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By Daniel Rose 16 Comments

The Batman vs. Superman Guide to Freelance Blogging

The Batman vs. Superman Guide to Freelance Blogging

Your secret’s out.

You’re a superhero, flying through the sites and blogs of the internet, saving readers from bland writing and boring content. Maybe you even wear your underwear on the outside of your pants. Either way, I salute you.

However, with great blogging comes great responsibility, and the journey can be tough. Fortunately, Batman and Superman have some great advice for those looking to fly high as freelance bloggers.

How to blog like Batman

Bat-tip #1: Remember your mask

Batman’s mask makes him more than just a man. It helps him strike fear into the hearts of villains everywhere.

While you (hopefully) won’t be striking fear into anyone’s heart, you need to step up and claim your identity.  To become something more than the average. Even Bane knew this.

 No one cared who I was until I put on the mask.” – Bane

When Batman puts his mask on, he doesn’t sit around eating shawarma; he goes out and kicks criminal booty, and he doesn’t apologise for it.

When you’re a freelance blogger, it’s not a hobby. No more random posts about why your cat is the best in the world (even if it is), or how you can’t believe that Whatshisface got voted off Celebrity Budgie Smuggler. If you must write those hobby-posts, save them for your personal blog.

When you put on your Super Freelance Blogger mask, there’s no room for fluff. You write top quality content, and you don’t apologise for it.

Every Pitchfest at BAFB requires that participants explain why their post is suitable for the site, and why they’re qualified to write it. That’s because it’s important to have that clear from the very start. Even if your client never asks, you need to know the answer. Otherwise, your lack of confidence will stand out in the post.

No ‘in my opinion’ or ‘I could be wrong, but’… You’re a professional. If you don’t know what you’re writing about, you research until you do. Be the blogger they deserve and need.

Superhero Mission: For your next pitch, make the value for the audience clear, and why you’re qualified to write it.

Bat-tip #2: Failure to plan is planning to fail

Batman may be an expert detective and martial artist, with more tools on his utility belt than a Swiss army, but he doesn’t have superpowers. When he takes on super villains (or even Superman), he doesn’t charge in, fists flailing. He comes with a plan.

As a freelance blogger, you can’t just jump in without any thought and expect positive results.

Start with your own batcave: your website. The batcave is essential. Every mission starts and ends there. So, do you have a website? Do you have a blog?

Let’s be straight: it’s going to be hard to convince someone you can blog for them if you have no published examples of your work. At the same time, you don’t want to cram your website with any pointless pages or widgets. Make sure your website is professional, and that every page, post and line serve a purpose. For a head start, check out Alicia Rades’ post on 5 Simple Tweaks That Put the Bang Into Your Writer Website.

The planning doesn’t stop there. Whereas most entries for the BAFB Pitchfest are professional, you always get the odd one that hasn’t read the guidelines. At all.

Don’t be one of those guys. Carefully study any guidelines, along with the posts already on the site. Then plan your pitch accordingly. Then, for that superhero knockout, use that pitch to plan your post, making sure the final product ticks all the required boxes.

Superhero Mission: Make sure you’ve planned out your website, pitches and posts, so that they hit the target.

Bat-tip #3: Keep to the code

He may not be a boy scout, but the Dark Knight has a code that he keeps to, a line he would never cross.

It’s time to think about your standards. As a freelance blogger, are you willing to send out some mistake-ridden work if you think you can get away with it for quick cash?

It can be tempting, when you’re desperate for money and the work’s piling up. You look at the first draft, and figure it’s good enough. Here’s a hint: Just good enough is never good enough.

When a post gets published, it may have your name on it. It’ll be on your clients blog. If it’s not in the best condition it can be, it looks bad for both you and your client. Two things can happen:

  1. Your editor notices, and you have to do a rewrite anyway. But now your editor’s annoyed.
  2. Or, even worse, the editor lets it through. Now it’s up on their site, with your name attached to it. You look bad, your client looks bad, and the readers will disappear, disappointed.

Always re-draft and edit your posts. I don’t care how amazing it is, you owe it to yourself and your editor to give it that second (and third) run-through.

Personally, I go over a post multiple times, checking:

  1. It meets the guidelines.
  2. I’ve addressed all the points I needed.
  3. There are no needless words.
  4. Spelling and grammar are correct and appropriate.

When you submit your post, it should be in the best condition it can be. But this doesn’t mean perfect. If you wait for a post to be perfect, you’ll never submit it, and you’ll wind up picking the post to pieces. Finding the right balance is an art, and one that only comes from practice.

Commit to a code of practice, and make sure the standard of your work is as high as possible. This will make sure you’re still getting work years from now, rather than just today.

