What I Dislike about Hubpages

Writing for Hubpages can fulfill several functions. Here you can:

• Create a writing portfolio to attract clients;
• Earn revenue through affiliates;
• Network with fellow writers;
• Have fun!

Hubpages works like a magazine, with each page - called a 'Hub' - being like an article in that magazine. Each writer is free to choose which subjects they wish to write about, so long as this does not break the usual legal guidelines about acceptable internet content.

If earning money is of prime concern, then a newbie would be advised to take the time to read Hubpages own detailed 'How To' articles which explain search engine optimisation (SEO), how Adwords works, how to set out a Hubpage to allow optimal advert positioning, and how to set-up affiliations with Amazon and Hubpages own revenue program. There is usually a sharp learning curve for people who are new to all this, but if taken one issue at a time it's not too difficult.

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Traffic generated from within Hubpages itself earns a writer nothing. Therefore it is necessary for each writer to promote their own Hubs via a network of backlinks from social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter, or from their blog.

Search engines typically consider "content farms" like Hubpages to be low in priority, and so can't be relied upon to do the work for you despite the use of carefully chosen keywords. Only the top 25% of traffic-attracting Hubs tend to get any real attention from search engines.

Layout of each Hubpage is important, as this effects the placement of adverts - and it is this which will effect potential revenue. Make things visual, but don't let your visuals get in the way of adverts. The first block on a page should be text but keep it short enough to hold peoples' interest while long enough to enable Google adverts to appear there too. Take a look at the top Hubs to get a clear idea of how to do this.

Break up text into short, digestible sections. Use headlines just like a newspaper might. This will aid SEO and make your page easier to read. There's a zillion other webpages just one click away, remember. Keep hold of the interest of your audience with tight, lively, well-written prose and relevant illustrations (which you own the Copyright for or have the right to use - plundering other people's work is not only unacceptable behaviour, it's also illegal).

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The forum was probably set-up with the intention of creating a sense of community for those who write Hubs. There are some worthwhile, practical sections which offer useful information about all aspects of writing successful Hubs.

Unfortunately, the forums have become a swamp of religious argument. I have no interest in who is right or wrong; ultimately, everyone has opinions. When opinions are shared and explored in a courteous, respectful manner the results can be interesting. Dogmatic squabbles, however, merely lower the tone of the whole site.

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