Why Freelance Writers Shouldn't Blog for Money

I ran across a post on Problogger.net the other day entitled, How to Make Money Blogging - What We Wish We Knew. The post basically was about things bloggers wish they knew when they first started out.

As Darren Rowse, the webmaster at Problogger put it: “In this post I’ll share readers comments on the topic of making money from blogs as well as some of my own experiences and advice.”

One comment from a reader stood out to me, which inspired this post on why I don’t think freelance writers – in general -- can ever make a livable income blogging. While there will always be some exceptions to the rule, as a whole, I don’t think it’s a pursuit most of us should spend our time on.

Following is why.

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Blogger Chris @ Martial Development commented: “I wish I had known that your choice of niche will affect your contextual ad revenue by a factor of 100! And that certain niches can therefore never, ever be profitable with Adsense!”

Bloggers make their money from advertisers. And, many start with Google’s Adsense program. If you don’t know what it is, click here to learn more.

When people click on the ads, you are paid a certain amount. Certain categories pay more. For example, an ad about a tech product like “gaming software” may pay out a lot more than an ad about “freelance writing jobs,” which is an ad typically found on many freelance writers’ websites.

As I wrote in my 5/30/07 post, Why Freelance Writers May Be the Poorest Internet Entrepreneurs (Part I of II), “Much of new technology is for tech people: It seems that every new piece of software that comes out is for tech people.” And, advertisers in this genre are willing to pay handsomely for new customers.

When you consider the payoff (ROI (return on investment)) for tech companies in acquiring new customers, they can afford to pay more to those blog owners who carry their ads.

Is the ROI (Return on Investment) Worth It for Freelance Writers When It Comes to Blogging?

Consider this: According to softwarereality.com, “. . . projects having an ROI less than 100 % may not be undertaken.” How is ROI calculated?

ROI = ( PROFITS / INVESTED CAPITAL ) x 100

The ROI for each project is compared with the invested capital on a yearly basis. ROI analysis means that where expected benefits and costs are realized within the same year of implementation of the project, the project is more likely to proceed.

The whole point of this post? UNLESS you specialize in a high-paying niche like tech or medicine, don’t expect the payout from ad programs like Adsense to pay you much. You may have to generate 100 times the traffic to see the same payout as a blog in another, better paying niche.

So, given this, why blog?

TOMORROW'S POST: In tomorrow’s post, I’ll discuss two easy things you can do to turn your blog into an effective marketing machine – and it won’t even feel like marketing!
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Upcoming Features in Inkwell Editorial’s Newsletter

July 18: Paula Mooney. Blogger who helps other bloggers “make money, get readers and increase their blog’s ranking.” Paula will reveal how she makes money online, and how she’s built a very popular blog in only a few month’s time.

If you currently have a blog, or are thinking about starting one, you won’t want to miss this interview!

August 15: Meryl K. Evans. I tapped Meryl for an interview because she’s found success in the B2B niche. Meryl has written for some pretty notable clients, eg, PC Today, O’Reilly and Pearson to name a few.

This is where the real money in freelance writing is folks (B2B). I’m as anxious to see what she has to say as I hope you are!

September 12: Gordon Graham. We ring in the “editorial season” by interviewing Gordon Graham, aka “that white paper guy.” Gordon writes and edits white papers and case studies. He charges $90/hour just to edit a white paper and a minimum of $4,000 to produce a white paper from scratch.

Now, do you see why I had to interview him?! Most freelancers don’t even dream of making this type of money. I can’t wait for this interview.

NOTE: As editorial is cyclical and slow during the summer, in July and August, the newsletter will be published once. In September, we go back to our twice-monthly publishing schedule. Subscribe today so you don't miss anything!**************************************************

Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.

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$132,994.97 in Google Earnings!

It's Friday and I'm still in my writing funk. BUT, like a junkie with a drug habit, I felt the need to post today -- something I usually don't do on Friday's.

So, I'm bringing you this little missive.

What about the Google earnings you mention in the title? I'm gettin' there.

