Elna Cain
(She/Her)
As seen in:
godaddy.com,
slideshare.net,
Illumination,
Medium,
The Startup,
HuffPost,
Business 2 Community,
Thrive Global,
The Good Men Project,
Addicted2Success
and
Covers:
digital marketing, AI, SEO, email marketing, social media marketing, business
Doesn't Cover:
tech, Wordpress
🇨🇦 SaaS freelance writer - helping grow leads/traffic/awareness. Bylines: @zapier @smartbloggerhq @godaddy @wordtune @beehiiv & more. innovativeink.ca
Articles by Elna Cain
What Your Freelance Writing Portfolio Is Missing (And It’s Crucial to Landing a Job)
To land a freelance writing job you need more than your writing portfolio nowadays. This is something I’ve been thinking lately and I even wrote about it over on LinkedIn. For years, the advice for new freelance writers has been pretty simple: create a few writing samples, put them in a portfolio and start pitching. I mean this is what I’ve been teaching for over a decade. And yes, you STILL need writing samples.
How to Become a Better Freelance Content Writer in the Age of AI (7 Skills You Need)
Content writing has changed A LOT since I first started way back in 2014. When I landed my first freelance writing jobs, you could do pretty well if you knew how to research a topic, write a helpful 1,000-2,000-word blog post, sprinkle in the right keywords and make Google happy. Of course, you still needed to be a good writer, but the actual writing was a huge part of what clients were paying you for. Then AI came along and completely shook things up.
They’re Landing Freelance Writing Jobs. Why Aren’t You?
Have you ever looked at another freelance writer and wondered, How are they getting all these writing jobs? Because I have. You see someone posting on LinkedIn about a new client, another project they just landed, or how they’re completely booked for the month. Meanwhile, you’re refreshing your inbox wondering where everyone is finding these clients.Are they using newsletters? Job boards? Or are they just cold pitching? Maybe they’are arent. Well, maybe they’re just a better writer than me.
How to Stand Out as a Freelance Writer (Even When 100+ Writers Apply to the Same Gig)
Have you been on LinkedIn lately? I have used my LinkedIn profile to help me find clients and many of the posts I scroll through are writer callouts. Companies, agencies, and solopreneurs write LinkedIn posts to find freelance writers, copywriters and other types of writers they need. This can be a legit method to landing client work as a freelance writer, whether you are in your first or tenth year.
When Did “Content Writer” Start Meaning “Entire Marketing Team?”
On LinkedIn I posted about something I’ve been noticing more and more lately: companies say they’re looking for a content writer, but then you read the job description and realize they’re actually looking for an entire marketing team. Just…one person doing it. Can you believe those types of jobs? The job ad starts innocently enough. They need someone to write blog posts and other long-form content. Okay, that’s a content writer. But you keep scrolling.
What Should Your First Copywriting Portfolio Piece Be? Here’s Where I’d Start
Soo… you’ve decided you want to become a copywriter. Maybe you’ve been watching YouTube videos about freelancing or you’ve seen people making a full-time income writing landing pages, emails, and sales copy, and you’re thinking, I can do that. Then you start looking at job postings. You notice every client wants to see samples of your copywriting experience. And suddenly you’re wondering how you’re supposed to have experience before anyone will hire you.
How to Go Viral on TikTok: 18 Strategies that Work
TikTok has evolved from a social app into a much bigger cultural influence. In a matter of seconds, ordinary people can become overnight sensations. But what does it take to go from scrolling to becoming a star? The TikTok algorithm is a complex interplay of engagement, relevance, and strategy and holds the key to going viral. For businesses and creators, the allure of reaching millions with a single captivating video is tantalizing.
Trying to Rank My Writer Website
it’s a long uphill battle For the past few weeks, I’ve been working on ranking my writer website Innovative Ink for my SaaS writing service. It’s on a .CA domain and not a .COM domain, making it very difficult to rank. I don’t rank even in Canada for top 3. So, I decided to do a few things to get my name out there or grow my brand, which will elevate my writing services (maybe). 1.
