This post was written by Jennifer
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.
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