Superhero Mission: Make sure when you send your post to the editor that you’ve reviewed it against the client’s guidelines, spelling, grammar, and given it a heroic extra polish.

Superman

Super-tip #1: Forget your mask

Yes, yes; I know what Bats said — and he’s right. But Superman’s different. When it’s time to fight crime, he takes his mask off.

The best blogs (and the best blog posts) win readers over with genuine character and personality. Sure, you want to be a superhero, but you still have to let the real you shine through.

My favourite example of a blogger with real voice is Karen Marston, over at Untamed Writing. Her tone and style are unmistakable, and along with the buckets of attitude comes a genuine sincerity.

At school we’re taught to write academically, and it’s easy to carry on that way. We perfected posh, correctly structured, bore-you-to-tears sentences. Sure, some people may read blog posts simply to stay informed. But even if you’re blogging on the paint-drying championships, there’s no need to make it boring. Put some personality in there!

Now, I’m not saying you have to write exactly like Sophie or Karen. In fact, I’m saying the opposite. You have to find your own writing voice. It’s so easy to write in a way that emulates our blogging heroes, but unfortunately, if it’s not your own voice, your style will end up inconsistent and insincere. Inject some of yourself into it. Your editors and readers will thank you.

Superhero Mission: After you finish your next post, read it out loud. Imagine you were talking to a friend. If you sound more like a lecturer, then rewrite it in your conversational style.

Super-tip #2: Watch out for kryptonite

Supes may be able to shoot lasers out of his eyes and reverse time by flying around the world really really fast, but bring out the green stuff and he’s powerless. Do you know what your strengths and weaknesses are?

When you’re looking for sites to pitch to, consider the subject matter. Is it something that plays to your strengths? This doesn’t mean you have to be an expert on the subject. Research is part of the job, and a newbie’s perspective can lead to original and unique tangents. Rather, consider if you can give the subject your best. Can you be enthusiastic? If not, you’ll only be wasting your time.

I’m one of those guys who has a million hobbies and find most things interesting. Maybe you’re the same. But if just looking at the subject leaves you feeling weak and lifeless, then you’ve found your kryptonite.

If your client has a minimum word count that you know you could only hit with padding, it’s kryptonite. If the site’s ethos runs counter to your own, guess what? Kryptonite.

Please, don’t think I mean you should give up whenever the going gets tough. We all face obstacles, every day. Just make sure you’re picking the right battles. Life’s too short to be battling kryptonite all the time.

Superhero Mission: Review your next pitch. Do you feel happy and enthusiastic about it? Do you agree with the site it’s for? If so, great! If not, work out why, and if necessary, move on.

Super-tip #3: Collaborate

I know Batman will agree with me on this one, but even the Man of Steel needs a team. You never know when the Justice League or a nosy journalist is going to come in handy.

As a freelance blogger, you’ll find life a lot easier with a support team behind you. How do you go about building your very own super-network?

Start connecting with freelance writers in communities like the Freelance Writer’s Den or on Linkedin for starters.

In addition, I highly recommend finding a good mentor. Sophie offers coaching services, which gives you a great chance to learn from someone who does this freelance blogging thing for a living.

Even if you’re not in a position to hire a coach, it’s worthwhile finding bloggers you admire, then paying attention when they talk. Whenever they post, podcast, tweet or send smoke signals, you can learn a lot from the right person. Look for people who have walked the walk; talkers are a drachma a dozen.

Sure, you can figure out this whole freelance blogging thing on your own, but you can save a lot of time if you listen to those who’ve been where you are. But more than just advice and guidance, a good network gives you a place to share your successes, or a shoulder to cry on when things aren’t going so well. Even superheroes need high-fives and hugs!

Superhero Mission: Find yourself a good forum and mentor to follow, then make use of them to the full!

Whether you’re into masks and spandex or not, you can be a superhero, with superpowers of your own.

You can entertain and inform millions of people, giving them knowledge, inspiration, or maybe just a smile.

Follow your mission, find your destiny, and be a super freelance blogger!

What’s your freelance blogging superpower?

Original image: JD Hancock

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About Daniel Rose

Daniel Rose is a freelance blogger and copywriter who helps B2B SaaS companies connect with their customers in an engaged, non-sleazy way. In his spare time, he’s reading thrillers, writing thrillers, or watching Cowboy Bebop (again). Head over to his site or connect with him on LinkedIn and say hi!

Comments

  1. Julia says

    September 21, 2015 at 4:43 am

    I love this post! You made so many great points – and I love the Batman/Superman comparison! I’m trying to branch out from freelancing sites to working on my own blog and guest posting and this was exactly the kind of thing I needed to read today!