I Learned The Crucial Skill Most Unsuccessful Writers Lack
When I was in high school, I loved writing poems. My mother passed away when I was 14 years old, and a way to cope with the loss was creative writing, and poems were my way. At the University, I took a creative writing class. I never thought about business, having a business, or writing about business. I was in the creative lane and I loved it. Then I had my twins and received a year off for maternity (in Canada). My husband and I were living with my in-laws, and I was fortunate for the help.
5 Must-Know Copywriting Services for Freelancers
It’s only been about a year since I started offering copywriting services alongside my blogging service for SaaS digital marketing businesses. Copywriting, actionable and persuasive copy, is how businesses sell their products or services. From email campaigns to social media content, the services you can offer are endless.
3 Client Types Every Copywriter Must Know
3 Client Types Every Copywriter Must Know While I’ve been content writing for clients for almost a decade, it’s only the past two years that I decided to formally offer email copywriting services. Why did I wait so long? I mean, copywriting pays almost triple to content writing. For me, the biggest reason was finding the right type of client and having the confidence that I could do copywriting for them.
Step-by-Step Guide to Earning $100+ Daily With a Digital Product
I’ve been writing online since 2014, and over those years, I’ve created over 50 digital products. Not every digital product I created has sold like gang-busters. But when they do, it’s a firm testament that this side hustle strategy actually works. And for proof, here is only ONE of the dozens of digital products I have that sold. And, if you noticed, it doesn’t matter if it’s a few years old either. As long as you update your digital product and add more value, it will be a passive income generator.
7 Secrets to YouTube Profits Beyond Just Adsense
I started my freelance YouTube channel five years ago but it has only been two years since it's been monetized. I had a goal to gain some Adsense money and when it happened I was excited for the potential. But you know what? Even with almost 17k subscribers I'm still not making thousands from my channel. Luckily though, I've built up other streams of income so that I don't have to rely on YouTube Adsense. This is a world where you can make money on YouTube without ever touching Adsense.
URGENT:End the Year Strong with My Q4 Profit Strategies for Bloggers
Are you ready for the last quarter of the year? This is Q4 for us bloggers and do you know what that means? It's considered the quarter where bloggers can make the MOST money. Many bloggers actually make ALL their income in this last quarter. It's that profitable. Do you want a slice of that pie? Over the years as a blogger, I've learned how to leverage Q4 to make more money.
This is How I Write a Winning Pitch Email for Websites (2024 Guide)
Over on my Youtube channel, I posted a couple of videos on different websites that pay you to write. The websites I showed were paying two hundred dollars to three hundred dollars and upwards of five hundred dollars to guest post. For a brand new freelance writer, these websites can be the big break to make this dream a reality. If you want to be able to work from home as a freelance writer, then a way to get started is to snag paid guest posting websites.
How I Scaled My Online Course to 6 Figures with these Tactics
Have you ever thought of creating your first ever digital product for your blog? I never did in the beginning but when I first started blogging way back in 2014 I started learning about courses and online learning. Big bloggers I was following were launching courses and using Teachable to host their course. I thought, at that time, since I was doing coaching and freelance blogging, I could take what I was teaching my coaching students and bundle that up in to a course for them.
SEO is Dead and Influencer Marketing Stepped In
AI really f*ed things up for everyone. Sure, good things have come from using AI - like how AI gave this woman a voice after 18 years of paralysis. But, as a content writer and blogger, AI is just muddling everything. Everything I read, I think, "Is that AI?" And Google is noticing this as well. There are clues Google gives us that are leaning less on SEO and more on influencer marketing. This has been a slow movement. For years, video marketing was it; everyone must be on video.
How to SEO Old Blog Posts
However, as you grow and find your niche, particularly if it's in a specialized area like pregnancy, you may look back and wonder, "Why did I write about pet boarding again?" So, what happens when you've been religiously blogging about one topic, but you notice there are a few unrelated posts that don't quite fit the bill? 1.
I'm Scared for My Daughter
Looking at my 10 year old daughter I see a sporty child with a close knit group of friends who does well in school. I also see a socially awkward child who struggles finding things to keep her busy, staying committed to a week camp or extra curricular activity and the need to have a friend close by as a way to try new things. And, when I see this I see me. This is my story except for the sports (I was in band and did photography). But, why am I scared?
