Network Blogging Tips Has Moved
Network Blogging Tips is now a part of the Freelance Writing Jobs Network of Blogs. Please adjust your feeds and bookmarks.
Thanks!
- Deb
Promoting Yourself in a Network Environment
One of the smartest moves that bloggers working in a network can make is to find ways to promote themselves. Your own personal brand can be moved from blog to blog, network to network, and if you are thinking about your own future in this business, you will want to focus on building your own personal brand in various ways to allow you to transfer it from site to site.
The most successful person that I know who was able to pull this off is Chris Garrett. At one point, he was writing on a number of great blogs and it was to the point where you couldn’t go to a popular blog without seeing one of his posts, but through all of that, he was able to promote himself, and in doing so, he now does very well in his online career.
What can you do to promote yourself?
Portfolio
First, you should have a site where you keep a portfolio of your work. If you have had a post on the front page of a social media site, quoted by a larger blog, or even published in print, you’ll want to post that on your own site so prospective companies can see the work you have done.
This also makes for a great resume of examples for getting raises at your current job, so continue to mark down all of your successes.
Biography or Byline
Are the blogs you are writing on giving you a spot to promote yourself? They should be! Something as basic as a Byline that includes your name, and links to your personal site is a good start, but I would recommend having the network give you a small biography section at the bottom of each post, or an author page somewhere on the site.
Blog networks that are trying to do the best they can for their writers will give you this space because building up brands within their network is good for business as well.
Link To Yourself
If you have said something great elsewhere, be it on another blog, or on your own portfolio site, and it is relevant to something you are posting on a network owned blog, you should be allowed to link to it. This is a fine line to walk on though, as you shouldn’t be spamming the site you work on with links to your own sites, but if it fits the site, and is done tactfully, then there shouldn’t be a problem with doing so from time to time.
Conclusion
Promoting yourself becomes infinitely more difficult in a multi-author blog situation, but there are still opportunities to take advantage of. Remember, the long term effect of building your personal brand is that it is usually transferrable. When you are the celebrity rock star of your niche, you can write on any blog, and a certain percentage of people will come to read what you have to say, just because it is “you”.
For blog network owners, this can be to your advantage as you can then hire on these strongly branded bloggers to launch more blogs for your network, expanding their little empire within your network and hopefully driving more advertising revenue early on than a blog started by an unknown.
Network Blogging for Beginners
If you’re looking to gain blogging experience and learn from established bloggers, a reputable blog network is a great way to go.
Here are some benefits of network blogging for beginners:
On the job training: Your editors and managers provide plenty of traffic building and seo tips and ideas for helping you to succeed.
Technical Support: If you’d like to blog, but don’t know anything about choosing a platform or hosting, this is done for you at a blog network. All you need worry about is your content and community.
Community: Speaking of community, blog networks have built in community so your traffic is already flowing! You just have to help build up the traffic outside of the network. It takes some time at first, but with tips and support from the network, you’ll do well.
Experience: By working at a network you’re getting valuable experience. Soon, you can apply for other blogging and web wriitng gigs.
Pay: Pay helps! Perhaps it won’t be much at first but at least you’re earning something while gaining experience.
In what other ways does network blogging benefit begginers?
Network Blogging Tips to Join the Freelance Writing Jobs Network
We have some news! Network Blogging Tips is moving. We’ll joining the number one community for freelance writers, Freelance Writing Jobs. There are big changes a-coming for FWJ in the next couple of weeks and we’re excited to announce NBT will be a large part of the festivities.
We know this move will mean bigger and better things for us and look forward to seeing you there!
Should You Blog for Youself or Someone Else?
Lately I’ve been reading a lot about how it’s more profitable to blog for yourself rather than to accept a low paying blogging opportunity that will take up most of your time. While I’m proof that there are high paying blogging gigs to be had, I also know you can earn a decent living by creating your own blog and keeping all the profits.
If you’re confused about whether or not you should blog for someone else, or how to get started with your own blog, maybe today we can answer your questions. Chris Garrett and David Peralty are my guests on FWJ Radio this morning at 11:00 EST. We’re going to be discussing blogging for yourself vs. blogging for someone else.
