Landing a paid blogging job is a common goal among freelancers. Every freelancer has at least one subject he or she is passionate about and what better way to earn money than to write about something you love, hate, or even admire. Here are ten ways to get hired as a blogger.
Pitch to Blog Networks
Instead of waiting for a blogging gig to pop up on a job board, pitch to major blog networks. Choose sites you read regularly or do an Internet search for “blog networks.” Then, peruse the entire network and note the subject matter of blogs it currently has. Look up channel, or group managers and note the correct contact name and email address.
Then, write up a pitch. Keep it short (about a page typed) and include sample post ideas, target audience, and ways you will try and drive traffic to your posts. Don’t forget to include links with your experience and reasons why you are the perfect person to write the blog.
Pitch to Corporations
Corporate blogging gigs can pay very well and offer you just as much creativity as writing for a blog network. Jobs with corporations are often advertised on their own personal websites rather than job boards, but you can also pitch directly to the marketing manager. Inform the corporation how a blog written by you will help increase customer satisfaction, sales or client base.
Post Regularly on the Blogs You Love
Sometimes the best way to get noticed online is by becoming a regular commenter. Write something that will create a dialog between the poster and other commenters. This method takes time but does create an opportunity to correspond directly with the blogger. Over time, you can use your rapport to find out which blogs might need additional help and the best way to apply.
Contact an Existing Website
Is there a website you love for news, shopping, or even history that could benefit from having a blog? Contact the website owner and make a pitch. Once again, be sure to explain specific benefits from having a blog and indicate the kind of posts you’d like to write.
Ask for an Informational Interview
In the “non-blogging” world, one way to get a job is by asking for an appointment simply to learn about the company. Many organizations are very open to this because they like people that are interested in what they do. Even if a job isn’t open at the time of the interview, sometimes just chatting with the right person might give an employer an idea on what you could bring to their organization.
Approach a Local Newspaper
Newspapers all over the country are putting more information online rather than in print. Smaller publications are usually very receptive to new ideas and ways to save money. Remind them that they can put advertising on a blog online and yet save the cost of printing. Contact a local paper to see if they could use a blogger for news, opinions, or advice.
Start a Blog Just Like the One You Want to Get Paid For
Sometimes the best way to test market a new blog idea is to create one to see how many readers are interested in the subject matter. Blog networks will be receptive to new ideas when you can give them realistic numbers on subscribers.
Become an Online Columnist
Create a regular place readers can view your work. Whether this is on your website, your own Blogger or Wordpress blog, Hubpages, or other sites that allow you to publish articles doesn’t matter. If your articles are informative and interesting, people will find you. Offer an RSS to your articles and you’ll quickly see how many people read your work each day. Then, turn those figures into a pitch for a major blog network or corporation.
Search the Job Boards
Just because competition is tight for blog jobs doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply. Find jobs you are perfect for and apply with confidence. Customize your resume specifically to what the post is asking for.
Be a Guest Poster
Some high profile website owners are simply too busy to write posts every day. Offer your services for free a few times and you may get hired the next time they need a new blogger.
Making good money as a blogger is possible, but it takes persistence. Keep up the pitches and applications and soon you might have so much work you’ll be looking for a guest blogger yourself.
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