Fifty Hubs Later - Why I Love Writing And Publishing On HubPages
81It Was Love At First Sight
I Clicked On The HubPages Ad
Once upon a time I was sitting at my kitchen table browsing my Facebook news feed, when I casually glanced over to the ads in the right margin. I can't remember the exact wording, but it was something to the effect of 'make money writing blogs'. I had recently been searching, 'make money writing blogs', and lo and behold, the Google gods were tracking my dreams and aspirations. There it was nicely displayed at perfect eye level and I took the bite and clicked on the HubPages sponsored ad. The story now begins.
Learn From The Best Hubbers
I was taken to a land of unimaginable delight for any writer as the topics were many and the publishing platform was so user friendly that I couldn't wait to begin writing. I wrote my first hub before doing my homework, (more about that later). After I wrote it, I decided to take a more thorough tour and learn the ropes. I read a number of hubs which I found both informative and humorous. Some of these people really know how to write, I thought. It was engaging fun to see the various avatars and the accompanying screen names. I remember clicking on the Hubbers category and reading hubs from the Best category. A few of those hubbers would become my unofficial Hubpages mentors. I read all of darkside's HubPages related hubs, then moved on to another prolific, best hubber named relache.
I have to admit, I had no clue what some of the 'lingo' meant. My only knowledge of making money with Google adsense was from watching a Youtube video by some 'young thing' sitting in front of her computer talking about the thousands of dollars anyone could make by readers clicking on google ads. I thought it was nothing but a scam, something that only certain kind of people would bother making videos about; how simple it is to make ridiculously large amounts of 'passive income' from blogging.
Zappos Interview With Paul Edmondson - CEO of HubPages
Build A Firm Foundation On HubPages
So my introduction to writing and publishing on HubPages was from reading darkside and relache, and by reading the HP guidelines which can be found in the Learning Center, which is accessible at the bottom of each page. I read the brief bios of the HP team and read all of the related hubs to hubbing by the CEO, Paul Edmondson. I figured if anyone knew how to write and make money here, it was the top dog. I still go back to these three people's hubs whenever I need clarification or need to be reminded of a specific function or tip. Yes, there were and are many other hubbers I have learned from, and their knowledge has helped form my HubPages foundation. If you haven't read their hubs, I highly recommend taking the time to make their hubs part of your 'homework'. They are successful hubbers and their hubs are top notch.
Sitting In A Park Outside Of Paris, France- My First Hub
I Wrote My First Hub
As mentioned above, I wrote my first hub before understanding exactly what I was doing. I wrote it more as a journal entry, or like a blog. It is about sitting in a park outside of Paris, France. I was yet to understand that it's not really a blogging site. What I did find amazing was the ease of writing and publishing. Although my first hub was written directly into one capsule, I would recommend first writing a draft on Notepad or in a separate word processing document. Then all one has to do is copy and paste the article into separate capsules. It helps to have separate capsules to break up the reading, to place photos aligned with capsules, and to give the capsule a sub-heading which contains keywords.
I didn't receive my first comment or fan until 3 days later when I published my second hub about Parisian women. I was so excited that someone read my hub and commented! Then she became my first fan (follower)! And the comments slowly started appearing on my first hub as well. Now I didn't feel so alone in the big HubPages community. I wouldn't even venture into the forums with only one fan. Some of them had hundreds, even thousands of fans. I read from a distance and wasn't ready for the 'HP forums', which sometimes remind me of the forums of Gladiator days!
Choose Topics With Global Interest
Choosing Topics For Hubs
Most of my early hubs are about my trip to Paris, France, and French culture from an American perspective. People always love to read about Paris and the French culture, so I have enjoyed writing and sharing on this topic. I had read that it was best to write about subjects that you know well, so I started writing about early childhood education, parenting, music, health and fitness, among others, since I have experience and knowledge with these subjects. These are evergreen topics which will always be searched from a global audience. I want to focus on subjects which all people may have an interest in searching.
