How to bomb out all the time when looking for writing gigs
You apply for one or two gigs a month: There’s something to be said for the law of averages. If you’re applying for five or less blog or web writing gigs a month your odds of getting hired are slimmer than the odds of a blogger who gets out there and applies for 20, 30, or more gigs a month.
You apply for lots of gigs but most are totally inappropriate for you: While the above tip about applying for a lot of gigs is good advice, it’s also important to apply for gigs you actually might get. You’re not right for every gig out there. For example if there’s a Mac tech blog gig open and your knowledge base on that topic is minimal, it’s not a good fit. With 500+ applicants applying for that gig besides you, at least 100 of them will likely know more about the topic than you do. Apply for gigs that you’ve got a shot at.
You’ve never blogged or written for the web before: This seems like a given, but so many clients note that people apply for gigs when they’ve never even written their own blog before that I figured I’d mention it. You may be a rockin’ writer but that doesn’t make you a blogger and you’ll be far less likely to get a gig than one of those other applicants who has blogged before. This is easily fixed though – anyone can start a blog.
You think blogging sounds like an easy job to break into: It’s not. There is actually a skill set required to blog well. Blogging isn’t tough once you get the swing of it, but there are lots of little pieces that make up the whole of the gig. I’ve written for print, businesses, and the web; and web writing, in my opinion, is just as much work as other markets if not more so because the face of the market is frequently changing and you have to keep up.
You’re lackadaisical: Looking for writing work is not a passive activity. You can’t simply write a personal blog and expect clients to flock to you based on your brilliant prose. Trust me, in most cases your personal blog just won’t be popular enough to get you noticed. You have to look for gigs. You have to apply for gigs. You have to network. You have to pay attention to those email applications you send out.
You work for free or for pennies all the time: If you don’t think you’re worth paying; if all your resume shows is content sites or article mills that anyone can write for; then why on earth would a client think you’re worth giving a gig to? I’ve had clients ask why they should hire me when other people are willing to work for free and I always say, “You get what you pay for” and guess what – most clients agree. If you’re not confident enough to work for pay, why are you trying to get work as a blogger anyhow? Allow yourself and your time to be worth something or other people won’t take you seriously.
You’ve heard of Facebook, Twitter, Stumble Upon, and all of that, but you can’t be bothered to jump on board: Two years ago, when applying for gigs, I never had potential clients ask me about my background in social networking. Now almost all my potential clients ask about my networking experience. If you’re not on board with some of the major social networking arenas, and at least somewhat versed in the less popular ones, you won’t get jobs as easily.
You spend most of your time whining about the lack of gigs out there: Whining will get you nowhere. No matter how much you whine it won’t change the fact that there are plenty of places out there still hiring writers and bloggers. All you’re doing is wasting time.
You’re too niche specific OR you’re not niche specific enough: Because green is my fave topic, I’ve concentrated most of my efforts on eco-issues for the last five years or so. However, I also stay on top of a few other specialty topics in case I see a job pop open in one of them. I can just as easily write about pregnancy, money or architecture. So, I keep it open but not too open. I think it’s smart to have a somewhat specific niche that you cover a lot because it makes you look like an expert in at least one area. If you claim to be able to write on dozens of topics you don’t look quite as valuable. Most of us don’t have enough time to follow trends and news on five topics, let alone dozens of topics, and following trends and news is an important part of blogging. When I’ve applied for gigs lately most of the potential clients have asked me about current trends and issues in my pet topics – if I was following too many niches, it’d be hard to stay current.
You give up too soon: Most probloggers I know (who blog for clients) have been at it a while. They’ve had ups and downs in the job market and they deal instead of giving up. If blogging isn’t working out, they’ll diversify as they continue to apply for blogging gigs. It can take years to establish yourself in the web writing world, just like it can take years to establish yourself in another writing arena.
Can you think of any other good ways to bomb out when looking for blogging and web writing gigs?
[image via stock.xchng]
I didn’t check my email all day… AND the world didn’t end!