These Tiny Mind Shifts Will Turn Into Mega Freelancing Income
When I started freelancing back in 2014, I had one grumpy writer in a LinkedIn group tell me my writing was like eating junk food - there was no sustenance to my words. Hardy-ha-ha...you on your high writing throne deeming what is and what isn't quality writing that lasts you days, no weeks, or months later. I almost gave up that day. What's the point in writing if this one writer told me I sucked? I mean I knew I wasn't really a writer. I got a C in English (at the University level).
Understanding What Pinterest Pin Suppression Really Is
This is what might be happening to you Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash Are you experiencing a sudden drop in Pinterest traffic? Your pins might be suppressed. But, what does that mean? Let's dive into what this means and how you can adapt. Check out my Youtube video about this topic: Pinterest may decide not to show your pins to a wider audience or even your followers if they deem them misleading, harmful, or in violation of their community guidelines. This is known as pin suppression.
How Much of the Edited Work Is Really Yours?
One of the most common questions I get from new content writers is about the editing process. How much of your work, after being edited, can you truly call your own? I mean after you edit it, use editing tools like Grammarly (which uses AI) and your client edits it, how much is yours now? Let's dive deep into this topic and shed some light on the matter. Editing isn't about erasing your essence but refining it. It aligns your work with the intended vision, making it more accessible and polished.
Unlocking My $10K/Month Digital Product Sales(With a Small Audience!)
I'm pulling back the curtain on one of my favorite strategies for selling digital products. And guess what? You don't even need a massive audience to make it work! I've been creating digital products for years and have made a seven figure business out of it! If you're a new content creator, whether you have a Youtube channel, a profile here or like to be on Twitter to do your marketing, this strategy can help you ramp up your sales to your digital product.
The Simple Way to Show Your Value as a True Writer
Are you tired of being just another writer in the sea of freelancers, struggling to make your mark? It's time to break free from the ordinary and unleash your true potential! Focus on the End Result Don't charge per word; go for a flat rate. Show your clients the end result of your writing. Provide samples, proof of engagement, and testimonials. Make them see the value in what you offer. Create a List of Deliverables High-paying clients want more than just an article.
Shhh! Here's How to Earn from Every Word
Want to know how I earn from every single word I put on on the internet? Here's my journey to getting to this point. Use it and follow it! It's your recipe to create content and get paid for it. Becoming a Mom 15 months after having twins, sleepless nights and constant caregiving were my reality. Yet, it marked the start of something incredible. Discovering Writing Through the chaos, I stumbled upon my passion.
The Ugly Truth About Blogging
If you've ever caught yourself finding the ugly side to anything in life, you might have been called a "Negative Nancy." Yeah, that was me at some times for sure. I must admit that I am pretty much a realist. Often, I am the one to think of all the things that could possibly go wrong with anything I first try. My approach to almost mishaps and pitfalls may have been annoying to my husband, but it's been valuable in my blogging journey.
Make Money First &Figure Out Your "Why" Later
Trust me, this idea works I'm a true believer in - if you think it, it will happen. This is your secret power of starting a creative business - a clear focus on income. And this has nothing to do with your why you started a blog or why you started a Youtube channel or whatever it is you started online. I started my niche site with the idea of making money and I am making money consistently now (after one year). Between June to August 2022 my niche site earned $11.
5 Lessons I Never Saw Coming After Earning $1 Million
My road to $1Million started at the end of my maternity leave. About six months prior I flew across the country with all of my belongings and a ton of breastmilk and donor milk to make the trip with my twins. We had strollers, swing sets, diaper bags and bag upon bag, with absolutely the essentials for flying with twins. We moved across the country to be closer to family. We moved into my in-laws home and stayed there for a good four years.
Make Your New Content Writing Clients Fall in Love with You With This Recipe
Let's start with the discovery call. Yes, talking to a stranger might sound a bit intimidating. But, trust me, it is a game-changer. Once I overcame my initial fears and started hopping on discovery calls, my freelance career took off. When a new client approaches you, it's essential to have that first face-to-face communication, preferably via Zoom. Now, for the longest time, I avoided Zoom calls but after the Pandemic it was more commonplace.
Here's Why Your Client Outreach Falls Flat and How to Fix It
I've been there. You know...sweat trickling down your forehead as your shaky hand hits the send button on your cold pitch. Then you wait...and wait...and wait. Miraculously a week goes by and you check to see if your pitch landed a client. Nope. nothing... Have you've ever reached out to potential clients and all you got in return were crickets? If you're like me, you want to know the exact reasons why your outreach efforts are failing.
