getting a blog on a network

moonslice · Jul 5, 2007

I searched for an existing thread like this, but didn't see one.I was wondering the best way to go about getting a paying blog for a network or other corporate website. I have an idea for a blog and will probably start writing it soon, but I am hesitant to post it on my own because I want to sell it. You can't sell something that has already been posted, I'm guessing. Yes, I'm new to blogging, so I also think that would not work in my favor in trying to get a paying blog. However, have any of you had success in pitching a blog (even when X wasn't running an ad)? Would you write a query and send a few sample posts? My blog would be about an issue I care about and I think I can write it from my own unique perspective and hopefully be entertaining too.

My goal is to make about $200 a week blogging. I think this is realistic and seems more attainable than some other forms of freelancing.

I was also wondering if your network blogs get edited or if you pretty much get to post them as you please.
Thanks for any ideas/insights.

moonslice · Jul 6, 2007

Ok, I've started writing my blog and am excited about it. So far, it's only in Word. I'm still wondering if it would be best to go ahead and post it or try to pitch it as a new blog to a network. I would really like to have a blog as part of steady freelance income and I pitched this blog to one network yesterday.
What is the standard response time to a pitch to a network who is looking?

MovieBlogger · Jul 6, 2007

Hi,

I would think it would be difficult to get a paying job as a blogger without blogging experience.

And you have to wonder, if the subject is even big enough to allow you to make $200 a week. Some of the starter network blogs only pay $50 a month. You would probably need tens or hundreds of thousands if not over a million daily visitiors to even get close to the $200 a week figure.

I'd suggest starting with it, have it going for a few months, and THEN try to pitch it, or just attrack ads yourself. You have to show the subject is enough that you can update it with enough frequency that you won't run out of topics.

Good luck!

Talia · Jul 6, 2007

I agree with movieblogger, most companies look for people with blogging experience, as well as expertise in that subject and good writing skills, so it would be a good idea to work on those skills.

You can suggest ideas to networks like 451 and b5 but others will have to give you the information on income expectations.

moonslice · Jul 6, 2007

Thanks. I have good writing skills and a degree in English. I will work on the blogging experience.
So, do networks buy existing blogs sometimes?
The network I pitched to is b5 and they were looking for someone for my topic.

RitrChick · Jul 6, 2007

Hi, moonslice. I haven't had much blogging experience at all--only my MySpace blog that's been up maybe two months or so. I got hired at b5 this week and I think it had a lot to do with my "voice" - which is very apparent in my blog posts - and my follow-up. I submitted via their form for an existing opening, sent a personal email about a proposed topic, and followed up with an email week later. Got the job that day.

I'll be cautious not to talk about pay, but I will say that I think you'd have to carry more than one blog (probably a few) to make $200 a week. I'm not saying it can't be done, but it might take some time.

So be yourself, make sure that your voice is compatible with the tone of the blog and let that shine through in your submission. And by all means, make it known how much you want the job.

Good luck and keep us posted.

DTNg · Jul 7, 2007

Hi.

You can try pitching your blog to a network, but unless it has good numbers, they're probably not going to be interested. You might start by reading the blog's help wanted section and applying to write an existing blog.

Making $200 per week with most networks isn't going to happen, not unless you have several blogs with several networks. (Like Yours Truly).

Deb

kewrite · Jul 7, 2007

Ritrchick - It looks like we are going to be in the same channel at b5. I just got hired this week to write their shoe blog!

--Kori

RitrChick · Jul 7, 2007

kewrite said:
Ritrchick - It looks like we are going to be in the same channel at b5. I just got hired this week to write their shoe blog!

--Kori

Yay! Congrats Kori! It'll be fun to have another AW pal on the channel. Now, if only I could get into About with you...

MovieBlogger · Jul 7, 2007

moonslice said:
So, do networks buy existing blogs sometimes?

If you are looking to make money blogging, I wouldn't even think about a network buying your blog. From everything I've read, they pay a very small amount. Nowhere near $200 a week. Yet, they make a lot more for the ads they place on it.

I'd suggest building your own blog, and advertising for your own sponsors. Some bloggers claim to make thousands a month (although, these all seem to be blogs about how to make money blogging).

You won't get rich by blogging for a network, but you could by running your own blog.

DTNg · Jul 7, 2007

MovieBlogger said:
If you are looking to make money blogging, I wouldn't even think about a network buying your blog. From everything I've read, they pay a very small amount. Nowhere near $200 a week. Yet, they make a lot more for the ads they place on it.

I'd suggest building your own blog, and advertising for your own sponsors. Some bloggers claim to make thousands a month (although, these all seem to be blogs about how to make money blogging).

You won't get rich by blogging for a network, but you could by running your own blog.