I’m detouring from our get a job series today to gloat. If you want to review the current series check out…
- How to get blogging jobs and web writing jobs – getting started
- Finding blog gigs – starting out with no clips
- How to get a blogging job – advice from b5media’s hiring editor
- How to get a blogging job – advice from Deb Ng of FWJ
Now on with the gloat – I didn’t check my email and survived to tell you about it!
I’m super frustrated right now because I’m moving August 1st, which means I need to post ahead for a few days so I can take said days off to move. PLUS have I even packed (ha) – not even one box. I’m busy and tired and looking for ways to cut out distractions. I can’t cut out the typical distractions like Twitter or Facebook because it’s part of my job (for some clients) to visit those types of spots.
However, email is not technically a requirement. I tend to check mine a lot anyhow because I get so much email. It’s scary to think if I don’t check it, I’ll open it up ten hours later to pages of stuff to sort. I check my email during the day and while I do check it on a schedule, it always distracts me for longer than it should. I start answering emails, bookmarking PR stuff, get mean reader email and have to find a friend to rant to, and so on. It’s a time waster, but I didn’t know how much until today.
Yesterday I was sorting email and I just had it. I got one lame email too many and decided to NOT check my email for a whole day and see what happens.
I checked my email in the evening on Sunday and then didn’t even allow myself to open it all day Monday. It was nerve wracking. I kept thinking “Who is trying to get in touch, maybe I missed some key press release, maybe there’s some life-changing email in there…. ahhhhhhhh!” But I stood strong and left the email alone and low and behold I got a ton more work than usual done.
Cutting out scheduled email checks during my day saved me an estimated two hours. It was cool and sort of freeing plus with two extra hours I got more work done.
What about when I finally did check it – how crazy was it?
Honestly, not that bad. I found it was actually easier to wiz through all the email at once, deleting a ton of junk, category marking others, then I spent a little time answering people. All in all it took about an hour. Go me.
If you’re looking for a way to gain some time I highly suggest holding off on email time – in fact I may try only checking it every other day! Well, that would require more will-power so we’ll see…
What’s your email schedule look like? Is it distracting you too? For more advice read: Are you too distracted at work.
How to get a blogging job – advice from Deb Ng of FWJ
During our how to get blogging and web writing series we’re looking at some of the experience that clients are looking for in a blogger or online writer. Last week we heard from Kori Ellis, an editor at b5media. Today we’re going to hear from someone familiar to you – Deb. BUT just in case you’re stopping by and are new to Blogging For A Living, Deb Ng is the founder of Freelance Writing Jobs, co-owner of the blog Kommein – a blog for community managers and author of the ebook “Beyond Blogging: Using Your Blogging Skills for Bigger and Better Things.” Deb’s past and current clients include Oxygen Media, About.com, BlogTalkRadio, the Blog World and New World Expo, b5Media, and many others. Along the way Deb has hired plenty of writers for projects and blogs and here’s what she’s looking for.
1. When you have one open blogger / web writer position OR an open query topic, how many applications do you estimate you receive?
The last time I took an ad for a blogger for FWJ, I received over 500 applications! As you can imagine, it took almost a month to go through them all.
2. Out of those above which percentage of applicants actually follow the directions you posted with the job? For example, you say, “send resume” how many actually do?
Less than 25%, I think. I’m amazed at how many writes feel I’m not paying attention or that the rules don’t apply to them. There are reasons I ask for specific things – the most important reason is to see how well each writer follows directions. The writers who apply might not think that’s important, but I find it very important. For instance, for the last job ad I placed I asked for writers with blogging, especially WordPress experience. I received so many applications from writers with no blogging or WordPress experience. The reason this was important is because I don’t have time to teach people to blog. Now, by applying to this job, these writers wasted my time and theirs.
3. Do you prefer a full resume, a brief email, links to other work. I.e. when someone applies for a position what do you like to see?
I like a resume showing a writer’s history. I learn so much from a resume – the writer’s background, whether or not he or she bounces from job to job, the types of writing done and whether or not they’re a good fit. I also like to see some sort of writing samples – they can be links or scans of printed works or something they typed up the day before. As long as it shows they’re good writers and suited to the task, it doesn’t matter.
