You’ll be delighted to know the growing number of influencers who earn consistent income outside of their blog. Their online presence and blog serves as a résumé for publications seeking writers, photographers, event hosts, social media managers and more. Think about it. Your writing and photography skills are on display 24 hours a day on your blog. You can position and use your blog as a resume to get new opportunities and earn more money.
We asked community members from The Network Niche how they got hired for gigs as freelance writers, video hosts and virtual assistants. It may spark an idea for you to make new connections with your favorite publications. Consider updating your LinkedIn profile too.
Freelance Writer/Photographer
Erin Bender from TravelWithBender.com travels the world with her husband and two children. She landed a gig writing from an airline magazine where she frequently submits content as a writer and photographer. Her advice for bloggers to position themselves for paid opportunities besides sponsored posts: “Reach out. It never hurts to ask. Tweet, email, apply. Believe in yourself and follow your heart.”
Video Hosts
Brazilian lovebirds Rob Cadore and Natalie Deduck from LoveandRoad.com also share their world travels on their blog. They connected with the Langkawi Tourism Board in Malaysia in March 2015 for a press trip. The tourism bureau noticed the couple’s posts about running and training for a triathlons, then decided to hire them for paid video series for an international triathlon competition, the Ironman Langkawi. It included a 10 day all expenses paid stay in Malaysia too.
Rob says, “This gig really opened our eyes. There are so many opportunities for a blogger to make money. You have to show your strength, use your social media to build your brand and go for it. Discover your talent. Are you good in front of the camera or maybe behind the camera?”
Virtual Assistant
Dee Dean from RefreshingTalk.com landed a position as a virtual assistant (VA) for a small fitness company. She was already sharing her love for fitness on her blog when she saw a Christian hip hop fitness company owner was presenting at a blogging event. After tweeting about her excitement and exchanging supportive emails with the CEO, Dee was the ideal candidate when the company needed a VA. Thanks to this simple connection, Dee’s duties include, “everything from social media to scheduling instructor training classes to handling customer service inquiries, and I love, love that I can do it all from my home!
How can bloggers use their content and influence to position themselves for jobs? Dee recommends, “Be ENCOURAGING on social media, and spread the love around. Even if you see something that you are not directly connected with, If you like it, SHARE it! give others some shine, and do it regularly. shout out someone or a business that is doing great job, especially if it is a small business.”
Résumé-building for Bloggers
- Add freelance skills to your about me page and media kit
- Create a portfolio of your work
- Produce a video reel with samples of your work
- Update your LinkedIn Profile to add terms like content creator, freelance photographer and video host
Comment below: Has your blog helped you land a job as a writer or photographer? What was the biggest factor or influence in landing the gig? Do you have a “work with me” page on your blog or a list of services your provide?
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