My Three Years on Hubpages

I wrote my first hub on Hubpages on August 30, 2008. I had discovered it after doing a search for photography and came across SunSeven's hubs. I was so impressed, that I investigated all her other hubs and then expanded into the profiles and hubs of other writers there. At the time I had written a few articles on Helium with mediocre success and began my first blog. This seemed to be more of a writers site. I read many other writers work and tried to get a sense of how to write for the readers that visited.

I was impressed with the quality of information I found each time. Everything and anything was available. Hubpages does have restrictions on subjects such as adult subjects,selling drug or alcohol, inciting hatred, and calling others names.

Since it was 2008, I decided to venture into a topic I rarely write about-politics. I tried to look at the humorous side of it. I found quotes by the two main Presidential candidates at the time, and made a hub around that. Since that time I periodically revise and added to the hub. It received some comments so I felt encouraged.

I next wrote about wireless mice(mouse) which I had recently tried for the first time. I received more encouraging comments so I continued. Since writing that one, it has been refocused.

Not all hubs are received as well as I had hoped. Some were downright flops and others took off. I am always researching about search engine optimized (SEO) practices and keywords so tried to incorporate those as well. I have to admit I'm awful at SEO! I felt the research and trying to fit the keywords were slowing me down. Honestly many keywords that showed the most searches were not in my interest level.

There are many days or weeks that I just haven’t got an idea or motivation to write. I try not to fight that and let it flow when I'm ready.

I have to state for the record that I didn't write exclusively for Hubpages. Ghost writing, submitting articles for other content sites and blogging occupied my time, as well as, developing my photography business. It's a struggle to write some days because my artistic side wants to play with images and painting more. A happy compromise has to be made in order to be productive and content.

• The more useful information you provide, the more readers will find you.

• Review what people are asking and try to answer as many questions as possible.

• Review and comment on new hubs (hub hopping) as well as established ones

• Read and comment in the forums;try not to get drawn into the petty arguments

• Linking to other hubs is good for the community and to raise your Hub karma and it doesn't have a bearing on your author score.

• Sign up for the affiliate programs to earn extra money.

I almost forgot an important part of writing on a shared revenue site-the affiliate earnings you can make. After you've written a few hubs, you can apply to Google Adsense for an affiliate ID.

You also may apply for Amazon, Ebay and now Hubpages ad program, which is automatic. You may choose to not have HP ads show. Actually you don't need to have any but the extra money is a nice bonus. I reached my first Google Adsense payout of $100. after 11 months, then it was 9, then 7 and now after the Panda shake up, we'll see.

Hubpage ads payout is $50.00 and that came after 4 months. Ebay isn't doing as well. I made one payout and they continue to change their rules.

I receive the best payouts as an Amazon affiliate. They have a payout of $10.00 and you can choose direct deposit or a gift certificate. You do have to wait for the previous months' earnings, after two months for payment. Most affiliate programs have a 30 day wait.

There are other affiliate programs that you are allowed to have an outside link to. No more than two links per outside affiliate program and some are simple not allowed. Be sure to read the list on the learning guide.

Watch the video and read the help and learning hubs for more help.

I reviewed the list of the writers that I follow and came up with a list of some of the hubbers that also have high author scores and here over 4 years.

Paul Edmonson -over 5 years (founder)

glassvisage -over 4 years

Hal Lucino -over 4 years

Jimmy the Jock -over 4 years

Patty Engligh -over 4 years

Maddie Ruud -over 4 years

Bendo13 -over 4

Chuck -over 4 years

relach -over 4 years

Kathryn Vercillo -over 4 years

SweetiePie -over 4 years

multimastery – over 4 years

embitica- over 4 years

SunSeven- over 4 years

carpesomediem- over 4 years

If you read some of these authors articles you may get a good sense why they have lasted so long.

Being a writer here the longest doesn't guarantee a higher score or reader following. There are a number of factors to their success. The above list of writers that I follow write very well, with good keywords, on subjects people want to read. Not all of them are active in the forums I might add. I've hardly seen any of these hubbers in the forums so participation does not equate to higher scores.

Read what others are saying in the forums about Google. I read the forums almost daily and still learn from others. Recently Google changed their algorithm again so I made the necessary changes and it worked. Thanks 2uesday!

I look for interesting items in the news and find a different angle to write about. Look at you tube videos for ideas, read other articles for ideas. Many people write on the same subject but may have a different outlook. Never spin an article. Respond to commenters as soon as they post. You do not have to deal with spam, rude or negative remarks or keep those comments with outbound links.

Set up your comments to approve comments before posting, or only have signed in users make a comment. This cuts down on spammers.

I have learned from other Hubpage writers over the past 3 years and every time I read the forums. There are people's tips that can provide some insight and good information to help new writers. Reading the forums, answering questions, leaving useful comments, rating new hubs and trying to help new writers is the best policy here.

Sign up for a new writer account here.

Stacie L on Hubpages copyrighted material©You may not copy this and use without prior permission