4. What makes an applicant stand out as a keeper; or at least someone to interview?
Someone who has experience in the niche. Someone who follows the directions. Someone who took the time to write up a personal response and not just a cookie cutter cover letter. Someone who gets what I do and why I do it. Someone who believes in FWJ (or the current project) and isn’t only taking the job for self promotional reasons.
5. Is there anything that makes you trash an application right away?
“Google Me” applications. Cover letters that are filled with typos. Arrogance. People who forget to remove the name of the person they sent the cover letter to before me. I want to know this job means something to them.
6. What sort of writing experience do you like to see in a potential hire?
They need to know how to complete a sentence, for sure. Write clean and compelling copy. Blogging experience if it’s for a blogging gig.
7. Are there any other blogging/web writing related experiences you’d like to see in a potential hire?
I’m pretty easy. I don’t necessarily have to hire writers fresh from the New York Times, but as this is a writing network, experience in this field is essential – and I’m talking about more than Ezine Article and Associated Content experience.
8. What sort of other experience might you hire someone with – i.e. they don’t have a huge writing portfolio but they do have say life experience in the topic? Would you consider hiring them?
I might hire an English major to write a grammar blog if she doesn’t have much field experience, but I can’t hire a blogger to show others where to find work if they’ve never done so themselves. It depends on the topic, really.
9. What do you wish applicants knew before they applied?
We want more from writers than “Google me”. Sell yourself. Why are YOU good enough to write for MY network. Why should I hire you to work here over all the other applicants. And, for gosh sakes, know a little bit about the place before you send in the details. If you’ve never been here, and it shows, I’m not going to hire you over a productive member of the FWJ community.
10. In order to successfully apply for and possibly score a blog or web writing gig, is there anything else you think it’s important that writers know?
Your potential client will most likely Google you. Be mindful of what you’re putting out there.
AND BACK TO ME…
As I noted in Kori’s interview, I’m holding off on posting my full opinion until I’ve posted all the interviews. Then we can look at client trends. However, note that already Kori and Deb said some of the same things – follow directions, don’t send “Google me” cover letters and seriously, know what a blog is if you’re applying for a blog gig. Hopefully some of this is sinking in.
What do you think of this interview? Did you pick up any handy tips you can use the next time you apply for work?
Blogging & Web Writing Gigs for July 16, 2009
July 17, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
Where the heck have we been? Click here. In other news, since I’ve been MIA there are a ton of leads today…
Anywhere gigs:
Senior blogger – and by senior I think they might mean experienced, not that you’ll be blogging about seniors, although it’s not the most well written ad, I could be wrong.
PBS MediaShift blogger / editor
Seeking Writers For Bay Area Sports Teams
Freelance Writer – Online Tech Magazine
Health technology writer for CNET – ooooo, I LOVE CNET!
Online Brand Evangelist and Blogger (Contract) – environmentally friendly consumer products company
Expert Blogger for Architecture and Design Blog
Copywriter, Blogger, PR Content writer
Freelance Food Writers/bloggers - (Nationwide)
Used Cardboard Boxes blogger – green blogger
Reporter for Digital Kids Business Blog
Social Media Coordinator positions – Austin Texas (local considered first, but maybe telecommute)
Blogger – Organically Inclined
Hilarious Posters/Bloggers Needed
Become a Sosauce International City Expert
Editor for Popular Website, No Editor Experience Necessary - (oakland downtown) seems to me like it could be telecommute, but not sure.