The chat room will be open, and if there’s time we’ll also be taking calls from our listeners. Don’t be upset if you don’t get a chance to listen to the live broadcast, all BlogTalkRadio segments are automatically archived and the podcast is available on demand. Hope to see you there!
Applying for a Blogging Job: When to Blow Off Directions
In the previous post, Applying for Blogging Jobs - Do You Need A Resume? I noted that there are two times I’ll blow off directions when applying for a blogging job… One time is when I’m asked to submit newly written original clips. The second time is when I’m asked to quote a rate, but the ad is too vague regarding required tasks and hours.
This is my own personal preference. If you want to follow all the rules a client sets fourth in an ad, you surely can. In these two cases I just don’t think following the rules is a great idea.
Rule to break - sending new original clips:
If a client, in a job ad, asks for new original blog post samples, in order to see how I write, I send links to some of my previous work instead. Why? Well, one, I don’t work for free. I’m not going to sit around writing pretend blog posts when I’ve got hundreds of already published blog posts to my name. That’s an insane waste of my time. Two, in most cases, I apply for blog gigs that I know I’m a good fit for. That said, there’s a good chance I’ve written a previous clip that matches what the client is looking for.
If I wanted to break into say, fashion blogging, and saw a killer ad for a fashion blog job that asked for three new clips, I might take the time to write one new post, because I don’t have any fashion blogs to my name. I still wouldn’t write three original posts though. I’d send one nice new one, and two other well written clips.
Can you break this rule and still get a job: I have, plenty of times. Don’t work for free to get a basic blogging job. It’s unnecessary.
Rule to break - quoting rates:
I will quote a rate, if a potential client lists all the job requirements in the ad. If they write, “Looking for three blog posts per week, 250 words each, images included, and no networking required” I can give them a quote easily. However, in my experience, it’s rare for a client to explain the job perfectly in an ad. Most of the time, it’s something like this, “I need a blogger for a green blog. 10 posts a week minimum. Please send a rate quote.”
Um, ok. What I do in this case is I apply as I normally would, but instead of giving a set rate quote, I’ll say something like, “My typical rate for one blog post of 250 words with an image included is ______, if you require longer posts, networking or blog maintenance, let me know so I can offer you a more accurate quote.”
Can you break this rule and still get a job: I have twice, but I’m not the best example. Frankly, I don’t tend to apply for blogging gigs that fail to name a wage. In my experience, a client who doesn’t know what they want to pay, right up front, can be more trouble than they’re worth; not ALWAYS, but often. If the ad notes that pay is negotiable that’s fine with me, so long as negotiations don’t go on forever.
I know what I’ll accept as decent pay per post or per hour, and I honestly feel that a potential client should have some idea about what they’re willing to pay as well. Our ideas about pay may not be in sync, but I’d rather a potential client say straight up, “I’m not paying that much” then mess around and waste my time.
Again, you don’t have to break these rules at all. You can follow a blog job ad to the letter if you so choose. This is simply my own personal take.
Are there any rules you break when applying for blogging jobs?
Sample Introduction Letter for Blogging Jobs
In the last post, Applying for Blogging Jobs - Do You Need A Resume?, I noted that I’d post a sample introduction letter. I’ve sent some variation of this basic introduction letter most times that I’ve applied for a non-network blogging job, and I get many of the jobs I apply for, so it’s working for me and the type of gigs I apply for…
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Hello there,
My name is Sue Smith. I’m a full-time freelance writer and problogger located in Seattle, Washington. This is in response to your request for a green living blogger.
My experience:
Eco-minded blogs I currently write for include Green Life for So&SoNetwork, Organic Dreams for the Seattle Food Co-op, and Green Homes for So&SoClient. Other specialty blog topics of mine include health, pregnancy, babies, wellness, architecture, and organizing.
Besides online work, my freelance writing experience includes:
- National magazine articles.
- Promotional copy, major proposals, fliers, newsletters, manuals, and more for businesses, non-profits and individual clients.
- Health profiles for The New Mexico Department of Health.
