Don’t you sometimes wish someone would just tell you the exact steps to building a successful freelance blogging business? That are guaranteed to work? A fool-proof plan?
Because then YOU could be an A-List blogger.
The one that has it all.
Clients who pay the big bucks. Thousands of Twitter followers and Facebook likes. Hundreds of comments to every post they publish and they don’t even need to comment themselves to bump up the numbers.
When will you ever get there?
You devour their business advice like your life depends on it. If I just do what this guy’s doing, I’ll hit the big time.
What they don’t tell you, in the detail that you’d like, is the time and experimenting it took to get there.
And it’s all about experimenting.
Which is why you shouldn’t listen to all the famous bloggers’ advice.
And instead? Create your own formula for success.
So what are the A-Listers telling you to do that you simply shouldn’t?
A whole bunch o’ stuff, apparently:
1. A-Listers say:
FIRST define your ideal client
Ah yes, that elusive ideal client. If you don’t have this person defined, who on earth are you writing for?
So of course you must now spend the next week of your life making lists and defining the entire life of this mystery person. Right down to their eye colour, weight and guilty pleasures.
And then you can target their inner thoughts with every word you type.
Good luck with that.
How many of your competitors will be defining the exact person? Using the same, generic descriptions of a-small-business-owner-struggling-to-write-and-desperately-searching-for-the-one-person-who’ll-take-it-off-their-busy-hands?
Don’t listen to the A-Listers by relying on ideal client definitions, and risk being like everyone else.
Here are some alternatives:
- Write for yourself.
Would you buy your services? Would you read your posts? Write the way you want to be entertained, or informed, or supported. Your thoughts are likely to be shared by others that think like you. So start building an audience based on the one person you know best — yourself. - Know your existing audience.
Those people that are already working with you? Get to know them. You’ve already won them over. Build relationships with them. Get into email conversation and make the effort to get inside their heads. And do this whilst your blog is being built.
You don’t have to have your ideal client profile defined from day one. You can tweak it as you’re building your blog.
2. A-Listers say:
Don’t write for content mills
Low pay. Poor quality writing. Damage to your reputation. These are just some of the things that writing for content mills is associated with. Add never-ending writing and zero articles to show off in your portfolio, and you have a recipe for freelance writing disaster.
But as we read recently, writing for content mills shouldn’t necessarily be shunned.
Especially at the start of your freelance writing career.
As well has having the opportunity to write about a variety of topics, content mills also teach you discipline. You write to strict criteria, and to a deadline – two crucial skills to build early on.
And what’s more? Content mills are great for your skin – a thick skin, that is. Because their requirements are so specific, they’ll take no time to ruthlessly reject you. Rejection early on toughens you up and makes you realise these are the rules of the game.
The sooner you learn this, the tougher you’ll be.
3. A-Listers say:
Posting daily is a mistake
I get it. Reading that sentence sends chills down your spine. If I don’t post every day, then my audience will forget about me. How will they know I still exist?
But the A-Listers tell you not to post every day. And they should know. After all, they’ve built successful blogs.
So what to do?
The answer is to definitely post every day. But not on your blog alone.
Consider your followers on social media. Your Facebook group, your Twitter followers, or Pinterest fans. Posting daily on those platforms is not only normal, it’s expected.
The cherry on the cake is to take a week’s worth of tweets and use them as material for a post.
Remember: always make whatever you post useful for your audience. Nobody wants to see a picture of the lamb shanks you’re about to have for dinner.
Which leads us to…
4. A-Listers say:
Only focus on one platform
The famous blogging gurus tell us that in the beginning, you must focus your effort on your blog alone. Grow your audience there first. Until you have 1,000 loyal fans. Then you can move onto other platforms. Makes sense, right?
Wrong (almost).
What happens when you post something new on your blog? Hundreds of writing enquiries? Ok, tens? What? None? Those crickets are a pain…
The alternative is to find your audience on the platforms they do hang out at, and build relationships with them. So they eventually come to your blog, and become raving fans.
Be careful not spread yourself across every platform available. Pick one that’s relevant to your audience, experiment with it, and see what successes it brings for your blog. If it doesn’t work, move onto the next.
Experimenting is key to find what works.