Needed: Creative, Off-beat Writer
Cake decorating writer - (Love To Know)
Copywriter: Work From Home on contract/ freelance writing
Location specific gigs:
Content Developer/Writer - (Buckhead)
Bliss is seeking a freelance copywriter! - (New York, NY)
Copywriter/ Blogger – Company Confidential – El Segundo
Associate Editor for Social Media Service: - (Waltham)
Managing Editor – Earth Island Journal – print and web – Berkeley, CA
Digital Content Manager – Whitney Museum of American Art – NY
Managing Editor online magazine for professional women – Atlanta
Community Manager – Vanns.com – Missoula
on line legal news - (central ohio)
Blog Editor – The Hill newspaper – Washington, District of Columbia
Reporter – RadarOnline.com – CA + NY
Copywriter – Content Marketing, Digital Media - (SOMA / south beach)
Researchers / Writers - (danville / san ramon)
Social Media Manager – Sears/Lands End – Dodgeville, WI
Director of Public Relations and Social Media/Blogger Outreach -McLean, VA
Editor – Internet Broadcasting – Beaverton, OR
Social Media Assistant – San Juan Capistrano, CA
Associate Director – Communications & Social Media -American Diabetes Association – Alexandria,
PopSugar Assistant Editor – Sugar Inc. - (downtown San Fran / civic / van ness)
Tweet This: Manager, Blogger Relations for PR Industry Leader – PR Newswire – NY
Website Copywriter – Full Time - (Santa Clarita, CA)
Website content writer / organizer (DC (MD))
Blog/Freelance Writer - (Financial District – San Francisco)
Full-time writer, proficient social media/web marketer - (Dallas)
Web Content Producer - (SW Portland, OR)
SEO Copywriter / SEO Copyeditor - (Agoura Hills)
Web Producer / Writer - (Arlington, VA)
Staff Writer / Content Writing Job – Part Time 20 Hours / Week - (Hillsboro, OR)
Online Content Editor - (Irvine)
Online Country Editor – SE Asia - (SODO)
Social Media & Link Building Director “Needed” - (Miami)
Editor / Journalist / Web Content Producer – Leading Educational Publisher – Little Falls, NJ
DANG right! Someone here better get a cool gig and let me know 
GOOD LUCK!
Blogging & Web Writing Gigs for July 6, 2009
July 6, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
I hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th and at least took a little time off to relax. Not too many gigs today, but that always happens around holidays. We’ll see more later in the week most likely.
Job tip o’ the day: Deb has a nice little post up, What You Want vs. What Your Clients Expect, that in part, covers should we tell our clients when we think they could be doing something better. Deb notes, “If you don’t like the way your client runs his blog, or if you feel he needs guidance, there’s nothing wrong with setting up a meeting (or virtual meeting) to discuss. Explain why you feel the situation doesn’t quite work and how you can make the blog work to his benefit.” Been there, done that, and I agree with Deb that offering a good idea makes the blog and client look better, and thus you look better.
HOWEVER: I also want to mention, don’t allow yourself to be put into the role of blog consultant for free. I’ve had clients in the past who know way less about blogs than I do, and although I’ve only been hired to write, the client ends up drilling me for ideas, help, and support regarding the blog, which is fine, if you’re being paid. I don’t mind offering some ideas for free, but when I’m spending hours a week FOR FREE, helping someone build their blog, I should be getting paid. If you want to help a client out, cool, just make sure you’re not doing too much for too little.
Anywhere gigs:
Expat Content Syndication/SEO Coordinator – Niche Media Solutions
Freelance Writers for SparkLife Blog – Barnes & Noble
Outrageous, Funny, Smart Assed Bloggers Wanted
Online Business Reporter Wanted for Contract Work
Online Communications & Marketing Associate – Earth Share – not sure if it’s telecommute friendly or not.
Writer wanted for a DC based property management, real estate, mortgage, and investment company
Location specific gigs:
Seeking Ace Web Content Editor – Chicago Parent
Editorial Assistant – TONY Kids- Time Out New York Kids – NY
Online Marketing Copywriter — Contract/Internship/paid - (palo alto)
Agent “M” seeks multi-talented writer - (San Diego)
Assistant Editor – Society of American Florists – Alexandria, Virginia
Copy Editor, Research, Speech Writer, Blogger, etc - (Washington DC)
CONTENT EDITOR / PRODUCER - (Seattle)
Energy Writer – MIT News Office – Cambridge, MA
Web Writer / Content Specialist – Let Your Creativity Thrive! - (Roswell, GA)
Sr. Writer, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide - (Seattle or Portland)
Content Editor/Proof Reading – Naperville - (Naperville, IL)
WANTED: Content people! - must be able to attend meetings in Boca, but telecommute otherwise.