My teaching background has been very helpful in presenting a topic and writing a structured hub which is easy to read, informative and hopefully interesting enough to keep the reader's attention. We all know the attention span of many is centered around small bits of fragmented sentences, so holding attention is key in online writing. But I have observed that those who are interested enough to search for some of the topics I write about generally have a longer attention span than those searching for which product to buy. Product hubs and comparison hubs need to be shorter in length and structured in a way that make it easy for the reader to find pertinent information. Informational hubs can be longer, but still need to be formatted for ease of reading. I have a few that probably need some tweaking in that regard. But in reality, who among us, have perfect hubs?
Write Down Topics When Inspired
Find Topics Through Inspiration
Another way I find topics is through inspiration. I scan major ads in the New York Times and notice headlines for subjects that are important to me. I may not be thinking of a specific topic, but when that 'bell' goes off and inspires me to take a second look, I write down the topic in a notebook if I think it would make a great hub. One of my most successful hubs was inspired by an article in the NYT. It proved to be a good move on my part to write the hub before the product was released. I had enough information to inform the public and hopefully make sales once the product was released. Trending can be extremely successful if it's something that can have evergreen interest and value. The key is using strong keywords, writing adequate content and writing as soon as the topic is presented. You can add more content and update later if necessary.
Success Can Be Found Writing On HubPages
Make Money With Google Adsense and Amazon
It took a while to get those first few clicks. And who in the world would imagine that making a few cents could give cause to celebration and so much excitement, that some have posted threads about their first clicks? What is even stranger is that other hubbers get just as excited, and congratuate each other on their first money producing clicks, encouraging them that their dreams are starting to unfold.
My full-time job is not online writing. When I reached my first payouts with Google and Amazon, I was very excited. I was amazed at how those pennies and dollars could add up. And it is true what other hubbers say; once you reach your first payouts, subsequent payouts come much quicker. I like to record monthly income with statistics of how many clicks, which hubs are producing 'nice' clicks and which search words are bringing productive traffic.
It's such a satisfying feeling knowing that someone bought something from one of the Amazon capsules, and I always feel a sense of accomplishment that a viewer found what they were looking for while visiting my hubs. Hopefully they will return or visit another hub for further reading. Some of my hubs are not written primarily to make money, but I almost always monetize the hub because you never know what will inspire someone while reading.
HubPages Earning Program Is Another Money Maker
Since I first published this hub, HubPages has added its own ad program based on impressions. The advertiser pays a certain amount according to number of impressions on the page. It's a great way to add supplemental income if your hubs receive a lot of traffic. It's also a great incentive to produce better quality hubs since HP has also moved to sub domains. If your sub domain receives decent traffic, it's great to group relevant hubs together and capitalize on ad impressions as an additional source of income. I recently read of one very prolific hubber (over 800 hubs) earning $1000.00 from the HP ad program alone, in one month!
HubPages has also introduced Ebay into their HubPages Earning Program. More information is available in the Learning Center. Another reason to love HP, they're constantly innovating along with the quickly changing online, content publishing world.
Thank You HubPages Community
Fifty Hubs Later- Why I Love HubPages
I can't bring a close to this hub without mentioning the benefits of being an active part of the HubPages community. Whether it is by reading and commenting on other hubs, rating up great hubs, answering questions, visiting the forums at times, Hub hopping and helping to flag obvious spam, meeting new friends from around the globe, participating in contests, etc.; I have found many amazing fellow hubbers and broadened my appreciation for respecting the different cultures and beliefs represented.
We live in an increasingly smaller global society which brings us closer together, and understanding, or at least attempting to understand the many faces of belief and issues which confront us all continues to inspire me and is among the reasons why I love writing and publishing on HubPages. (If you would like to sign up and begin writing on HubPages, you can sign up here.) Thanks to the fantastic staff, all of the hubbers and a special thanks to those who follow my writings! love, light, rebekah
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Congratulations on reaching 50! It seems those facebook feeds show all sorts of great stuff, I followed one here :)
I enjoyed reading about your experiences here at Hubpages, its always nice to be reminded that many of the writers here are real people who enjoy sharing their stories and write for the joy of it, Im happy to see your getting some money out of the deal too!