Alas, the check didn't belong to me -- it belonged to Jeremy Schoemaker, the brain behind ShoeMoney.com. Of it, he writes, "This was the bigest paper check I have ever recieved. It was way back in August of 2005 and since I have moved to wire transfers so dont look for anything bigger from me."

I ran across Jeremy's site in Paula Mooney's blog -- specifically, her post on blogger salaries, which, if you read yesterday's post, will see that I referenced. Paula -- geniously I think, compiled a list of blogger salaries.

While some moan that it's incomplete, it's a good snapshot on who's making what in the blogosphere.

For grins, giggles and "I want that" envy, click here for more Google checks featured on ShoeMoney.com. Now, does that inspire you to get going on a site!

Enjoy and be inspired.

Until Monday,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
P.S.: Have you checked out Inkwell Editorial's work-from-home ebooks yet? The are some great deals on this first-hand advice on how to succeed as a freelancer, and it makes great weekend reading (hint, hint: buy today).

Monday's Post: Are you making 50K or more? Do you worry about being down-sized? Have you been down-sized? Career advice for mid-level managers.

Blogs That Make You Think . . .And/Or Do Other Stuff

On April 26th, Lillie Amman awarded this blog the Thinking Blogger's Award. As described on her blog:

Iker Yoldas at The Thinking Blog* created the award and describes the award and the rules in Thinking Blogger Awards. The award recognizes blogs that make people think, and those who receive the award then pass the award on to five blogs that make them think.

*NOTE: This blog is no longer online, but the award lives on. Tres cool! {NOTE: Cartoon courtesy of www.weblogcartoons.com.}

Needless to say, I was flattered beyond belief. So, for my five picks:

1. Problogger.net: If you want to know about blogs, this is THE blog to go to. Darren (the blogmaster) is a six-figure blogger and the depth of information to be found on this site is astounding -- especially about monetizing a blog.

Other things I like about this blog -- it's professionally written; the topics are timely and relevant; and the best thing about this blog -- the information is in-depth and helpful.

Darren doesn't gloss over topics like a lot of blogs do. He really goes into detail so you always come away feeling like you got a new, better and/or different take on an issue.

2. The Golden Pencil: This blog reminds me of my own in the sense that it relays helpful information to freelance writers via articles. It also lists jobs for freelance writers and has links to other blogs on freelance writing.

3. Paula Mooney's Blog: I first encountered Paula's writing on AssociatedContent.com. A black woman who knows tech stuff -- I was jealous and incredulous all at once.

Paula writes across a broad spectrum and her pieces have great headlines that just suck you in. Eg, a recent entry is Paula's List of Blogger Salaries...Are you on the list? Who wouldn't click on that?! NYU School of Journalism, you should tag her blog to teach how to write effective headlines.

FYI Paula, I'm going to tap you to help me cowrite a book on tech stuff -- as soon as I can finish formulating the idea in my head -- this should be before the year 2020.

4. Hot Diggity: This is Jenna Glatzer's blog. She's a successful freelance writer who's collaborated on a book about Celine Dion, has authored children's books and was the founder and editor-in-chief of AbsoluteWrite.com, one of the best freelance writing sites on the web.

Even though I first ran across Jenna's writing while doing some research on freelance writing for an article a few years ago, I read her blog not because she is a fellow freelance writer, but because her sense of humor cracks me up.

On her blog, she writes about almost everything but writing -- which is the blog's purpose -- to get away from writing about and promoting writing.A sample of Jenna's humor can be found in the following missive from her 2/7/07 post:

I love my electronic toothbrush, but it seems I can't handle it. I manage to get toothpaste on myself about every other day. And toothpaste has this supernatural quality-- you can rinse it off, really rubbing the fabric so it looks like it's all gone, and when it dries, poof! The toothpaste is still there. Taunting you. Like those birthday candles you can never blow out.

5. Jason Kottke's blog: I rarely check in to Jason's blog anymore, but for a while it held me spellbound because he made a big splash in 2005 when he quit his job as a web designer to blog full time. Stories were all over the net and in newspapers about it.

