Small projects can add up
Posted by Theda K. on 15 Feb 2008 | Tagged as: Blogging
Freelance writing is not just about huge, glamorous projects. While I’ve done work for mid-sized to large companies, most of my work lately is with smaller gigs.
For some time I thought it was a bad idea to blog for companies like Sponsored Reviews or PayPerPost, but I’ve had a change of heart. Blogging for profit is still freelance writing, and as long as I’m picky (I make sure not to spend more time than the pay deserves), why not do it?
Google PageRank is talked about a lot, but I’ve decided to ignore it. After “fixing” my blog to their standards, my PR of 3 was never restored. Besides, freelance writing means (to me anyway), that I get to write for whoever I choose. I get to decide how I make money. Google’s method wasn’t putting money in my pocket, so I’m moving on.
What does that mean for you, my loyal readers? Take a good look at my disclosure policy, and know that I will write honest reviews (whether or not I label them as sponsored posts). I’ll do my best to accept reviews that have some relevance to the theme of Crayon Writer, and I’ll try to keep them balanced with non-sponsored posts.
Does freelance writing include sponsored posts for your blog?
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Terry, I’d love to tell you that I what you’re doing is right. Unfortunately, it’ll end up as a no-win situation. Simple reason is that it all comes back to Google. Consider this - You say you don’t want to do things like Google wants you to do. But these paid posts - Why do you think these companies are paying you for blog posts? Because it gives these companies additional links from your blog, which helps them with Google. Simple fact is that you can’t run or hide from Google, if you’re looking to make money on the net. Sooner you accept that fact, the easier it will be for you.
That said, I understand how you feel, and I admire your spunk.
Triphow Ling’s last blog post..The world’s best bathrooms?
I understand. The thing is, right now I need to make money. And paid posts are putting money in my pocket immediately. I’m not trying to run from Google, but if I do what they want I will have less money. If my goal is to make money, and Google hasn’t put a dime in my pocket but the sponsored posts have, then writing sponsored posts is definitely a winning solution.
I don’t see how doing what Google wants will help me. It might help them, but it keeps money out of my hands that helps put food in my daughter’s mouth. Until Google can do that, I can’t afford to worry about them and their rules.
Maybe there’s something I’m not getting? Please feel free to point me in the direction of something that might convince me, but so far nothing I’ve read makes me feel any differently.
Last thing: So far with Adsense I haven’t even gotten one payout. With sponsored posts, I’ve already made at least $100. Not a lot, but $100 more than Adsense.
Theda, Sorry about the Terry. My mind was wandering….
Triphow Ling’s last blog post..The world’s best bathrooms?
No problem. Want me to edit the one above?
[…] recently talked about writing for review sites, and PayPerPost is one of the best known. I just started seriously writing for them , and I think […]
I really wish I could give you an easy solution, but there isn’t one. Whether or not you do paid posts, best you can expect is to supplement your income with this blog, but don’t depend on it. Your time is better spent fishing around for more writing jobs.
I agree. I’m definitely not depending on this blog for income, but like you said, it’s a supplement.
My point is that I won’t let Google dictate how I supplement my income. And I definitely won’t let Google limit my supplementary income. And in a one-income family (or any family, most likely), any extra income helps.
I don’t see how following Google’s rules helps, though.
What sucks about freelance work is taxes. how are the taxes in your area for independent consulting? CA stinks if you are trying to work on your own.
I’m so glad I found you through Entrecard. I’m struggling with the same issues you are. PayPerPost puts dollars in my account - kaching! But then I feel a bit “soiled” when I put ad posts in my blog. My readers expect writing in my style…snarky, confessional, a bit off color. So, I try and be funny and creative in my paid posts. If I’m going to require my readers to slog through a paid post, I should entertain them as much as I possibly can, in my own style. Sometimes that’s a little hard to do.
I too would prefer to get more freelance writing jobs, and have signed on to eLance, etc.
It’s all a process, and I’m glad to meet others that are trying to figure it out.
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