Blogging & Web Writing Gigs for July 3, 2009
July 3, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
Very slim gig list today; I’m guessing we’ll see better stuff next week after the holiday.
Job tip o’ the day: As a blogger PR folks will be contacting you all the time. This is good news in that you can score news tips plus items to review. However, managing your PR contacts can be rough at first. In January I posted a series on PR contact management. If you missed it, brush up with the following…
- How to create a ProfNet opportunity for blog news, products, and tips
- How to build or break relationships with PR contacts
- Managing Your Blog PR Contacts
- What one PR gal really thinks about working with bloggers
Anywhere gigs:
Social Networking Coordinator – kind of an odd ad, but what the heck.
Fast growing Jewelry & Watch web company ISO a creative writer - (Midtown, NY) – could be telecommute – I have no clue.
Professional, Freelance, Student, & Blog Writers Wanted - (Cincinnati, OH) – Looking for ’students’ so could be low pay.
Location specific gigs:
Campaign & Content Manager, Internet Media – Travelzoo – Chicago
Healthcare Web Editor/Journalist - (fresno )
Sr. Writer – Waggener Edstrom Worldwide – Lake Oswego, OR
Assistant Editor – Smart + Strong – NY
Marketing Assistant - (Mesa, AZ)
Junior Staff Writer - (NW Austin)
Social Media Coordinator – Hollister – Boston
Online News Editor -Gazette Communications – Cedar Rapids, Idaho
Sr. Product Manager, Social Media – Trip Advisor – Newton, MA
Web Copy Writer/Editor Needed for New Website (Seattle)
Print and online reporters – Inside Washington Publishers – Washington, District of Columbia
Blogging & Web Writing Gigs for June 26, 2009
June 26, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
Very few decent gigs today – sorry. Also, no job tip today, because I already posted a lengthy one. Read: One job listing you should not apply for.
Anywhere gigs:
health/eco/lifestyle writers – MA or Phd – Too low of pay unless pieces are short (as in blog post size). Ask.
Green blogger – saw this up before, not sure whats up.
Assistant Medical Editor for Online Med Ed Company - (Midtown Manhattan)
Location specific gigs:
San Francisco Lifestyle Blogger – guess where (ha)
Site Merchandiser – Athletic & Outdoor Footwear, Shoes & Endless - (Seattle, WA)
Senior Content Manager, TechSoup.org - (SOMA / south beach)
Web Content Assistant - (san bruno)
Coutorture Editor – Sugar Inc – NY
Manager, Product Content – Music Choice – NY
Social Media Specialist – Kiwanis International – INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Web & Communications Assistant – Infectious Diseases Society of America – Arlington, VA
Online Assistant Editor and Online Editor – Maxim Digital – Franklin, TN
Freelance Writer- Fashion/Style – AOL StyleList – NY
New Media & Communications Director - (Campbell now, Peninsula soon)
Publications Specialist - print and web stuff – (Smithsonian’s National Zoo)
Writer for Health Care/Medical Equipment News Organization - (Financial District, NY)
Writer, Copy Editor Needed Immediately - (Pompano Beach)
Blogging & Web Writing Gigs for June 24, 2009
June 24, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
A decent group of gigs today, although people might take the time to write better job ads…
And on that note, your job tip’ o the day is: Location specific gigs might be suitable for telecommuters, but if you don’t ask you won’t know. I posted at least 5 gigs today that were super vague about location. These are jobs that could be done remotely, but maybe they want on site. Sometimes, jobs that state a location may not find someone they like and could be willing to take on a telecommuter. In my opinion, it never hurts to contact a location specific gig and see if they’d hire a telecommuter. UNLESS the job states one of the following:
- Must be able to attend meetings.
- Must supervise/work with the on-site team.
- So and so candidates ONLY!
- Needs to interview local sources in person.
