribe to them and mark them as one of you "Favorite CPs." Be sure to let them know that you have subscribed, as this is a great way to introduce yourself.

At this point, you are ready to really start on Associated Content. Make it a personal goal to write and submit at least one article per day for the first 30 days, as well as visit the forums every day. This will help you in several areas. First off, it will get your name circulated amongst the CPs on Associated Content. Also, you'll be practicing writing, which is something most of us needed when we first started here; you can begin deciding if there is an area that you would like to make most of your writing about. Another benefit of getting so many articles posted as soon as possible is that you can begin building your subscriber base, which can give you a huge boost on page views. If nothing else, after publishing 30 articles, you should have enough money for a tank of gas.

After you have completed your first month on Associated Content, look back and see what you liked the most. Try and make some consistent habits on here, both regarding publishing content, as well as networking with the other users here. Giving this first strong push will give you the resources, drive, confidence, and practice you need to succeed here on Associated Content.

Good luck!