It is often thrown around loosely on web that "Content is king."

If content is king, then what is a content writer?

Unfortunately, we are not yet royalty. We're never paid as well or considered as skilled as a web designer or our more technical counterparts. This is changing, however, with an influx of writing for web courses and frenzy of corporate training in writing for web. Training an already overworked, understaffed web team to write specifically for web is costly and distracts technical workers from updating their ever-changing, ever-evolving techie skills. And then there is whole left-brain, right-brain trap. Technical workers usually work from left side of their brain, programming ASP and javascript. Designers use right side of their brain to apply design elements to technical aspects, such as forms and web sites.

Good writers are already gifted in using a voice that reaches their audience clearly and effectively. Content writers work behind scenes to help websites retain and expand their readership, sales, and visits by offering articles, sales copy, email outreach, and other types of writing to enhance a web site's overall "stickiness". The basic premise behind content writing is that without content, a website creates no reason for a customer to return. And it's much easier to get a customer to return than to visit site in first place. The web is still referred to as "information superhighway", and millions of users expect their information for free.

Where Writers Fit In

Ultimately, it is not "Content is King." As readers adapt and change their uses and needs on web, it is clear that really, users are king and queen. Providing fresh and interactive content is simply role content writers undertake. This is similar to role of jesters, caterers, tutors, and playhouses to our royal readers. (Online books have failed thus far primarily for this reason; much of content isn't uniquely informing and format doesn't make an enjoyable read. How can somebody enjoy reading over 50 pages of boring, painful-to-read Adobe- Acrobat text?)

Content writers entertain, refresh, inform, educate and expand world of their readers through writing. Those of us who write and love writing understand that essence of writing is invoke emotion, take your reader "another world", inform them or prompt them to action. Combine passion for writing with need for content on web, and a writer can have it all. Not only can a writer fulfill these needs, but also web writer can achieve a coveted, long-lasting goal for every website; compel reader to interact.

Writers Engaging Readers

With current economy, many freelance writers wonder if it's time to return to a "steady paycheck." This has always been my personal "backup plan", but at same time, it isn't very logical. The current economy is creating MORE freelancers, and fewer opportunities for full-time staff positions and W-2 paychecks. Many of my dot-com clients are probably at unemployment office or working for "the man" right now. Small businesses have tightened their budgets, and are trying to do as much in-house production as possible.

So much for steady paycheck, right?

Not necessarily. There are hundreds of corporations and government agencies that award large contracts to agencies and groups every year. They don't hire freelancers because their project needs typically require a mixture of graphic design, desktop publishing, editing, and long-term communication strategies. Corporations and government entities typically have a budget and a regular contract with an agency for marketing, PR, and other communications that MUST get used by end of fiscal year, or it will be allocated to another area. This is great for vendors that they hire; last minute projects are thrown in their laps with bigger-than-anticipated budgets. And usually, they need to outsource to pick up pace...

So how does a freelancer gain access to these opportunities? The key to success in these areas is a little research and a lot of networking. There are many types of contracts that you, as a freelancer, can join forces and gain access to. Here are three of most lucrative:

1. Government RFP and RFQ's

Government Requests for Proposals (RFP) and Requests for Quotes (RFQ) are typically published in "Public Notices" section of daily newspapers. Honestly, descriptions of these services are usually vague -- if you want to bid on these projects, you'll need to contact government entity and ask them for their specifications, then write up a lengthy proposal incorporating all of these specs. This can be time-consuming and complicated. You'll also have to fill out paperwork to be considered for all future posted projects.

How can you skip these steps and get in on action? Find your state's Business Registrar's office and keep track of who is winning these RFP's. They typically post a "Notice of Award" for every contract issued on their website. You can also find out information about Federal Agency contracts awarded by visiting their office of procurement's website.