Blogging for a Living: Is it Better to Work at Burger King?
Though they’re an awesome place for networking, I rarely visit writing and blogging forums anymore simply because I don’t have that kind of time. The other day however, I noticed traffic coming to my Freelance Writing Jobs blog from the Absolute Write Water Cooler. I popped in for a visit. Someone was looking for a blogging gig paying “fast”. Now, I can write a whole post about that inquiry alone, but instead I’d rather quote one of the responses:
Start your own blog, for love.
Put on Google ads, or a paypal donation button, or blogads.com. But blog for love, not money.
Some bloggers make a living at blogging. Most … don’t.
If you need money now, get a job. Burger King is hiring.
What the heck? Does this person not realize many people earn an admirable living blogging - and even support a family? I think Jennifer and I are proof of that. Sure blog for love, but don’t be afraid to blog for money too. If I didn’t start looking into paying blogging opportunities, I might not have landed my wonderful full time community manager gig. Blogging is the future of business. More and more corporations are hiring bloggers and social networkers to help promote their businesses. To tell someone not to blog for money is lame, wrong and is from someone who is clearly misinformed. Do blog for money. You might not make a mint at first, but it can lead to bigger and better things. Trust me, I know.
Now, I know many who scoff at network base pay because it’s low to start, but I wonder if these same people would turn up their noses at four figures a month with the same base plus traffic bonuses. Plenty of network bloggers earn thousands of dollars each month. I had one client who paid me several thousand dollars a month to update a couple of blogs on a regular basis. I think that’s a little better than a fast food salary. And yes, it pays fast. More traditional forms of writing pay sporadically - on publication or acceptance, whenever that may be. Blogging pays at the end of each month. Some private clients pay once a week. So I wouldn’t put on that fast food apron just yet.
Do blog for love, but don’t turn up your nose at blogging for money. It can lead to a very good living. Just ask Jennifer, Gayla McCord, Chris Garrett, David Peralty, Liz Strauss, Lorelle VonFossen or any number of well-respected professional bloggers.
Feel free to testify below!
NBT Blogging Job Application Tip: Follow Directions
Here’s a quick tip for anyone looking for blogging jobs: Follow directions. Read through the entire ad and do what the employer asks. If he says to send three samples of your writing, do so. If he says not to send attachments, don’t send attachments. If he asks you for specific information, include it in your job pitch or application.
I’ve been in a position to hire many times and might receive hundreds of applications. Out of those hundreds perhaps 20 people followed directions. It’s frustrating.
My blog Freelance Writing Jobs is having an “American Idol” type contest to choose our next blogger. It’s for a paying position, two days a week, and the FWJ community will be choosing the winner. Each week another candidate will be voted off the island. I asked everyone to post their pitches, and to apply as if they found my job ad on a job board. I listed specific requirements. To me, the most important requirement was the one where I asked applicants to pitch a specific freelance writing niche to base their twice weekly blog. For instance, freelance marketing, or rates. Only a few did. This bugged me because it made me wonder if everyone read the entire ad.
This is the first time it’s happened and I know plenty of employers who complain of this. The next time you apply for a job, follow all the instructions in the ad. It could set you apart from the rest.
Where Blogging Can Take You
A couple of years ago I explained what it was I did for a living to someone at a social club I belonged to. "Why?" she asked, "Where will blogging take you?" At the time I couldn’t answer that. Blogging was blogging. It could take me to new levels of blogging. Perhaps I’d earn six figures, who knows?
Today I can answer in a more knowledgeable fashion. I just accepted a full time position as blogger and Community Manager for Blog Talk Radio. The job involves two of the things i love best, blogging and social networking. Sure there’s more to it, but if there was ever a dream job, this is it.
A couple of weeks ago, David Peralty, the Community Manager for PicApp spoke here about using his service on blogs. He too used his blogging skills to catapult him to a full time Community Manager position.
I’ve been saying for some time now as blogging reaches the main stream more full time, salaried gigs are going to open up. Corporations will want bloggers and social networking gurus on staff to help spread the word about their products and services. David and I are both proof of that.
When your networks offer training sessions, and when the probloggers offer tips and advice, pay attention. Take it all in. Because you never know where blogging can take you.
Thinking Outside the Network Blog
Personally, I haven’t found it all that hard to find blogging work. There are a ton of blog jobs out there. Granted, some I’ve liked more than others, but it’s work. Many people I know aim for network blog jobs. Some aim for independent client blogs, some just apply to whatever they see on the job boards.
Another idea, if you happen to be seeking blogging gigs, is to convince someone to hire you to create a specialty blog just for them. All kinds of business and non-profits have blogs, but for each business or non-profit that does have one, there are more that don’t have a blog and that could possibly benefit.
