Blogging is a Business

Even when it’s a hobby, it’s a business. If you love it and are passionate about it, you’re probably devoting hours to it every day. It’s as time consuming as (and way more satisfying than) golf.

Five years ago when I started mine, I had no idea that one day people would be paying me to blog. WTF? Seriously? Wow. It began with a few ads and paid posts. Hmmm… then people were contacting me to come write for them at their blogs. Some were even offering to pay me!

And I’m not the only one.

There are numerous ways to expand your client base and increase the size of your portfolio. Common tactics used to do this include utilizing your contacts, taking part in relevant discussion forums, being active in freelance marketplaces and even watching industry specific job boards.

One idea that is implemented by some people but certainly not by everyone, is blogging. Sharing your abilities with the world in the hope that the right person finds what you have to offer. Through my experience though, quite a few people fail to have any success when trying to use this strategy.

Today I want to share my own story, and how I made over $20,000 in 4 months when my only source of clients were through blogging.

Now in this article Glenn discusses how his blogging was a matter of marketing, and that’s how he drew clients. It’s a brilliant way of showing off your abilities both as a writer and as an expert in your field.  I get gigs writing about politics (especially in areas of terror and religion) because that’s my thing. If your area of expertise is pet care or life coaching, that’s where you’ll drum up business.

In addition, if you’re a good blogger, you will be asked to write blogs. Companies love adding them, but no one has the patience or ability to actually write the posts. Enter the freelance blogger. A 500 word blog post can earn you upwards of $20 (Actually, it could earn you $1 if that’s what you’re willing to take. Another time we’ll discuss the quality differences between an escort and a crack whore, but not today). Get a few gigs writing 3 or 4 posts each per week, and you have a nice little income. It’s a sweet deal, if you’re doing something you love.

I strongly suggest that anyone who wants to break into freelance writing or blogging for a living tries Ali Hale’s Staff Blogging Course. Do a read-through of the 8 modules, then go back and put the lessons into practice. I did, and have since scored TWO THREE blogging jobs in the last two weeks. Cost of the course: $19. Income of jobs I’ve scored: $125/wk. $180/wk.