I Wrote 16 Stories in 4 Days and Here's How I Did It
It's totally possible this way I know the trick to gaining income from Medium. It's publishing a lot...a lot...A LOT of content. When I learned this I thought okay... challenge accepted. Over the weekend, I wrote three articles and published them here and on publications. I thought I was the cool kid now...I got this...I can publish three stories over the weekend like that ( tries to snap). Here's how I did that: Well folks, I challenged myself again and in the last four days, I published 16 stories.
How Binge-Watching Netflix Can Turn You Into A Better Writer
I can almost see the raised eyebrows already. "Binge-watch my favorite Netflix shows to become a better writer?" Yes, indeed. As a freelance writer, copywriter, and mother of twins, I've discovered some unconventional methods of fostering creativity and refining my writing skills. The secret? My Netflix! Netflix is all I watch nowadays and I've found it has made me a better writer! I know...it doesn't make sense.
The Dead Simple Trick that Helps You Gain Copywriting Clients
What if I told you there exists a ridiculously simple change that can make your copywriting infinitely more effective, leading to better sales of your services? The trick lies not in complicated jargons, but in something as straightforward as asking questions. Yes, you read it right - questions. Sounds simple, doesn't it? But just like everything else, there are nuances to it.
Insider Tips for Growth
I started writing online in 2014 and I haven't stopped. I've created over 5000 blog posts during this time and thousands of social media posts too. But 2023 is a weird year. With alien technology in the oceans, flying cars next year and now AI replicas taking over actors, is blogging really a thing still? With tech zipping us by and AI writing tools doing the same, can a new blog succeed? I started my latest niche site in 2022 and so far, it's doing great.
The Secrets No One Tells You About Being a Full-Time Content Creator
When I first dipped my toes into the world of content creation, I was armed with nothing more than a small laptop and a big dream. This new venture was exciting, intriguing, and somewhat daunting. The idea of being able to connect with an audience from the comfort of my home, to create content that mattered, and to potentially earn a living doing something I loved was overwhelmingly alluring. I mean I was a mom with little twins and I had a year off for maternity.
How to Break Through the Noise and Grow Your Online Following
You know the one thing that will kill your online business? If you feel like you don't know your audience and there's too many noises out there for people to hear YOUR voice. Building a successful business or blog, whether as a YouTuber, or Instagram influencer, can feel like a never ending production of content. And add the sea of content creators vying for attention in the mix. It might seem impossible to get noticed.
The Quickest Way to Make Money as a Blogger
If you've ever wondered about the fastest way to start making money as a new blogger, you're in the right place. After having tried various tactics in the world of online income, I can safely say that freelance blogging is one of the most lucrative paths for a novice blogger. So buckle up as I guide you through the process of starting your freelance blogging journey. What does it mean to be a freelance blogger?
I Started 3 Publications to See If I Make More Medium Income
In one of your Youtube videos, I shared a Medium strategy that helped me ramp up my income. This strategy is almost a year old and while it still works, I couldn't keep up with this schedule ( since I have no posting schedule). In fact, I stopped writing on Medium for a few months. I needed to focus on my other websites and client articles. Now that it's summer, I have some time to start writing on Medium again and boy am I writing! In two days I published 9 stories (including this one).
How to Find Copywriting Clients for Beginners
A popular question I get from new freelancers and copywriters is: “How do you find copywriting clients?” This is a HUGE question but a very important one. I mean, getting freelance copywriting clients isn’t complicated…but if you are a brand new copywriter or freelancer, this can be a major roadblock, stopping you from ever trying. I don’t want that from you. In this post, I’ll share a roadmap that will give you steps and tips to help you succeed as a new copywriter.
How I'm Turning 7 Figures into 8 Figures
I've been writing online since 2014 and since then I've made seven figures in my business. This wasn't easy, but it wasn't difficult for me. I was successful with gaining an audience in a month or two of starting my blog. From there I grew my email list and then created my first course which became my flagship course and my most successful course to date. But the road to eight figures seems difficult and unpredictable, especially since the rise of AI writing tools.
