3 Great Resources for New Bloggers
If you are starting a blog, it can be intimidating. There are so many writers out there! From all the fraudulent thoughts like “who I am do this?” to “someone is actually going to pay me for this?” to “how do I run this as a business?” to “I’m never going to win a Pulitzer for this!” It can be a daunting task for inexperienced writers.
To start, people don’t win Pulitzer awards for blogging, so you can scratch that off the list!
The reality is there readers are out there waiting for your energy! We are a media culture, always waiting for new content. And we are looking for things that interest us to read. You are the only one that can offer your unique expertise and perspective.
You can also trust that there are companies are out there looking for someone to hire. And they most likely have terrible writers in their midst! They need your help. Right now, they don’t know you’re out there!
Research shows that blogging and blogging for income are on the rise.
The good news? There are a lot of people out there making money from blogging.
You just need to get started.
From my experience, the work is in the research, the writing and learning how to run a business. Those 3 topics can keep your mind plenty busy!
Don’t underestimate the power of doing research. It’s a skill you’ll need along this path. Research really helps finding good content to write about, good gigs to submit a bid for; it’s also a great way to see trends, understand SEO and find good resources.
Some freelancer writers post on their own blog and generate money solely from their site. Many of these sites use advertisements to generate income. They may also write for someone else or have other offerings (like a course or eBook). Others put a portfolio together (like on Medium.com or Contently.com) and then solicit their writing services. They get hired as a contractor and outsource their writing services. Ashley Gainer offers some great courses for beginners. She is also at the top of my list as a Coach and teacher.
There’s lot of ways to expand your services like copy editing, proofreading, email marketing and freelance writing.
As a blogger, you can do it any way you want. That’s the beauty of having your own business. You get to design a lifestyle that works for you!
So, calm those nerves. The most important thing?
4 things to get started:
- Yes, a website or a portfolio online is needed, so people can find you!
- Find a niche or industry that appeals to you.
- Keep writing, that’s great business and self-care.
- Learn how to pitch, so you can apply for the interesting gigs!
The market is there. All the research I’ve seen is showing a gradual and continual increase in online writing needs across markets.
Did you know that research shows not even half of brick-n-mortar businesses have an online presence yet? That translates to hundreds of companies that will need some type of content – and most likely writers.
So, if we know the market is there, the question then is, what resources do you need to get you started?
One way to build confidence is to build your tribe of experts and, at the same time, get training and support.
Here are 3 that I recommend:
- Ashely Gainer/The Ink Well Guild:
The first course I took from Ashley was Freelance Writing from A-Z. I’ve continued taking Ashley’s courses because I get so much out of them. Her background is in journalism and she is authentic, experienced and great at teaching. She offers online courses, 1:1 coaching, group coaching and FB communities that make her accessible and offer you like minded writers. Online instructors frequently are not accessible. Ashley is present, engaged and wants to help.
2. Suzi Whitford/Startamomblog.com
Her blogging tips are my favorite!
I found Suzi because she’s a mom with young children that has a successful online business. Impressive! I found on my journey of learning that I kept going back to her blog and offerings for inspiration and support. She offers courses on Teachable.com, along with great resources and extensive lists!
Her list of niche ideas is one of my favorites.
The advice is invaluable, like posting with purpose:
and she also has a ton of resources on her site, from blog posts to free lists and courses. Here’s her blog plan schedule template.
What a great idea!
3. Worldwide Freelance/Worldwidefreelance.com
This site was founded by Gary McLaren of (www.altavado.com) which is an independent publishing company. The site was created as a world-wide resource for writers. I love this concept solely for the purity and extensiveness of its list finding resources. Although some lists are outdated, many of the lists they do change to keep them current.
Here is my favorite list. In addition, they have eBooks published about writing, photography and internet marketing. And the company runs a publish-your-own books site. Brilliant!
Their Articles Writer’s Tool kit series I really enjoy.
So, there are a few quality teachers and resources to help move your business forward.
Enjoy the journey!