Jason's been blogging almost daily since 1998 -- which is a major feat, when you consider that most bloggers give up after a few months. During the year that he blogged full-time (he gave it up as a full-time gig in 2006), he raised $39,900 from 1,450 donors. Read an update in this piece.

Jason blogs about any and everything and his blog is neat and well organized -- always a big hit with me. I check it out from time to time out of loyalty and admiration.

So, there you have it -- my picks.

I don't spend too much time reading blogs because as a full-time freelance writer, time is money and I'm usually trying to beat a deadline.

To Darren, Anne, Paula, Jenna and Jason -- continued success with your blogs.

Sincerely,
Yuwanda
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
P.S.: Re the freelance writing e-books that I've been promising will be back online forever and a day now. Finally, finally got them proofed and ready to upload. BUT, what happens. Software problems -- arrgghhhh! Got the kinks worked out last night and -- fingers crossed -- just have to put in the PayPal codes for payment and back up they will be by tonight (I pray!).

P.P.S.: Look for the great discounts!

Tomorrow's Topic: What to Do When You're Tired of Writing (Advice for Freelance Writers)
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.
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How to Know When It’s Time to Shut Down Your Blog

I’ve been blogging for a little over two years now. And, to be honest, there were times when I wanted to just shut it down. I’ve even gone as long as a month without updating it. But, alas, like an addict, I started to update it again.

While blogging may be addictive, following are two signs it’s time to shut down your blog. NOTE: I’m referring to professional blogs, not personal ones.

1. Not updating regularly: If its hard for you to find the time to blog, maybe it’s time for you to shut it down.

Blogs that are irregularly updated reeks of unprofessionalism – in my opinion. It’s like an unfinished project you leave out there for the world to see. To gain a base readership, readers have to be able to depend on you to deliver on a regular basis. And, regular could be whatever you set them up to expect, eg, daily, weekly, bi-monthly, etc.

TIP: The less you update, the longer your posts should be. And, twice a month is about the longest you should go without updating. Once a week would be even better, with daily being the optimal.

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WORK-FROM-HOME E-BOOKS: Freelance from home! Just a reminder, Inkwell Editorial's work-from-home, how-to freelance writing e-books will be back on InkwellEditorial.com this weekend.
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The point is, whatever schedule you set, let your readers know what to expect so your blog doesn’t look like it’s been abandoned.

2. No Marketing “Oomph”: I use my blog as a marketing vehicle. Updating it regularly has built a loyal readership who trust my opinion enough to purchase my e-books, e-classes, etc.

Being a full-time freelance writer leaves you with very little time to “doodle.” I make sure that every project I tackle during working hours has a direct impact on my bottom line. My blog is a big part of this.

So, if your blog is not helping your marketing efforts, it may be time to shut it down, or update it during non-working hours.

To make a living as a freelance writer, you have to become ruthless with your time – almost like an assassin. While this may seem a bit diabolical, it’s the difference between being able to make a full-time living, and complaining about not being able to make a full-time living.

NOTE: Sometimes your posts may have nothing to do with the subject of your blog. Maybe that day, you decide to go off topic. This is fine, it gives readers insight into your personality. But remember, readers flock to a blog, normally, because they want to learn something to help them achieve their goals. So, give them that on a regular basis.

How to Officially Shut Down Your Blog

Like quitting a job, there is a right and wrong way to officially shut down your blog.

Rule #1: Don’t just stop blogging. Give readers a shut-down date, eg, a “resignation post.” This will prime them for what’s to come.

Rule #2: Share your reason for shutting down the blog. You don’t have to go into grave details. Whether it’s because you’re too busy, a personal issue (eg, birth of a child, sick family member, new business venture, etc.).

Rule #3: Give readers some Q&A time before you sign off. Respect them enough to let them chime in. This is good for you as well because you never know how much you’re appreciated until you’re not there any more. Even if all the feedback is not good, it’s something you can take with you into your next venture.