I Haven't Cracked 1000 Views On My TikTok Videos
I recently started a TikTok account for a client piece and then posted kitty videos. Two of my cat videos reached 900+ views. I let the profile sit for a few months and then I started to think about growing my brand more and decided to use my TikTok profile for my freelance and blogging brand. I'm not sure how many videos I have but at least a few dozen. And you know what? I'm stuck in 200 views town. I have a few that are past 200 views but most are around that. Why is this?
I'm Surprised I Make Money When I Suck at Time Management
I do this all the time. I know I need to update a course and then.....................I don't. Something always happens in my life and then I say it's crunch time and I eventually get it done. But I was not that person that worked on their homework in the early mornings before school started. No. For my client work, I create internal deadlines and always get my work done a week or more before it's due. But, I still am surprised that I am not the best at managing my time.
How to Deal With Difficult Clients As a Freelance Writer (11 Effective Tactics to Use)
I’m currently dealing with a difficult client. And this is a high-paying freelance writing project too. It’s not fun since I’ve been freelance writing since 2014, and you would think I wouldn’t be dealing with difficult clients! But here I am, trying NOT to pull my hair out since I want to work with this client, and they are a popular SaaS company too. So, how do I deal with demanding clients since they would look good on my writer portfolio and could lead to more high-paying jobs?
When You're a Writer and All You Hear is ChatGPT and AI
I've been on the pulse of AI writing and ChatGPT. I even have a course for writers to help them know and use Jasper AI! I use AI writing for my niche sites and to help me with writer's block and idea generation. But, lately, I've been hearing more about how ChatGPT is taking jobs away from content writers. It's sad that these companies are doing this and it's not content mill type of companies. It's big brands and publications like Buzzfeed. What is a content writer to do? Throw in the towel?
If You Want to Beat AI as a Content Writer, Then Add This Right Now
Lately, I've been hearing a growing chorus of concern among freelancers, graphic designers, and writers about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the potential job losses it is causing. From businesses cutting jobs to the fear of being replaced by AI, this all kinda sucks, right? But here's what I want you to remember: don't panic. Instead, let's talk about how you can adapt and thrive in this rapidly evolving environment.
Clients are Checking for AI-Generated Content and Accusing Freelance Writers
Picture this: You finally landed a freelance writing client, and you’re ecstatic. You go through the onboarding process with your new client, and they give you a content brief in the next few days. So you get to work. You write the content and source examples and use Grammarly to check for errors. You go the extra mile and get your friend to proofread it over and finalize your article. You send your project to your client and wait for feedback.
AI in business : 4 best real-world uses
Do you use Grammarly to fix your mistakes before you publish a social post or blog article? How about a Chatbot tool for bringing new customers into your business? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you are using AI in your business. AI (artificial intelligence) isn't new news. But what is new is the sudden leaps in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and generative AI technologies like OpenAI's ChatGPT or DALL-E.
I Create Nodding Content to Make 7 Figures
I've been writing online professionally since 2014. Over the years, I've seen big names get bigger and others pivoting and doing something completely different. Lately, though, I've been spending more time on Twitter. And the big thing over there are these Twitter hooks. You know, the ones that make people stop scrolling and read what the tweet is about. For me, though, I rarely stop to read. All the tweets are the same... "I grew from 500 to 15,000 followers in 6 months. Here's how I did it.
How to Avoid Burnout as a Freelance Writer (11 Proven Tips)
Writing is a form of creativity, and as freelance writers, it’s our job to write compelling blog posts, white papers, case studies, or any content a client wants. And because we write, this job can take a toll on us whether we like it or not. I never understood this idea of: even though you have the TIME to do the work, you may not have the ENERGY to do it. If I had the time to write and couldn’t, I just blamed it on my life or stress.
Your Online Writing Portfolio: 11 Must-Haves for a Standout Portfolio
I recently checked out my online writing portfolio, and guess what I found? A dead link! Ouch. Since I’ve been freelance writing for almost a decade, for some reason I wasn’t paying too much attention to my portfolio. But, not anymore. I’m still actively landing writing jobs, and I need my writing portfolio online to act as a tool to help me land amazing jobs. If you’re new to freelancing, having proof of your skill is crucial in landing consistent work.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Elna
Contact Elna, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack