BLOGGING

The Downsides of Blogging Full-Time

Working for myself had been one of my goals ever since I graduated from university.

I remember searching for jobs after I graduated and being dismayed at what they entailed and the process involved in acquiring one.

I felt like I was running on a treadmill. I was doing a lot of work, but I was getting nowhere.

This was compounded when I ended up taking a job in a betting shop, which was not something I envisioned doing after spending three years at university!

It was in the moments before I went to this job that I conjured up visions of working for myself.

At that time I had no idea what that entail, only that I knew this was something that I wanted to do. Working in a job that did not stimulate me was not something I could do long-term.

Fast forward six years and I achieved that goal. When I quit my last job to go full time on my travel blog and writing here on Medium, it was the culmination of a long process.

The only problem was that I was so wrapped up in that process, I had neglected to think about the implications of this next step.

The idea of working for myself seemed like an idyllic existence, but I had no idea about the reality of this scenario.

There was no longer someone telling me what to do. There was no need to get up early in the morning and commute to work. I was my own boss and I could work wherever and whenever I pleased.

This was bliss for the first few weeks, but once the initial euphoria wore off, I was left with the realisation that this was where the hard work would truly begin.

Spending so long desiring this moment but not putting enough thought into what it would be like once I got there, had left me blissfully unaware to the downsides of blogging full-time.

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How to Find Sponsored Blog Post Opportunities

Bloggers often begin writing a blog to document what’s happening in their lives. They might be having their first child and want to share the experience with family and friends. Another common reason people begin blogging is because they have an intense interest in a particular topic and want to share what they know and learn.

Most bloggers don’t begin writing on their blog to earn money but to share information. As time passes and their readership grows, they learn that marketing and monetizing their blog can help pay for related expenses. One way to do this is by finding or writing sponsored blog posts. Where do you find opportunities for them? This article will help you find the answer.

New and seasoned bloggers understand that they can make money by creating products which can be sold on their blog, or by posting advertisements for products they use, or by being an affiliate for a product they believe in. Sponsored blog posts, however, are written by the blogger for another company to be placed on the blogger’s blog with the hopes of enticing people to visit their website. The blog writer does receive pay for publishing the blog post.

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How do you find sponsored blog post opportunities, though? There are many businesses, both large and small, that are looking for popular bloggers to partner with in this way. Below are some of the places a blogger can go to learn more about getting sponsored posting jobs that may not only benefit the company the post is written for but also for the blogger’s pocket book.

The Sway claims to be the “best choice for securing sponsored campaigns.” They indicate that they have campaigns that span more than three or more months.

Blog Meets Brand says they have over a network of over 40,000 influencers. They manage influencers (i.e., bloggers) in order help generate brand awareness for the brand with original content, running contests, or other means.

The Motherhood is another influencer market agency which connects brands with bloggers to reach out to the blogger’s readers to learn about different companies through social platforms, sponsored blog posts, or other methods.

Everywhere Society connects a company’s brand with influencers (bloggers) who readers turn to for advice, inspiration, and entertainment. The blogger may create sponsored blog posts, video content, and social media campaigns to benefit the company.

Tap Influencer Marketing helps connect businesses with bloggers who are able to create content which will inspire and to sell the company’s products. They specialize in food, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle categories.

You can also find other websites that you may sign up with that connect bloggers with companies seeking people to create sponsored blog posts for them. Search for “influence market agency” on any search engine and you’ll find the sites above as well as others within seconds.

It is a good idea to create a media kit which gives information about you and your blog. Include information about how many page views your blog receives each month, what type of social media influence do you have (followers), things you’re passionate about, and explain about your target audience. 

It would also be helpful to know what compensation you expect to earn for sponsored blog posts. Have a figure in mind when you speak with a company but allow them to make an offer. They may offer you more than you thought you could earn. 

There are other ways to find sponsored blog posts, as well, but reaching out to one (or more) groups listed above or through your own search are great places to begin.