One Great Blogging Position and the Lamest Ad I’ve Seen All Week

So, should we go good ad first or lame?

The other day Deb posted a high paying blogging gig, which seems cool being that we’ve been talking about higher blogging pay here lately.

That said, in case you missed it, Problogger has an ad up right now that’s offering up to $100 per post. It’s not my sort of blog, but it’d be perfect for the right person.

Now for the lame ad:

I saw this on Craigslist. I’m actually all for CL, you can find some decent jobs there. This just isn’t one of them.

“Web saavy freelance writer needed for project 40 hours per week for two months – Flex hours. Work from home. Must be familiar with blog and forum interface. Must have consistent access to computer with high speed internet connection. Affinity for conservative political and/or religious subject matter very helpful. Ideal for a college student, smart mom or retiree.”

This ad is offensive to me in more ways than one, although, I’m not in the best mood today, so maybe it’s just me. My issue first off is that 40 hours a week is a lot. If you work 40 hours anywhere, you’re using up time that you need for other projects. It’d be ok, except for that this gig only lasts 2 months. It gives you little time to diversify and at a low rate. Even so, I was thinking, well, if you needed some extra holiday cash, you could make it work, it’s not the worst pay ever. But then they had to go and add in the “Ideal for a college student, smart mom or retiree” line.

So offensive! Smart moms, as opposed to what, all the stupid ones running around? I tell ya. Sometimes I just don’t know what people are thinking.

Good luck if you apply for the Problogger job!

October 13, 2008 | Filed Under Blogging Jobs | 1 Comment 

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?

October 13, 2008 | Filed Under Blogging Compensation, Blogging Jobs, Blogging for Others | Leave a Comment 

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…

——————————————————————————–

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:

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

————————————————————————————–

Points to note:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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?

October 11, 2008 | Filed Under Blogging Jobs, Blogging for Others | 4 Comments 

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?

October 11, 2008 | Filed Under Blogging Jobs, Blogging for Others, Link Love | Leave a Comment 

$20 Per Post Blogging Opportunity

I’m often asked where to find higher paying writing and blogging gigs. In fact, I’ve even been questioned over whether or not they exist. So, in putting my money where my mouth is, I’d like to present a very good opportunity. A DevLounge blogging gig at $20 per post.

You see? Let’s hope gigs like this become the norm. In the mean time, I’ll continue to link to the higher paying gigs here.

October 8, 2008 | Filed Under Blogging Compensation, Blogging Jobs | Leave a Comment 

Will I Be Quitting Blogging Anytime Soon?

Miss mind reader Deb just posted an excellent read, Should You Work for Blog Networks? Blogging for others (OR NOT) is what’s been on my mind for weeks now. Ok, longer then weeks. It’s also been on the mind of pretty much every pro-blogger pal I have, and that’s not a huge surprise. In the last year I’ve worked for networks that have closed up shop, networks who are implementing pay reconfigurations that may or may not make it worth my time to even blog anymore, clients who have no clue about blogs, and a couple of pesky clients who forget to pay me each month (until I yet again remind them).

Blogging, which by the way I love, has become sort of cumbersome. At least blogging for others has. At least for now. But quit altogether? I’m not so sure I could do that.

When blogging for others is good, it can be REALLY good. It’s enjoyable to blog for pay, actually see a paycheck on time, and not have to worry about all that back end blog work. When a client or network runs a blog, I don’t have as many worries. No worries about design, or ads, or what to do when the servers flop; it’s a snap to deal, when you don’t have to truly deal with these issues.

My take on the seemingly unsettled and not so reliable blogosphere right now is in line with what Gayla noted in the comments of Deb’s post - “Blogging is a game of chance - some hit big, some don’t.” She also points out that blogging for a network allows you to, “Rub elbows with influential people more often than what independent blogging would allow.” Both those statements are true, and likely why I stick with blogging for others. I’ve landed some pretty major blog/writing gigs based on my past work with other blog networks and clients, plus made plenty of great friends, so in some ways, I feel that even when I’ve been fed up at work, it’s somehow paid off.

In Deb’s post she says, “I’ve been receiving a lot of email lately at my Freelance Writing Jobs blog regarding blog networks. Most want to know if they’re still worth it. Should we continue to blog for someone else, or is it more realistic to create our own blogs and keep all the revenue?”

My answer would be much like Deb’s - no one can make that call for you. For myself, I am at a point in my career where money does matter.  I won’t put in long hours or be motivated at the thought of $100 / month for any blog client, because I know I can make more. If I can make more at my own blogs fine. If I can make more by going back to magazine work, well, ok. It’s still writing, and still something I’ll enjoy. I’ll enjoy it at a different level, but all jobs have ups and downs and we all know that writing is especially testy at times.

Knowing the current state of blog networks and client-owed blogs, as a single mama supporting a son, I think that putting all my eggs in the blogging for others basket would be a bad call. I’ve managed to pay all my bills with only blog income for a good long while now, but if I can’t, if blogging for others starts to make my life slide downward, I’ll switch things up.

In the end I think part of being a good freelance writer is the ability to be very flexible. You have to make the market work for you. If one sort of work won’t cut it, then diversifying is the only option. At the very least, diversifying will liven things up.

What do you think? Are all your eggs in one sort of writing basket right now, or are you branching out?

October 2, 2008 | Filed Under Blogging Compensation, Blogging Jobs, Blogging for Others | 1 Comment 

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!

July 2, 2008 | Filed Under Blogging Jobs, Blogging for Others | 12 Comments 

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.

June 13, 2008 | Filed Under Blogging Jobs | 3 Comments 

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.

June 6, 2008 | Filed Under Blogging Jobs | 6 Comments 

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…

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.

June 4, 2008 | Filed Under Blogging Jobs, Blogging for Others | Leave a Comment 

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