When gigs state the above, it’s a good bet they’re not up for remote writers. But otherwise it never hurts to ask.
Anywhere gigs:
Seeking Enthusiastic Writers for your Local Area – TownMe
green blogger/social networking writer
Customer Support Content Writer/Strategist (contract) - (san jose west) – MIGHT be telecommute friendly? Not sure.
Communications Associate – Public Interest GRFX, Boston, MA (Boston, MA or Philadelphia, PA)- NOT sure if this is on site or telecommute friendly.
Copywriters and Bloggers w/ knowledge of SEO
Freelance Public Relations Writer
Experienced Part-Time Web Content Writer Needed!
Freelance Writer – Flexible hours and work remotely
TheVogueCity.com is looking for contributors
Contract Editor – Blogger - MIGHT be in Portland OR might be telecommute friendly.
Automotive/Transportation Writers Wanted (no exp req’d) - NOTE: “No exp req’d” usually means low pay, but check it out maybe.
Location specific gigs:
redtagcrazy.com looking for a ROCKSTAR writer/editor! - (San Marcos, CA) – low pay, but sounds kind of fun.
mountain bike editor – Competitor Group (publisher of VeloNews) – sounds like some web writing and some print – Boulder, CO
Editor/Writer-Entertainment - (Scottsdale, AZ)
Freelance Copywriter! - (New York, NY)
Production editor - (Costa Mesa, CA)
Creative, Web Savvy Editor Wanted (oakland downtown)
Marketing & Communications Specialist - (Folsom, CA)
Features Editor – The Forward (Features Editor) – NY
Online Editor – AOL – NY
Online Editor – ConsumerSearch.com – Consumersearch, Inc (home & garden) – NY
Writer/Editor – Girl Scouts of the USA – NY
CONTENT WRITER - (LAS VEGAS, NV)
Web Marketing – work with CMO on PR, Copy, SEM, PPA and Social Media - (Los Angeles)
Managing Editor – TVGuide.com – part editor, part social media – NY
VIVASWAG.COM IS LOOKING FOR CREATIVE WRITING/PR INTERNS - (Glendale, CA) – LOW pay, but low hours too.
New Media Producer-Comcast SportsNet MidAtlantic-Bethesda, MD – Comcast Sports Group – Bethesda, MD
Web Editor / Producer - (Boston)
Creating a useful and successful blog networking plan
June 24, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blog Traffic
Social networking isn’t that hard. Anyone can tweet, leave comments, ask for link exchanges, or IM readers and blogging pals. These are all general networking ideas that can work. However, if you’re focusing on the wrong blog networking tactics for your specific blog you’re wasting your time.
In my mind we network for one basic reason, to draw readers to our blog. Maybe you’re networking for another reason; to get read for personal reasons, to promote a cause, to get a job, or to gain clicks on ads, but it really all comes down to getting people to your blog doesn’t it? Bloggers want traffic and with so many blogs around the competition can be brutal. Following are some tips that can help you fine-tune a plan for your specific blog.
Your blog comes first: You can network to your hearts content, but without a decent blog to back it up, you’re not going to gain any long-term readers. Write good posts often. Write posts your readers want to read (you can even poll readers about this). Showcase older and popular posts that new readers may have missed in the past. Other good ideas include offering easy access to rss and email options for your posts, making your blog easy to navigate, and creating an attractive blog that will entice people to look around. Taking care of your blog insures folks who land there stay and visit and hopefully come back.
Choose some, not all networking options: You can’t do it all, so you may as well choose some social networking options you enjoy. If you hate Twitter, it’s just not a good networking option for you because one, you won’t stick with it, and two, I think people can tell when you’re not really into what you’re doing.
Be selective about links: If you’re into emailing people for blogroll minded link exchanges, make sure you do your homework. I get link exchange requests frequently at Tree Hugging Family, which as you might guess is an eco-minded blog. However, I get link exchange requests from all sorts of bloggers who have nothing to to do with green. I’m not going to link a blog out of my niche so these bloggers have just wasted my time and their own. Make sure you send link exchange requests to blogs in your niche or at least in a sub-niche. Note – it’s also smart to send out link exchange requests after you’ve been blogging a while. I tend to not link brand new blogs (under 5 mos) because I have no clue if they’re in it for the long haul, and I hate having to change my blogroll.