    Reply
    • Daniel Rose says

      September 22, 2015 at 10:59 pm

      Thanks Julia, I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Besides, everything’s better with superheroes, right? All the best with your blogging, I look forward to hearing your progress

      Reply
  2. Aisha Sulaiman says

    September 21, 2015 at 6:36 am

    Hi Daniel,
    Love the ‘‘Suprman -Batman” analogy!
    Collaborating resonates with me because it can be lonely and discouraging if you don’t have any gorm of support from bloggers alike. Simeone must have encountered same or something similar and will instantly help you with your current situation.
    My super power is patience when it comes to dealing with clients.
    Thanks for these great tips 🙂

    Reply
    • Daniel Rose says

      September 21, 2015 at 8:01 am

      Hi Aisha,
      You’re right, we live in an exciting time when we can collaborate with people across the planet. Someone knows the answer (and the chances are they’re on the BAFB forums ;))
      Nice superpower too, very handy for a freelance blogger! Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
  3. Tom Southern says

    September 21, 2015 at 3:14 pm

    It’s all about finding your purpose. Batman’s mask helped him to find (and respond to) his purpose. Before he found his mask, he had no focus, no end result, to keep him on track. With his mask, Batman believed in himself first and then others could believe in him too.

    No one cares who you are until you find how to make them care. It starts with finding your purpose, believing in it.

    It wasn’t until I found a mask that I was able to focus on what my goal was. Once I knew that, I could ask for help if I needed it (or feedback). It also keeps me on track for what fits with my goal and what to stay clear of as most probably kryptonite. (Btw, you’ve put that song in my head now and I can’t get it out. Arghh! 🙂 )

    Your point about finding support, mentors, community, people you can get to know and trust for feedback, is a great one. I’ll second you on that one, Daniel. Cheers!

    Reply
    • Daniel Rose says

      September 21, 2015 at 10:20 pm

      Hi Tom,
      That’s an excellent point you raise. Once Batman’s mask is on, he doesn’t go and do the laundry, his purpose is to fight crime dammit! And with purpose comes focus.
      Thank you, now I’m off to listen to some Three Doors Down… 😉

      Reply
      • Tom Southern says

        September 25, 2015 at 3:08 pm

        Ha-Ha! That one as well? 🙂

        Reply
        • Daniel Rose says

          September 26, 2015 at 9:29 am

          I’ve now found 11 songs called ‘Kryptonite’ and I’m working my way through each one 😉

          Reply
  4. Williesha says

    September 22, 2015 at 12:27 pm

    Love the superheroes analogy, and I realize I’m kind of a mixture of both Batman and Superman, but leaning towards Superman. My writing style is simple (hoping to change that a bit) but also very personal.

    Reply
    • Daniel Rose says

      September 22, 2015 at 11:11 pm

      Hi Williesha, thank you. I think most of us are a mixture, but I hope the tips are valuable whatever colour cape you wear 😉 Simple writing can still be very powerful. In fact, it takes a lot of skill to get complex ideas across in a simple way. And if you can do that with some personality, you’re onto a real winner!

      Reply
  5. Heather says

    September 25, 2015 at 11:39 am

    Hi Daniel,

    Love this post! Like you say, I definitely have elements of both but leaning towards Batman (I am a planning FREAK who can’t help but check and double check submissions!) And masks are always a good thing, right? 😉

    Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
    • Daniel Rose says

      September 25, 2015 at 11:47 am

      Hi Heather,
      Ah yes, plannings definitely more Batman’s forte. Superman seems more content to wing it, but I guess when you’re Superman you can get away with that kind of thing 😉
      Thank you, glad it inspired you.

      Reply
  6. Janine says

    September 25, 2015 at 4:48 pm

    Ohh Man I thought I was Batman until you said he was a planner…
    Superman wings it indeed and I really cant do the ‘random posts about why your cat is the best in the world (even if it is)’?? ‘Sigh’
    Love the post, it has oodles of personality and enthusiasm as well as valuable tips of course 😉
    Hugs and High Fives to you!

    Reply
    • Daniel Rose says

      September 27, 2015 at 7:53 pm

      Ah, well, maybe you’re a Batman with a dash of Superman then? A hint of Wolverine thrown in there?
      Thank you, hugs and high fives to you too!

      Reply
      • Janine says

        September 28, 2015 at 4:38 pm

        Ahh Wolverine…. now there’s some food for thought 😉

        Reply
  7. Abigail says

    March 9, 2016 at 7:16 am

    I absolutely love this post. It’s breezy and to the point. I especially like the illustration with Batman and Superman. They stick. Best of all the tips are applicable to other areas of life. Very inspiring. Thanks.

    I’m working on myself to get my own blog going.

    Reply

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