Ideas of who to approach might include your local…
- Veterinary clinic or kennel
- Grocery store
- Bookstore
- Child’s consignment or retailer clothing store
- Toy store
- Day spa
- Gym
- Fabric store
- Music shop
- Day care
- B&B or nicer hotel
- Any non-profit - although their writer / advertising budgets are sometimes slim
- And so on…
How to approach:
Obviously it’s best if you’re already a blogger, if you know the ins and outs of business blogging - the overall benefits it can provide, how long (honestly) it can take to build traffic, and the potential problems and solutions one might encounter with a business blog. If you don’t know any of this stuff, than this option is a less realistic way to find work. You can get started by researching these ideas though, and then later on, try pitching to a business.
Some research starting points (although there are many sources for business blogs out there):
Three Benefits of Starting an Office or Business Blog
Three More Benefits of Starting an Office or Business Blog
This whole blog: Business Blog Wire
The pitch:
Deb recently wrote, Tips for Pitching a Blog to a Network and actually, a pitch to a business is much the same, only your focus should be heavily about how this blog will bring in more customers, clients, or funds OR keep clients coming back. Another key focus is on how the blog will make the clients or customers of this business feel. Will it make the business more approachable - yes, if it’s a well done blog. Will people recommend the business because the blog is useful - most likely, if the blog is useful.
Budget:
Some businesses have budgets set aside for advertising such as blogs, they’re just not using the budget on blogs, they’re trying other advertising options. Your job is to convince them that a blog is a good fit for their business. We won’t get into pay negotiations, because frankly, that’s a long post in itself, and also, as a blogger or writer I assume you know this part. Main point, earn what your time is worth.
Pitching a blog to a business or non-profit that has not actually advertised for a blogger is an in-depth topic. It could be many posts, but I wasn’t feeling like going there. SO if you have questions just leave a comment.
How to Tell if a Blogging Gig is Right for You
As people who blog for a living, many of us have a hard to saying no to gigs, whether we’re right for them or not. We’ve discussed this before, but if you’re going to be talking about a particular subject day in and day out, you better be right for the topic. Accepting a gig that isn’t right for you only means both you and your readers won’t enjoy what you do.
So how do you know if a blogging gig is right for you?
1. You know and love your topic - When we talk about bloggers having passion, it’s because you have to absolutely love what you write about to talk about it several times a day. You have to know almost everything there is about your niche, the pros and cons, the other blogs on that topic, and you have to be willing to continue learning and talking about said topic in the years to come. And that’s really what it’s all about…knowing you can talk about your niche for years.
2. You can meet all expectations - Networks and clients all have different expectations. Some expect a post a day for a few days a week, and some require two to three posts a day for every business day. Before saying yes to a gig, ask yourself, "can I realistically write 30 blog posts a week about this topic?" Keep in mind that most bloggers aren’t only expected to write blog posts, they’re also expected to help bring in traffic. Do you have the time and wherewithal to pimp your blog on a regular basis?
3. You don’t hesitate before applying: You know how you just look at a job and say "that’s perfect!" without hesitation? The more time you spend hemming and hawing over whether or not you can handle a particular gig, the less likely it is to be something you can do day in and day out.
When we discuss finding the perfect writing gig at my blog Freelance Writing Jobs, many writers tell me they don’t have the luxury of finding only gigs that feature their areas of expertise and have to pay the bills. I can understand this, but I also believe with blogging it’s different. You really have to love what you do to do it every day. Otherwise, why leave your boring day job?
Have You Checked Back On That Blog Gig?
When applying for a blogging job, you need to treat it like any other job you might apply for.
This means that during the application process:
- You send the client what the client wants to see. Be it a resume, or short introduction letter.
- You don’t apply for jobs you’re not qualified for - if you can’t cook, you wouldn’t apply for a chef gig, so if you know nothing about Microsoft, don’t apply to write for a Microsoft blog.
- You don’t tell the client that they suck. When I worked with human resource departments in offline jobs related to health care and social work, we never got resumes from people that told us our company sucked. Yet, people find it ok to tell blog owners and networks this often. Why? Who knows, but it’s not cool. If a job sucks - don’t apply. Period.
- You need to do what you say you’ll do. Be it sending a contract back, returning a phone call, or sending further resume info.
Check back! This is a biggie. A few little birds at networks and client owned blogs have told me that people don’t always check back on their application status. This is job etiquette 101 folks. In the offline world, you send an application or resume, and later you call said job and nicely say something to the affect of, “Hi, this is Bob. I submitted a resume, and I’m curious where you are in the hiring process… Would it be possible to arrange an interview?”
In some cases a blog gig will state, “Don’t check back” and in most of those cases, I’d say do what they say. However, if they don’t mention it, one quick email can show you’re interested enough to follow up. Don’t be a pest, but do check back. This is a great way to single yourself out and get noticed.
True story: I once saw a blog gig I wanted; it had been up for months, I hadn’t applied because I figured it would fill quickly. After months of continually seeing it on job boards, I applied. A week later I emailed the network editor and noted that I was still interested and offered a few quick post ideas. The editor emailed and set up a quick interview. The interview went well, and I got the gig. My editor eventually told me that she actually had many folks apply who were more qualified (topic wise) than I was, but that I was the one and only person who checked back on my application status. That one email landed me a great job.