Its great to see you point out your understanding of YOUR reader and how that reader may be different than the norm. Its so important to understand what type of reader you are attracting and react accordingly.
I agree, you write the type of hub that demands the reader to stay and read! See ya at 100!
Oh..that's lovely rebekah. I totally agree...and warm hugs right back to ya. I've read many of your hubs, and I must say you're a very positive addition to the Hubber community. Nice going, and best of luck with all your future writing.
Maybe I'm a bit of a retard... (Yes, I know)
Congrats on the big "50" hubs. Isn't this community awesome. The writing, the people, the support...I could go on and on. Thanks for sharing your milestone.
This is a wonderful mile stone and I'm so happy for you and all the other hubbers who are aware of you. You're a wonderful person and hubber, so glad to have met you and enjoy your work. May you future be rich with more and more amazing hubs. :) Katie
My lovely friend, I aways enjoyed your hubs even your first. We all grow up and learn here, and it feels like we are all classmates for high school. And I know we will all be friends for many many years. Love & peace darski, rate up
So you have actually made money? That's wonderful, especially for an obviously talented, kind and articulate person such as yourself :-)
Well done on your 50th :-)
Wow what an amazing guide. I will definitely follow these and congrats on your half century.
God Bless You!
I am very new to HP, but am really enjoying it. Lots of great folks/comments/hubs. Your hub was a great read. Thank you for the info!
I shall hold it against you for not sending me an invitation :-))
Rebekah congratulations on reaching your 50th hub. You are a prolific writer and so many of us have benefited from your educational hubs, even though I am not on the Hubs for the earning aspect, it's a pleasant surprise for me to see my earnings at $22 after being here only nine months.
I am not a product or how to do writer, I simply am a humble poet and scribe. I have however developed a loyal following and I certainly appreciate your comments left from time to time.
The hubs have a bit of everything for everyone, I respect all peoples here who come to write, no matter what it's for. Some are simply here to earn some extra supplement earnings, others like myself to hone my skills as a writer and learn from so many talented writers like yourself.
I enjoy this site immensely and look forward to adding more of my scribes as time permits, so my friend thank you for following me and I will always read your hubs, they are filled with so much great learning skills and advice and helpful hints and tips. Hugs to you, enjoy Superbowl weekend.
Congrats on 50!
Congratulations and kudos on posting your 50th hub. As a newbie, I'm only on #7, and I can't imagine reaching 50 at this point in time. You go girl! :)
Rebekah, congratulation on your well deserved success and as the Merchant of Venice said: "I wish you all the joy that you can wish." =:)
Congratulations rebekah! You always write such engaging Hubs it's no wonder you have come to enjoy so many rewards here on HubPages. I'm tipping towards my 100th and although I've hardly made enough to buy a day's worth of groceries I'm happy to be here and so glad to have "met" you too.
Congratulations on fifty Hubs. Such a sweet Hub #50. I love the pictures and videos you included.
Inspiring hub especially for HP beginners. Makes me want to write and write.
Hi rebekahELLE,
I think my favourite thing about hubpages is the community, everyone is always very welcoming and up for a chat.xxx
Congratulations on #50 and your growing success. You are an inspiration! Thank you!
It's wonderful to read about your journey here on HubPages and I always enjoy reading your Hubs. Best wishes!
I voted you up really nice to hear when someone else makes money congradulation. well done on the hub.
I've been at hubpages 3 weeks and find it very enjoyable. I have a great deal to learn. I am so glad there are so many hubbers willing to teach the ropes to a newbie.
Fifty hub was good achievement for you. Not all of us always have spirit in writing and keep this passion always on fire. You are on the way in success and I believe you can do that. Promise me, all the money will follow, just never give up. I always support you from the back. God bless you. Vote up!
Prasetio
Congratulations on your 50th hub, Rebekah, and for writing such a terrific hub about your experiences thus far. I love your poetry and Europe hubs, and I can't wait to read your next 50!
