| By now you know that a blog is a great way for a | | | | forget to approach businesses like that sell equipment. |
| travel writer to break into travel writing. Travel writers | | | | After all, if you're going to snowboard in Aspen, you'll |
| all over the world blog on a daily basis about travel. Did | | | | want your own snowboard instead of renting one! If |
| you know that you could use your blog to find | | | | you find a company that does not have an active blog, |
| freelance writing jobs? | | | | contact the marketing person via email. Explain who |
| According to Hewlett Packard, it's estimated that 15% | | | | you are (positioning yourself) and what you can do for |
| of small and medium sized businesses are trying to | | | | the company. Keep your self-promotion email to half a |
| use blogs. Think of all of the millions of businesses that | | | | page in length. Proofread, check your spelling and |
| are potential prospects. Some of those businesses are | | | | sentence structures, and make sure the email is error |
| more than likely within the travel industry. | | | | free! Don't forget to include links to your blog (portfolio). |
| Unfortunately or fortunately in your case, these blogs | | | | How to write a business letter the proper way is good |
| are poorly written and not maintained. Most small | | | | to know. Your goal is to receive as many writing |
| businesses probably are not using SEO. If you're a | | | | opportunities as you can. Personalize your email by |
| travel writer with SEO experience, you can gain many | | | | addressing it to the company's marketing person. Think |
| clients by offering your services and expertise. | | | | of the email as a "cover letter" and your blog links as |
| Do some research on the internet. Find at least five | | | | your resume. In the event you were not able to find |
| small to medium businesses on the internet and look at | | | | out the name of the person in charge of marketing, |
| their blogs. Call or email to find out who is in charge of | | | | use something "generic" such as Marketing Manager |
| marketing. Once you receive the contact name and | | | | or Director of Marketing. Do not use "to whom it may |
| email address, send an inquiry showing what you can | | | | concern." This is very old school! |
| do for the companies. | | | | 2. Utilize blog directories. Search Yahoo! and Google. |
| Offer to write the blogs for at a reasonable rate. Think | | | | Visit WordPress.com, blogs.com, and You will find |
| of it as the "try it before you really buy it" technique. | | | | plenty of blogs on these sites. |
| Once you and your potential client establish that you | | | | These are ways to use your blog to find freelance |
| "click," you can always adjust your rates. By the way, | | | | writing jobs. Remember when you write your blog be |
| this is a great way to build your portfolio. | | | | real and have passion for what it is you're writing. Be |
| 2 Tips to Finding Freelance Writing Jobs | | | | of service to people and add value. You'll be surprised |
| | | | at how much business and traffic you'll generate. More |
| 1. Find your niche market. If you love to write about the | | | | importantly it will open doors to writing opportunities |
| best places for winter activities, find businesses that | | | | and happiness! |
| specialize in "winter vacations and or activities." Don't | | | | |