Make Time to Blog
Over the past week or so I have received a few emails from aspiring freelance writers asking if it is a good idea to start a blog. Although there is no right or wrong answer to this question, I always tell them the same thing: blogging is a great way to express your personality, while also making contacts. To go along with this, it is a form of writing so it is something that should come semi-naturally.
Many freelance writers do not have enough time to blog on a regular basis. This is a common problem, and one that can be frustrating. I think it is important to make time for this blog for two reasons:
1. It is a great way for me to give back to other freelance writers. Even if every post does not help, hopefully a few of them lend tips and advice that can be useful to a large number of readers.
2. I enjoy blogging because it helps to break up my day. Hour after hour I am working on freelance writing projects for others, but when I blog I am writing for myself. There are no guidelines to follow or clients to please; I can do what I want.
If you do not have a blog and are an aspiring freelance writer, you should take the time to start one right away. You do not have to post once per day like I do, but it is definitely a great way to help others and express your opinions while working on something that you can call your own.
April 26th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Chris, Thank you for giving me the push I needed. Your post today answered the “to blog or not to blog” question that has been on my mind for a couple of weeks now. Yesterday at a seminar I was told, “You are a writer? You should be blogging.” And now, today, I happen upon your blog and it was exactly what I needed. I am new to the world of freelance writing and your posts have inspired me. Thanks!
April 27th, 2008 at 2:54 am
I am with you on this blog thing, Chris. In fact, I am so sold on it that I am now in the process of starting an empire. A writer ( aspiring or established) must have an online identity ( it doesn’t mean slapping 5 pages together; putting up your bio and portfolio)– in fact calls for you being reflected through your blog. As it happens to most writers, blogs also form an efficient, 24/7 lead generating tools…
April 28th, 2008 at 12:12 am
My question is - does the blog need to be about writing to be an effective business generating tool?
My blog is on a subject I am passionate about - living well with chronic illness. I began it with no commercial intent.
Now I am pursuing my dream of freelance writing and am setting up a separate portfolio site. Is a ‘writing’ blog a must?
It seems to me that there are already numerous great writing blogs (Men with Pens, Copyblogger, Freelance Writing etc) - so why set myself the task of coming up with original content in a crowded market?
Can a topical blog promote your work just as well as a ‘writing’ specific blog?
PS Thank you Chris for *this* wonderful writing blog which provides such valuable information for those taking their first tentative steps into the world of freelance writing.
April 30th, 2008 at 6:59 am
I’m a part time student, part time freelance writer and am starting up a blog right now. You’re right, its great to have the freedom to write about what you want with no guidelines. And, Rebecca, I don’t think its necessary to have a “writing” blog, as much as it is to just have a good blog. So long as your knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, it should work out for you.