Hi rebekahELLE, congratulations on your 50 hubs! I just joined Hubpages today after hearing heaps of positive feedback and I'm loving it. Hope I can learn from you and other hubbers.
That's great. I'm still waiting for first Amazon sale as this is a benchmark for me. nice post
Rebecca, I loved reading this, and your account of how you started. Isn't it hard to believe that there was a time we did not about Hubpages?
Rebekah I sent you this. Thanks for droppin by earlier.
This is a very good writing community! Good job!
I've had a few Amazon sales and even though it's a pittance, you're right it is cause for celebration! Now I'm waiting for those pennies and dollars to add up! Thoroughly enjoyed the Hub and looking forward to reading more! Thanks for the inspiration!
Awesome Inspiring Hub. Great Job!
Congrats on your 50th hub and your success. For me hubs is just about sharing. I don't look at the money issue, I look at it for making new friends and having and extended family. Thanks for sharing.
Sweet wishes Rhonda
Congratulations on your half-century, RebekahElle, what a nice way to celebrate this. It is a lovely trip down the memory lane and I enjoyed reading your journey. ( the word I learnt comes from the French journée a trip made in a day...apt!)
Congratulations to you, RebekaElle. Some very good points here - I will be sure to read more of your hubs as I strive for fifty hubs myself!
You are just awesome! :) Congrats! The fact that you are making money with 50 hubs is awesome too! I would like to ask you something...
How much traffic you get from search engines and how much through referrals (percentages)?
Does your article pops up on the first page of google?
If not, how long does it take to get there?
Do you use backlinks?
Am I bothering you with these questions? :)))
Your article is informative enough already, but I'm one of those people who always have something to ask... Sorry...
I wish you to make many more hubs and earn a lot of money with them, so you could write from all around the world! :)
Eye liek two right two !
Rebekah! In a culture that is becoming ever more illiterate, I was just so happy to see a post about people reading books that I had to contribute. So glad I saw your posting there too, (I just saw it), and I love your list. Somehow, I never read "The Little Prince" but I know I've heard enough to give it a try. I'm ordering books from Amazon at some point this AM, and that will be one. Thank you so much for the mail, also btw! And I look forward to seeing more of your writing. And...this is great! I also like hubpages for how user-friendly it is, and I'm a fan of the CEO and his wife, Robin, who might be one of the nicest people on earth. Met them at hubcamp, and if it comes to your city or anywhere close try and make it!
Way to go!
*Misty
Congrats on your 50th hub. I just completed my 50th also and I never stop learning on HubPages. I don't remember how I discovered HP but I think it was an ad, same as you.
Your hub is right on target and reinforces the power of HubPages. Such as the ability to change or add to hubs later. I find that to be a powerful tool. Especially that I can see what search terms people use to find my hubs. I can then go back and enhance the topic based on those keywords if they are on the subject.
Thanks for a great hub. Including the video of Edmondson's interview was a nice added touch. I enjoyed it and I voted up.
Thanks for the uplifting, informative hub!
Thanks for another addition to my armory of information on HubPages. I am only five days old registrant here and I am not a native English speaker being a Filipino. How I wish that this community would be more than willing to admit me enthusiastically to the fold. More power and may God bless you. Good day.
Great job and I hope you continue writing! You are a very talented writer.
Hi, congratulations on reaching this the first on many milestones. To reach this point it takes dedication and time and persistance. But with your writing skills and the encouragement from fellow hubbers and your followers I have no doubt it wont be long before you are celebrating your 100th hub. Best wishes to you.
Congratulations on reaching the big 50. There's no doubt about it HubPages is a terrific place to be. Before we know you you'll be celebrating your 100th, then 200th hub. Keep on writing.
Your 50th hub is a beauty! Congratulations! Like you, I love this community of writers and learn so much by reading hubs written from many different perspectives and from hubbers who live in various places around the world. Your hubs are a great addition and always a joy to read. Thanks! Here is to your next 50 and all the 50's to follow!
Congratulations! I have always thought you are one of the best writers on the hub, and enjoy reading your contributions.
