By now you know that a blog is a great way for a travel writer to break into travel writing. Travel writers all over the world blog on a daily basis about travel. Did you know that you could use your blog to find freelance writing jobs?
According to Hewlett Packard, it’s estimated that 15% of small and medium sized businesses are trying to use blogs. Think of all of the millions of businesses that are potential prospects. Some of those businesses are more than likely within the travel industry.
Unfortunately or fortunately in your case, these blogs are poorly written and not maintained. Most small businesses probably are not using SEO. If you’re a travel writer with SEO experience, you can gain many clients by offering your services and expertise.
Do some research on the internet. Find at least five small to medium businesses on the internet and look at their blogs. Call or email to find out who is in charge of marketing. Once you receive the contact name and email address, send an inquiry showing what you can do for the companies.
Offer to write the blogs for at a reasonable rate. Think of it as the “try it before you really buy it” technique. Once you and your potential client establish that you “click,” you can always adjust your rates. By the way, this is a great way to build your portfolio.
2 Tips to Finding Freelance Writing Jobs
- Find your niche market. If you love to write about the best places for winter activities, find businesses that specialize in “winter vacations and or activities.” Don’t forget to approach businesses like REI.com that sell equipment. After all, if you’re going to snowboard in Aspen, you’ll want your own snowboard instead of renting one!
If you find a company that does not have an active blog, contact the marketing person via email. Explain who you are (positioning yourself) and what you can do for the company. Keep your self-promotion email to half a page in length. Proofread, check your spelling and sentence structures, and make sure the email is error free! Don’t forget to include links to your blog (portfolio).
How to write a business letter the proper way is good to know. Your goal is to receive as many writing opportunities as you can.
Personalize your email by addressing it to the company’s marketing person. Think of the email as a “cover letter” and your blog links as your resume. In the event you were not able to find out the name of the person in charge of marketing, use something “generic” such as Marketing Manager or Director of Marketing. Do not use “to whom it may concern.” This is very old school!
- Utilize blog directories. Search Yahoo! and Google. Visit WordPress.com, blogs.com, and blogsearch.google.com. You will find plenty of blogs on these sites.
These are ways to use your blog to find freelance writing jobs. Remember when you write your blog be real and have passion for what it is you’re writing. Be of service to people and add value. You’ll be surprised at how much business and traffic you’ll generate. More importantly it will open doors to writing opportunities and happiness!
Rebecca
Did you find this post useful? What would you like us to write about to help you with your travel writing? Let us know!
thanks for your nice information.
Isn’t this the truth. So many people overlook the value of their blog. It’s more than just a place to put Google Adsense…you can use it as your portfolio…