I remember when I first shut down my site, InkwellEditorial.com, in December 2004 to revamp it. I received close to 100 emails within 30 minutes of sending out the “shut down” memo.

I saved the feedback because it was overwhelmingly positive and let me know how much users had appreciated me and my company over the years. When I’m feeling blue about business, sometimes I read through these emails. They are a real spirit booster.

Rule #4: Say “Thank You” to Your Readers. After you’ve answered all the feedback you can – and to make a concerted effort to respond to everyone – even if it’s just to acknowledge receipt of the email – send a final thank you and wish your readers well in their endeavors.

Now, that’s a classy way to end any relationship – even if it was only a virtual one.
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.
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Blogging Cash in Your Pocket!

Blogging has brought me many benefits - many which have led directly to cash in my pocket. Following are the things that have led directly to more income from my blogging efforts:

a) Wholistic Body of Work: I recently picked up a client who came across my blog while surfing the web.

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Without even asking, he told me that he liked by conversational style of writing and could tell that I "knew my stuff." He was talking about my marketing ability.

No marketing, no persuading, no samples - he handed me a project right off the bat. All because he was able to read through almost two years of blog posts, which gave him an idea of what I could do for him.

b) Better Writing Style: This kind of ties into the aforementioned point, but blogging has made me a better writer. Before I sweated over every word and really didn't have much confidence in my ability as a "saleable" writer.

I thought copywriting was some type of rocket science that I just didn't do well. But, the more I did it and the more clients were pleased with what I turned in, the more confidence I gained.

I've written e-books, postcards, web copy, newsletters and sales letters - and almost everything in between. Blogging has innately given me a "feel for the right words." It's hard to explain. But, I no longer feel intimidated or panicked by a project.

Because I write a lot, I'm confident in my ability to do a project.

2 Tips To Better Writing Skills

Write Headlines: What do I mean? Many times, I will write down just a headline without having any idea of what type of copy I'm going to write. But, 99% of the time, I am able to come up with copy to fit that headline.

I think this comes from working the old brain muscle. Eg, the more you write, the more ideas you will be able to flesh out.

Write Tight: As in, develop the habit of saying what you want to say in as few words as possible. Cut, cut, cut! While this skill may take some time, it will pay off when you have numerous projects on your desk that have to be done, and/or if you work in advertising.

Many commercials (radio and TV) require tight copy. When the client is paying $250,000 for a 30-second spot, they're not going to want Shakespeare.

c) Speed: When I first started blogging, I would spend anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours on a post. Now, I knock it out in 30 minutes or less - without sacrificing quality.

This has increased my income because I apply the same rapidity to rote client projects (eg, those projects I consistently handle for clients). Again, without sacrificing quality.

d) More Self-production: Blogging forces you to focus. When I sit down to write a post, I almost always finish it because I have in my head what I want to say and I want to get it out before it disappears.

I apply this same intensity and rapidity to client projects wherever possible. While it's not possible to finish all client projects in one sitting, I do focus more when I am working on them and am able to get more done in one sitting than before I started blogging.

Again, I think it's a matter of working some portion fo the brain. Like any muscle, the more you use it, the better it performs.

e) More Product Sales: This is kind of obvious, but I sell more stuff (my e-books) because I've cultivated a loyal readership who trust my opinion. So, when they need the type of info I offer, they purchase from me instead of the gazillion other freelancers on the web.

Blogging is not an immediate way to make money. And, it's hard work. But it's those who blog consistently, write well and become an authority of sorts, who turn blogging into cash.

Tomorrow's Post: Not exactly regular blog fodder, but equally important: How to Get Out of Debt on a Freelance Salary
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com to learn how.
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Lessons Learned from Two Years of Blogging (Part II of III)

Today’s post is a continuation of yesterday’s post entitled, Lessons Learned from Two Years of Blogging. Without further ado:

6. Use Photos: This is something I very recently started doing. It makes sense as, as human beings, we are visual beings.

