Comments on: Why Freelance Writers Should Have Blogs

By: Cindy

Cindy — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:42:02 +0000

I have a blog, but the more freelance work I’m doing at any given time, the less posting happens at the blog. It’s very tough, almost impossible, to find a balance between the two. Since my blog is personal and not even writer-oriented, I don’t feel it has job or reputation value either.

By: Allison

Allison — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:07:18 +0000

Deb, thanks for a timely post.

I’m a big fan of blogs. They’re an immediate, instant, and easy way to create an online showcase. They’re also a convenient way to draw traffic, as well as eyeballs, to your work.

They’re also just fun.

I’ve seen blogs used in every which way, but for freelancers, they’re a good opportunity to establish oneself as an authority. Let’s face it: Would-be clients are gonna Google you. Don’t you want good stuff to pop up when they do?

By: K.E. Wheeler

K.E. Wheeler — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:49:55 +0000

After a recent fundraising event, I initiated the creation a blog for the breast cancer committee I serve on as a volunteer Special Events Coordinator. I did this to help generate exposure and interest in the community about the committee affiliated with a local nonprofit breast cancer foundation.

Would this blog be a good reference point to refer potential employees to if (when) asked about having a blog?

By: Tara

Tara — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:05:42 +0000

When I first came to this site (which led to several freelance opportunities), I was against blogging. I made my blog not more than a week ago because of this post and my clients have given me positive feedback. It’s allowed me to use my blog as a ‘hub’ for various sites on which I publish frequently. Thanks for this post, Deb!

By: Write and Earn a Living

Write and Earn a Living — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:19:46 +0000

Your thoughts about blogging are right on target. I’ve had so many positive things happen via my blogs: job offers, paid posts, paid reviews, AdSense earnings, product sales, affiliate commissions, contacts . . . A blog is a springboard to earnings and additional opportunities for writers; a blog helps one to create an online presence.

By: Are You LinkedIn?

Are You LinkedIn? — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:03:06 +0000

[...] not? Back in February, Deb from Freelance Writing Jobs (bookmark her site – do it now!) wrote about why writers need to blog. Talk to Other [...]

By: Michal Garcia

Michal Garcia — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 04:28:54 +0000

I just found this blog today and it’s really helpful! I’ve been blogging for almost a year and looking to become a little more serious about it, possibly start a third blog and try to get writing gigs. Thanks for your presence in the blogosphere

By: Are You LinkedIn? « Girl on the Write

Are You LinkedIn? « Girl on the Write — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:06:00 +0000

[...] not? Back in February, Deb from Freelance Writing Jobs (bookmark her site – do it now!) wrote about why writers need to blog. Talk to Other [...]

By: Chris S

Chris S — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 04:42:04 +0000

I really agree with the ideas that you can use a blog to kind of blow off steam. I have a blog over on yahoo’s “shine” that I use maybe once or twice a month just to blow off political steam or blast my opinion about the Hollywood jerks that make money just for letting a tit be seen by a malfunctioning piece of clothing. That’s just me though, I guess a lot of good can also come of it. I like your justifications though.

Until next time….plant something,

Chris S

By: Ken Gregory

Ken Gregory — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:02:52 +0000

I guess I had better learn to spell check my post. That web sight is: http://www.greenme-mogur@blogspot.com

By: Ken Gregory

Ken Gregory — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:56:11 +0000

I too, like most newbies, don’t really know what to blog about or how to start. I did start one on my interest in alternate energy vehicles at http://www.greenme-mogur@glogspot.com. I have thought about one to show off some of my short stories and poems, but wasn’t sure about it. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:35:00 +0000

Actually, I find blogging to be very therapeutic. It actually started while the ever-dreaded ‘writer’s block’ was bestowing a visit on me. At the time I was just starting out on my novel ( which I hope to actually finish this time ) and was searching the net for inspiration. In my search, I came across a website that suggested ‘just writing’ as a solution. Just writing as in.. about whatever came to your mind. With no purpose but to lay the block out there in front of you and dissect it like 6th period’s biology class.
I don’t know about anyone else, but I know as a very newbie freelancer blogging has helped me more often then naught. I’ve considered starting a more professional blog just so I can have something a bit less.. erm.. relaxed for possible clients to peruse, but haven’t gotten around to it as of yet.
When it comes right down to it.. I just enjoy writing about whatever seems to pop up in my day-to-day life.

