Blogger Job Description, Career as a Blogger, Salary, Employment

Education and Training:— No specific academic qualification or training required.

Salary: Median— $60,000

Employment Outlook:— Excellent

Bloggers are freelance writers who maintain an online journal, also known as a blog. These online journals are shared by people who post entries about a variety of topics. Blogs are usually updated very frequently, and the posts are maintained in a chronological order.

Contrary to popular belief, blogging is a flourishing profession and bloggers can earn a lot of money by publishing their posts through paid blogging services. Bloggers can choose to write about anything ranging from literature, fashion, and lifestyle, to technology and social issues.

Bloggers are generally of two kinds – web publishers, and bloggers for hire. A blogger for hire is one who blogs for others and gets paid in return. On the other hand, web publishers create their own blogs and then monetize them.

Education and Training Requirements

There are no specific educational or training requirements for people who wish to become professional bloggers. However, it is necessary to choose topics wisely and write blogs on subject matters one is knowledgeable about. For instance, those wishing to take up blogging professionally and earn money from it need to conduct significant background research regarding the target audiences and their viewpoints. While creating content for the blog, one must remember that it should not only cater to the demands of the buyers, but also give them something unique which will keep them coming back to the blog.

It is also important to read up on the profession of blogging before starting out. A lot of sites on the Internet offer advice on ways to make money as a professional blogger. One should choose a blogging platform that meets his/her needs. There are tons of blogging applications available, and one should select a platform that is simple, easy to use, and efficient. One of the most popular blogging platforms for self-publishing bloggers is Wordpress. Many bloggers also choose to host on Blogspot.com or similar websites. Individuals interested in blogging should take time to review several applications and technology options, and choose the one that best meets their needs.

Getting the Job

Blogs basically act as hubs for marketing activities of the respective bloggers. Those wishing to start out by writing for others should directly approach local businesses. The job market for bloggers is huge, and finding employment is relatively easy.

However, earning a steady income from blogging may take some time. For bloggers wishing to enter the field of web publishing, it is advisable to start out as writer-for-hire. This not only adds to the income, but also accounts for the time it takes to build up a steady readership from which money can be made.

Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook

Since blogging is rarely a salaried profession, career advancement depends entirely on each individual blogger. Full-time bloggers who have already established their readership can maximize benefits by choosing the right kind of paid blogging service. There are several sites that pay good money for blogging services. It is advisable to use as many of these sites as possible to get the maximum returns.

Another important criterion for advancement in this profession is adopting the right marketing strategy. It is extremely important to promote a blog in order to make it successful and attract new readers. Marketing strategies like exchanging links and setting up accounts in social networking sites can prove to be of great help.

Recent research shows that bloggers have excellent employment opportunities. With increasing popularity of the Internet, a larger number of people are being drawn to this profession. Also, the fact that blogging can be taken up as a part-time career or home business option, adds to the appeal of this profession.

Working Conditions

Bloggers enjoy a great deal of freedom in their professions. They have a control over almost every aspect of their careers. One can choose to work for 3 to 4 hours daily, or spend as much as 14 hours blogging every day. Bloggers also have the liberty to create and design the entire content of their posts without being limited by restrictions. Another advantage of this profession is that bloggers have the independence to work from home and set their own work schedules.

Where to Go for More Information

Media Bloggers Association
Email: info@mediabloggers.org
http://www.mediabloggers.org/

“Blog!: How the Newest Media Revolution Is Changing Politics, Business, And Culture”
Author: Dan Burstein

“Uses of Blogs”
Editors: Axel Bruns, and Joanne Jacobs

“The Weblog Handbook: Practical Advice on Creating and Maintaining Your Blog”
Author: Rebecca Blood

Salary, Earnings and Benefits

Earnings of bloggers are greatly dependent on a number of factors. For instance, blogs with a better readership, or sponsorship, are likely to generate larger revenues than those that cater to a small section of Internet users. According to currently available statistics, the average blogger earns about $60,000 annually. Those who are just starting out are likely to earn around $20,000 per year. On the other hand, experienced professional bloggers are known to earn as much as $120,000 on a yearly basis.

Bloggers are usually not attached to any professional organization. Hence, the benefits and perks that come with a regular salaried job are absent in this field. However, bloggers working from home have the complete freedom to plan their work schedules.