Deb Ng wrote an awesome post about getting writing jobs today that brought up a point that I’ve been pondering for a while. Her post, entitled Yes, you will be Googled,  brings up a lot of good points that I don’t think most work at home moms keep in mind.

While I’m a member of a popular work at home mom forum, I rarely post. While I could join in the daily rants about clients, speculate about why an editor sent a post back for a rewrite, or wonder out loud whether or not I’ve been hired for a specific job, I choose not to.

Instead, I sit back, read the other posts, and glean the bits of information I need. By keeping my mouth shut, I learn who’s applying for what job (and who I’m competing with). I learn who’s working for how much (or how little). I learn more  information than you’d imagine just by paying attention.

I often spend time wondering, however, just what in the world other posters are thinking. Do they not understand that their rants and raves are being recorded for posterity? Do they not get that the petty snipes they’re making at each other can be viewed by potential clients?

I’ve been attacked by members of this same forum for daring to express my opinion on how writers should market themselves. When I’ve suggested places to network, I’ve been called a bottom feeder. When I’ve suggested affiliate marketing as a great way to write for yourself and earn an income, I’ve been called a scammer.

As a work at home mom, it’s important to keep in mind that every syllable you type online can be found by potential clients. Sure, you can put a lovely cover letter together and send out a classy resume with it. But if the client googles you and finds you knocking other writers, acting like a prima donna, badmouthing your current clients, and swearing that it’s beneath you to work for less than <insert amount> – on a public forum – do you really think that’s going to bode well?

Doubtful.

Building a freelance business is primarily about branding. Online, you brand yourself with your words – words that are associated with the screen names you use and that can be found easily by potential clients.

If you’re getting started as a freelance writer, chances are that everyone and his brother is telling you that you need a website. A real, live website with a domain and hosting and all that other techie stuff.

If you don’t know how to do these things,  you’re probably afraid it’s gonna cost you a small fortune – and if you go with the wrong person, it just might.

Luckily, there’s some really cool stuff going on over at Ittybiz. Naomi and her crew are trying to help tons of people quit their crappy day jobs this year, and she’s running a case study with one Johnny B. Truant.

Why does this matter to you?

Because the dude is practically giving his services away. No lie – he’s selling Wordpress installations for $39 if you purchase hosting through him (and that won’t cost you a fortune, either).

Folks, I charge $250 for a Wordpress installation and theme installation, and I get it pretty regularly. This is an incredible deal, and if you need a website, you should totally check it out.

So, head on over and get your cheap website, before he realizes he’s lost his mind.

As a writer, I’m interested in working to build passive income. I haven’t really considered revenue share sites like eHow, to be honest, because I’d rather build something of my own. If I’m going to do the work, I want to be the one earning all the income, not just part of it. So I’ve been looking for some passive revenue streams that would allow me to build an income on the side while working for my freelance clients.

The Niche Blogger, Amy Bass’s blogging membership, seemed like a great option. The fee was minimal, so I figured I’d give it a try. After all, I could always cancel after the first month or so if I wasn’t pleased.

Turns out, Amy delivers far more value than I ever dreamed.  Each month, members gain access to a blog that teaches step by step how to set up Wordpress blogs, install hosting, and more. I already knew a lot of the technical aspects of affiliate marketing, but hadn’t been able to put all the steps together as coherantly as Amy does. She includes step by step instructions, links to resources, and video tutorials for the tricky parts. It’s like getting a complete internet marketing education in one easy to use membership.

I’ve been a member for several months, and am gradually seeing my income rise each month. Best of all, I know I’m building steady income streams that I own, and I can repeat the system over and over until I’ve reached the income goals that I’ve set for my business.

If you’re a writer who wants to break into affiliate marketing, but have been overwhelmed by all the technical knowledge required, relax! The Niche Blogger makes learning affiliate marketing fun again!