- OSHA action plans and safety committee plan projects.
- UNM Grant research assistant and writer for journal publication.
- And more…
I am also active in blogger and freelance forums and social media sites.
IF THEY ASK for it, a short personal blurb would go here (this is where I would include blogs of my own by the way). Other current projects and blogs of mine include, House blog, organizing blog, parenting blog, and this other blog.
You can check out my writing style online, at one of the following relevant links:
Additional blog post, magazine and business clips are also available upon request.
Thanks very much for taking the time to read my credentials; I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Take care
~ Sue Smith
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Points to note:
- My letter is casual, and sounds like how I talk and blog: I base my letter tone on the job description tone - and if I’ve seen it, the blog they’re hiring for. Although mainly, I want a potential client to know what they’re getting. Because I’m a casual blogger, gigs I tend to apply for are fairly casual. If someone is looking for stuffy, journal sort of writing, I’m likely not who they want to hire. If the job notes that they require a formal tone, or it’s a blog for a corporate business client, and I want the job, I would use the same basic letter form, but make my text more formal.
- I write my letter somewhat like a blog post: I try to be brief and chatty, while still giving them all the info they want. I use bullets and bold heading to break it up, and to make it easy for the potential client to scan.
- I always say where I’m from. Sometimes this can make a difference. More than once, I’ve had a blog client email me back and say, “Hey I used to live there!” or “I really want to visit there.” Where you live can be a good small talk opener. Small talk, in my experience leads to jobs.
- Experience. I list the most relevant blog jobs I’ve had first, but then always note other topics I have experience in. You never know if they’ll need a blogger for another project. Once I applied for a housing blog. By the time the client got my email, they had filled the housing blog position, but had an open green blog position, which I got based on my listing additional topic specialties.
- Most of the time I list some of my other freelance experience. I do this for two reasons. One, it shows I can write in different styles - a perk for me, since my letter is so casual. Two, I do this for the same reason that I list my other specialty topics; you never know what someone needs. You don’t know if they want someone with research skills, or someone who knows how to interview for longer pieces. I never include all my freelance experience, or lengthy explanations unless asked, but a short bullet list will show off your other abilities, without being too wordy.
- Personal experience. Your personal experience is another way for you to prove that you know your topic. For example, if a client asks for personal info and they’re hiring for a homeschool blog, I’d mention that I homeschool. For a green blog, I’d mention the green stuff I do at home. I always fill in personal blurbs with a few non-topic related points, such as I like Frisbee, coffee, and music.
- Just so there’s no confusion: No I don’t post links like “Best relevant green post link #1” I do actually link the title, such as, “How to green your kitchen” or what have you.
- Your ending: I end my letters nicely, but not fake nicely. I do tend to write “Take care” at the end of emails in general, but I’d never end a letter with something I wouldn’t normally say. I also never say stuff like, “Please get back to me if you’re interested.” OR “I hope I sound like a good fit to you.” Be confident and direct, not wishy washy. Expect that you’ll hear back and get the job, and end your letter accordingly.
What do you include in your introduction letters?
Applying for Blogging Jobs - Do You Need A Resume?
Recently someone asked me about blogging resumes. As in do you need one, and if so how should your resume look. The short answer to this is you won’t need a full-on resume for most
The three kinds of blog gigs I’ve applied for are; network-based, individual client or business owed blogs, and word of mouth blogs. Word of mouth blog is my catch all phrase for blog gigs that I hear about because one, I know the individual hiring, or two, I was referred by a good friend who knows the person hiring.
I stick to one general rule when it comes to applying for blogging jobs. I give the hiring party what they ask for. I read the ad, follow directions, and tell them what they want to know. Plenty of people DO NOT follow basic directions when applying for writing jobs. If you do follow directions, you’re already one step ahead of many applicants.
There are two times when I won’t follow directions. One is when I’m asked to submit newly written original clips. Two is when I’m asked to quote a rate, but the ad is too vague regarding required tasks and hours. I’ll discuss these two issues in an upcoming post. (Stay tuned)
With network blogs, there’s usually some sort of application page. The best way to apply for a network gig, is to read their application and/or job opening page carefully, and then follow their directions for applying. In my experience, a network is far more likely to hire you if you apply for a blog opening they have already, vs. suggesting a new blog.