While blog jobs can seem more casual than article or business copy jobs, they aren’t. If you’re going to be paid real money, then it’s a real job. You need to apply with this in mind and put the same amount of care into the application process that you would with any other gig.
Blogging: One of the Top Jobs You Never Heard Of
You can make a living from blogging? Who knew? With a hat tip to Kristen King, I’d like to direct your attention to this article on Yahoo! about the top ten jobs you never heard of. See number four?
4. Bloggers:
Just 10 years ago, blogging would have sounded to most like a verb relegated to video games. But now, freelance writers, marketers, Web designers, finance professionals–even tea-drinkers–can draw people from around the world to read what they’re thinking. Businesses are catching on, which is why they’ll often hire people to blog about their products, and some bloggers can actually sell ads on their personal blogs. Are your personal thoughts worth paying for? They are, especially if you have education and a unique voice. Top bloggers can make six figures, and a handful are said to make millions.
Am I to believe blogging as a profession is such an unknown entity in this day and age? Perhaps it was unheard of several years ago, but in 2008 I can assure you blogging has become a force to be reckoned with. The proof, if there was ever any doubt:
- Look at any online job board and you’ll find at least several jobs for bloggers.
- Businesses are now hiring bloggers to personalize their website.
- Nearly every niche has a blogger.
- Blog networks are being seen as media by many publicists.
- Everyone wants their products reviewed on blogs.
- Bloggers are being interviewed as expert sources on many television and news programs.
- Major conferences are now being held specifically for bloggers.
Three years ago I could tell room full of people I had a blog and 9 out of 10 would say, "what’s a blog?" Today I could say the same thing to a room full of people and only one or two would wonder - though most have at least heard of blogs.
Now that blogging has reached the mainstream can more corporate salaries be far behind?
Troublesome Client Alert!
Here’s a quick tip. If you’d like to hold onto your blogging sanity, don’t attempt to work for someone who says…
“$10 a blog, I need 5-10 Blogs. Please respond with samples. Serious only Thanks.”
It’s a serious pet peeve of mine when clients call blog posts, “Blogs” - right away you know they’re going to be trouble. Why? Because obviously if they don’t know the difference between a blog and a blog post, you’re going to have to walk them through just what a blog is; every tiny aspect. As the client they should already know this stuff. This job will be a lot o’ extra work.
Apply for jobs like this at your own risk.
Thanks to Deb for the send - it was a nice morning laugh.
Landing a Blogging Job: Application Tips
Blogging is more informal than more traditional forms of writing, but you still need to be careful. Especially when applying for a blogging job. Sometimes we’re in such a rush to get our application or introductory email off before the competition we don’t take enough time to proofread. Big mistake. Here are a few tips for applying for a blogging gig.
- Be honest: If you don’t know enough about the niche, or haven’t the experience the client requested, don’t lie. Lies have a way of showing themselves eventually and the last thing you want is to screw with your reputation.
- Follow instructions: If an ad says "no attachments" or requests you put certain information in the subject line, it’s in your best interests to do so. Many employers receive tons of applications. You want yours to stand out for the right reasons. Many employers feel if you can’t follow instructions on a job ad, how will they be able to trust you to follow instructions with their blogs?
- Proofread: I’m the worst offender when it comes to typos, but hopefully not when I’m applying for a job. In fact, many times, I’ll send my cover letter to a trusted friend or relative in order to ensure it’s typo free. This is the biggest mistake people make when applying for a gig. Always proofread.
- Just list the facts: Your potential client doesn’t need to know you’re home with the kids, unless your blog is about staying home with the kids. Ditto for financial situations and other personal details.
- Check your form letter: If you’re using a form letter, do check to make sure you changed the name of the recipient as well as the name of the business. If you’re sending a Dear Mrs. Migilicutty letter to Mr. Madison, you’re getting the job.
Be yourself when applying for a blogging gig. Let a potential employer know your strengths and why you’re perfect for that blog. If you’re passionate about your subject it will show through.
Good luck!
When someone hires you to blog, which tasks are they hiring you for?
Lately I’ve been seeing these sorts of questions a lot at forums:
- Someone wants to hire me for their blog - should I charge extra for networking?
- How much do you charge for moderating comments?
- How much do you charge for each comment you respond to?
- Should I charge extra for commenting on other blogs?
- The client wants me to Digg stuff! What the?
- I just want to post twice a week - what do you charge for that?
Here’s the deal. To me, blogging has always been a package deal. Frankly, if you’re a blogger, there are certain tasks you need to do to make that blog successful. When someone is hiring for a blog, in my experience, they aren’t just hiring someone who can get words down, they’re looking for someone who can actually make the blog work as a whole.
The first thing to consider is what tasks bloggers do to make a blog a success. For now, forget about tasks like setting up advertising, tech work, and other blog start up issues (like finding a host, purchasing a domain name, and so fourth). If you blog for someone else, 95% of the time these tasks are taken care of for you.
Think about it as if the blog was your blog - what would you do to make it wildly successful? You’d likely…
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