5. A-Listers say:
Show off your writing and clients will notice you
Good writing stands out. Anyone who can read appreciates a good writer, right? All you have to do is have some good-quality blog posts on your site, email a few applications for writing jobs, and the good client on the other side will take one look at your posts and beg you to write for them.
This may work for some, but it all sounds like a bit of pot luck.
Whereas the posts on your website don’t necessarily have to be related to the topic your client wants, your email applying for the writing job must sell you as the perfect candidate before the client views your site. If you don’t nail that first email, the client’s never going to visit your site — and then all your wonderful content stays unread.
The role of your site is to support your application, not do the sales job alone.
So what should you write in your email? The following:
- If you’re responding to an advert, follow any instructions given in the ad. It demonstrates your professionalism. Period.
- Make a direct link between your experience/abilities and the topic of interest for the client.
- Add links to your writing, either on the same topic, or different topics.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of the client and their business. Compliment them and show enthusiasm for working with them – make it genuine.
Don’t just take it for granted that your talent will be spotted. Work for it.
6. A-Listers say:
Don’t use personal stories
When it comes to selling you as the ideal writer for your client, personal stories don’t bring value to the sale. In fact, the majority of folks on the internet are looking for facts, concrete evidence, and high-quality testimonials alone. Your personal life stories don’t work in this context.
Or so the A-Listers lead us to believe.
But consider this: how many blogs are live right now? Tens of thousands are using WordPress alone. And how many blogs are live in your particular niche? Thousands, if you’re in marketing (and hello, blogging is marketing). Even more if you write about writing too.
How exactly will you stand out? If you’re all offering similar services and formulas-that-work?
What do you have to offer that’s unique?
Your personality. And this includes personal anecdotes.
Think Ashley Ambirge, Erika Napoletano, and Men with Pens. They’re all essentially in the same field, and yet they have a unique spin on the same subject.
Your personal stories connect to the emotions of your audience and your clients. Channel some vulnerability and aim for the heart.
Those A List bloggers? They didn’t all use the same formula to achieve their success. So when they advise you on what works, they base it on their own experience.
You can do the same.
Look at the advice they give, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Relax. Shake off the pressure and have some fun.
And before you know it, you’ll be the one with the hundreds of comments, thousands of adoring fans, and clients on a waiting list.
MR says
Fantastic tips here with a unique perspective, Razwana. 🙂 You said it – experimentation is key, and experience cannot be taught, even by the best. Even the best intentions of successful bloggers cannot prevent newcomers from experiencing uncertainty and failure as a writer. In fact, failures likely paved the way to those bloggers’ success too. It’s essential (and inevitable) that writers get a taste of both the highs and lows on their own terms on their road to success.
Razwana Wahid says
I couldn’t agree more. Their experience isn’t an indicator of what your experience will be – and thinking that it will is a fools game.
Alicia Rades says
I love this! It’s fantastic.
I can see some of these A-list bloggers screaming behind their computers at you. Don’t get me wrong, I love the advice A-list bloggers give, but you’re so right that experimenting and doing what works for you is the best way to succeed.
Razwana Wahid says
Nothing wrong with people screaming at me, right, Alicia? Love controversy !
Katherine Swarts says
I know for a fact that at least one A-List blogger has said you don’t have a good thing going until someone “stomps off” your list in a huff at every post you write; now THAT claim would be quite a leadoff for a second “myths list”!
Kat Loveland says
I am avoiding content mills because they usually want clickbait type posts and I lean more to informative and educational posts. I’m long form, not that I can’t write short but I prefer to source, link, expound etc. It seems competition is stiffer for those so right now I am querying two or three sites I like every day or so and then experimenting with writing a blog post and tweeting it to twitter accounts of companies or bloggers that specialize in that topic and seem to retweet articles. I see it as a work around to the querying process. So far it is getting me a lot of page views, according to the tracker on my site I am well over 2000 views and I opened up my blog on the 9th of this month.
No nibbles on jobs but since queries take awhile to be answered by the time they look at mine I’ll have a lot of stuff on my blog and am building up a twitter following. (shrug) We shall see.
Razwana Wahid says
That’s awesome progress in your first month, Kat. Content mills aren’t for everyone.
It certainly looks like you’ve found a writing style that suits you and one that you enjoy.
Issa Mirandilla says
“Create your own formula for success.” <–This. So much this.
