Blogging has become a popular way for freelance writers to make money online, although not all those who blog do so for money. Some bloggers just want to be heard and there are literally millions of online blogs to prove it. However, as the blogging phenomenon has increased in popularity, so have opportunities to earn money from blogging.
Blogging Jobs
Professional bloggers or even those entering the blogging market for the first time can find paid blogging positions as well as pick up freelance blogging jobs online. These jobs are found at the same places other online writing jobs are found: at online auction sites, message boards, classified ads, job boards, and even through reading others' blogs on the subject of freelance writing. Some bloggers regularly list freelance writing jobs and post links to the application.
Your Own Blog
Many freelance bloggers like to create their own blogs instead of blogging for someone else. Various blogging sites, some of which are free, and others that charge a monthly fee are available online. Bloggers can register and instantly create their blog on almost any subject. They then have the ability to make their blog available to anyone or to keep it private so that only friends and family can see it. Some bloggers like to set up private family blog sites where they can post family happenings and pictures so that family members who live far apart can interact and view pictures.
Freelance bloggers often set up blogs with the express intent of earning money from them. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Some freelance bloggers are also affiliate marketers and they feature affiliate products on their blogs. They may blog about a particular subject and then offer a product for sale that coincides with the subject they are blogging about. Then when a purchase is made, the blogger receives a commission.
Other Ways to Make Money from Your Blog
Some freelance bloggers would rather have their own websites than blog through a blogging site and so they purchase a domain name, sign up for hosting services, and create a website dedicated to their blog. They may also offer affiliate products or they may run ads placed by the major search engines. These ads coincide with the subject of the blog and the blogger earns money when others click on their ads. Even if the site visitor doesn't make a purchase, the blogger earns revenue when the ads are clicked on
Even though this may seem like an easy way to earn money, most of these clicks earn the freelance blogger only pennies per click. While some bloggers have been able to earn a tidy sum of money this way, many others have given up altogether after earning only a few pennies. While it is possible for bloggers to earn a decent amount of money this way, it does take time and a lot of hard work to get to this point.
Regardless of the area in which you freelance, you will likely have to wear several different hats, especially in the early days of your career. While you may be able to outsource some tasks as you build your freelance business, most likely you will be responsible for everything in the beginning. For example, you may be the greatest writer but have no idea how to market your work or how to do your taxes. Thankfully, the Internet is full of information that freelancers will find helpful.
Marketing
Whether you're a freelance writer, photographer, or work in another area, you will most likely have to engage in marketing your own work online. You're going to need samples, maybe even a portfolio, and a resume. Many freelancers build websites to showcase their talents so they can refer potential clients there to check out their skills when applying for jobs. Don't worry, though, if you don't have a website right away. Most clients will accept samples via email when seeking freelancers.
Pricing your goods or services is another area you'll have to become accustomed to. Some clients will ask you what your rates are; other clients will offer a set amount and leave it up to you whether or not to accept the job so you may have to be flexible. If you're not sure what you should charge, you can find out what the going rates are online in most cases.
Administrative Duties
Administrative duties are a given in almost any industry and most freelancers don't have their own secretary, at least not in the beginning so they have to perform these functions in conjunction with their creative work. There's a lot of work that falls under this hat: record keeping, taxes, ordering supplies, handling customers and customer complaints, and the list goes on and on. These are important functions of your job, though, so be sure and schedule some time to complete these tasks. Depending on the amount of your business, you may need to set aside one day a week or month to tend to the various administrative duties.
Other Duties of the Freelancer
Not only will you be the one doing all the work, but you'll have to manage all aspects of your business as well. You may have to become an expert researcher, you'll have to stay on top of current trends and technologies and in some aspects of freelancing, such as writing, you'll have to be a top-notch editor as well. In short, you'll have to do everything while leaving yourself enough time and energy to actually perform the creative work that got you into freelancing in the first place. However, if you're truly committed to your craft and have a thick skin, freelancing may be the best job you ever had. Remember, too, that if and when you can afford it there are a variety of other freelancers that are ready, willing, and able to take some of your burden. Once you're able to outsource some of your less favorite duties, you'll be able to devote more time to the reason you're freelancing in the first place, your craft.
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