An Insider’s Guide To Blogging For A Network
I have blogged and written for a number of blog and web networks over the past few years, and have learned a few things, some of them the hard way.
Being asked to join a network or landing a gig can be a real buzz, but there are some things to consider.
Number One - Reputable networks have written contracts, usually sent to you by email setting out all the guidelines.
- Read it carefully so you know exactly what is expected
- If in doubt, ask
- Talk to other bloggers
- Research, research, research
- Read the blogs in the channel you are interested in
- Be an active member of that blog community
- Contact the network
Other Things To Note Before Joining A Blog Network
Training
- Is training offered?
- Is there a mandatory training period?
Pay
- Check if revenue share, pay per post, base rate plus incentives for traffic etc. and do your sums.
- You will need to contact the networks directly to find out about pay rates
Post Requirements
- Quotas - Are there a minimum number of monthly posts to be written?
- Length - Is there a minimum post or article length?
- Images - Are images for each post mandatory?
- Links - Does each post require links to internal and/or external content?
Copyright -
Who owns copyright? Short term? Long term?
What rights are you giving the network in terms of how, when, where and for how long they can use your content?
Content
Who owns the content - you or the network?
Can you re-use the content on a blog after a certain period?
Can you re-use the content in a non blog format after a certain period?
Promotion
Do your duties include promoting your blog?
Are you required to be part of network activities outside your blog?
Time
Blogging is much more than writing. As bloggers are typically paid by revenue share or a base plus incentives, you need to factor in the time spent researching, writing, interviewing, networking and promoting your blog.
Benefits
I have found network blogging to be worth so much more than the pay. It is something I am very pleased I am doing for many many reasons. I’ll expand on this in another post.
Non Disclosure Agreements
You are welcome to ask any general questions about network blogging which I will answer in a post, but network bloggers sign non disclosure agreements, so I can’t answer anything specific. Contact the networks directly.
For More Information On Network Blogging
Deb Ng and Jennifer Chait have a new blog - Network Blogging Tips. Run by two professional bloggers, this blog offers lots of useful insights and tips.
Catch me on the web - Yvonne Russell
www.growyourwritingbusiness.com
www.smallbizmentor.com
www.homebiznotes.com
Twitter/yvonnerussell
Great intro to this topic, Yvonne. I tweeted it. I’m looking forward to the other posts on this topic.
Hi Sharon
That’s so kind of you - thanks. Yes, it’s the first in a series.
Very nice, Yvonne! I’ve always wondered about these things… just in case anyone is about to rush to my door with an offer, you understand! (Hello? Is this thing on?) :-\
Hi Robert
You’re welcome. You can also learn a lot just by reading the blogs and noting how it all works.
Yvonne, this is great information. I’ve ghostwritten blogs for many clients which has many similarities but without the byline. I appreciate your inside view of this process as it has been something I’ve considered this year. Thank you for your generosity in sharing.
Karen Swim’s last blog post..Fierce Friday!
Hi Karen
Yes, I’ve done my share of ghostwriting too. As you say, depending on the client, there can be many similarities to blogging for a network.
I’m surew it won’t be long before I see you over at one of the networks as a blogger.
Yvonne, you are such a wonderfully gracious woman.
Thank you for those encouraging words!
Karen Swim’s last blog post..Fierce Friday!
Nice post, and nice remake on the blog.
Laura Spencer’s last blog post..Should You Have a Contract?
Hi Karen
You’re very welcome.
Hi Laura
Thanks. I hope others find the post useful.
I’ve been wanting to add a few tweaks to the theme, so it’s nice to be underway with it. Thanks.
Some great guidance here Yvonne thanks a lot.
Karen (Karooch from Scraps of Mind)’s last blog post..Words to Live by - Jawaharal Nehru
Hi Yvonne,
Thanks for these tips, besides giving ‘ya a stumble (and a tweet!), I’m bookmarking this for future use, more so for myself if I were to start my own network. I’ll also tune into Network Blogging Tips.
Looking forward to the rest of your series!
JoLynn Braley’s last blog post..Friday Fit Linking at The Fit Shack
You’re welcome Karen. Network blogging is fun.
Yvonne Russell’s last blog post..My First Podcast Trial - Food Writing As Inspiration
Hi JoLynn
Thanks for the stumble and Twitter tweet, and for your encouragement.
Yvonne Russell’s last blog post..My First Podcast Trial - Food Writing As Inspiration
Nice post… but you forgot one thing… the very first difference and a key decision point - do you want to have No Choice but to blog. If not, don’t even think about joining a blog network! *ducks to avoid keyboard thrown by Yvonne*
Calvin Warr’s last blog post..Another Fun Thing To Do Online - Blog for a Network!
I’d never throw a keyboard at you Calvin.
Thanks for the link from your blog.
Yvonne, this is a VERY GOOD article! Wonderful tips and information for us writers. Consider doing guest posts for me at LeaderNotes and BizChicksRule? Soon?
Hi Bridget
Thanks so much for your kind words. I’ll email you.
Yvonne Russell’s last blog post..Book Habit - A New Self Publishing Site & $5000 Prize Money
Apr 8th, 2008 at 8:44 am
[…] all the horror stories that are appearing. If so, then you should read Yvonne’s post on Blogging for a Network. It is a good starting point to learn […]