A photo works much like a great headline/article title – it draws readers in.

Tip for selecting photos: Of course, make it pertinent to the story. Also, make it funny if you can. Making people laugh is almost never a bad idea. (Image courtesty of ChrisAbraham.com)
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7. Don’t Be Afraid of Running Out of Things to Say: I wish I had a dollar over the last two years for everytime someone has written to me, “If I update my blog more often, I’m afraid I’ll run out of things to say.”

This is particularly true if they blog within a niche.

All I can say is, don’t be afraid of this. LIFE will provide you with topics to write about. Once you start to write regularly, strangely enough, you will have MORE to say, not less.

A prime example -- this list. When I first sat down to write about what I’d learned over the last two years of blogging, I had five initial points that I wanted to make. BUT, once I started writing, the ideas kept flowing.

And, as I’ve said elsewhere, when you write on a regular basis, you will pick up topic ideas from everywhere – eg, watching the news, talking to friends, reading other blogs, reader queries, etc.

You’ll just have to trust me on this point – you will not run out of things to say.

8. Longer Posts Fare Better: In my post, Article Marketing: Long or Short Articles -- Which Is Better?, I explain this in detail, so I won’t rehash it all here.

The gist of it is, shorter articles don’t explore a topic in enough detail to be beneficial. And, as you’ll remember from Part I of this article (Point 6), I advise all bloggers to respect their readers enough to give them useful information not found anyplace else.

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If article marketing is part of your promotions arsenal, this is a must-read! Click here for ordering info.
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9. Don’t Stress about Feedback: I’ve been blogging for two years now, and only get a few comments on my posts. Does it mean that my blog is not popular, or that nobody’s reading it?

Not from the amount of email I get. If your blog is but a slice of your marketing efforts, then whether or not you receive massive amounts of feedback shouldn’t bother you. That’s why I advise bloggers to figure out why they blog (Point #1 in Part I).

If your blog is your living like Darren Rowse over at ProBlogger.net, then if you know that going in, then you can start marketing it like the from the beginning.

As my blog is only a part of my marketing plan, it serves its purpose just fine. Massive amounts of feedback/interactivity is not what I need from my blog.

10. Clearly Define a Niche for Your Blog: Some may disagree with what I’m about to say, but I’m a firm believer in niche marketing. Why?

According to the CNNMoney.com article, Getting pizza coupons by text message:

The average customer is targeted with more than 3,000 marketing messages a day, so people have developed a resistance," says Erik Hauser, CEO of Swivel Media, a
creative agency which has done mobile marketing work for clients like Wells
Fargo.

We are inundated. One of the most effective ways to get through is target marketing – ie, target people who have a pre-disposition to hearing what you have to say. How do you do this?

Become an “expert” in your field (eg, niche it) and build up a relationship of trust over time with a highly targeted market. In the October 2003 article, Calling All Marketers, on FastCompany.com, Bill Blundon, chief marketing officer of Extraprise, a consulting firm in Boston says:

It's time to get back to understanding your customers . . . When I get a call
from American Express, I always listen to what they have to say. I have a
23-year relationship with them.

While some blogs achieve popularity without being niche blogs, eg, Kottke.org, these are rare. Jason Kottke, the owner of Kottke.org, had been blogging for years as a hobby before he tried to make money off his blog. According to his site, he has updated his blog almost every day since 1998 – that’s 9 years.

How many blogs do you know that have been around that long?! Most flame out after four or six months because there’s no immediate payoff. Blogging is no easy road to riches. Anyone who has a successful one will tell you that.

Blogger Makes History! Jason Kottke has quite an interesting story – in 2005, he quit his job as a web designer to blog full-time. While this may not sound like news now, it was big back then -- he was among the first to do this.

To this day, his full-time job is writing his blog. Tool around his site – interesting stuff (much of which I don’t understand or have an interest in; but, the simple breadth of material is impressive).

Tomorrow: Part III of this post.
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com to learn how.
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Labels: blogging advice, monetizing your blog, tips for bloggers