I understand where all those A-list bloggers are coming from, but it's important to remember that what worked for them may not necessarily work for you. Like you said: "Experimenting is key to find what works."
Thanks for this great post, Razwana! 🙂
Razwana Wahid says
Thank you for your comment, Issa. There certainly isn’t a one-approach-fits-all concept to developing your business, blog, or career.
Alison Mansfield says
I love this too. Hooray, the first thing I read this morning and it put me in a great mood. 🙂
Razwana Wahid says
Whoot ! 🙂
Michele says
Thanks for the article. It makes me feel better about my blogging.
Razwana Wahid says
You’re very welcome, Michele.
Sabita says
Awesome post Razwana :).
I had been with content mills for a while and have learnt much. I believe ruling out the fact of not working with content mills only applies if you aren’t paid well and it’s not opening up those very doors you intend to open.
Despite working for international clients, I got turned down to pursue freelance writing till I fix x, y and z. But I’m a stubborn jackass who doesn’t stop :D. ( I doubled checked the feedback with many others).
I do follow the advice of the best of business, but I strongly believe taking risk makes miracles happen. If you don’t try and if you don’t ask , you don’t get to know how good you’re at something. 🙂 Moving on with a bang matters the most.
Razwana Wahid says
Sabita! Taking risks – YES!
Tried and tested methods are good. But engineering your own? THE BEST.
Cherese Cobb says
Okay, this is a little off-topic, but your profile picture is hilarious. I love the OK sign your are flashing!!! Talk about personality.
I agree with you each person is unique. There is no magic formula that will help you climb the ladder to success. I may need to write everyday to sharpen my skills while another writer can go weeks and week then pick up a pen and the words will flow naturally.
I also agree with Kat about content mills. While I don’t blame others for using them, I personally spend hours applying and never get hired (I have had one job in 3 months and been scammed twice). I figured I could put that time into pitching and maybe land higher paying gigs.
Cheers to experimenting,
Cherese
Razwana Wahid says
Cherese – everyone’s experience is different with content mills. The great thing about them is they’re good teachers. Of whatever pitching lesson you want to learn!
That being said, they’re not for everyone. And the only way to determine if they work for you is to try, right?
Cheeers to experimenting also *clink*
Karen Taylor says
You just took a load off me. I’ve been so hooked to these gurus that I’ve even delayed publishing posts if it didn’t meet up to all the criteria you’ve described here. Sometimes too much information can really be a curse. Every single one of these points connected. Thanks for sharing.
Razwana Wahid says
TELL ME ABOUT IT, Karen. There really is a lot of paralysis after all that info. It certainly stopped me from relaxing and trying in the very beginning.
We all need to just chill, right?!
Vishnu says
Great roundup here, Razwana. Just because popular bloggers say it doesn’t make it right. I think personal stories have been the most important, distinguish factor on my blog. It allows me to be who I am and allows me to give some context to my advice. I say my general advice on taking advice -lol- is take in all the advice but only do the things that feel right to you. As you say at the end- it’s all about experimentation!
Razwana Wahid says
I agree that it’s your personal stories that have connected you to your audience. People see how authentic you are being and relate to it.
This also explains the success of some blogs like tinybuddha.com.
Roy says
Aww, Razwana, don’t be so tough on A-Listers; they’re only trying to clone themselves.
Razwana Wahid says
Hahahaha! Your comment cracked me UP, Roy !!
(plus you totally revealed their secret ploy to take over the world)
Annie says
At last, somebody reveals the dirty little secret – A-listers aren’t always right. This post hit me right between the eyes, as I’ve bristled often when reading A-lister advice. And have felt reluctant to follow much of it.
In truth, the advice that is dispensed by the experts seems to be more the successful actions that worked for said expert, than any kind of foolproof method to success. Like many, I wasted a lot of time trying to emulate the big guys, and without any success. Primarily I think because those things weren’t me.
I agreed with all your points except the one about content mills. My experience with them has been terrible and in my opinion, whatever value they might provide is far outweighed by the harm they cause to writers.
Thanks for this – about time somebody said what we were all thinking.
Cheers.
Razwana Wahid says
Totally agree that the experts reveal what worked for them. It’s up to everyone to do the same.
Rise up!
Williesha Morris says
The unicorn rainbows killed me. Thank you for pointing out that every word you write is a part of “writing every day.” That’s hugely important to me and is very encouraging.