Speaking of sub-niches: It’s smart to network with other blogs in your niche, but you can widen the field by networking with bloggers close to your niche as well. For example, if you write a thrifty blog, there’s a good chance readers of a DIY home project blog or a budget gardening blog might like your blog too.
Use the readers you have already to make networking decisions: If you have some stable readers, ones who leave comments, and also have blogs, head to their site, to see what else they’re reading. Check their blogroll and visit those blogs to leave comments. Often your readers will visit other blogs that might be good to network with.
Network with the bloggers on your level: Not to apply labels, but if you’re a less than B-list blogger (or new blogger) trying to get A-listers to notice you is a lofty goal. You might have better luck networking with less popular bloggers. We all start somewhere. You might be creating a long lasting networking relationship with a new blogger now, but who know where they’ll be in two years or less. Case in point, I became friends with a brand new blogger a couple of years ago, she had emailed me asking questions, and we hit it off. Then she managed to become way popular in under a year (rare but cool) and because we were pals she had all my blogs linked at her site, which tossed me some decent traffic. That’s not the only reason I like her, but it’s a nice bonus for sure, one I wouldn’t have gotten had I ignored her emails early on. An added benefit of non-A-listers is they get less email, usually have more time, and tend to be more open to new networking relationships.
Chill out: Online relationships, like offline relationships take time to build and grow. Asking favors too early on, frequently bugging a blogger you just met, using spammy behavior, and expecting too much is not chill behavior. Allowing relationships to grow naturally makes for longer lasting connections.
Of course when it comes to networking, there’s always more you could be doing. What are some of your best ideas for networking that meets your specific blog’s needs?
Blogging & Web Writing Gigs for June 22, 2009
June 22, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Blogging Jobs
I hope everyone had a nice weekend and Father’s Day. A semi-ok group of gigs today, although, I’m betting we’ll see more mid-week.
Job tip o’ the day: During the summer it seems like it’s harder to concentrate on work. Especially if you work at home, and can break whenever you like. Change up your routine so you stay on track. During the summer, it’s hot which zaps my concentration, so I tend to work more in the evenings. You might also try getting out; blogging at the park or coffee shop in the early morning.
Anywhere gigs:
Babybumpshops.com is looking for mommy bloggers and writers to create articles for their site. First of all, “Mommy bloggers” Egad (cringe). Secondly, only pays $15 per piece, so make sure they’re short.
Writers Needed for Health, Fitness, & Beauty Magazine – no mention of pay (???) ask.
Cheeky Writers Needed for Sexy Nightlife Publication
Hiring Writer / Editor to Write Blogs on Luxury Website
Senior Writer – freelance - (Portland area) – possible telecommute.
Location specific gigs:
Web Editor/Communications Associate – Brennan Center for Justice – NY
Communications Manager – San Francisco
Digital Editor, Martha Stewart Weddings – bling gig in NY
Web Copywriter Needed (Chicago ONLY)
Public Web Editor – Federal Reserve Board of Governors – DC
Website and Advertising Content Writer – (danville / san ramon, CA)
Seeking city/online editor – The Daily Sentinel – Nacogdoches, Texas
Communications Director – Products (AOL) – AOL – partially marketing, but also writing – Sterling, VA
Editor/Writer – Bongarde Media – Greenwich, CT
Content Director for B2B Marketing Agency - (Downtown Portland, OR)
Multimedia Journalist – LocalEdge Media – Buffalo, NY
Deputy Web Editor – The Daily Transcript – San Diego
Virgin Mobile USA’s thriving Corporate Communications department seeks a whip smart social media expert – Warren, NJ
Managing Editor, WebMD Newsletters – WebMD – Atlanta
Social Media Manager – Cincinnati, Ohio
Social Media Marketing Expert in Boca Raton, FL
Technical/Web Writer – Start-up company - (san jose downtown)
