Well, it’s officially been OVER a week since I got home from Alt Summit. As usual, it was inspiring and fantastic. I had a blast! This year I spoke on a panel to share some info for any bloggers looking to land a job as a contributor/freelance worker on other sites. I was joined by 3 other lovely ladies: Capree, Melanie, and Victoria. We had a TON to share… so much that it would probably take up about 4 different blog posts. I won’t talk about all the info with you, but I will share a few bits and pieces (the full panel notes will probably be up on the Alt Summit blog soon). Enjoy! AND, if you have any questions… feel free to leave a question in the comments.
How we got here:
- – Capree responded to a call for contributors, and submitted a post to a big site.
- – Victoria built a site and projects and shared her work with anyone who would have her.
- – Chelsey was approached by companies that liked the original projects and DIY’s on her site.
- – Melanie grew her audience and became more marketable, networked and asked for introductions.
How to be approachable:
- – Find your own authentic voice: A strong, unique voice in a sea of blogs will get you noticed.
- – Engage! Put yourself out there and engage with other bloggers, big and small.
- – Don’t be afraid to start small Consider guest posting on the “smaller” blogs, not just the “big” blogs.
- – Lookin’ good If someone found your project on Pinterest, would they recognize it as your photography/font/graphics style?
- – Cold calls Interested in guest posting on a favorite blog? Ask if they’d ever consider taking a contributor.
The art of the pitch:
- – Get to know people one on one, in person locally and at conferences.
- – Networking is vital.
- – Be confident. Be persistent. Be tough.
What to expect:
- – Be comfortable working on a variety of blogging platforms.
- – Your posts will likely be submitted for review, either through email or a post draft.
- – Each person/company you work with will be different.
- – Some may have traffic goals, some may not.
What Editors are looking for:
- – A unique perspective and a strong voice
- – Writing skills!!!
- – Passion and Energy
- – Creativity and Initiative
- – BONUS: mad photography skillz.
Good Working Relationships:
- – Keep those deadlines: You’re representing your business and brand, make sure you look good.
- – Communication
- + If you have any questions, ask.
- – Be Professional
Producing Fresh Ideas:
- – Find inspiration and stay original.
- – Set hard deadlines for yourself.
- – Know your limits.
Producing and Balancing Content between Sites:
– Consider keeping specific topics to specific sites.
– Think about topics you’re knowledgeable in but not currently covering on your own blog.
Value of working relationships and networking v. pay:
Providing free content?
– Weigh the benefit of possible exposure and networking opportunities and decide if it’s worth your time
+ Will this site send me enough “traffic profit”?
+ Is this blog/company someone I’d like to build a relationship with?
– Consider agreeing to a trial period (3-6 months, depending on post frequency) and then evaluate.
Providing a post for a friend
-
- – Decide if you have enough time, or if it cuts into other work.
-
- – Decide if you have enough time, or if it cuts into other work.
-
- – It’s good practice.
Negotiating:
– Always negotiate
– Talk numbers with confidence and value your work.
– They are paying for creative genius and that is costly!
– Contracts
- + Always have one
- + Key elements to look for
- + Important points to negotiate
- Setting Rates and Knowing What’s Fair:
- – Don’t sell yourself short. You are valuable!
- – Don’t be afraid to counteroffer
- – Is this a small company/blog?
- + Rates will be lower, but don’t forget to consider the “traffic profit” you may get.
- The key in all of this: the big ol’ X factor!
- – How will this grow your brand?
- Suggestions to get your work out there:
- Contributor positions:
- Curbly – www.curbly.com
- Momtastic – http://www.momtastic.com/
- Dotcoms For Moms – http://www.dotcomsformoms.com/
- Vivint/The Neighborhood – http://neighborhood.vivint.com/
- Submit stories:
- Apartment Therapy – www.apartmenttherapy.com
- Design Sponge – www.designsponge.com
……………………………..
I was so happy with how the panel went. Gotta be honest: I was so freakin’ nervous. Speaking in front a large crowd of people isn’t usually something I LOVE to do. After the nerves wore off, it was great! We had a great turnout of people… I mean, look at all of them:
ANDplusalso… one more thing. Here’s the crazy outfit I wore for my panel day… I have titled this outfit: Crazy Aunt Louise!
//Heart cardigan: f21//Dress: Anthropologie//Tights: Target//Shoes: LuLu’s//
Happy Monday,
Chelsey
Great post – really good to read about how you guys all got there and the tips to reach it! Thank you!! And thanks for the contributor links, very useful!
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Thank you so much for sharing this recap.
I loved this session and took lots of notes.
I appreciated the candid honesty and willingness to share your knowledge.
Sessions like this make Alt even more amazing then it already was.
Awesome! I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
Great post, wonderful tips.
You're seriously adorable and such an inspiration!
That's an amazing opportunity . I LOVE your outfit and style btw!
Thank you. <3
I love it… and, am so jealous about you getting to be on a panel with some of the bloggers I've been following for FOREVER. I did a double take to see someone I actually know IRL sitting near people I've blog stalked for so long. 😉
Thanks for the tips on the topic. It is something I've been interested in for a LONG time!
Those ladies are so sweet!
I have those same tights! Love that outfit, by the way — it speaks to my fashion sense. 😉
Hee!
Great info to know and to take into consideration / try out! Thanks for sharing these tips for those who couldn't make it to the conference!
So happy to share!
I love Crazy Aunt Louise! So cute. And all of the information you provided will be so helpful to a lot of people.
Thank you SO much for sharing this info!
Instead of doing a resolution this year, I've decided to set a goal for myself each month. This month it's writing focused. I want to get more of my writing out into the universe and I want to line up more freelance projects. This post was so incredibly helpful!
I'll keep my eye on the Alt blog for more!
Thank you!!!
I'm so happy it helped! I will definitely share a link to the Alt post when it's up!