Do you work for one of those places that handles everything from SEO to advertising to blog maintenance? Many clients only require a blogger know how to write without needing to know how to code or set up a sidebar widget. While new bloggers think they have it easy, these types of clients aren’t doing them any favors.
Many new bloggers take on blogging jobs thinking they’ll only be required to write, and are unpleasantly surprised when they learn there’s a lot more to blogging than posting to meet deadlines. The bloggers who are most successful are the ones who take the time to learn as much as they can about blogging, far beyond writing. They research traffic building techniques, community management, SEO, monetization strategies and more.
Here’s why you should know everything there is to know about blogging, even if your client only wants you to write.
Higher Paying Opportunities Require More Skill
Not many clients wish to hire bloggers who have no idea how to manage a sidebar, respond to comments, or bring in traffic. Many networks handle a lot of the technical aspects, but that doesn’t mean your next client won’t want you to do this all yourself.
Independence is a Good Thing!
Most clients don’t wish to micromanage. They want their bloggers to be able to do as much as possible without constant emails and phone calls. Communication is a good thing, being bugged every five minutes with questions isn’t. Knowing as much as possible is the key to blogging independence.
What if Something Happens and Your Client is Away?
What if your client is sick or on vacation and there’s a problem with the blog? Knowing how to fix issues when they occur will reinforce your client’s confidence in you.
Your Skills Help You Stand Out
The more you learn, the better it looks on your resume. When I’m hiring a blogger I want it to be someone who knows blogging so I don’t have to do the work for him. If I see he can write, format, promote, and do whatever it takes, it makes him a more attractive candidate over someone who has no experience maintaining a blog.
Many clients don’t wish for their bloggers to handle technical or promotional aspects of blogging, and that’s fine. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn everything you should about blogging. Even if today’s blogging client doesn’t expect much from you, tomorrow’s client might.