By: Ava Collett

Ava Collett — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:01:56 +0000

I thought I didn’t have anything to blog about either , but then I just started blogging about life with my 6 boys. Surprisingly , a lot of people like the stories I write.

http://talesfromthefunnyfarm.blogspot.com

By: Joe

Joe — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:52:03 +0000

–The truth is, blogging can’t hurt. –

Sure, blogging can hurt. Blogging takes time, and that’s time that could be devoted to other activities that may be better in helping you reach your goals. Blogging for the sake of blogging isn’t beneficial for most writers.

By: Ericka Watson

Ericka Watson — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:57:19 +0000

I appreciate the conversation here, but I am still confused about how to use my blog to further my freelance writing career. I am leaving full-time corporate communications work to begin freelancing. I already write and blog as the About.com Guide to Powerboating, but I cannot highlight that blog for potential employers yet. I also have a personal blog about Christian living, but since that is a niche topic and highly controversial, I don’t promote that blog either.

What I am wondering is: do I create another blog on a topic I am interested in (I don’t want to compete with the many other good freelance writing blogs) that I can write with a potential client in mind, or do I use one of the blogs I already write, regardless of the topic?

Thanks for your help.

By: Jen Brister

Jen Brister — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 03:35:34 +0000

I’ve been using my blog as a good personal writing outlet. It lets me be creative and passionate, so that I can save the professional stuff for paying gigs.

By: Courtney

Courtney — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:12:40 +0000

Okay, this answers a few of my questions on the other post (about writers having blogs). But I’m still confused by those who have personal blogs who say it landed them writing gigs. I’m always wary of being too personal, and some of the information I see on personal blogs just makes me cringe if I were to look at it through the eyes of a client.

By: Allison

Allison — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:03:47 +0000

I am a journalism student that just graduated college. The job market has been frustrating me and freelancing is becoming more and more appealing, so I decided to start a blog just to organize all my thoughts and monitor my career track.

I don’t any real world experience and don’t know much of anything about how to start freelancing, blogging and getting myself out there. But I figured this was a start, and I’m looking forward to going through this site for some great tips.

abcreativeintentions.blogspot.com

By: Deb

Deb — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:58:41 +0000

Hi Boldly – Welcome and thanks for your thoughts and comments. One thing I’d like to clarify is that I never claim to be an expert, and this community knows that. I throw out some ideas for discussion and we all toss them around to see what works best for each individual writer. I can see you don’t approve of bloggers, but most of us do blog.

Thanks for your kind words – do come back often. And have a nice day.

By: Boldly

Boldly — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:46:09 +0000

I would never take advice from someone who feels the need to type something as trite as “but I digress.”

It’s that kind of automatic-writing style that makes professional writers fearful of being associated with blogs. The result can be a significant loss of credibility.

My recommendation would be to write on your own in any capacity – but if you feel compelled to blog, blog about your experiences as a writer – do not make the blog your actual writing sample.

Do not just slap things up online. Present yourself as if you are already a professional writer – not an everyday, self-absorbed blogger. You’ll keep your dignity in the long run.

By: creativeblogger

creativeblogger — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:15:05 +0000

HI, I agree. Blogs are great online resumes.

I am trying to help writers who don’t have the time or the know how to create blogs to get an online presence regardless. I have created a new blog to promote them, no charge, no registration, easy peasy.

Details here: http://www.find-writer.blogspot.com

By: Kinsey

Kinsey — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:45:08 +0000

I have a few blogs (I have a lot to write about…) and it’s a wonderful outlet for me. I do struggle with the time-management end of things, but I think that will get easier in time. It’s my love of writing in my blogs that has propelled me into freelance writing. They say to find what you love and find a way to get paid for it, right? I think that writing for yourself and getting paid to write for someone else is a beautiful formula. I know it takes time, but I’m willing to be patient (which is a first for me, haha.)

By: mmeetoilenoir

mmeetoilenoir — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:23:58 +0000

If an employer is that weak-willed, then I don’t want to be working for him, LOL! No one is owed my individuality or intellect for a few measly bucks.

By: Erik Hare

Erik Hare — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:59:23 +0000

I think it is very important to be careful here. There’s a very good chance that my blog has cost me gigs because there is a code among prospective employers – they want someone just like them. I don’t think it helps to be particularly smart or informative because smart people scare the less smart.

If you have a blog, you may want to keep it to yourself when trying for certain gigs.

By: Jodee

Jodee — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:16:06 +0000

@ Kirsten: If all you want to do is vent, you can choose to keep your blog post private. Writing under another name isn’t all that unusual; choose an identity with a name that fits who you want the blog to be written by and give the people you know pseudonyms in “” so your readers know the names have been changed.

There is no reason why you can’t share with a prospective client that you write “X” blog under Whatever name. Just make sure the people in your “real” life don’t know about your other identity!