Tips on Writing for Associated Content

Write out a list of things you know very well. If you know sports, jot that down. If you like psychology, write that down. If you keep up with the news better than those around you, make note of that. Everyone has something that they are more knowledgeable about than others. The trick is to find what yours is.

Try to find a handful of sites that give you ideas for things to write about. Good sites to visit are news sites and sites belonging to organizations, especially ones that are scientific in nature. There tends to be a lot to write about there.

Furthermore, watch your local news, and world news--or listen to it at least. You can even do that while writing...For Associated Content, of course. Sometimes local news will cover things that you won't find on the internet news sites you may frequent on a daily basis.

Approach things from a unique angle, or perspective. Anyone can write about fish. But not everyone could write about the anatomy of a fish, the evolution of a fish, or the nutrients in a fish. Not everyone could write about fishing.

Always keep your keyword density in the back of your mind. Avoid using unnecessary words to articulate something that could best be said in a shorter, more compact way. I admit that I am guilty of writing long, almost rambling, sentences. All I really would've needed to say is: "I'm crazy."
I joke, but it's true (not that I'm crazy, I mean; that writing shorter sentences can help keyword density).

Keep a notepad around with you at all times. Have a pen handy. First glimpse of an idea you get, write it down. You could even jot down some notes next to that idea regarding how you want to cover it--what specific details you'd like to present, how you'd like to open it, etc.,

If you really want to make money using Associated Content, you're going to have to start viewing it as an actual job, rather than a way to pass time. Set a daily, weekly, or monthly quota for yourself. Say that you have to write a certain number of articles in that time frame, or you'll make yourself run a mile or something. Or, if you're into masochism, you'll spank yourself.

Set down solid hours. Turn off the TV, put on some music if you like. Bury your cell phone, pager, and all those goodies, in the back yard somewhere. You won't need them for this. If you're using an IM program, turn them off, or go on invisible mode. You probably won't want people disturbing you while you write.
Set down a certain period of time you'll allow yourself to brainstorm, then a certain period of time you'll allow yourself to write, then a certain period you'll allow yourself to rest before starting the next article you intend to write.

Maybe put yourself on a cycle; Monday, Wednesday, Friday, you'll write. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, you brainstorm. Sunday, you relax.

Write in your spare time. Sometimes, I'll write in between sets when I'm working out. (For me, it's four to five minutes between sets. Over the course of a thirty or forty-five minute workout, imagine all the extra productive time you'll get out of working in between doing other things.)

Bear in mind what you want to do with the money that you get from Associated Content. Have a goal, and set out to achieve it. In this way, many things become easier.