With word of mouth blogs, I’m very brief. I’ll send a quick email that begins with how I know about the gig; i.e. “Bob Smith let me know that you’re looking for an architect blogger for Architect.com; here are my qualifications and time available.” I’m brief, because I don’t know what they want to hear, other than I know they need a blogger. Also, sending a potential client too much info, is worse, in my opinion, then bare basics. No one likes wading through wordy emails.
When it comes to applying for individual client or business owed blogs, first of all, I tell them what they want to hear based on what they wrote in their ad. Personally, I’ve never had a potential client ask for a standard resume. Usually clients want a cover letter or introduction letter of sorts. If they don’t ask, don’t send a full resume. Blogging tends to involve brevity, or at least showing that you can be brief when asked. If a client asks for a short introduction letter, and you send a resume, refs, and a cover letter, they’re probably going to wonder if you’ll ever be able to follow directions.
The actual introduction email letter: I’ve posted a sample intro letter with a breakdown of what’s what, as its own post - Sample Introduction Letter.
Do you usually submit a resume or an introduction letter when applying for blogging jobs?
How Much Do You Earn Blogging for Someone Else?
Calculate your hourly blogging rate
A large base salary or high traffic bonus at a blog gig may seem great, but to know how much you’re honestly making as a blogger you need to evaluate your hourly wage.
For bloggers, figuring your hourly wage is something you should do frequently; at least every couple of months, because things change quickly. A job that was worth it when you started, may not be worth it now. On the upside, a job could be worth more now then when you started. Good news or bad, you won’t really know what a blog gig is worth if you ignore hourly pay.
Example 1 - figuring hourly wages for a low task blog:
At one blog I make a flat rate of $600 a month. Posts there take me 15 minutes and I’m not required to network. That’s 15 mins x 19 posts a week + about 1 hour per week answering comments which = 23 hours of work a month which = about $26 an hour. That’s not bad. Once in a while this blog client tosses me some extra work at $50 an hour (which I consider a pay benefit).
Example 2 - figuring hourly wages for a task heavy blog:
At blogs where I’m expected to do a variety of tasks it can make computing an hourly wage difficult. For blog gigs like this I usually divide up tasks by:
- Blog maintenance - comments, blogroll, link checks, and so fourth.
- Posting - finding leads, finding images, writing
- Networking - leaving comments on other blogs, submitting to social network sites (or hanging out on them), and promoting the blog in other ways. I usually include things like staff meetings or editor meetings in networking.
To figure my hourly wage for a task-heavy gig, I set a timer (once in a while) as I work, just to see how long, on average, all the above tasks take me at a particular blog.
Calculate total hourly pay averages:
After I figure all my monthly hourly wages, I compute my total combined hourly wage. To calculate your total combined hourly wage simply take your average monthly take home pay and divide it by all the hours you work in a month.
Why bother with the total hourly wage average - because overall, either blogging is a good career choice for you money-wise, or it’s not. There are folks in between I’m sure, but calculating your overall wage allows you to consider that, “Hey, blogging is working out for me” or, “Wow, I only average $8 an hour - I could make way more if I went back to tech writing.”
Adding it all together:
Honestly, I don’t just focus on hourly wages in order to decide whether to stick with a blog gig or not. I look at my stress level and enjoyment related to each blog. For example, I make about $37 an hour for one blog gig, but it’s a little stressful, because I really have to focus on writing perfect posts; I stay because it pays so well and it’s only a little stressful. I write for one blog where my hourly wage is only $10 an hour (which is too low), but I love the darn blog, it’s easy for me, and my other gigs make up for it; so I stay. On the flip side, I had a blog client once who paid me, on average, $17 an hour, but said client was a major pain; although the hourly wage was decent, I quit.
When it comes to choosing blog jobs, or choosing to stay or leave a blog job, it’s a good plan to start with your hourly wage as a jumping off point, add in the other factors, and make a decision.
Do you know what you’re making per hour blogging?