Hi Movie Blogger -You're right, but it also depends on the blog. I have a very successful blog I wouldn't think of turning over to a network. I have another that was picked up by a network because the base plus revenue split is a lot more than what I was earnign with Adsense. So I think it depends on the blog.

moonslice · Jul 7, 2007

Thanks everyone. RitrChick, it's good to know they don't just hire people who've been blogging for years. Who would you suggest sending the personal e-mail to, or does that depend on your topic?

DTNg, I did apply for an opening. b5 was looking for someone on the topic I wanted to write about, so it worked out.

MovieBlogger, good info about the money. I guess the $200 a week I want doesn't have to all come from blogs. I can also do other types of writing. I'm not extremely technical, but I do know people who are. I'll think about my own site.

moonslice · Jul 7, 2007

also, i forgot this question: (to b5 people) did you do a phone interview?

DTNg · Jul 8, 2007

moonslice said:
also, i forgot this question: (to b5 people) did you do a phone interview?

No, I did everything via email.

Memoirista · Jul 9, 2007

Moonslice,
You've received a lot of good advice. No one, so far, has commented on *how* you are writing your demonstration blog--on Word, you said. I think it will be very important to become familiar either with blogging software, like WordPress, or with blooging sites like TypePad or Blogger. The disadvantage of the latter two (and others) is the similarity of their sites--you see them all over the web, and thus they lack branding power. With WordPress you can start out at a WordPress blogging site -- wordpress.com -- which has a limited number of themes from which to choose. Then, if you purchase your own domain name at the same time, you can eventually migrate to your own installation of WordPress, with one of the many thousands of available themes -- or a unique purchased theme. That will give you "branding," an important part of your impact.

After that, of course, writing is ALL!

Much success,

moonslice · Jul 10, 2007

I read through all the legal stuff at WordPress and it seems to me that you still own the content you post there. They just let you post it. I know this is a super paranoid question, but I'm right? Si? Oui? Yip? I could move the archives to another site if I wanted?

DTNg · Jul 11, 2007

moonslice said:
I read through all the legal stuff at WordPress and it seems to me that you still own the content you post there. They just let you post it. I know this is a super paranoid question, but I'm right? Si? Oui? Yip? I could move the archives to another site if I wanted?

Moonslice,

Wordpress is a blogging platform, like Blogger. They only host the platform, the rest is up to you. They have no claims to your content. It's not a blog network like b5 or Know More Media. It just provides the platform.

Something to keep in mind - if you're monetizing your blog, you can't do so with a free Wordpress.com blog. You can either register with Blogger.com and start a free account there, or purchase your own domain and go with WordPress.org. After a couple of years with blogger, which is great for those just starting out, I switched to Wordpress.org and love it!

moonslice · Jul 11, 2007

Thanks DTNg. I was thinking of starting one in WordPress just to practice the platform.

moonslice · Jul 12, 2007

With b5, do they acknowledge you even if they don't want your blog? In other words, do they ignore you altogether if they don't want you? It hasn't even been a week since I applied, but I'm already wondering.

Also, I forgot to thank EVERYONE for all your posts on this topic!

Marilyn Braun · Jul 13, 2007

I've noticed a few niche blogs in my subject matter on B5 and I'm just wondering, when you do a blog through a network - who owns the content? What happens if, ultimately, b5 (or any network) closes? Where do all of your posts go? I wouldn't want to sign up with a network (although it would be nice to get an offer!

) and then have them control my material.

On networks, do they give guidelines on what you can and can't post?

moonslice · Jul 14, 2007

Have you used Quick Blog? It's offered on godaddy.com
https://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/blog/landing.asp?ci=9029
I can get a domain name and hosting cheaper at godaddy since my spouse already has one with them.

Marilyn Braun · Jul 16, 2007

moonslice said:
Have you used Quick Blog? It's offered on godaddy.com
https://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/blog/landing.asp?ci=9029
I can get a domain name and hosting cheaper at godaddy since my spouse already has one with them.

I'm not sure if you're directing this post at me or not. I already have three active blogs. Thanks for the info though.

moonslice · Jul 16, 2007

Marilyn Braun said:
I'm not sure if you're directing this post at me or not. I already have three active blogs. Thanks for the info though.

no, i meant anyone reading this. i've decided to start a blog in WordPress for now instead. i was just wondering if anyone has experience with QuickBlog.

moonslice · Jul 21, 2007

i think they (b5) hired all the bloggers they wanted for my topic, but i decided to start a blog on WordPress to get more experience. this blog is about becoming more green.
www.chocmoon.wordpress.com

moonslice · Jul 23, 2007

hmm, i wonder if my comments section works.
www.chocmoon.wordpress.com

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