If you are a freelance writer, you may be wondering what the
benefits are of blogging. Some freelance writers feel that blogging takes away
from the time that they could devote to working on assignments, or looking for
new assignments. Rather than looking at blogging as a "misuse of
time", what you should do is look at it as an extension of your business.
As a marketing tool
Freelance writers need to have strong marketing if they hope
to succeed in a trade. Like any other business, a marketing plan is a
necessity. A blog can serve as advertising for all freelance writers. In
addition, if you have particular strengths in one subject they can easily be
highlighted through a blog. This could
eventually result in you gaining new freelance writing opportunities for those
who are looking for someone capable of "niche" writing.
As an alternate income source
Many freelance jobs are short-term while others are very
long-term. Freelance writers do not get to choose how long a job will last.
Regardless of how well-established you are, almost all freelance writers
experienced some downtime. A blog that is well monetized can provide an
alternate source of income and this can be of great benefit for freelance
writers. While the income earned from a
blog will be substantially less than you might earn freelance writing, it will
at least be some source of income and is recursive income.
Online portfolio
For those freelancers who have elected to not work for
freelance sites, a portfolio is a necessity. A blog can benefit freelance
writers by allowing them one place to highlight their articles, links to other
work, and a thorough resume. Using a blog as an online portfolio can help
highlight your strengths and attract new customers. A link to your blog can be
placed in your Facebook account, in your LinkedIn account, and promoted through
social networking. This can help greatly when you are trying to find new
freelance writing contracts.Complimentary products
Freelance writers often have written their own books.
Whether these books of short stories, children's stories, or other genre a blog
can allow them the opportunity to promote it. This can only complement the
overall portfolio of a freelance writer. A blog that is well promoted, can
highlight not only skills, but books written by the freelance writer.
Freelance writers should never pass up an opportunity to
hone their skills. A blog can allow a freelance writer to explore their
creative side, delve into subjects they might not otherwise be interested in,
and help draw attention to their freelance writing skills. The benefits of blogging for freelance
writers are numerous, these are only a few of them.