Razwana Wahid says
🙂
Sarah B. says
This is great advice, Razwana. Though I’ve been a freelance writer for a while, I’m just getting started with launching my freelance blogging career. I feel like it’s sometimes very easy to be swayed by the advice of the “professionals” when just starting out, even if that advice is not exactly on point (as you’ve shown here). Thanks for sharing!
Razwana Wahid says
That’s a great point. When you’re starting out, a lot of the advice can feel overwhelming.
Sounds like a great idea for a new post – something targetted specifically at newbies (without being patronising)
Cindy Brown says
Yessss! I suspected as much… I knew I wasn’t a loser! Ha ha. I started in a content mill and I hold my head high! Stepping stone, that’s what that is!
Seriously, thank you for writing this post. I have been waiting for someone to encourage me in these areas. This post is actually a confidence booster. I needed to hear these things and have shared the post, deservedly so.
Razwana Wahid says
Love your comment, Cindy 🙂
Go forth with confidence!
Marianne says
Fabulous article Razwana, your humor kills me! Couldn’t agree with #3 more! It’s not all about your blog, it’s about what your brand is sharing everywhere else too.
Razwana Wahid says
The idea that you shouldn’t use social media from day 1 really irritates me. If done well, it adds to the consistency of the brand for sure.
Ali says
Oh my goodness. Yes, yes yes! I can spend hours trying to find the “right” formula or noticing the tricks of the A-listers but this was so refreshing. Thank you, I really LOVED the part about writing for yourself. Here is my virtual bow down to you Razwana:)
Razwana Wahid says
And here’s me graciously accepting it 🙂 Thank you so much for commenting, Ali.
Lorraine Reguly says
Fact: personal stories on your own blog are simply devoured by others. People LOVE them, especially ones that show your vulnerablility. Trust me, I speak from experience when I say this; my first blog was called Lorraine Reguly’s Life, and when I decided to go self-hosted, I changed it to Wording Well and simply imported my posts and put a redirect in place. I’ve hit the first page of Google search for many of my posts, BECAUSE they relate true stories about me.
This is a great post, Sophie, and it’s nice to see that you’re busting some of the myths out there!
Razwana Wahid says
Generic advice without personality dies a death, UNLESS it’s so unique that it cannot be ignored.
There isn’t much of that around, so personal stories rule.
Let’s shout it from the rooftops shall we?
Renayle says
Oh my gosh! I needed to hear this. I’ve been reading and listening all about those six myths, and sometimes I’d think I’d never be a successful blogger. I feel like the pressure’s off me now, and I am just gonna write what I want to write. And if it’s occasionally about cats, then so be it. 🙂 Thank you for this post!
Razwana Wahid says
Here’s to making your own rules 🙂
Ataur Rahman says
Thanks “Razwana Wahid”. This advice and tips are very helpful for beginners to expert blogger. You are skilled blogger. Your presentation is very clean.
Razwana Wahid says
🙂
Jenn Flynn-Shon says
Ah-mazing Razwana! “Write for yourself” is the first thing a fiction author learns to do (because audiences change taste over time) so it makes perfect sense to use the same approach in client attraction writing as well. Your vibe has to gel or the relationship won’t really work out. Great article, thanks!
Razwana Wahid says
Thank you for your comment, Jenn 🙂
Katherine Swarts says
Regarding content mills, if you’re considering starting there but don’t want to get TOO lost in a crowd of amateurs and endlessly diverse topics, there are article database sites that specialize in particular subjects (e. g., psychcentral.com) or genres (e. g., listverse.com). Many of these pay higher than average and/or include authors prominent in their fields, making a clip from such sites more impressive than those from sites that have a reputation for publishing “anything” in style OR quality.
Incidentally, while many of the once-popular “content mill” sites have earned their bad reputations, it’s not really fair to automatically tar every article site with that brush. It hasn’t been that many years since all self-published books had to wear that same “guilt by association: poor quality, fit reading only for the writer and her intimates” label.
Razwana WAhid says
That’s a really valid point, Katherine. And today? Trying to get a publishing deal is seen as madness!
