This could also be called “how to make money blogging” since, essentially, that’s what I do now, but I don’t do what everyone thinks is the sexy way to do things. I don’t have mega deals with credit card companies, I’m not hustling payday loans, and I’m bringing in $100 every six months on Google ads. But this is a story of how to make money on the internet. You may not like it, because it involves work, but here we go.
Participating in Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are probably my favorite part of Facebook (aside from seeing pictures of my friends’ babies, I always love that). When you post something to a group, more people see it. Like-minded people can discuss events or opportunities that come up in their own lives. I belong to several groups, including the unofficial World Domination Summit (WDS) group. I really like groups of people from conferences — it gives you an easy way to connect with people before, during, or after a conference, and since I went to WDS last year (read my review) I’ve been a member of this group for six or seven months.
#WDS2013 helped me get my new job
The people in the group are an eclectic mix, and they’re all doing interesting things, which they share with people. I imagine that sharing group-specific blog posts gets more links than simply posting a link on your fan page, or even your personal page. Sharing ideas with like-minded people is always better, right?
One day, I was on that page, when I saw a description for what I could only imagine was my dream job. “Hi! My company is looking for a blog manager for our company blog,” said the poster. I don’t remember what the rest of the post said, or even what else was in the job description. I was going to apply.
The interview process was intense. I lost count after six rounds. I talked to everyone who might have an opinion. I’m sure they were curious, is she the right fit for us? But after the first few phone calls, I knew they were the right fit for me. Luckily, they agreed, and hired me!
I’ve been at The Center for Sales Strategy now for about two months.
As a blog manager, I’m working remotely. In fact, the whole company is remote. There’s one office of six or seven, and the rest of the staff work from their homes or coffee shops in their respective cities, mostly in the south and east coast.
I love it. And I couldn’t have gotten the job without learning all I learned at Frugal Portland. And it wouldn’t have crossed my radar at all were it not for the Facebook group associated with the World Domination Summit.
But… you guys. I’m paid to blog.
I’m paid money to edit posts from writers across our company and write some myself. I get to play with tools that I would only ever dream about as a solo blogger. I get to learn best practices for company blogs.
Blogging Professionally
Companies are coming around to the idea that blogging can bring in new business. In fact, it has a term: inbound marketing and the principles are very similar. The only difference is, companies blog with an ultimate goal of turning visitors to their website into paying customers.
And it works. Blogging for business means showing other businesses and potential customers that you know what you’re talking about. It also helps you rank in search engines, which brings more customers. It seems to be changing the way sales works, period.
People need to buy things, but nobody likes to be sold anything.
What it all means for bloggers
Yes, even the “little” bloggers (quotes because there is no such thing as a little blogger) can take something from this. Blogging builds skills and professional muscles in ways that you never expect when you first download WordPress.
Keep writing. Keep telling your story. Keep connecting with others. You’ll get better, and you’ll see what a difference having this skill will make in the months and years to come.
I can’t tell you the future of the internet, but I do know one thing: it contains quality content.
The bottom line: you, too, can make money blogging. It just may not take the form you expected. And, at least for me, that’s okay.
