In a world where “content is king”, blogging has become a popular career option for people who want to work from home.
It seems like these days, anyone with a computer can set up a blog and get paid for their writing. What most people don’t know is that getting hired for paid writing jobs online is like winning the lottery.
You know it’s possible, but you’re also very much aware that your chances are very slim.
But unlike winning the lottery, there are things that you can actually do to increase your chances of getting hired for blogging jobs.
And one of the first things you need to do is shift your perspective a little bit.
You see, blogging isn’t just about writing content. It’s creating content and making sure that people read it.
So, even if you’re the best writer in your city, your writing will have zero value if there’s no one reading it.
Running a successful blog requires more skill than just good writing.
You also need to know how to develop your brand, market your content through email and / or social media, connect with influencers, and create other types of content like images and videos to support the writing.
On top of that you also need to know how to analyze the stats from your blog and plan a content calendar for the next month.
And of course, let’s not forget SEO. How do you expect to rank on Google without building a few links?
The secret to landing a blogging job is to know exactly what you’re good at and sell that to potential clients. Here are 3 tips that will help you get hired.
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Build your online portfolio
Since you’re applying for online jobs, the first thing that you need to do is build your online resume or portfolio. You need to show potential clients what you’re really capable of.
If for example you’re trying to get hired as a freelance writer, you need to include links to posts that are written by you in your online resume.
You don’t have to include every single post that you have written, just 4-5 of your best work with the most engagement.
Action point: Make sure that your online resume or portfolio is compact and straight to the point. Present your credentials and experience systematically so that it’s easy to scan and read.
Be an influencer
Being an influencer puts you in a pretty good position to get hired.
Why?
Because companies don’t just hire bloggers based on their writing and technical skills, they also consider how well these influencers can reach and engage a new audience.
Great content may make you seem more credible, but having that x factor to be an influencer that people relate to is gold for companies.
Action point: Grow your social media accounts by regularly posting content that resonates with your target audience. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to be authentic.
Write, write, and write some more!
It doesn’t matter if you’re writing a blog entry, an ebook, or marketing copies for social media, don’t ever stop writing.
Writing consistently isn’t just good practice, but it also keeps you in the writing momentum.
While it’s perfectly fine to take a short break from writing once in a while, don’t allow yourself to go on too long without writing anything or else you might end up in the perennial black hole also known as writer’s block.
Action point: give yourself weekly writing challenges and set a specific time in your busy schedule to work on them.
Have someone you trust take a look at your writing and ask them for constructive feedback. Even if you’re working on a non-writing blogging assignment, always work on improving your craft.
Network
Just like other jobs, you can increase your chances of getting hired for article writing jobs if you make great connections with people who have already made it in the field.
Look for professional writers on networking websites and try to connect with them. Sites such as LinkedIn should come in handy when looking for article writing jobs.
Use this channel to post your professional resume, and from the platform, someone may be interested in hiring you.
Do not hesitate to look for connections elsewhere. Think about your previous jobs or schools to see if you can network with a professional who can guide you in achieving your dream.
They can even advise you on the best places to apply for article writing jobs and how to secure an interview. Once in a while, attend career conventions and fairs so that you can meet other people in the writing industry.
Even if the people you meet at such fairs may not give you a writing job, they may connect you to some people in the field.
Apply to be an intern
You can break into the writing profession by starting as an intern at a marketing agency. You can even work as a certain magazine or publishing company.
Different job boards such as Craiglist and Monster display internship programs which can help you secure a position at such agencies.
Do not hesitate to apply for an unpaid internship because it help you get a good article writing job.
Freelance
Most writing professionals who have made it in the industry started small. You can start by looking for freelance opportunities.
This gives you the chance to create a personal schedule as you decide the kinds of jobs you are willing to accept.
You can obtain a lot of useful experience from freelance writing and build a reputation from there so that you have something extra in your resume while applying for article writing jobs.
Try to find long-term contractor clients who can offer you frequent jobs so that you don’t have to keep on searching for clients every day.
Beware that the industry is full of scam. You need to assess a company before disclosing sensitive information.
Accept jobs that you can complete on time to avoid getting a bad reputation out of missing deadlines. Focus on boosting the quality of your content and never submit a poor quality freelance job.
Consider getting published
As a writer, you should also be working on independent projects that you can submit for publication.
Though you may not get paid for the work, it can help you get experience and teach you how to be a good writer.
If your work gets published, it could help you secure article writing jobs easily.
Try to approach an agent who can help you market your work to different publishers. You don’t have to write an entire book.
Start with submitting a book proposal and some sample chapters to publishers or agents. You can also consider self-publishing if you have the resources.