Karen Fridie says
Thanks Razwana, for your upbeat and positive guidelines. You clarify my thoughts about blogging. I’ve researched and read so much, that I’ve turned into a confused-non-blogger. Ouch! So, here am I now on your trail, and feeling much, much better…maybe, wiser too 🙂 I agree that one should use creativity, and follow their heartbeats. More times, than less, they’ll be guided to their true destination.
Razwana WAhid says
Welcome to blogging, Karen! Now that those myths have been busted, what’s your first move gonna be?
Karen Fridie says
I’m definitely jumping on board, and continuing following your guidelines. I’ve already chosen my platform/niche; built a site and almost ready to soar. Any additional advice, would be welcomed. Thanks Again!
Razwana Wahid says
Now that you’ve started – keep going. Many blogs (and businesses) fail because they just don’t do that. Be different !
Karen Fridie says
Thanks again Razwana, I’m feverishly writing and compiling essays for my niche. I’m driven! The next step would appear when I’m ready for it. No more sitting around wondering and becoming confused about everybody’s ideas.
Razwana Wahid says
😉
Sune @ Extra Income Blogger says
I think people tend to focus way too much on what they “should” and “shouldn’t” be doing when blogging. If every blogger were to follow strict guidelines, every post will be basically the same and as boring as an instruction manual. Everyone is unique and has unique personalities – it is this uniqueness that should shine through your blog.
Razwana WAhid says
I couldn’t have said it better myself 🙂
Lindsey says
I absolutely dig this post! Such a refreshing take with so much common sense to back it up. As I’m floundering about, it’s so difficult to figure out what I should be doing, and I’m finally figuring out there IS no “right” way! I especially love the bit about only focusing on one platform, because I write about both animals and writing and didn’t want to have to give up either one!
Thanks again for a very helpful post. Beautifully written, great humor, and fun to read. 🙂
Razwana Wahid says
Your comment just made my day, Lindsey!
If there were a right way, we’d all be millionaires ….!
Darlene says
Hi Sophia,
Fantastic post at exactly the right time.
Darlene
Razwana Wahid says
🙂
Iva says
That was friggin awesome!!! You just cleared up so many concerns we newbies have and now I’m more determined than ever!! I still don’t really know what the heck I’m doing half the time but I’m sure having fun!! Thanx Raz!
Razwana Wahid says
Having fun is half the battle with blogging, and business in general.
So you’re on the right track, Iva !
Financial Samurai says
I likey Razwana. Do they really say not to be personal though?
What is considered an A list blogget anyway? I’ve got about 500k visitors a month and am a personal finance blogger. What am I considered?
Sam
Razwana Wahid says
They do talk about not mentioning personal stories too much – I beg to differ.
Much like an A-list actor, A-list bloggers are those that have fame. Bloggers know who they are with a mention of their name.
(rhyming wasn’t intentional)
Krithika Rangarajan says
Brilliant tips, Razwana!
There is but one formula for success: Be YOU
Thank you so much
Kitto
Razwana WAhid says
Couldn’t agree more – thank you for your comment, Krithika 🙂
Kevin Kato says
It seems to me that #1-5 are all arguable – with the arguments all ending with “Well hey, what works for you might not work for me so let’s drop it and go grab a beer.” I wouldn’t recommend anyone banking on #5 for success…although I did happen to land a solid long-term writing gig from someone who just happened to come across my blog and liked my stuff so really, you never know.
#6 sounded extremely odd to me when I read it. I would think including or excluding personal stories depends on the subject matter of your blog. Then again, I can’t think of too many examples of subject matter that has no place for personality involvement. Even accountants and IT specialists must have a couple good stories to tell (no offense intended to the accountants and IT folks out there!).
It’s been said already but we are all different – and dealing with different circumstances. Those of us who are hungry enough will find a way to find success as we define it – no matter what anyone tells us what to do or not!
Good stuff Razwana. I just now discovered your blog. Looking forward to checking in again!
Razwana Wahid says
Hi Kevin – it’s true that those of us that will find success will do so because we defined it for ourselves.
Well, I say it’s true – what I mean is that I believe it !
I also believe that personality is paramount in business, especially online, and especially if your business is to write. Just because what you write can be seen as dull, doesn’t mean you *have* to make it sound dull, know what I mean?
How’re you doing with your 100 push up challenge? I made it to 54 and then decided I wasn’t interested any more – can you say self-sabotage?