I agree with Genna East. You are one of the best writer on hubpages. I am proud to be your fans. I hope your passion in writing never end. Thank you very much. Congratulations and Success for you.
Prasetio,
Very inspirational to us all. No matter how long we have been here. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and helping us all. My best to you, Ladybird
Great advice and great work!
rebekahELLE, this was a very interesting hub from start to finish. Like you said, we usually just read fragments of sentences, but with this hub I read it in it's entirety, I only do that when the article catches my interest from the start, and this one did.
You made a suggestion on how to find topics to write about, and I'm going to implement it, ("scan major ads in the New York Times and notice headlines for subjects that are important to me"). Again very good hub!
I don't know if I've told you before, but you're an awesome writer. Voted up/useful/awesome.
Hello rebekahELLE,
I see from your profile that you and I joined Hubpages about the same time. I however merely lurked around and only began posting seriously in the last month.
Your hub has shown me how much I have to learn, but it also inspires me to learn.
That is the art of a great teacher. Since you say follow the best, I say add yourself to the list of Great Hubbers.
All the best
This is so helpful for me, as I am just starting out. I didn't even think about monetizing! What a great community. Thanks again.
Well, rebekahELLE, your teaching background you alluded to, certainly shows with this articulate, heartfelt essay of affection for the HubPages organization and community. You followed your own advice perfectly here; I am sort of reminded of an invocation LillyGrillzit gave, in one of her hubs, to "... write as though there are an army of English Teachers standing behind us with rulers raised."
Good job. Voted up for useful.
Encouraging read! 6 Hubs down and profit of $0.12 and I thought I was a lunatic dancing a jig for my $0.12! Glad to see I'm not alone and looking foward to publishing more. Thank you!
A very inspiring hub and profile rebekahELLE! I have just got 20 hubs in my first year, I keep postponing hubactivity due to teaching workload, but now in the summers promised myself to make a comeback. You are one of those I would like to follow!
Great hub Rebekah.. I loved it. You are awesome.It's a pleasure reading your hubs and learning from you and others.
These are some great tips even though I've been writing hubs for awhile. It reminds me of when I first started writing articles for hubpages a few years ago.
great hub full of information that inspires hubbers to write more.good
Congrats on reaching 50 hubs. An inspiring read
Congratulations on reaching this milestone! I appreciate you sharing the information about capsules, which I plan to put into practice.
--ladyhowto4u
A great read for everyone, not just newbies. Congrats on your milestone!
Very motivating read, especially for someone who is just get started with hubpages like me! Looking forward to reading more of your hubs
Thank you for sharing this. I am new and have so many questions about how to do things on here. This was very helpful Voted up
What a great hub! I know what you mean about celebrating those first few pennies - I joined about a month ago so I'm at that beginning phase. Hope all is still going well for you-Cheers!
Great article.
Very inspiring story. Two years later I also hope to write: Two years on I'm still on hubpages.
Or when I reach 50 hubs threshold. I hope to write a hub thanking writers, commentators and followers.
Thanks for sharing this amazing article.
Beautiful hub! Now, I have a burning question: how long did it take you to get 1293 followers with 58 hubs? I have 49 (working on my 50th today...whew!) but less than 10% of the followers you have. You are amazing! Of course, I've only been here two months, so that could have something to do with it. I do have to say, though, your writing often makes me think of the beach, the sun and the inspiration that you attempt to instill. I am inspired! :)
Belated Congratulations on your 50th HUB. An interesting, helpful, and informative read. Looking forward to reading more. Really good content and Hubs that are well written are important to me and clearly you can write very well. :)








































































Twilight Lawns Level 7 Commenter 15 months ago
Maybe I'm still a HubPages virgin of the worst order, but when I tried to be an Amazon affiliate, there were so many questions and boxes I had to fill in and words I didn't understand, that I really lost the will to live.
Maybe I'll try again when I'm a grown-up.